Heroes of Israel / Text of the Hero Stories with Notes and Questions for Young Students

by Theodore Gerald Soares

THE MEANING OF THE STORY

202 (§62A). Look at the map of Canaan and find the tribe of Benjamin. Is it a very large tribe? The tribes occupied separate districts, something like our states. This story is going to tell us about how the first king was chosen, so it is particular to tell us where he came from and how it happened. What kind of man was Saul? Some animals that are used very much in Palestine had strayed: tell about them.

203 (§62A). Saul and the servant had wandered a long way looking for the donkeys, probably spending several days in the hunt. At last Saul made up his mind to do something: what was it? But the servant thought of a plan to help them in their search. The man of God was one who could help people in their troubles. They were supposed to bring him a present. What did Saul do about the present?

204 (§62B). Try to imagine the whole scene. Think what Saul and the servant were doing: whom did they meet and what did they ask? We must understand that a feast was to be held. The people were going to cook a whole animal. They would pour out the blood and burn the fat, which was called a sacrifice and was part of their religion; then they would eat the rest of the animal with great joy. It happened that the two men reached the city just as the feast was to be held. And Samuel would be there to ask the blessing. The girls told the two men all this. What happened just as they reached the city?

205 (§62B). The Philistines were enemies of Israel who greatly troubled them. Samuel had been wondering how the people could be saved from their enemies. What had the Lord told him? What did Samuel feel just as soon as he saw Saul?

206 (§62B). Try to imagine the meeting. What did Saul say? What did Samuel answer? Notice the invitation, the information about the donkeys, and especially the hint of some great thing. Saul is surprised: what does he say to Samuel?

207 (§62B). What did Samuel do for Saul? What plan had Samuel made so that a good piece of meat could be kept? Note the part of the animal that they thought best is the same that we like: it is the leg of lamb or the second joint of the turkey. What did Samuel say to Saul?

208 (§62B). Evidently Samuel took Saul to his own house. What part of the house did they use in those days for visiting? How could they do so? What do you think they talked about? Once during the Civil War Abraham Lincoln went to visit Henry Ward Beecher: what do you think they talked of? Samuel had great hopes that Saul was the man to save Israel.

209 (§63A). After the conversation they went to bed. Then they talked again early in the morning. Then Samuel walked with Saul out of the city. What plan did Samuel use to be alone with Saul? Picture the scene to yourself: the old man with the flask of olive oil in his hand, the tall young man wondering about his future, the anointing, the solemn kiss, the promise.

210 (§63A). What signs was Saul to have? Samuel's last word meant that Saul was to wait until some great opportunity should arise and then to do as God led him. We shall see how the opportunity came.

211 (§63B). Tell the story of what happened to Saul after he left Samuel. What was the conversation between Saul and his uncle? What did Saul keep silent about? Why do you think he did so? He was modest; he did not want to boast. It seems that he went quietly to work on his father's farm and waited for something to happen that should show him what to do.

212 (§64). The scene of the story changes. Locate Ammon on the map, east of the Jordan. The Ammonites were old enemies of Israel. Locate Jabesh-Gilead, the town which they attacked. The people were afraid and begged for mercy. What terms did the cruel king offer them? He was so sure that no one in Israel could save them that he let them send messengers asking for help. The messengers came to the town where Saul lived. Locate Gibeah in Saul's tribe. How did the people feel when they heard the news? What had Saul been doing since his return from Samuel? Tell the story of how he came home on the day the messengers arrived.

213 (§64). How did the news affect Saul? This was the opportunity that Samuel had told him to wait for. What striking thing did he do to gather an army? Tell the story of the successful march to relieve Jabesh-Gilead.

214 (§64). What did the people think of the hero who had saved them? What did they do? Who was the first president of the United States? Why was he elected? Who was the first king of Israel? Why was he chosen?