1 Samuel 10:1-11:15
Big Idea
The anointing of Saul as king over Israel is a pivotal event in the narrative, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the nation.
Commentary
Samuel anoints Saul as prince over Israel, and the Spirit of the LORD rushes upon him, causing him to prophesy.
The people are amazed by Saul's prophesying, and it becomes a proverb among them.
Samuel calls the people together at Mizpah to renew the kingdom, and the tribe of Benjamin is chosen by lot.
Saul is taken by lot, but he is not immediately found, and the people are told to seek him out.
When Saul is found, he is taller than any of the people, and Samuel declares him to be the one chosen by the LORD.
The people shout "Long live the king!" and Samuel writes the rights and duties of the kingship in a book.
Nahash the Ammonite besieges Jabesh-gilead, and the people of Israel are willing to serve him if he spares their right eyes.
Saul's anger is kindled when he hears of the siege, and he sends a warning to the people, who come out to fight and defeat the Ammonites.
The people rejoice at Saul's victory and the renewal of the kingdom, and Samuel suggests renewing the kingdom at Gilgal.
The people make Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal, and they sacrifice peace offerings.
Claims
- The anointing of Saul as king is a divine appointment, and he is chosen by the LORD to lead Israel.
- The Spirit of the LORD rushes upon Saul, causing him to prophesy and marking him as a true leader.
- The people of Israel are willing to serve Nahash if he spares their right eyes, highlighting their desperation and willingness to compromise.
- Saul's anger is kindled when he hears of the siege, and he takes action to defend his people, demonstrating his leadership and courage.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The people of Israel are willing to serve Nahash if he spares their right eyes
Correction
The people of Israel are willing to serve Nahash if he spares their right eyes, but this is actually a sign of their desperation and willingness to compromise, rather than a demonstration of their loyalty to the LORD.>
Misunderstanding
<Saul's anger is kindled when he hears of the siege
Correction
Saul's anger is kindled when he hears of the siege, but this is actually a sign of his leadership and willingness to defend his people, rather than a negative trait.>
Application Questions
- What does the anointing of Saul as king reveal about the nature of leadership and the role of the king in Israel?
- How does the Spirit of the LORD rushing upon Saul demonstrate the divine appointment of the king?
- What does the willingness of the people of Israel to serve Nahash if he spares their right eyes reveal about their values and priorities?
- How does Saul's leadership and courage in defending his people demonstrate his fitness for the role of king?
John 6:43-71
Big Idea
Jesus teaches that he is the bread of life and that eating his flesh and drinking his blood gives eternal life.
Commentary
Jesus responds to the Jews' grumbling about his teachings.
Jesus explains that only those drawn by the Father can come to him.
Jesus claims to be the bread of life and the living bread.
Jesus says that eating his flesh and drinking his blood gives eternal life.
The Jews dispute Jesus' claim, asking how he can give them his flesh to eat.
Jesus reiterates that eating his flesh and drinking his blood is necessary for eternal life.
Many of Jesus' disciples are offended by his teaching and turn back.
Jesus asks the twelve if they want to leave as well.
Simon Peter affirms his faith in Jesus and the twelve remain with him.
Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray him.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in the Father.
Jesus claims to be the Holy One of God.
Claims
- Jesus is the bread of life.
- Eating his flesh and drinking his blood gives eternal life.
- Only those drawn by the Father can come to Jesus.
- Jesus is the Holy One of God.
- Jesus is the Son of Man.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is saying that we should literally eat his flesh and drink his blood>
Correction
<Jesus is using figurative language to convey the spiritual significance of his sacrifice and the importance of faith in the Father.>
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is saying that we can earn eternal life by following his teachings>
Correction
<Jesus is saying that eternal life is a gift from the Father, and that faith in Jesus is the means of receiving it.>
Application Questions
- How can we apply Jesus' teaching about the importance of faith in the Father to our own lives?
- What does it mean to "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood" in a spiritual sense?
- How can we respond to the challenge of Jesus' teaching, which may be difficult to understand or accept?
- What is the significance of Jesus' statement that "I will raise him up on the last day"?
- How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity as the Holy One of God and the Son of Man?
- What does it mean to "abide in" Jesus, and how can we experience this abiding relationship in our lives?
Psalm 107:1-43
Big Idea
The psalm emphasizes the steadfast love and wondrous works of the LORD, encouraging the redeemed to thank and praise him.
Commentary
The psalm begins with a call to thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
The redeemed of the LORD are encouraged to say so, highlighting the importance of gratitude.
The psalm describes various groups of people who were in trouble and were delivered by the LORD.
Each group is described as being in a different kind of distress, emphasizing the LORD's power to deliver from various afflictions.
The psalm concludes with a call to consider the steadfast love of the LORD, encouraging the wise to attend to these things.
The psalm emphasizes the contrast between darkness and light, death and life, oppression and deliverance.
The psalm uses rhetorical markers such as "Then they cried to the LORD" to emphasize the LORD's deliverance.
The psalm uses repetition to emphasize the importance of thanking and praising the LORD.
The psalm describes the LORD's power to turn deserts into pools of water and to bring people out of darkness and the shadow of death.
The psalm concludes with a call to the wise to attend to the steadfast love of the LORD.
Claims
- The LORD is good and his steadfast love endures forever.
- The LORD delivers his people from trouble and gathers them in from the lands.
- The LORD satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good things.
- The LORD shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron.
- The LORD heals the sick and delivers them from destruction.
- The LORD makes the storm be still and the waves of the sea are hushed.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalm is only about thanking the LORD for his deliverance, when in fact it emphasizes the steadfast love and wondrous works of the LORD.
Correction
Misunderstanding
> The psalm is a celebration of the LORD's character and actions, not just a thanksgiving for deliverance.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The psalm only describes the LORD's power to deliver from physical afflictions, when in fact it also describes his power to deliver from spiritual afflictions.
Correction
Misunderstanding
> The psalm highlights the LORD's power to deliver from various kinds of afflictions, including spiritual ones.
Correction
Application Questions
- What are some ways in which the LORD has delivered you from trouble in the past?
- How can you express gratitude to the LORD for his steadfast love and wondrous works in your life?
- What are some ways in which you can share the LORD's deliverance with others?
- How can you prioritize the LORD's steadfast love in your daily life?
- What are some ways in which you can praise the LORD in the congregation of the people and in the assembly of the elders?
- How can you use the psalm to encourage others to consider the steadfast love of the LORD?
Proverbs 15:1-3
Big Idea
The importance of using a soft answer to resolve conflicts and the dangers of a harsh word.
Commentary
A soft answer can prevent conflict and turn away wrath.
A harsh word can escalate conflict and stir up anger.
The wise use their words to promote knowledge and understanding.
Fools use their words to spread foolishness and confusion.
The LORD is always watching and keeping track of human behavior.
The LORD's presence is not limited to one place, but is felt everywhere.
The LORD watches over both good and evil people, showing no favoritism.
A soft answer is a sign of wisdom, while a harsh word is a sign of foolishness.
The tongue is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil.
The wise and the fools are contrasted in their use of language.
The LORD's eyes are in every place, watching and judging human behavior.
Claims
- A soft answer is more effective than a harsh word in resolving conflicts.
- The wise use their words to promote knowledge and understanding.
- The LORD is always watching and keeping track of human behavior.
- The LORD watches over both good and evil people, showing no favoritism.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<- A soft answer is only for resolving conflicts between friends.
Correction
The LORD's presence is not limited to one place, but is felt everywhere.
Misunderstanding
<- A harsh word is only used by foolish people.
Correction
The wise can also use harsh words, but it is not the best way to resolve conflicts.
Misunderstanding
<- The LORD only watches over good people.
Correction
The LORD watches over both good and evil people, showing no favoritism.
Application Questions
- How can you use a soft answer to resolve conflicts in your daily life?
- What are some ways to promote knowledge and understanding through your words?
- How can you avoid using harsh words and instead use a soft answer to resolve conflicts?
- What does it mean to say that the LORD's eyes are in every place, watching and judging human behavior?
- How can you use your words to commend knowledge and understanding, rather than pouring out folly?