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Although God warned Israel of the many problems associated with having a king, the people still demanded one. They wanted to be like the nations. Though reluctant, a handsome young man named Saul was anointed as Israel’s first King. The people quickly found out that having a king was not as good as they thought it would be.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 8-10

Outline:

1. Israel demands a king. (1 Samuel 8:1-22)
2. Samuel and Saul meet, and Samuel anoints Saul as king. (1 Samuel 9:1-10:8)
3. Saul is announced as King. (1 Samuel 10:9-27)

Tips for teaching children:

• Use water in a small pitcher to “anoint” kings in the class.
• Discuss the negative aspects of wanting to do things just because others are doing them.
• Younger children can “find the donkey” like Saul did. Use a toy donkey or pictures of a donkey.
• Make a crown.

Tips for teaching adults:

•  Ask the class if they would be willing to share decisions they have made (big or little) and an unintended consequence of their decision, whether good or bad.  What did they learn from their decision?
• This is a longer story, so you, the teacher, will need to summarise it for the class.  Alternatively, you can ask the class to read the story before class, so everyone will be familiar with it when they come to class.
• How do you make decisions?  When do you bring God into the picture in making decisions?  How can you make decisions that honour God and are within his will?
• When Saul met Samuel, he didn’t know that God was orchestrating this meeting.  Think about a time in your life where you believe you experienced a God moment, a meeting with someone or an event that you think was a God-orchestrated meeting or event.  Share this with the class.  Why do you believe this?  How did it affect or change you or others?
• When Saul was announced as the king, he was hiding.  Are you hiding from a ministry God is calling you to?  Ask the class to share something they think God is calling them to, but they are ‘hiding’ from?  How can the class encourage them to come out of hiding?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Saul Becomes Israel’s First King

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

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