April 15 | 1 Samuel 9

David Cox • April 15, 2025

Family Worship

SETTING THE SCENE

Samuel had been God’s prophet for many years. He led and spoke God’s words to His people. However, the people demanded a king. While Samuel initially balked at this idea, God told Samuel they had not rejected Samuel in their desire for a king. Rather, they had rejected God (1 Sam 8:7). Therefore, God told Samuel to anoint a man from Benjamin to be king of Israel (9:16-17). What is remarkable about the new king, Saul, is that he is not the king many expected. He was from a low and humble tribe. Yet, God is in the business of using the lowly to accomplish His purposes.

READ & ASK

1. 1 Samuel 9:15-16. Who would be king? Why did God act to appoint a king? (Saul. God heard the cry and affliction of His people and wanted to save them from the hand of the Philistines).

2. 1 Samuel 9:21. Why was Saul shocked that Samuel anointed him as king? (He was the least of the tribes, and his clan was the humblest).

3. Luke 2:6-7. How did God come to save His people? (Jesus came humbly as a baby and not with a grand coronation. God honors the lowly and the humble).