| Text: 1 Samuel – Esther Summary: A sweeping survey of 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther traces Israel’s shift from Judges to Kings—highlighting Saul’s disobedience, David’s covenant and failures, Solomon’s wisdom and apostasy, the kingdom’s division and exile, and the return and rebuilding under Ezra and Nehemiah—illustrating that human kingdoms rise and fall while God’s promises endure. The takeaways stress repentance, obedience over mere ritual, renewed devotion to Scripture, and trust that God faithfully works behind the scenes. Open The Scriptures 1. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-17 slowly. What do you notice? 2. In 1 Samuel 8, what reasons do the people give for wanting a king, and how does God interpret their request? 3. How do the stories of Saul, David, and Solomon show the difference between outward success and faithfulness to God? 4. When we look at 1 Kings 11:1–8 and Solomon’s downfall, what do you notice? How could someone so wise could fall away from God so “easily”? Open Your Lives 1. The prophet Samuel tried to convince the people they didn’t want a human king, and they rejected the idea of God being king for them. Where in your life are you tempted to insist “have it my way” instead of trusting God’s guidance? 2. What small, specific habit could you start this week to read and reflect on Scripture more regularly, as Ezra did for the people when they returned to rebuild Jerusalem? 3. Which relationship or choice in your life most needs repentance or renewed submission to God right now? |
| The Bridge Church at Bear Creek |
