Patriarchs and Prophets -- Study Guide

Ellen G. White Estate

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Ellen G. White (1827-1915) is considered the most widely translated American author, her works having been published in more than 160 languages. She wrote more than 100,000 pages on a wide variety of spiritual and practical topics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she exalted Jesus and pointed to the Scriptures as the basis of one’s faith.

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Chapter 1: Why Was Sin Permitted?

1. In heaven, Lucifer began to insinuate doubts concerning God’s law that governed the angels. How does he continue to attack God’s law?

2. What steps did Lucifer take that caused a spirit of dissatisfaction to grow among the angels? How did the loyal angels respond during this time?

3. The counsel and entreaties of the loyal angels opened a door of hope to the angels blinded by Satan’s deceptions; had they heeded, they might have broken away from his snares. How does this encourage you to witness to those who seem to have fallen beyond hope?

4. Why did God not destroy Satan, but see fit to allow sin to run its course?

Chapter 2: The Creation

1. What is the significance of Eve’s being created from a rib taken from Adam’s side? Read Ephesians 5:29. What is to be the relationship between husband and wife?

2. Marriage “was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise.” What was the other institution?

3. Even in Paradise, the Sabbath was essential for man. What purposes does the Sabbath serve? How should we observe this holy day?

4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12. Those who regard work as a curse are cherishing an error. What should be our attitude toward work?

Chapter 3: The Temptation and Fall

1. The enemy tempted Eve to disobey God by leading her to believe she would enter a higher sphere of existence and broader field of knowledge. In what respect did this come true?

2. How did the spirit of self-justification manifest itself after the fall of humanity? How can you avoid falling into the same trap?

3. Romans 6:23 says: “The wages of sin is death.” How is God’s wisdom and justice in His dealings with humanity revealed in this verse?

Chapter 4: The Plan of Redemption

1. In what ways was the sacrificial system symbolic of the work of Christ?

2. Why did God wait four thousand years to make His sacrifice for our salvation?

3. The greatest benefit of the plan of salvation is providing eternal life for us in heaven. What other benefits or purposes were served both here and throughout the universe?

4. How can we help the lost experience the joy of redemption? If you have not yet asked Jesus into your heart, stop right now and say this prayer: “Dear Jesus. I know I’m a sinner. I’ve really made a mess of my life. I accept Your death on the cross as the only means whereby I can enjoy forgiveness and eternal life. Forgive me, now, and mold me so I can be what you want me to be. Make me ready to live with You in heaven. I love You. Amen.”

Chapter 5: Cain and Abel Tested

1. Compare and contrast the characters of Cain and Abel. How did God show mercy to Cain?

Patriarchs and Prophets Study Guide

2. How is Abel a symbol of Christ? Why is God particular about how we worship Him?

3. The inhabitants of unfallen worlds watched the actions of Cain and Abel. How should knowing the universe is watching us affect our behavior?

Chapter 6: Seth and Enoch

1. Contrast the descendants of Cain with the descendants of Seth.

2. How can we be like Seth and lead a line of righteous generations?

3. How is death actually a blessing on a fallen world?

4. “Enoch walked with God” (Genesis 5:22, 24). In what ways can we walk with God as did Enoch?

Chapter 7: The Flood

1. Read Psalm 115:2-8 and Exodus 20:4-6. What was one of the great sins of the antediluvian world? What result did its practice have on human minds?

2. Read 2 Peter 1:5-8 and Ephesians 6:10-18. Amusement and pleasure-seeking caused indifference toward God in the antediluvian world. How can you avoid this indifference in your life?

3. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 16:31; Romans 2:13. Noah preached for 120 years, yet of the vast population of the earth before the flood only eight souls were saved. What made the difference in those eight lives that can make a difference in yours?

Chapter 8: After the Flood

1. Although the face of the earth was dry, Noah still waited patiently within the ark. Read James 1:3, 4. What relationship exists between faith and patience?

2. We admire the rainbow for its beauty, yet what true purpose is it to serve? To what does the rainbow testify from generation to generation?

3. In what ways was the earth changed after the flood? Read Revelation 21:1-5. Will the earth ever return to its original state? If so, when?

4. God can preserve the righteous in times of turmoil. Described ways and instances in which God has protected and preserved you during times of trouble in your life.

Chapter 9: The Literal Week

1. Why are Satan’s special attacks directed against the fourth commandment? What event does that commandment commemorate?

2. Nature is a servant of her Creator. In what ways did Christ defy the laws of nature, as understood by humanity, in the following passages: Matthew 8:23-27; 14:22-33?

3. How do the following verses reveal God’s sustaining power in nature? Who is the instrument of this sustaining power: Colossians 1:16-18; Hebrews 1:1-3?

Chapter 10: The Tower of Babel

1. Compare the world after the flood with the world before the flood.

2. Confounding humanity’s languages would slow the advance of evil, but also make it more difficult for people to learn of God’s truth. Why, then, would God resort to such an action?

3. There is much discussion in society about the benefits of having a united world government. What are the dangers of having a united world government on a sinful planet?

Chapter 11: The Call of Abraham

1. Describe the spiritual environment in which Abraham grew up.

2. How did the story of Abraham’s sojourn in Egypt provide encouragement to the Israelites in their sojourn there several centuries later?

3. One of the first things to happen to Abraham after reaching Canaan was a famine that tested his character. How might God test our characters after calling us to serve Him?

Chapter 12: Abraham in Canaan

1. Contrast the characters of Abraham and Lot.

2. What are some examples of Abraham’s strong character during the dispute between his herdsmen and Lot’s? How did Abraham handle the dispute among his herdmen and those of Lot’s? What lessons about conflict resolution can be gained from Abraham’s methods?

3. What is the spiritual meaning of “circumcision”?

4. Lot foolishly endangered himself by living among the sinners of Sodom. Why was Abraham willing on one occasion to risk himself to rescue Lot, and on another to intercede on his behalf?

Chapter 13: The Test of Faith

1. What were the negative consequences of Abraham’s taking Hagar as a second wife?

2. Why did God aid and bless Ishmael, though he was not the son of promise?

3. Abraham fathered a son through Hagar when it seemed that God would not provide a child any other way. Have you ever “run ahead of God” when He did not seem to provide?

4. In Genesis 22, Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac, whom he loved dearly. Why does God at times ask us to sacrifice what is most dear to us?

Chapter 14: Destruction of Sodom

1. Describe the last night in Sodom before God destroyed the city.

2. Lot’s wife looked back, showing that her heart was still in Sodom. How can we be like Lot’s wife and “look back”?

3. Abraham and Lot showed hospitality to strangers. In what ways can we show hospitality to others?

Chapter 15: The Marriage of Isaac

1. Compare Rebekah’s character with Abraham’s?

2. There is more to a good wife than physical beauty. Why, then, do you think the Bible highlights that Rebekah was beautiful?

3. Rebekah offered to water Eliezer’s camels. How did Rebekah’s behavior send a signal to Eliezer that she was the ideal candidate to be Isaac’s wife?

4. What can we learn from this story about how one should seek a godly spouse?

Chapter 16: Jacob and Esau

1. Contrast the characters of Jacob and Esau. Compare the story of Jacob and Esau with the story of Cain and Abel.

2. What was wrong with Esau’s decision to marry Canaanite women?

3. Esau, in selling his birthright, showed greater interest in satisfying his immediate appetite than in obtaining his future, spiritual rewards. What lessons can we learn regarding the power of the appetite?

4. Can you think of a situation where you, like Jacob, might resort to evil to bring about God’s plan? How might God provide for you if you remain faithful and wait for things to change with His timing?

Chapter 17: Jacob’s Flight and Exile

1. How was the dream of a ladder extending from heaven to earth a comfort to Jacob? How was Jacob’s ladder a type of Christ?

2. Read Genesis 27 and 29. Think of the trials that Jacob endured after deceiving his father. Compare Jacob’s stealing of the blessing with Laban’s deceit of giving Leah rather than Rachel to Jacob. What trials might one face as a result of practicing deceit?

3. Why was it important for God to renew His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and Jacob?

4. Jesus is like a shepherd in His care and providence for us. How is He a shepherd to you?

Chapter 18: The Night of Wrestling

1. Why was Jacob afraid to meet Esau?

2. Contrast the character of Jacob before and after wrestling with the angel. Why did God choose to wrestle with Jacob? Was there a reason that God wanted Jacob to be disabled when he faced his brother? In what ways do you wrestle with God?

3. God worked to reunite Jacob and Esau. How does Christ continue to work to reconcile distanced family members?

Chapter 19: The Return to Canaan

1. Does a difficult life always indicate that we are living outside of God’s will for our lives, while a prosperous life show that we are living out God’s will for us? Is financial or business success always an indicator of God’s favor? Is popularity? Is peace? Explain your answer.

2. What are some of the character traits that Joseph was known for in his youth?

3. Consider the life experiences of Esau, Jacob, Reuben, and Joseph. When is a good time to begin developing a character that is noble and Christlike? How much does a person’s habitual character influence the turns his or her life may take?

Chapter 20: Joseph in Egypt

1. Joseph’s journey to Egypt was particularly painful and bitter for him. Then, even after working faithfully, he was put in jail for a crime he did not commit. How did the trials of being sold into slavery, being separated from his father, and being wrongly imprisoned affect Joseph? What lessons did he learn from these experiences?

2. Joseph, surrounded by a culture that did not worship his God, was faced with temptations to stray from the moral code of his childhood. How did Joseph respond to the culture around him when it contradicted with what he believed about God and His expectations?

3. Read Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. God worked out the circumstances in Joseph’s life for the good not only of Joseph but also for his family and the nations surrounding Egypt. Do you have faith in the ability of Jesus to work this way in your life?

Chapter 21: Joseph and His Brothers

1. Why did Joseph feel that it was important to test his brothers before he revealed his identity to them?

2. What about Joseph’s brothers’ behavior convinced him that they had changed for the better?

3. How does being forgiven affect the way that you relate to the one who forgave you? (Look at the relationship of Joseph and his brothers as they were forgiven and began to trust one another again.)

4. How is the way that Joseph dealt with his brothers similar to the way that God deals with us? Consider the gifts that Joseph offered to his brothers: forgiveness (Genesis 45:3-5), comfort (Genesis 50:19-21), and an invitation to live with him so he could provide for all his family’s needs (Genesis 45:9-11). Compare these gifts with what Jesus offers us (Matthew 18:21-22; Romans 8:28; John 14:1-3).

Chapter 22: Moses

1. How did Satan try to thwart God’s plans to deliver Israel from bondage?

2. In what respects is the experience of Moses similar to that of Jesus’?

3. Why would God use a burning bush to call Moses? What are some of the ways that God makes Himself known to us?

4. Consider how Moses’ parents prepared him for life in the Egyptian court. What are some ways in which parents can help to prepare their children to live godly lives in a worldly society?

Chapter 23: The Plagues of Egypt

1. Contrast Moses’ character in Egypt with his character after his years of service as a shepherd.

2. How did the Israelites respond to Moses when he returned to Egypt to deliver them?

3. Moses’ mission was to work for the complete freedom of Israel. Why, then, would he simply ask Pharaoh to allow the people to take a three-day journey into the wilderness?

4. Why would Pharaoh allow his heart to harden so that he would rather lead his nation to ruin than obey God?

Chapter 24: The Passover

1. Contrast Pharaoh’s response to the tenth plague with his response when Moses first met with him and called for him to free the Israelites.

2. What was the significance of God’s smiting the firstborn?

3. How was the deliverance from Egypt a symbol of the work of Christ?

Chapter 25: The Exodus

1. How did God show His power to the Egyptians at the Red Sea before destroying them?

2. Why did the Egyptians claim that God’s miraculous acts were merely the result of natural events?

3. In what way is the Exodus a symbol of the final deliverance at the end of the world?

4. In Exodus 15, Moses and Miriam sang songs to celebrate God’s deliverance. What are some songs you might sing to praise God for His acts of deliverance?

Chapter 26: From the Red Sea to Sinai

1. How did God miraculously provide for the Israelites in the wilderness?

2. Why did God make the manna fade away in the sunlight? Does God provide for us on a daily basis as He did with the Israelites?

3. Exodus 17 tells how Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms so he could keep them raised during the battle. How can we be like Aaron and Hur and support our leaders in their battles?

Chapter 27: The Law Given to Israel

1. How is God’s love clearly seen in the way He gave the Ten Commandments?

2. Why was Moses able to speak with God while the Israelites were not?

3. What is the significance of God’s writing the Ten Commandments with His finger?

4. Read Genesis 1. When God spoke, everything happened as He commanded. What is the way we should live so God’s commandments will be expressed in our lives?

Chapter 28: Idolatry at Sinai

1. What two activities, if they had done them, would have shielded the Israelites from temptation while Moses was on the mountain?

2. How could Aaron have changed the course of the Israelites’ sinful behavior at Sinai? What lesson does this provide for leaders in the church today?

3. How did the punishment meted out on the Israelites at Sinai show God’s love and mercy as well as His justice?

4. Even though the Israelites had committed a terrible sin against God, He spared those who repented. Read 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 10:19-23. What action should we take when we have done wrong?

Chapter 29: Satan’s Enmity Against the Law

1. Through what plan is it possible for a person to live in harmony with God, and to His law? Explain.

2. What was Satan’s ultimate purpose in leading the Israelites into idolatry at Sinai?

3. If the Sabbath had always been sacredly observed, what would have been the

4. What will be the role of God’s law in the earth made new?

Chapter 30: The Tabernacle and Its Services

1. How did the breastplate of the high priest represent Christ’s work for us?

2. What did the ascending incense represent, and how did it function?

3. Read Leviticus 4. What two similar ceremonies symbolized the transfer of sin sanctuary?

4. How did the Day of Atonement show that justice will eventually be completed? be afraid of that Day?

Chapter 31: The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

1. Contrast God’s holy fire with the “strange” fire offered by Nadab and Abihu.

2. Why is it significant that God would judge Nadab and Abihu with punishment by fire?

3. Nadab and Abihu were spiritually impaired by alcohol when they sinned. What are other ways in which judgment may be impaired?

Chapter 32: The Law and the Covenants

1. Compare God’s spiritual laws with the physical laws He ordained to govern nature.

2. Contrast the moral law with the ceremonial law.

3. How is Christ’s character shown through the law?

4. Much is said about the power of God’s grace to forgive and provide. What is the place of God’s law in our lives?

5. Israel was blessed with a covenant relationship with God. What are some ways that we can benefit from being in a covenant relationship with God?

Chapter 33: From Sinai to Kadesh

1. Contrast the Israelites’ diet in Egypt with their diet in the wilderness.

2. Some of the foods of Egypt, such as cucumbers, were actually quite healthy. Why did God give only manna to the people during their sojourn in the wilderness?

3. How is the orderly manner of the sanctuary system symbolic of the work of Christ?

4. Moses faced envy from those who were close to him. What should be our attitude toward those whom God has placed in positions of leadership?

Chapter 34: The Twelve Spies

1. What obstacles did the Israelites encounter in the conquest of Canaan?

2. Contrast the message of Caleb and Joshua with that of the other ten spies.

3. How is Moses’ intercession for the rebellious nation symbolic of Christ’s work?

4. When the people rebelled, Moses still prayed for God to forgive them. In what ways can we be like Moses in our prayers for people in error?

Chapter 35: The Rebellion of Korah

1. Compare and contrast the rebellion of Korah with the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron.

2. How was Moses’ character different from that of the rebels in this chapter?

3. Why would God frequently threaten to destroy the people and then seemingly change His mind when a leader interceded?

4. The rebels clearly did not show respect for Moses when they voiced their displeasure. What is the proper way to express displeasure with what a leader is doing?

Chapter 36: In the Wilderness

1. How did God still provide for His people during their forty years of banishment in the wilderness?

2. Read Numbers 15:29-41. What is the context of the story of the man gathering sticks on the Sabbath? Why was God so strict as to have a person executed for such an act? Why should the entire camp of Israel participate in the stoning of one man? When is it ever appropriate to have an entire community involved with punishing one person?

3. Read Isaiah 58:13, 14. God wants strict obedience to His Sabbath law but also wants the day to be a delight. How are these two aspects compatible?

Chapter 37: The Smitten Rock

1. Compare and contrast the two distinct occasions when Moses struck the rock for the purpose of supplying water to the Israelites. How does the story of bringing water from the first rock symbolize the work of Christ? Moses, in striking the second rock, ruined an object lesson about the future Messiah. How can we, through improper performance of our rituals, ruin object lessons?

2. Moses’ mistakes are recorded in the Bible. Why? What can we learn from Moses’ mistakes?

Chapter 38: The Journey Around Edom

1. How was the brass serpent a symbol of Christ?

2. Compare the rebellion at the time of the brass serpent with the second occasion when Moses struck the rock.

3. What are some ways that we can lapse into old, unhealthy spiritual habits?

4. Those bitten by serpents and who were too weak to look toward the brass serpent were helped by others. How can we help someone to look on Jesus, our Brass Serpent?

Chapter 39: The Conquest of Bashan

1. Compare and contrast the Israelites’ respective battles against the Amorites, the Amalekites, and the Edomites. How did these victories help to prepare Israel to enter Canaan? How can these battles be symbols of the Christian’s struggles against sin?

2. Describe times when you have had to wait for God to go ahead of you so that you could fight life’s giants?

3. Israel frequently fought physical battles against physical enemies. What is the proper place for a military in today’s nations?

Chapter 40: Balaam

1. While the events of Balaam’s conspiracy with Balak and the Moabites was taking place, the Israelites were camped on a plain, preparing to enter the Promised Land. How much did Israel know of Balaam’s designs? How often are we in danger without our knowledge? How often do we experience God’s care and protection?

2. Balaam knew that God did not want him to comply with Balak’s proposed plan to curse Israel, yet he accepted the riches offered. When we understand our duty, how should we respond? What was wrong with Balaam’s response?

3. “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his,” said Balaam. Do you think Balaam truly desired to die as a righteous man? Why or why not?

Chapter 41: Apostasy at the Jordan

1. Israel camped beside the Jordan, where, on every side, were influences of idolatry and licentiousness. What cultural or social influences are major sources of temptation to God’s people today?

2. Is it possible to live in the midst of nonbelievers and yet remain faithful to God? How did Jesus do it?

3. Read Psalm 119:11 and Philippians 4:8. What two activities will keep us from falling into sin? What abiding influence will attract our minds to dwell on holy things?

4. Our minds are often educated to familiarity with sin. What, if any, books, magazines, videos, or other forms of media entertainment can you identify in your own life that take your mind away from thinking holy thoughts?

Chapter 42: The Law Repeated

1. Moses reminded Israel of the unique privilege they had in possessing God’s law and how the law set them apart from other nations. How do you perceive God’s law in your own life? Is it a burden or a blessing?

2. The book of Deuteronomy is the recitation of God’s covenant with Israel. What does this covenant tell you about God’s desire to have a relationship with you?

3. Why is it important for God’s people to remember how He has led them in the past?

Chapter 43: The Death of Moses

1. Compare God’s relationship with His people after the death of Moses with that which existed in the wilderness under Moses’ direction.

2. Why would God wait until Moses was about to die to show him a detailed vision of the future?

3. Moses was a type or symbol of Christ. Name several similarities between Moses and Jesus.

Chapter 44: Crossing the Jordan

1. Compare God’s relationship with Moses with His relationship with Joshua.

2. Why was the Ark of the Covenant carried into the Jordan River before the people?

3. The Jordan did not divide until the priests stepped into the water. How might you “step out in faith” concerning a specific challenge you are now facing?

4. The Israelites set up a memorial made of stones taken from the Jordan River. What are some types of memorials that help us to remember God’s providences?

Chapter 45: The Fall of Jericho

1. Compare God’s meeting with Joshua before the fall of Jericho with His meeting with Moses at the burning bush.

2. Soldiers often take plunder for themselves in battle. Why did God command that all the gold and silver from Jericho be put into the sanctuary treasury?

3. Israel was defeated at Ai as a result of Achan’s sin. What does this show us about the effect sin has on the church today?

Chapter 46: The Blessings and the Curses

1. Read Deuteronomy 27. Summarize the types of actions considered blessed and those considered cursed. How might we renew our covenant with God as Israel did in reading the blessings and curses?

2. The Israelites regularly read from God’s law. Why is continually keeping God’s law in our minds important?

Chapter 47: League With the Gibeonites

1. What impact did the treaty with the Gibeonites have on the Israelites? How did God use the inappropriate treaty for His glory?

2. The treaty with the Gibeonites was binding because it was made with an oath. What does this say about the power of our words?

3. Joshua’s prayer for the sun to stand still was honored by God. Name a miracle God might be impressing you to claim by His power.

Chapter 48: The Division of Canaan

1. How were the cities of refuge a type of Christ?

2. Why did God command that the sanctuary be centrally located in the Israelite territories?

3. Caleb was rewarded with special land for his faithfulness. Has God ever rewarded you for your faithfulness?

4. What lessons for solving conflicts can we learn from Joshua’s dealings with the altar built on the far side of the Jordan River?

Chapter 49: The Last Words of Joshua

1. Compare Joshua’s final words to Israel with those of Moses. What do these speeches teach about the qualities of a good leader?

2. Discuss the meaning of the following statement: “That so-called benevolence which would set aside justice is not benevolence but weakness.”

3. How can Christ still be seen as merciful, even though He may let us face the negative consequences of our sins?

Chapter 50: Tithes and Offerings

1. Compare and contrast tithes and offerings. What does the system of tithes and offerings teach about the proper management of money?

2. What are some improper methods of church fund-raising.

3. Why did God ask Israel to give Him the first fruits of harvest? What are some ways that we can give Christ of the first fruits of our talents and our time?

4. Exodus 36:6 says that the people gave so much offering for building the sanctuary that they had to be restrained from giving more. What would it take to bring about such a situation in your church?

Chapter 51: God’s Care for the Poor

1. The poor in Israel could glean for food in the fields. How does this compare with the system of helping the poor in your country? What are the benefits of having the poor glean in the fields, as opposed to giving them hand-outs?

2. Matthew 25:40 says that whatever we do for the poor we do to Jesus. Explain this.

3. Name a special offering of money or service that you could give to help the less fortunate.

Chapter 52: The Annual Feasts

1. Describe the aspects of Passover. How does the Passover service parallel the work of Christ?

2. While Christians are not required to observe the Jewish festivals, what benefits might we receive from learning more about them?

3. How did the festivals help Israel to remember God’s providence? How might you regularly remember God’s providence in your life?

Chapter 53: The Earlier Judges

1. What types of sins did the Israelites commit during the period of the judges?

2. How do Joshua’s predictions compare with the reality of Israel during the period of the judges? Read Joshua 23:14-16.

3. What are the benefits and dangers in asking for signs as Gideon did? When might it be appropriate to ask for a sign from God?

4. Based on your reading of the story of Gideon, what types of people does God seek for service in His work?

Chapter 54: Samson

1. Compare the story of Samson with that of Gideon.

2. Where do you see God’s mercy in Samson’s life?

3. What lessons about parenting can one learn from Samson’s story?

Chapter 55: The Child Samuel

1. How did Samuel’s life parallel the life of Christ?

2. Why was Samuel able to comfort Eli?

3. Samuel’s mother dedicated him to the service of God at the sanctuary. What are some other ways to dedicate children to God’s service?

4. What can we learn from Samuel’s early years about the proper ways to do ministry?

Chapter 56: Eli and His Sons

1. What mistakes did Eli make in raising his sons?

2. How did the actions of Eli’s sons distort the meaning of the sanctuary services as symbols pointing to Christ? Do we mix selfishness in our worship of God, as Eli’s sons did?

3. What responsibility do leaders bear for the actions of those under them?

4. We may need to rebuke people who are living in sin. When is the correct time and what is the correct way to give a rebuke?

Chapter 57: The Ark Taken by the Philistines

1. Why would God send a warning to Eli through the child Samuel?

2. At first, Samuel did not recognize God’s voice when He called. How do you recognize God’s voice when He speaks to you?

3. Why did it not work to send the Ark into battle with the Philistines? Do we sometimes put more faith in the external forms of worship than in the practice of real holiness?

4. How did God use the Ark to humble the Philistines?

Chapter 58: The Schools of the Prophets

1. Did the schools of the prophets differ from our contemporary church schools?

2. Describe the nature of true education.

3. How is “God is love” written throughout nature?

Chapter 59: The First King of Israel

1. What led the Israelites to want a king?

2. In choosing a king, Israel preferred a human ruler over God, the divine Ruler. How can we, in our religious experience, prefer human rule above God’s rule?

3. God sent a warning through Samuel that having a king was unwise. How might God warn us if something we pray for is unwise?

Chapter 60: The Presumption of Saul

1. Why was it wrong for Saul to offer a sacrifice following the battle against the Philistines? Read 1 Samuel 13.

2. Saul weakened the army by making them fast. What motivated Saul to order the people to fast during this battle? When might it not be a good time to fast?

3. Are there some instances where you may have acted presumptuously, as Saul did?

Chapter 61: Saul Rejected

1. What did God command Saul to do regarding the Amalekites? What did Saul actually do?

2. What might God have been trying to prevent by a call to war? See, e.g., Esther 2:5; 3:1.

3. According to 1 Samuel 15:35, after Saul’s disobedience Samuel no longer had contact with him. When is it appropriate to stop witnessing to a rebellious person?

4. Saul offered sacrifices that seemed pious but were actually the result of disobedience. Name a specific way we can offer what seems to be worship, but is actually disobedience.

Chapter 62: The Anointing of David

1. David lived as a shepherd before becoming a king. How did living as a shepherd prepare him to be a king?

2. How was David to be a type of Christ?

3. How can we prepare, as David did, for leadership in God’s kingdom?

Chapter 63: David and Goliath

1. Contrast David’s and Saul’s strategies in dealing with Goliath.

2. Compare David’s behavior as a shepherd with his behavior as a warrior.

3. How is the battle of David and Goliath similar to the battle between us and Satan?

4. David calmed Saul by playing the harp. What are some ways that we can bring comfort to those troubled in spirit?

Chapter 64: David a Fugitive

1. Why did God show more favor to David than to Saul?

2. David was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel rather than Jonathan. How, then, could Jonathan be so kind to David? How should we act toward people who get positions we believe we should have received?

3. How might David’s perils in fleeing from Saul have prepared him for wise rulership?

4. God worked in wondrous ways to keep Saul from harming David. How might God keep someone from hurting you?

Chapter 65: The Magnanimity of David

1. What are examples of David demonstrating an exemplary character?

2. David always treated Saul kindly. Why did God deliver Saul into the hands of David, knowing that David would show him mercy? How can we apply David’s approach to situations that require dealing with evil or unkind people?

3. David and others wrote psalms of encouragement and comfort. How can we use the Psalms in times of trouble?

Chapter 66: The Death of Saul

1. Compare Samuel’s words in 1 Samuel 15 with the words of the spirit pretending to be Samuel.

2. Saul was zealous for God in his early reign. Why, then, later did he stoop so low as to consult with a witch?

3. Saul was desperate when he sought help from a witch. Do we do desperate and stupid things when God seems distant?

Chapter 67: Ancient and Modern Sorcery

1. Compare ancient and modern witchcraft.

2. How is one who believes that the soul goes to heaven at death more susceptible to witchcraft?

3. What would the devil have to gain from appearing as a familiar spirit?

4. If Satan or one of his angels appeared to you as a departed relative, what should you do?

Chapter 68: David at Ziklag

1. Why was it foolish for David to hide among the Philistines?

2. How did God still provide for David in Philistia?

3. Saul’s refusal to destroy the Amalekites led to one of them bringing about his death. How can failing to address a small sin in our lives result in greater trouble later?

Chapter 69: David Called to the Throne

1. The killing of Ishbosheth was a result of being over-zealous or improperly zealous for a cause. How can we go too far and hurt others in the name of doing what is right? Why was it wrong for Ishbosheth to be slain?

2. After learning he would reign, David had to wait several years before actually reigning. Why would God make David go through such a waiting period?

Chapter 70: The Reign of David

1. What is the significance of Psalm 24, which was sung as the Ark was moved?

2. David was told that he was not to build the temple because he was a man of violence. Why was it necessary for a man of peace to build God’s temple?

3. David, in a pure manner, danced before the Lord. What are some ways that can we daily celebrate God’s providence?

4. God overlooked the Philistines’ transportion of the Ark on an ox cart. What other types of situations has God overlooked?

Chapter 71: David’s Sin and Repentance

1. What consequences did David face for committing adultery with Bathsheba?

2. Why did God wait almost a year before having David confronted regarding his sin with Bathsheba?

3. David received mercy from God after committing adultery. How do we make ourselves available to Christ’s mercy when we sin?

Chapter 72: The Rebellion of Absalom

1. How did David’s sin with Bathsheba contribute to Absalom’s rebellion?

2. Consider Amnon’s sin toward Tamar (2 Samuel 13). How should we take care of victims of crimes such as rape?

3. How are David’s dealings with Absalom similar to Christ’s dealings with humanity?

Chapter 73: The Last Years of David

1. Why was David’s census of the people of Israel improper?

2. Why did God have David choose among multiple punishments for taking the census?

3. David’s census of the Israelites became a sin of pride for him. How might counting our achievements become sin?

4. David had to leave the work of building the temple to Solomon. How would you best prepare someone coming after you to do the work you cannot do?