1 Samuel 8:1-3 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

If I were Samuel in this situation I would never have appointed my sons as judges.

There is example number one. We are quick to judge others actions since we know the outcome. There is absolutely no truth in inserting my judgment into a historical event. I am not God and I cannot force my will into editing history. There is no way to prove my actions would have produced any better results. That is playing god with history and should be avoided.

Have you read the commentaries on this? Did you dig deep enough into other writings by learned men? How about those study bible notes we all like to turn to for the easy answer? Do we rely on the opinions of others to replace our own studies? Do we use Cliff Notes?

Those may well prepare you to answer a quiz, but this isn’t a test, it is your relationship with your God. Did you take it easy or did you take the time? Only you can answer that to God. I don’t want to know, it is your relationship and it will be what you make of it.

I read several commentaries myself and I found that those authors based their assertions upon two main issues. Number one was that they believed Samuel was wrong. Number two was that they understood Samuel. Both approaches can be considered flawed.

Tomorrow I will do a deeper examination of those assertions and see how they stand up in the light of God’s Word.

Your assignment for tomorrow is examine Samuel’s historical experience and discover any hint that might influence his thinking and actions. Scriptures will be required as proof of effort.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

From what I can remember about my school years I was given homework assignments but was never taught how to study. I do not know how that went for other children, I can only speak out of my own experience. I do not know if any of those tools or techniques learned early in life will help here. I can only speak from experience within my own ability and dedication.

One import line within the opening verse should be that you should not be ashamed. How much time you place within your studies and how much you derive from that time should not lead to a personal shame.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus despises shame because it hinders growth in relationship. Shame will keep you from coming to the Lord for the help you need and in this your relationship with the Lord has to be put forth as primary consideration.

Psalm 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Please take all this into consideration as I endeavor to share with you these things I have experienced during decades of studies in His Word.

According to the gifts bestowed upon me by God I do believe He has led me to a study to demonstrate as a minimum common errors to avoid. I cannot instill any level of dedication in you to do the homework. That is not up to me.

Homework; read and study 1 Samuel 8.