The Kings of Isarel and the Kingdom

Israel's desire for a king to rule over them instead of God, had far-reaching implications for their future.

The children of Israel entered and conquered the promised land under Joshua. The next 350 years of Israelite history is known as the period of the judges and is described in the last verse of the book of Judges (21:25): "In those days there was _____ __________ in Israel: every man did that which was right in his ______ ________." Are there people who live like this today? Who should decide what is right? (See 1 John 3:22 and circle the correct answer.)

For 350 years there was no king in Israel. All the other nations had kings and earthly rulers, but Israel had none. Israel was a special and unique nation, different from all other nations. They had certain things which no other nation had. Circle those things which Israel had during the time of the judges:

The knowledge of the one, true God	The Tabernacle (the Tent where God dwelt)
God's holy law	The Temple
The New Testament	Sacrifices (to point ahead to the death of Christ )
Sons of Aaron to serve as Priests	The Books of Proverbs and Isaiah
The Five Books of Moses	The Fathers--Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (the Israelites in the days of the judges were all descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)
(Compare Romans 9:4-5)

Even though the children of Israel had all these things, there was something else that they wanted. What was it (1 Samuel 8:5)? ___________________________________ Did this please godly Samuel (1 Samuel 8:6)? _______ Did this please the Lord (1 Samuel 8:7)? ________ In asking for a human king, whom did they reject (1 Samuel 8:7)? __________________ They did not want the LORD to R___________ over them (1 Samuel.8:7)!

In the days of the Lord Jesus Christ, did the Jews want God to be their King or would they rather have an earthly king (John 19:15)? _____________________________________________________________

Sometimes the LORD lets people have what they want (see 1 Samuel 8:22), so that they can learn the hard way! In the days of Samuel, God gave the children of Israel a king--just the kind of a king they wanted. What was his name (1 Samuel 9:2)? __________ What was there about this man which made him seem to be the perfect king (1 Samuel 9:2)? ______________________________________________________________________________
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What are some of the things that people look for and hope to find in Presidential candidates today? ________________________________________________________________________
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King Saul turned out to be a terrible king! Saul did not let the LORD rule and reign over him. He wanted to be the king of his own life. He did what was right in his own eyes! Because Saul rejected God’s Word and rejected God as his King, what did God do to him (1 Samuel 15:23,26)? _______________________________________________________________________

God found another man to take Saul’s place as king, "a man after ________ own _____________" (1 Samuel 13:14). This man became the greatest king who ever lived! What was his name (1 Samuel 16:11-13)? _____________

The reason David was such a great king was that he realized who the TRUE KING really was. As he ruled over the people he knew that there was Someone far, far greater who was ruling over him! David wrote many of the Psalms. As you read the following verses from the Psalms, find out who the real King was in David’s life:

David knew that to be a good and successful leader, he must let the True King rule and reign over him! King David realized that there was a Ruler over him who was the K_________ of K___________ (Revelation 19:16). David was a great king because he knew who the greatest King was!

Many kings came after David, such as Solomon, Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Josiah (to name only a few). Some were good kings and others were evil kings. The good kings were those who let God be their King. The evil kings were those who did not want the LORD to reign over them. Instead, they wanted to be the king of their own lives and do what was right in their own eyes!

As you think about today’s world, do most people crown Christ as Lord of all? Do they let Him be the King and Ruler of their lives? Are they obedient to Him? Do they honor Him and submit to Him? Do they live according to His Word and His laws? What about the world’s kings and rulers? Do they let God be the King of their country? Do they seek to carry out God’s will in every important decision? Do they spend time in prayer asking for divine wisdom and help in difficult situations? Do men love to be governed by God?

Finally, who is the king of your life? Are you enjoying the good government of God? Do you, like David, allow God to be the supreme Ruler in your life? Are you an obedient subject in His Kingdom? Do you obey His commands and carry out His orders? Is the KING OF KINGS your King? Do your parents and friends know that God is your King? Have you crowned Him as your King and Lord?

If you were to allow God to really be your King (ruling over your life in everything), would this change anything? Would this change the way you talk, the places you go, the things you do and don’t do?

Have you ever publicly told others that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour and King? If not, why not do this soon when such an opportunity is given in church. If He is really King of your life, be sure to let others know about it!

CHAPTER 6

The Kings and the Kingdom