1 Samuel 8

1. When we read 1 Samuel 8, we will see that Israel asks to have a king like the other nations (v5). People often talk about the affect of ‘peer pressure’ on teenagers, but adults face peer pressure too. Give some examples of how we are pressured to conform to the ‘pattern of the world’ (Romans 12:2) rather than God’s pattern.

Read 1 Samuel 8

2. In the context of first seven chapters of 1 Samuel, what emotions do you feel when you first read 1 Samuel 8:3?

3. According to verses 10-18, will a king be good for Israel? Why then do you think they still asked for a king in verse 19 (i.e. what does this reveal about where their loyalties lie)?

4. Describe how Samuel is portrayed in 1 Samuel 8? Which aspects of his behaviour appear good and which appear bad?

Read 1 Kings 10:26 – 11:13 (and 1 Kings 12:1-19 if time permits)

5. In the light of 1 Samuel 8, what emotions do you feel when you read this passage? What does Solomon share in common with the Israelites in 1 Samuel 8? What did Samuel do that Solomon didn’t do?

6. Based 1 Samuel 8 alone, would you say that God wanted Israel to have a king? What about if you consider the whole Bible? Explain your answers. What does this reveal about the nature of God (Hint: Genesis 50:20, Acts 2:22-24, Romans 8:28)?

Read Mark 10:42-45.

7. How is Jesus different from all other kings and all other men?

8. How do your answers to questions 6 and 7 help you to respond to peer pressure?

Spend some time praising the ‘king of kings’ and praying for one another.