Weekly Guide：Week 55
February 10, 2019
Forward
We start reading the Second Samuel this week. David’s life is a rich story in which we see whether he was up high on the peak or sink low in bottom of the valley of his life, David never forget to pray and inquire of the Lord for His will just as we’d love to hear God’s guidance for everything we do. Even though we no longer have the ephod and lightening in the clouds, we may still hear God’s voice. The beginning of wisdom comes from the relationship with God and knowing God is the only way to know what pleases Him. We may still hear directly from God, but He has already given us the Bible.
God’s word is not just words on paper. It is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. As long we are willing to be transformed, we would be able to validate His pure and joyful will, to let the Holy Spirit wield the precious sword to become the weapon of His word and the works of the Spirit.
For the wisdom we may lack, the Lord who is so abundant and full of blessings will grant it to us.
May you all be renewed in His word each day!
Question
How is it different for Ish-Bosheth being king and David being king?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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A young Amalekite came to David to report the death of Saul and claimed that he had killed him. David executed the young man for he killed the Lord’s anointed. He then mourned for Saul and Jonathan and written for them the lament of the bow.
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The people of Judah anointed David in Hebron. David reigned in Hebron as king of Judah for seven years and six months. At the same time, the commander of Saul’s army, Abner, made the son of Saul the king of Israel in Mahanaim. The war between the house of David and the hous of Saul started.
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Abner challenged Judah and started fighting with Joab. They began with a small fight with a few involved then escalated into an all-out fierce war with heavy lost on both sides.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God What are the differences in the following three instances of kingship? Abner making Ish-Bosheth king, Judah anointing David as king, and the Israelites casting lot to select Saul as king. Thinking about the differences between a life following God’s will and a life following the world’s will, what kind of life do I want to live?
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Community We see the friendship between David and Jonathan in the lament of the bow. How is it different from the worldly friendships? Abner and Joab started with restrained fight then escalated to become fierce civil war between brothers. This led to the killing of Asahel and Joab’s hatred. They were all descendant of Jacob and children of God. What turned them into enemies? What disputes between them do I see are happening in today’s Christians that started as insignificant competition then turned into vicious fight? Have I experienced anything like thi and need to atone before the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did Saul’s kingship meet its end?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
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David became king of Judah, continued to have more wives and sons.
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Abner betrayed the house of Saul and defected to David. Abner submitted to David’s demand to bring him back Michal who was Saul’s daughter and David’s first wife. Abner went back to confer with the Israelite elders about establishing a covenant with David.
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Joab murdered Abner as revenge for his brother Asahel. David cursed Joab and mourned for Abner. Thus, the Israelites in the north knew it wasn’t David’s idea to kill Abner.
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The Israelite king Ish-Bosheth was murdered by two of Saul’s raiding band leaders. They were executed by David when they asked David for the credit of the killing. David buried Ish-Bosheth with Abner.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God Abner knew David was God’s anointed and yet made Ish-Bosheth king? When angered by Ish-Bosheth, Abner defected to David. What was his motive? What was Joab’s sin in killing Abner? Why did David curse Joab and told him to mourn and bury Abner? What is the relationship between the three?
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Integrity The two leaders of Saul’s raiding bands went to David to claim credit for killing Ish-Bosheth. Whey did David execute them? David should have known that Abner was behind the weak Ish-Bosheth during the seven-year-standoff against the house of Saul. Why was David’s attitude different toward Abner compared to these two raiding band leaders? What strengths or short-comings do I see in David’s life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How was David’s relationship with God after he was anointed as king of Israel?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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David got anointed as Israel king, captured Jerusalem, and built a palace. David knew God had established him as the king of Israel.
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Led by God, David defeated the Philistines.
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David attempted to bring the ark back to Jerusalem but did not follow the law when transporting it. They committed infraction against God’s holiness and caused God’s anger to burn against Uzzah. David was angry and afraid until God’s anger had gone away. David brought the ark back the second time to Jerusalem. He obeyed the law, humbled himself, danced with all his might, and shouted in the sound of trumpets in great rejoice.
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David wanted to build a house for the Lord. Instead, God promised David that He would establish for David and descendants a house and kingdom forever. This is the hope of the Messiah. David prayed to answer God’s blessings, His promise is for all His people, and all people would come back to Him and praise Him.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God What was the mistake David made in his first attempt to bring the ark back? Why was Uzzah killed? What caused David to be angry and then afraid? Seen from David’s attitude, how had his relationship with God changed in the second attempt? Have I experienced the serious side of God’s righteousness in my spiritual life? How did this experience help me in my relationship with God?
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Integrity What characters of David can I see in his prayer replying to God’s promise? He not only thanked God for establishing his household, he also saw God’s promise for all Israelites and all people to go to God and praise God. What can I learn from David with him looking beyond his own spiritual circumstance? In what areas may I see farther?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What nations surrounding Israel did David defeat?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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God gave victories to David over the surrounding nations. David dedicated to the Lord the gold, silver, and bronze articles he had plundered from the nations.
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David was king over Israel and acted righteously.
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David brought Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan and showed him God’s kindness.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God God gave David victories over the nations. Some of them weren’t driven out by the Israelites when they first entered the land of Canaan. David dedicated the gold, silver, and bronze articles to God. Compare to Saul when God commanded him to drive out the Amalekites, how was David’s relationship to God different from Saul’s? How should I seek God’s will in the works of my daily life?
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Community David wanted to “show God’s kindness” toward Mephibosheth and took him as his own son. What standard shall we adhere to in loving our fellow Christians? How may we show God’s kindness?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What sin did David commit on the matter of Bathsheba?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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David was going to show kindness to Hanun the new Ammonite king, but the envoy David sent was humiliated. Thus, the war between Israelites and the Ammonites began. Joab was fighting on the frontline and the ark was encamped, but David stayed behind in the palace.
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The army was fighting and yet David stayed in Jerusalem, saw Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, and committed adultery. David called Uriah back as a failed attempt to cover up Bathsheba’s pregnancy. Then, David used Joab and through the enemy’s hands to kill Uriah.
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But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity While the army fought on the frontline and the ark encamped on the battle field, David stayed behind and did the ridiculous thing. What life’s integrities can I see in Uriah from his answer to David? Much time had past from David first saw Bathsheba to when she became his wife. Why didn’t David repent in such a long time? How am I being warned seeing David did not repent immediately even though he had a good relationship with God? Have I ever fallen into the depth of sin but never realized it? How is God reminding me??
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What was David’s attitude after Nathan had rebuked him?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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God sent Nathan to David to rebuke him and told him that he would be judged.
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Nathan started with a fable to point out that David was insatiable, had despised the Lord’s command, and done things displeasing to the Lord.
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Nathan declared God’s judgement that the sword will never depart from David’s house, his wives will be tarnished under broad daylight, and his son with Bathsheba will die.
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David repented immediately. The Lord took away his sin, but David must bear the consequence.
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David fasted and prayed to the Lord for mercy to the child. But the Lord’s mind did not change. David submitted to the Lord, cleansed himself and worshiped the Lord.
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God blessed David and loved Solomon, a son David had with Bathsheba.
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Joab subdued the Ammonites and invited David to receive the victory. The Ammonites were defeated.
Meditation: My Story
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Integrity Nathan told David that his sin began with his insatiability. From his insatiability, what laws of the ten commandments did David break? David’s seemingly insignificant insatiability, like Israelites’ in the wilderness, became ever greater sin. How am I being insatiable with everything God had given me? Let me pray to God to help me to be joyful and satisfied.
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Integrity Although God had made up His mind on the judgment, David still prayed for His mercy and, at the same time, submitted to His will. What can I learn about prayer from seeing David’s worship to God after knowing His will would not change?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What nations surrounding Israel did David defeat?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God gave victories to David over the surrounding nations. David dedicated to the Lord the gold, silver, and bronze articles he had plundered from the nations.
+ David was king over Israel and acted righteously.
+ David brought Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan and showed him God's kindness.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God gave David victories over the nations. Some of them weren't driven out by the Israelites when they first entered the land of Canaan. David dedicated the gold, silver, and bronze articles to God. Compare to Saul when God commanded him to drive out the Amalekites, how was David's relationship to God different from Saul's? How should I seek God's will in the works of my daily life?
+ **Community** - David wanted to "show God's kindness" toward Mephibosheth and took him as his own son. What standard shall we adhere to in loving our fellow Christians? How may we show God's kindness?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What sin did David commit on the matter Bathsheba?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ David was going to show kindness to Hanun the new Ammonite king, but the envoy David sent was humiliated. Thus, the war between Israelites and the Ammonites began. Joab was fighting on the frontline and the ark was encamped, but David stayed behind in the palace.
+ The army was fighting and yet David stayed in Jerusalem, saw Uriah's wife Bathsheba, and committed adultery. David called Uriah back as a failed attempt to cover up Bathsheba's pregnancy. Then, David used Joab and through the enemy's hands to kill Uriah.
+ But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - While the army fought on the frontline and the ark encamped on the battlefield, David stayed behind and did the preposterous thing. What life's integrities can I see in Uriah from his answer to David? Much time had past from David first saw Bathsheba to when she became his wife. Why didn't David repent in such a long time? How am I being warned seeing David did not repent immediately even though he had a good relationship with God? Have I ever fallen into the depth of sin but never realized it? How is God reminding me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was David's attitude after Nathan had rebuked him?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God sent Nathan to David to rebuke him and told him that he would be judged.
+ Nathan started with a fable to point out that David was insatiable, had despised the Lord's command, and done things displeasing to the Lord.
+ Nathan declared God's judgement that the sword will never depart from David's house, his wives will be tarnished under broad daylight, and his son with Bathsheba will die.
+ David repented immediately. The Lord took away his sin, but David must bear the consequence.
+ David fasted and prayed to the Lord for mercy to the child. But the Lord's mind did not change. David submitted to the Lord, cleansed himself and worshiped the Lord.
+ God blessed David and loved Solomon, a son David had with Bathsheba.
+ Joab subdued the Ammonites and invited David to receive the victory. The Ammonites were defeated.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Nathan told David that his sin began with his insatiability. From his insatiability, what laws of the ten commandments did David break? David's seemingly insignificant insatiability, like Israelites' in the wilderness, became ever greater sin. How am I being insatiable with everything God had given me? Let me pray to God to help me to be joyful and satisfied.
+ **Integrity** - Although God had made up His mind on the judgment, David still prayed for His mercy and, at the same time, submitted to His will. What can I learn about prayer from seeing David's worship to God after knowing His will would not change?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were David's problems in educating his sons?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Encouraged by Jonadab, Amnon devised a plan to trick David into bringing Tamar, Amnon's sister of different mother, to him and raped her. Tamar's brother Absalom hated Amnon.
+ Two years later, Absalom devised a plan to trick David and murdered Amnon. Absalom escaped to Geshur.
+ Three years later, Joab found a wise woman and devised a plan to persuade David in bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem. However, David would not see Absalom.
+ Two years later, Absalom devised a plan to force Joab to talk to David to let Absalom meet and reunite with David.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Amnon raped his own sister of another mother. David did nothing besides being angry. What should have David done that would be pleasing to God? Absalom murdered Amnon and escaped to Geshur. Why again did David do nothing? Why did Joab persuade David to bring Absalom back? David would not see Absalom after he had come back so Absalom forced Joab to help with his meeting with David. What was Absalom's motive? As a father, what should have David done but didn't do during the seven-year span of all these events? Have I ignored my responsibility as a custodian of my inheritance from God and did not do what I should do, whether I am a parent or not?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
On way of his fleeing, what helps did David receive from God?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Absalom built his power and status in the dark and earned the heart of the Israelites. He went to Hebron by way of an excuse to fulfill a vow to conspire for mutiny against David. David's counselor Ahithophel followed Absalom and the conspiracy gained strength.
+ David fled Jerusalem but left ten concubines to take care of the palace.
+ The foreigner Ittai did not want to leave David and vowed to accompany David, live or death. The priests Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark with them to David, but David asked them to go back. David went up the Mount of Olives, weeping, barefooted and head covered. David met his confidant Hushai on the summit and asked him to go to Absalom in Jerusalem to frustrate Ahithophel's advice. Ziba brought food to David and claimed that Mephibosheth was going to betray David. So, David gave all that belonged to Mephibosheth to Ziba. Abishai wanted to kill Shimei as he cursed David but was stopped by David saying that it was coming from God.
+ Absalom listened to Ahithophel's advice to sleep with David's concubines who stayed behind. This was God's judgment to David. See 12:11.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - From what David said to priest Zadok when he fled Jerusalem, in his prayer to God on Mount of Olive, as well as what he said to Abishai in response to humiliation of Shimei's curse, what was the state of his spirituality?
+ **Walking with God** - Although he had to bear the consequences of sin, God's blessings were never too far away from David. What protections and helps did David experience in the journey of his fleeing?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who defeated Absalom?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ahithophel's advice was not taken by Absalom which allowed David to avoid demise. This was God's plan to disrupt Ahithophel and bring destruction to Absalom.
+ David was supplied by Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai at Mahanaim.
+ David deployed his troops and commanded them to be gentle with Absalom. Absalom was routed, his hair caught in the tree and unable to escape. Joab defied David's command and killed Absalom. David mourned for Absalom.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Absalom was defeated despite the great strength from support of all Israel and a very good counselor. It is God who brings victory and it is also God who brings defeat. Is there ungodly power in the circumstance I'm in which seems to be strong and invincible? Looking from this passage, is God who is in absolute control giving me peace?
+ **Integrity** - What was Joab's motive in killing Absalom? What should have he done to be pleasing to God? What news did David want to learn most anxiously from the two messengers? How would David react differently had he submitted to God's will? Contrast with David's prayer when Bathsheba's first son died.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What does the capturing of the ark of the covenant mean to the Israelites?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Israelites went to war with the Philistines. Israel was defeated but instead of inquiring the Lord, they bought out the ark of the covenant of the Lord as a tool. Israel was defeated again, and the ark was captured. The two sons of Eli were killed as predicted by the Lord and Eli died of falling. Eli's daughter-in-law died while giving birth and said: "the glory has departed from Israel."
+ The Lord placed a heavy hand on the Philistines' idol Dagon and brought disaster to them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Israelites were defeated by Philistines. They did not inquire of the Lord nor did they pray to seek His will. What were they thinking bring out the ark? How did Eli's honoring of his sons more than the Lord influence the Israelites? When I face difficulties, is my prayer an attempt to use the Lord as a tool according to my will?
+ **Walking with God** - Israel's defeat does not mean God is powerless! What was displayed to the Philistines with the wonders done by the Lord in their land? Do I doubt God when my prayer isn't answered to my liking? What can I learn from what God did to the Philistines?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Israelites' faith renewed?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Philistines sent back the ark the covenant of God along with guilt offering. The men of Beth-shemesh rejoiced in seeing the ark and made burnt offering. However, some seventy men were struck because they looked upon the ark. The men of Beth-shemesh then asked the men of Kiriath-jearim to take away the ark and it stayed there for twenty years.
+ In that twenty years, Samuel led Israel return to God, lamented after the Lord, got rid of the idols, re-established their faith. God helped them to defeat the Philistines and recapture the lost land. Samuel served the Lord faithfully and judged Israel all the days of his life.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - While Philistines' idol Dagon could not stand before the Lord and the Philistines were also disaster struck, they did not see who was the real God and sent away the real God; The men of Beth-shemesh offended the Lord and did not repent, but rather asked men of Kiriath-jearim to take the ark; Their common attitude was resist light and hide in the dark. Contrast with the Philistines and Beth-shemesh men's resistance to God, what did the Israelites do to renew their faith? As children of light, what should I do when sinned?
+ **Fidelity** - Read carefully and give thoughts to how Samuel served. What were his attitude and aim in his ministry? What was his focus when serving people? What can I learn from him?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why does the scripture say the Israelites rejected the Lord?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Samuel's two sons did not walk in their father's way. The elders of Israel asked Samuel to give them a king to judge them like all nations. By God's words, Samuel warned them of king's oppressions. They refused to listen and were determined to have a king to rule over them.
+ The Lord said the Israelite's request meant they rejected Him a king over them. The Israelites disobeyed God just like their ancestors did when they came out of Egypt.
+ The Lord chose Saul, wanted to save the Israelites out of the hands of the Philistines through Saul. Samuel took Saul and ate the offering with him then brought him up on the roof so that everyone in the city might see him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Israelites' request seemed to be politically correct, but in reality, they were repeating the sins of their ancestors. Does God not get involved in our social problems and political struggles? The problem Israelites faced was that they did not rely on God, but desired for self-reliance and worldly solution. What can I learn from the Lord's warning to the Israelites? As the light and salt of the world, what shall our mentality and behavior be when involved in political debate or social construction?
+ **Integrity** - The Israelites challenged Samuel as if they have forgotten and forsaken everything he did in his entire life. Samuel was not angered but obeyed God's will to warn the Israelites in earnest and to find them a king. When Saul showed up to him, Samuel raised him up high in front of all. How was Samuel's character formed? What was his focus?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What "steps" did Saul go through being anointed?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Samuel followed God's will to anoint Saul and gave him three signs.
+ Samuel casted lots to elect Saul, but some despised him.
+ Saul defeated the Ammonites, delivered Jabesh-gilead, to prove himself and finally being accepted by people as king.
+ Samuel addressed the people one last time to obey God's will even as they have done all that evil, must turn to the Lord and serve the Lord with all their heart, and the Lord will not forsake them. As for Samuel, he himself will continue to pray for them and instruct them in the good and the right way.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God elected and anointed Saul before the people. It was God's will for Saul even though the people acted wickedly. What can I learn from Saul's anointment about those who have authorities (even if they are wicked) in the world?
+ **Walking with God** - Saul was transformed because of the spirit of the Lord. Think about the three signs and Saul's transformation. What have I learned about God's work?
+ **Integrity** - What characters did Samuel display from his farewell address. Let me list out these characters. What can I see from the way he served the Lord and God's people? What did he see about himself?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
In what aspects did Saul disobey God's will?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Saul made offering by himself in Gilgal for he couldn't wait for Samuel nor the Lord. Samuel told Saul because he did not keep the Lord's command, that his kingdom shall not continue, and the Lord had sought out another man after His own heart to be king.
+ Saul laid an oath on his people to continue fighting without any food and caused all people to break the vow. After the people had broken the vow, Saul did not repent but tried to cover it up. When God did not answer his inquiry, Saul casted lots to find the offender but was ransomed by the people.
+ God used Jonathan to save the Israelites with a small number of them from the hands of stronger Philistines. Jonathan cared about the people's wellbeing. When he was picked out by lots, the people ransomed him because they could see that he was with God in saving them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Saul seemed to try to turn back to God. He brought alone Eli's son as high priest as well as the ark of the Covenant. Then he laid an oath on his people to not eat until he had avenged on his enemies which caused the people to break the vow and offended the Lord. Saul then built an altar, listened to the priest to inquire of the Lord on the next step. Saul again offended the Lord when he could not wait for the Lord's answer but to find and punish the offender. What was his motivation? What was his attitude toward God? What have I learned from all this? Have I done similar things like Saul in my daily life?
+ **Integrity** - Started with things that seemed small and negligible, Saul began to stray away from God. He had no patience to wait for God, used God as a tool to accomplish his own will, pushing aside of the responsibilities. Compare to Jonathan's reliance of God and the witness from the people, what have I learned to apply to my daily live? What was the root cause of Saul's wrong choices, straying away from God, and being rejected by God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is pleasing to God?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Through Samuel, God commanded Saul to strike and destroy all the Amalekites. But Saul did not follow through and spared the Amalekite king as well as all the best sheep, oxen, fattened calves and lambs, and all things that were good.
+ God regret (was sorry - NLV) that He had made Saul king because Saul turned away from Him.
+ Saul maintained that he followed God's will when faced Samuel; When reproached by Samuel, Saul claimed it was the people's idea to spare the best things for offering; Saul finally admitted of his sin that it was caused by his fear of people; Saul asked Samuel to stay to honor him in front of the people when he learned that God's will would not change.
+ Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - No matter what excuses Saul had, Samuel told him that God's command was not followed on striking the Amalekites. What does God want from us in following His commands? God wants us to love Him with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. We cannot serve both God and money or idols just like He wanted Saul to "destroy" them all. Am I making the same mistake as Saul did?
+ **Identity** - He wasn't lying when Saul said: "I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice." Do I also fear people of the world, both willingly and unwillingly, more than fear God and disobey God? What do I fear in things around me? God is greater than anyone and anything that we might fear.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses