Series:   I & II Samuel for Beginners
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The Rise and Fall of King Saul

By: Mike Mazzalongo    
This lesson summarizes the familiar history of the relationship between Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. There is also information concerning God's choice of Saul and lessons for the church today based on these leaders of long ago.
Sources

1. The Bible (Primary Source)

  • English Standard Version (ESV)
  • New International Version (NIV)
  • New King James Version (NKJV)

These Bible translations provide the direct accounts of the events and characters in I Samuel chapters 11-31, which were summarized and reflected upon in today's material.

2. Biblical Commentaries and Expository Resources

  • Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: Offers in-depth reflections and theological insights on the narrative of 1 Samuel, emphasizing moral and spiritual lessons.
  • The New Bible Commentary (Editors: D.A. Carson, R.T. France, J.A. Motyer, and Gordon Wenham): Provides scholarly exegesis and historical context for 1 Samuel, with attention to leadership themes and character studies.
  • Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament: Known for its detailed linguistic and historical analysis of biblical texts, this commentary sheds light on the events and characters of 1 Samuel, particularly Saul and David.

3. Theological and Leadership Reflections

  • "The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament" by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas: This resource provides cultural and historical background relevant to understanding the leadership dynamics and relationships in 1 Samuel.
  • "An Introduction to the Old Testament" by Tremper Longman III and Raymond B. Dillard: Discusses the theological and historical significance of the events in 1 Samuel, especially focusing on kingship, leadership, and God's providence.

4. Pastoral and Christian Leadership Resources

  • "Spiritual Leadership" by J. Oswald Sanders: This book provides principles of leadership that are applicable to David's example of patience and trust in God's timing.
  • John Maxwell's Biblical Leadership Insights: Maxwell's teachings often draw on biblical examples, like David's, to teach contemporary leadership values such as integrity, patience, and reliance on God.

These resources, combined with the direct biblical narrative, form the foundation for the summaries, lessons, and reflections provided on I Samuel chapters 11-31.

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