An Introductory Lesson for KING DAVID

Journey with Samuel

BOC SCHOOL OF Leadership (BOCSL)
Boi Manuel

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 1

JS Graph 1 is about a lost nation. After Samson’s death, the priests and Levites turned to
idolatrous ways (Judges 17 & 18). Their elders and leaders also failed them. Every man did what
was right in his own eyes. Israel became a spiritually and morally bankrupt nation

 The first wave that destroyed Israel is idolatry. An example of this is Micah’s idolatrous
practice with the support of a Levite from Judah. This is recorded in Judges 17.
 Then, immorality plague the Israelites. This is the second wave that ruined their sense
of brotherhood and unity (Judges 19).
 The immoral action of the Benjamites led to civil war. This is the final blow that
crushed them from within as a nation.

This civil war almost wiped out the entire tribe of Benjamin. There were 50,100 from the
combined tribes of Israel and 40,000 valiant Benjamites who fell on the ground during this civil
war. But the one thing that we are searching during this entire period surfaced in the height of
this national crisis. The Ark of the Covenant is located in Gibeah.

“ 20 Themen of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin, and the men of Israel arrayed for
battle against them at Gibeah. 21 Then the sons of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and felled to
the ground on that day 22,000 men of Israel. … The sons of Israel went up and wept before
the LORD until evening, and inquired of the LORD, saying, .. And the LORD said, “Go up against
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 him.” .. Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah the second day and felled to the ground
again 18,000 men of the sons of Israel; all these drew the sword. 26 Then all the sons of Israel
and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before
the LORD and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings
before the LORD. 27 The sons of Israel inquired of the LORD (for the ark of the covenant of
God was there in those days, 28 and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, Aaron’s son, stood before it
to minister in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the sons of my
brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” And the LORD said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver
them into your hand.” Judges 20:20-27

35 And the LORD struck Benjamin before Israel, so that the sons of Israel destroyed 25,100 men
of Benjamin that day, all who draw the sword…46 So all of Benjamin who fell that day were
25,000 men who draw the sword; all these were valiant warriors. Judges 20:20-27

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 2

JS Graph 2 vividly uncovers the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Gibeah. This graph also
reveals a lot about the spiritual status of Israel. After hundreds of years under the reign of
judges, the Ark of the Covenant reemerges with Eli as its caretaker.
The civil war has brought them together as a nation with the Ark of the Covenant before them
asking God for direction. Israel as a spiritually lost nation goes back to God.
This is a new dawn for the Israelites with the age of the Prophets. The return of the Ark
marked a change in the religious life of the Israelites. The emergence of Eli is also the rebirth of
the Ark of the Covenant shaping Israel’s history. Eli was, according to the books of Samuel,
a High Priest of Shiloh. However, the spiritual state of the priest and Levites is reflected when

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Eli’s sons failed him. Apparently, when the Levites and priests were given pasture lands
and occupied the 48 cities, they were also left on their own.

Eli’s Wicked Sons

“12 Eli’s
sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD. ….. 17 This sin of the young
men was very great in the LORD’s sight, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with
contempt.” 1 Samuel 2:12-17

34 “‘And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you—
they will both die on the same day. 35 I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will
do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house,
and they will minister before my anointed one always. 36 Then everyone left in your
family line will come and bow down before him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread
and plead, “Appoint me to some priestly office so I can have food to eat.”’” 1 Samuel
2:27-34

The depiction of Eli’s sons gives us an idea of how far and corrupted the priesthood and Levites
have become during the reign of the judges. They have lost the spiritual and moral ascendancy
to lead the people of Israel. Their conduct and behavior reflected the spiritual state of a
spiritually and morally crumbled nation.

The Philistines Capture the Ark

“Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines…4 So the people sent men to
Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is
enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there
with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 When the ark of the LORD’s covenant came into the
camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. 6 Hearing the uproar,
the Philistines asked, “What’s all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?”… 10 So the
Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The
slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 The ark of God
was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. 1 Samuel 4:3-11

14 Eli
heard the outcry and asked, “What happened, my son?”17 The man who brought
the news replied, “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy
losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been
captured.”18 When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side
of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man… He had led Israel
forty years. 1 Samuel 4:14-18

What were the elders and leaders of Israel thinking when they have learned that the Ark of the
Covenant was captured? Did they mourn for Eli who ministered to them for 40 years? What is
Eli’s legacy to Israel after 40 years? He spent and dedicated half of his life leading the people of
Israel.

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Israel lost thirty thousand soldiers. The ark of God was captured. Eli and his two sons Hophni
and Phinehas died on the same day. The presence of the ark in the hands of unworthy priests
has become a curse to Israel. The Israelites have been to many battles against their enemies
during the time of the Judges. However, this is their first time after hundreds of years that they
have carried the Ark of the Covenant during battle. The elders of Israel was trying to overcome
their enemies just like how Joshua has defeated their enemies in many battles. But they were
wrong. They want the blessing but not the Giver of blessings. This is their big mistake. This kind
of thinking and attitude is still prevalent and evident up to this day.

The Ark in Ashdod and Ekron

“6 The LORD’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought
devastation on them and afflicted them with tumor 7 When the people of Ashdod saw what was
happening, they said, “The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand
is heavy on us and on Dagon our god.” 8 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines
and asked them, “What shall we do with the ark of the god of Israel?”

They answered, “Have the ark of the god of Israel moved to Gath.” So they moved the ark of the
God of Israel.9 But after they had moved it, the LORD’s hand was against that city, throwing it
into a great panic. He afflicted the people of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of
tumors. 10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. As the ark of God was entering Ekron, the people
of Ekron cried out, “They have brought the ark of the god of Israel around to us to kill us and our
people.” 11 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send the ark of the
god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people.” For death had
filled the city with panic; God’s hand was very heavy on it. 12 Those who did not die were
afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.” 1 Samuel 5:14-12

The Ark Returned to Israel

“…, the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, “What shall we do with the
ark of the LORD? Tell us how we should send it back to its place.”… The Philistines asked, “What
guilt offering should we send to him?”… They took two such cows and hitched them to the cart
and penned up their calves. 11 They placed the ark of the LORD on the cart and along with it the
chest containing the gold rats and the models of the tumors. 12 Then the cows went straight up
toward Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right
or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed them as far as the border of Beth Shemesh.”

“13 Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they
looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight. 14 The cart came to the field of Joshua of
Beth Shemesh... The people chopped up the wood of the cart and sacrificed the cows as a burnt
offering to the LORD. 15 The Levites took down the ark of the LORD, together with the chest
containing the gold objects, and placed them on the large rock… But God struck down some of
the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they looked into the
ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them. 20 And
the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?
To whom will the ark go up from here?”
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 21 Thenthey sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, “The Philistines have
returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your town.” 1 Samuel 6:1-21

“ So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it to
Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of
the LORD. 2 The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all.”
1 Samuel 7:1-2

The Philistines have weakened Israel when they lost thirty thousand soldiers. They have
probably thought that capturing the ark will give them a great advantage against Israel.
Nevertheless, the Ark in Ashdod and Ekron have accomplished great harm and destruction in
these camps.

God’s holiness is also revealed when the 70 Levites died when they looked inside the ark.
God’s presence can be a blessing or it can also consume the undeserving to death. From the
Israelites perspective, the affliction of the Philistines when the ark was there can be a blessing
to them. Their suffering makes them feel happy and vindicated. On the other hand, the 70
Levites who also died in Beth Shemesh is a positive message for the Philistines. Both camps
suffered heavily.

After Eli’s death, Samuel is elevated to a prominent role to take his place.

“19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to

the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested
as a prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he
revealed himself to Samuel through his word”. 1 Samuel 3:19-21

When we thought that the leaders of Israel have totally forgotten the Ark of the Covenant, this
account in Samuel's reign gives us a different picture. Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah

“… 3 So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your
hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves
to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the
Philistines.” 4 So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served
the LORD only.5 Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with
the LORD for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it
out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned
against the LORD.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah.”
1 Samuel 7:3-6

Eli may not be able to inspire the leaders and elders of Israel to remove their idols in their lives,
he may be perceived as a failure father but his greatest spiritual legacy is training Samuel as his
successor. Samuel inspired the elders and leaders of Israel to a life of surrender and
consecration to God. He sparked a powerful spiritual revival in the life of the
Israelites. However, while a great spiritual revival is happening amongst the Israelites the
Philistines are also planning their attack.
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 “7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines
came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the
Philistines. 8 They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he
may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and
sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and
the LORD answered him. 10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew
near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the
Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. 11 The
men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the
way to a point below Beth Kar. 12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and
Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:7-12

Journey with King Samuel (JS) Graph 3

JS Graph 3 is about Samuel playing a crucial role as a prophet getting rid of Israel’s idolatrous
state. He will also take part in the anointing of the two future kings of Israel.

13 So the Philistines were subdued and they stopped invading Israel’s territory. Throughout
Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines. 14 The towns from Ekron to
Gath that the Philistines had captured from Israel were restored to Israel, and Israel delivered
the neighboring territory from the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel
and the Amorites. 15 Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life. 16 From year to
year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places. 17 But
he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also held court for Israel.
And he built an altar there to the LORD. 1 Samuel 7:13-17

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 Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 4

JS Graph 4 is all about the leadership crisis that Samuel and the elders of Israel are about to
face. There are four issues that are involved in this situation.

 Samuel’s failure to train his sons

 Israel going ahead of God
 Saul an instant king
 Saul committing a series of blunders

Dead end!

That is how the elders of Israel will describe their situation. After several years of
disappointment, the elders made up their minds and challenged Samuel’s leadership. Samuel is
a great leader. He has an excellent track record. But his failure was at home. He failed to train
his two sons (Joel and Abijah) to follow his example

“8 And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over
Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second,
Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. 3 His sons, however, did not walk in his ways,
but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.

This is the confrontation between Samuel and the elders of Israel when they gathered together
in Ramah.

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Elders of Israel: “4 … “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways.
Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.” 1 Samuel 8:4

Their main argument is “leadership failure”. They said, “Behold, you are old and your sons do
not walk in your ways. Now, appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations. The elders of
Israel build a very strong case against Samuel. He is God’s prophet a highly committed servant
of God. However, Samuel is just repeating Eli’s failure. Their sons failed them despite their
parents’ guidance and reminders. The elders are looking for a worthy successor from the tribe
of the Levites and amongst the priests but there were none.

Therefore, they have decided to have an earthly ruler just like their neighboring nations.

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 5

Contextualizing Eli and Samuel’s Narrative to Our Present Ministry Context

JS Graph 5 is about Eli and Samuel’s leadership failures. Eli took Samuel and mentored him. But
Samuel did not accommodate someone outside his immediate family to be trained as his
successor. A healthy leadership transition necessitates that every leader called to this ministry
must be able to find someone who will eventually take their place. This must be applied both
in our church and within our BOC and MBSK ministry context.

Our ministry failure to train capable leaders to lead in the fear of God has very wide and deep
damning ramifications. God did not allow Eli’s lineage to continue because of his son’s sinful
acts. On the other hand, the elders of Israel solely put the blame on Samuel for them to adopt a
worldly political hierarchical system and rejected God’s theocratic reign.
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The BOC School of Christian Leadership is our intentional approach that this ministry will not
repeat the failures of Eli and Samuel. It is not about us, what is at stake is the next generation.

It is not even about personalities. It all about pursuing God’s agenda for the BOC, MBSK and, for
our country. Every one of us in this ministry has to clearly see the life and death implication of
this graph that transcends generations.

We must reach out to our modern-day “priests and Levites who are scattered in 48 cities”.

The primacy of training and equipping those who are called to this movement is God’s
sovereign design. So we must do it according to His ways and biblical standards. Therefore, we
should stick to our own narrative as a unique ministry because that is God’s story that has to be
preserved and pass on to the next leaders who will continue this work.

Samuel’s success story was put on trial because he has a big audience watching all his moves.
They find a perfect timing to end his reign. This is the biblical account.

6 Butthe thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to
judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7 The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice
of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but
they have rejected Me from being king over them. 8 Like all the deeds which they have
done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they
have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. 9 Now then,
listen to their voice; however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them
of the procedure of the king who will reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:6-9

Samuel Said: This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you:

1. “he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his
horsemen and they will run before his chariots.
2. 12 He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his
plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his
chariots.
3. 13 He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers.
4. 14 He will take the best of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves and
give them to his servants.
5. 15 He will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards and give to his officers and to
his servants.
6. 16 He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young
men and your donkeys and use them for his work.
7. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants.
8. 18 Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for
yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”

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 Israel is going ahead of God.

Samuel has spoken God’s words. He categorically enumerated the eight grave implications
of their decision to adopt a worldly system. But their hearts are hardened.

Elders of Israel: “No, but there shall be a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the
nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Samuel
8:19-20

They have probably made their tough decision prior to meeting Samuel. The number eight
consequence of their actions is a complete disregard or rejection of the Lord. This abominable
act broke Samuel’s heart knowing that it is not him that they are rejecting but God.

Judges 20 has given a very significant account where the tribe of Benjamites was almost totally
wiped out on the phase of the earth. The Israelites mourned for their lost tribe. Here is the
account in Judges 21:16-24. And from this dismal state will rise the first king of Israel. This is a
background of why the Benjamites are considered the least of the tribes.

“16 Then the elders of the congregation said, “What shall we do for wives for those who
are left, since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?” 17 They said, “There must
be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin, so that a tribe will not be blotted out
from Israel … The sons of Benjamin did so, and took wives according to their number from
those who danced, whom they carried away. And they went and returned to their
inheritance and rebuilt the cities and lived in them. 24 The sons of Israel departed from
there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and each one of them went out
from there to his inheritance. Judges 21: 16-24

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 6

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  Saul an instant king

“9 Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of
Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man
of valor. 2 He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was
not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up
he was taller than any of the people.” 1 Samuel 9:1-2

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 7

In hindsight, it is noteworthy to mention that Benjamites were able to make a significant

rebound and multiply themselves quickly. Although at this period, they are still considered as
the weakest or the least of all the 12 tribes of Israel. Under God’s sovereign plan, He has chosen
and appointed the first king from the smallest tribe. JS Graph 6 is not only about Saul being the
first king of Israel but also Abner the first general in the newly ordained Israel army. Saul is not
the only one who was suddenly raised to power but also his uncle Abner and other members of
Saul’s family especially his three sons Jonatha, Abinadab, and Melchishua.

“ … 20 ThusSamuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was
taken by lot. 21 Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the
Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked
for him, he could not be found. 22 Therefore they inquired further of the LORD, “Has the
man come here yet?” So the LORD said, “Behold, he is hiding himself by the
baggage.” 23 So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the
people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 Samuel said
to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen? Surely there is no one like
him among all the people.” So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!” 1
Samuel 10:17-24
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The Israelites had their wish granted when they said, “there shall be a king over us that we also
may be like all the nations.” This the only qualifications they want someone who is externally
different, tall, and good looking. This satisfied the elders longing, now, they have their own
king whose only qualification to lead them is his external features.

The introduction of Saul as the first King of Israel represents the will of the elders where each of
the 12 tribes have committed to fulfill their pledge as they enthrone their king.

1. Each of the tribe gave their sons and make them serve their new king with his chariots
and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots.
2. Each of the tribe will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties
and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still, others to make weapons of
war and equipment for his chariots.
3. Each of the tribe will give their daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers.
4. Their new king will take the best of their fields and vineyards and olive groves and give
them to his attendants.
5. Their new king will take a tenth of their grain and of their harvest and give it to his
officials and attendants.
6. Each of the tribe’s female servants and the best of their cattle and donkeys will be taken
by their new king for his own use.
7. The new king will take a tenth of their flocks and he will make the whole tribe become
his slaves.

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 8

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JS Graph 8 is a summary of King Saul’s performance when he assumed his role as a king. He
engaged in war with the Philistines but without weapons, he endangered the life of his son by
his rush and impulsive vows, he made an unlawful sacrifice. He was an arrogant leader who
failed to follow God’s instructions. These are the following verses describing King Saul’s
blunders.

Engaging in War without Weapons:

“19
Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said,
“Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines
to have their plow points, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened. 21 The price was two-thirds of a
shekel for sharpening plow points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening forks and
axes and for repointing goads. 22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and
Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them. 1 Samuel
13:16-14:23

This is the first war for King Saul. Engaging in war without weapons also resonates with the
kind of generals and people within his inner circle. King Saul doesn’t have any training or any
track record of winning any battle. Moreover, his entire tribe was almost wiped out during the
civil war. This should have given him a powerful reminder to trust God and not on himself. His
character and leadership capability is revealed through this impulsive act.

Rash / Impulsive Vows:

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and
said, “I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I
am, I must die!” 44 Saul said, “May God do this to me and more also, for you shall surely
die, Jonathan.” 45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, who has brought
about this great deliverance in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, not one hair of his
head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the
people rescued Jonathan and he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the
Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place. (1 Samuel 14:43-46)

Division or divisiveness is a huge threat to any organization. This is common among insecure
leaders to discredit other good leaders. King Saul’s insecurity was very evident during his
inauguration day when he was hiding by the baggage (1 Samuel 10:17-24). The spirit of
divisiveness in King Saul’s life is deeply rooted in his insecurity.

Disobedience:

“But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as
in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better
than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the
evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as
king.“ Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the LORD's command and
your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. Now I beg you,
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 forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD“. (1 Samuel
15:23-25)

34 ThenSamuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of

Saul.35 Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over
Saul. And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. (1 Samuel 15:34)

King Saul’s spiritual immaturity as well as the people within his leadership circle radiates in this
whole account. They are either totally ignorant or intentionally disregarded Joshua’s military
exploits in Israel. He has repeated Achan’s sin in Ai. But this is even worse because it was not
one of his men who sinned or violated God’s instruction, it is the king who led his entire army to
commit such sinful acts that break the heart of God. Samuel withdrew from King Saul as a result
of his sinful disobedient act that God abhors.

“The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king
over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I
have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it,
he will kill me.” The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to
the LORD.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me
the one I indicate.” (1 Samuel 16:1-3)

Journey with Samuel (JS) Graph 9

JS Graph 9 is about Samuel’s transitional role to bless the second king of Israel. Samuel
withdrew from the public. God’s rejection of King Saul is the coming of Israel’s greatest future
King. He is a man after God’s own heart. His name is David.

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Summary
The presence of the Ark of Covenant in Gibeah reveals that the Levites, elders, and priests knew
its location. The Judges ruled for 430 years, and through all those years they have hidden the
Ark of Covenant from the public life of Israel. This is a mysterious account of why or what
motivated these people to hide the Ark of Covenant while the whole nation is suffering from
spiritual and moral bankruptcy.

The discovery of the ark under Eli’s care and his two sons’ mirrors the gravity of corruption of
what the Levites and priests have become. The elders of Israel thought that carrying the ark
with them into the battle will lead them to victory. Thirty thousand soldiers fell on that day
including Eli’s sons carrying the ark.

The Philistine captured the Ark of the Covenant that has become a curse and judgment for
them. They return the ark to the Israelites but Seventy Levites died when they look inside the
ark. Eventually, the ark landed in Kiriath Jearim.

Eli ruled for 40 years and his greatest legacy is training and preparing Samuel to take his
place. Unfortunately, even Samuel’s sons went astray. Samuel’s failure to train a worthy
successor led him to play a transitional leadership role to introduce a new era after the elder of
Israel asked for a king.

The elders of Israel did not even consider the deadly consequences of their decision because
they were so blinded with their desire to have a king just like the other nations.
The introduction of an instant king without any training together with other untrained leaders
to lead Israel’s was disastrous. They have committed a series of blunders. King Saul’s arrogance
and disobedience eventually led to God rejecting the first king of Israel.

God’s rejection of Saul is the election of David to change the course of Israel’s history. This is
not going to be an instant leader but one who will have God’s unique training program under
the shadow of a wicked king.

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 Study Guide

Journey with Samuel

BOC School of Leadership (BOCSL)
Boi Manuel

1. The first wave that destroyed Israel is idolatry followed by immorality and the last one is
civil war. Why is idolatry the worst of the three?

2. The Ark of the Covenant did not appear hundreds of years during the reign of the Judges.
How would you explain the reemergence of the Ark of Covenant in Gibeah under Eli and his
two wicked sons care?

3. The Israelites thought that they can defeat the Philistines by carrying the ark with them in
battle, but they were defeated and the ark was captured. What lesson can we derive from
this horrible defeat?

4. Eli may be perceived as a failure when his priestly lineage was cut short because of his sons’
wicked behavior, but his greatest legacy is training Samuel. How important is our role in
training our successor?

5. Eli and Samuel failed to train their sons to lead in the fear of the Lord. This is one of the
solid cases that was built by the elders against Samuel. What leadership lesson can we learn
from this?

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6. The Israelites want to be just like the other nations by asking a king without any training.
How important is training when we think of the next generation?

7. How would describe King Saul’s leadership style as well as the leaders around like Abner
who commands his army when they engaged in a war without weapons?

8. King Saul’s impulsive vow reveals that he is willing to kill his own son Jonathan in front of his
men. How would you describe such kind of a leader and how would you describe those
soldiers who disobeyed the king’s order?

9. King Saul’s disobedience was magnified when he repeated Achan sin in Ai. He took the
animals including the Amalekite King Agag alive. Samuel rebuked Saul when he
said “Obedience is better than Sacrifice” and killed King Agag at the end. How should we
then promote a ministry culture of obedience to God and avoid King Saul’s mistake?

10. God rejected King Saul paving the way for David to become the future king of Israel? How
would you describe this development where Saul stayed in power and without immediate
leadership transition?

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