The Bible: The First Kings of Israel The Old Testament and the Trinity Chapter D The Bible: The First Kings of Israel

Chapter Summary The Bible: The First Kings of Israel In this chapter, we will learn about the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The Israelites wanted to have a king and be like all the other nations, but with a king come many hardships. We will discover the truth that even those called by God to do great things—as King David was—are still tempted and commit sin. Finally we will learn about King Solomon and his prayer for wisdom that he might faithfully guide the people of Israel. © IvanPonomarev/www.shutterstock.com

“The People Ask for a King” (1 Samuel, Chapter 8) The Israelites demanded a king, and Samuel warned them about how the king would treat them. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“The People Ask for a King” (1 Samuel, Chapter 8) Samuel’s sons did not judge Israel with the same integrity and goodness that their father did. The people of Israel demanded a king to rule over them so that they could be like all the other nations in the land of Canaan. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“The People Ask for a King” (1 Samuel, Chapter 8) Samuel consulted God about the people’s request, and God told Samuel that they were not rejecting Samuel. They were rejecting God. Samuel warned the people about the hardships of having an earthly king, but they did not listen or care. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“David Is Anointed King” (1 Samuel, Chapter 16) God led Samuel to anoint David as the next king of Israel. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“David Is Anointed King” (1 Samuel, Chapter 16) The Lord told Samuel that God had rejected Saul as king of Israel and that Samuel was to choose a new king among the children of Jesse. The Lord did not choose a king from among the oldest or strongest of Jesse’s sons—but instead chose the youngest, David. Samuel anointed David as the new king, and then David was sent to King Saul’s service to play the harp to alleviate the king’s suffering. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“David Sins against God” (2 Samuel, Chapter 11) David sinned greatly when he lusted after Bathsheba and had her husband killed in battle. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“David Sins against God” (2 Samuel, Chapter 11) David saw, fell in love with, and made love to Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, an officer in David’s army. Bathsheba got pregnant by David, so David tried to arrange for Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba so Uriah would think the baby was his. But Uriah would not sleep with his wife. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“David Sins against God” (2 Samuel, Chapter 11) David arranged for Uriah to be killed so that no one would know what he had done. David took Bathsheba to be his wife because she was carrying his child, but the Lord was not pleased with what David had done. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“Solomon, the Wisest King” (1 Kings, Chapter 3) Solomon prayed for wisdom to rule God’s people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil.  © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

“Solomon, the Wisest King” (1 Kings, Chapter 3) The Lord appeared to Solomon and offered to give him anything he wanted, and Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. God was pleased that Solomon asked only for wisdom and nothing for himself, so God gave him not only wisdom, but also riches and honor, and the promise of a good life. Solomon displayed his wisdom by judging a case between two women arguing over who was a baby’s real mother. © BibleArtLibrary/www.istockphoto.com

Let’s Review! Answer these questions: Why did the Israelites want a king? By wanting a king, who were the Israelites rejecting? Who was the first king appointed by Samuel? Was he faithful or unfaithful to God? Who was the second king? Was he faithful or unfaithful to God? Who was the third king? Was he faithful or unfaithful to God? If you had to think of one word to describe Samuel, what would it be? If you had to think of one word to describe Saul, what would it be? If you had to think of one word to describe David, what would it be? If you had to think of one word to describe Solomon, what would it be? They wanted to be like all the other nations. God Saul; he was unfaithful, which is why he was replaced. David; he was, for the most part, faithful to God. He did, however, commit great sins against the Lord, showing his unfaithfulness. Solomon; he was, for the most part, also faithful to God. His desire to serve God with the gift of wisdom, for example, showed his faithfulness. His unfaithfulness can be seen in places in the Bible after what this chapter covers. 6-9. Answers will vary.