Lessons in Leadership

Learning to Wait for the Lord: 1 Samuel 13

1. If you were to meet someone for dinner, how long should that person wait for you if you are running late?

2. Read 1 Sam 13. Retell the story in your own words.

3. When and where did this story take place?

4. What is the pivotal event in this story?

5. What other Bible passages discuss a similar principle as expressed in this story? Do these passages shed light on the present passage?

6. What contrasts do you see between Saul, Israelites, and Samuel in this story?

7. After reading 1Sam 10:8, summarize why Saul was waiting in Gilgal?

1) Samuel told him to (Word of the prophet = word of the Lord)

2) Samuel was to offer sacrifices (sacrifice)

3) Samuel would relate the word of the Lord to Saul (directions)

The Hebrew for 'wait' in this verse is in the Hiphil verb stem. This stem marks the subject as causing the main action of the verb. In other words, the text could be translated more literally as: "cause yourself to wait" or "make yourself wait". How does this verb change our understanding of 'waiting' in this passage?

Bring out the relationship between discipline and devotion.

8. In chpt 13 vese 14, what do you think "a man after his own heart" means? Can you think of any other meanings? If you can, explain why you have chosen one interpretation over the other.

Question :

Draw a sentence diagram for this verse showing the two interpretations. Try to encourage conversation around whether it means

A person who has a heart for God, that one will God choose as king;

or

God, after his own heart, will choose a king.

9. What does the word "kingdom" mean in this particular context? Can you think of an expanded use of the kingdom concept?

1) Remember that the Confederacy of nations was only loosely connected at this point in history.

2) Bring out the connection between David and Christ and the continuation of the kingdom spiritually.

10. Why do you think that Saul made the decision to sacrifice? What were the theological principles at work in this decision (if any).

1) By rushing ahead, Saul was seeking the Lord's blessing rather than the Lord's leadership. A critical flaw for any leader.

11. When you read Saul's words to Samuel do you think Saul understood his sin or was he a "blame-finder"?

12. Why do you think the author included the information in vv. 16-21 in the story?

13. What does 1 Sam 13 teach us about God’s character?

14. How does 1 Sam 13 illustrate the Word of God?

15. What does 1 Sam 13 warn us about?

16. What important principles does 1 Sam 13 teach (both positive and negative)?

17. Give 1 Sam 13 a 5 or 6 word title.

18. What does 1 Sam 13 remind you to be thankful for?

19. What changes in your thoughts are required if you are to conform to the principles taught here?

20. What changes in your thinking does God want you to make?

21. If you learned what God wants you to learn from 1 Sam 13, how would it impact those around you?

How can a church or group or individual wait on the Lord?  What practical steps can we take to ensure we don't rush ahead?

©1999 Brent Hudson