1. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

2. RECAP OF OURLAST STUDY
From our last study, entitled “Israel’s victory over the Philistines”, we learnt that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. God forgives sin and cleanses man from it. Every child of God should leave their battles God because victory comes from Him. We must show gratitude to God always and seek to serve Him till the end.

3. TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 717: ISRAEL ASKS FOR A KING
MEMORY VERSE: …… “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us” (1 Samuel 8:19). TEXT: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

4. TODAY’S STUDY (continued)
INTRODUCTION: Today’s study records the unfortunate turn of events in Israel, as they requested Samuel to choose a king to rule over them like other nations. Though God was not pleased with their request, He told Samuel to assent to their request. This shows an example of God’s permissive will to obstinate people. QUESTION 1: What do you understand by the expression, “God’s permissive will”? - Psalm 106:15

5. THE PRESUMPTION OF ISRAEL IN ASKING FOR A KING 1 Samuel 8:1-5; 10:19; 12:17
Samuel had appointed his two sons to assist in the administration of justice in Israel, but they deviated from the path of righteousness. Faith and righteousness are not inherited but obtained from the Lord on individual basis. It is important that leaders give sufficient time and attention to the training and supervision of their children.
QUESTION 2a: Why do children of godly leaders walk contrary to the faith of their parents? – 1 Samuel 8:1-3; Proverbs 29:15.
QUESTION 2b: How can believers help them? – 2 Thes 3:1.

6. THE PRESUMPTION OF ISRAEL IN ASKING FOR A KING (cont)
The children of Israel used the perversion of Samuel’s sons as an excuse to demand a king. They preferred to be like other nations, whereas God’s plan was that “the people shall dwell alone”. They rejected the Creator and replaced Him with mortal man.
QUESTION 3: Why is it dangerous for the people of God to desire to be like others who do not know God? – I Samuel 8:7; Psalm 146:3; Jeremiah 10:2.
QUESTION 4: What can believers learn from Israel’s demand for a king? – Hosea 13:9,10; 2 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 12:2.

7. PREDICTION OF THE TYRANNY OF HUMAN RULERS 1 Samuel 8:6-18; 10:25; 14:25
God, through Samuel, told the children of Israel that instituting a monarchy would bring about a form of tyranny and oppression in form of forceful acquisition of property, forced labour, taxation and loss of personal liberty. Human kingdoms inevitably lead to tyranny, selfishness, injustice and unfairness.

8. THE PERMISSIVE WILL OF GOD IN GRANTING ISRAEL A KING 1 Samuel 8:19-22; 12:1,13-19
Though Israel got their desire, God was not pleased with them. God would have given them a king after His own heart, if they had remained patient under God. Believers should recognize the dangers of living in God’s permissive will. It gives a false sense of security and deceives a person into a fake assurance of God’s favour.
QUESTION 5: Point out the dangers of living in God’s permissive will. – Hosea 13:11; Psalm 106:15; Isaiah 66:4.

9. CONCLUSION
We are instructed to avoid the terrible mistake of Israel in rejecting the rule of God over their lives. An attempt to force God’s hands over any matter pushes a person out of God’s perfect will and should be avoided. We must also check our motives and desires to ensure that we are seeking God for the right reasons. The best step a person should take is to enthrone Jesus Christ as King over one’s life.