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5 W Questions For the Story of “Israel Asks for a King” from 1 Samuel 8

Topic: Spiritual GrowthBy Kathy Vincent, The Scripture LadyPublished Recently added

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Israel, Israel, Israel! Will they ever get it? Will they ever figure out that God wants to be their only King? That they can fully trust in Him for all their nation’s needs? First Samuel 8 is indeed a sad commentary on the level of trust Israel places in God. If it’s a king they want, it’s a king they will get and will be sadder for it in the end. Here is a Bible story that your children must learn. Hopefully, it will inspire them to place God as the King of kings and Lord of lords in their own lives.

Here are eighteen 5 “W” questions – who, what, when, where, why and how - with their answers for the story of “Israel Asks for a King” found in 1 Samuel 8:1-22. These questions can be used with both young children and elementary children. Just be ready to tweak them a little bit for the appropriate age. You can also read a verse first, and then ask the question or you can read the whole passage of Scripture and then ask the questions. Your younger children might enjoy having some kind of puppet ask the questions. Have fun!
Questions for the story “Israel Asks for a King”

1. When did Samuel make his sons leaders of Israel?
Answer: When he was old. (1 Samuel 8:1)

2. What were the names of Samuel’s sons?
Answer: Joel and Abijah. (1 Samuel 8:2)

3. Where did Samuel’s sons serve?
Answer: At Beersheba. (1 Samuel 8:2)

4. How did Samuel’s sons not follow his ways?
Answer: They got dishonest gain and accepted people’s bribes and perverted justice. (1 Samuel 8:3)

5. Who came to Samuel at Ramah?
Answer: The elders of Israel. (1 Samuel 8:4)

6. What did the elders say to Samuel?
Answer: “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king... (1 Samuel 8:5)

7. Who else had a king?
Answer: All the other nations. (1 Samuel 8:5)

8. How did the request of the elders make Samuel feel?
Answer: Sad. (1 Samuel 8:6)

9. Who did Samuel pray to?
Answer: The Lord. (1 Samuel 8:6)

10. Who did the Lord say Israel had rejected?
Answer: The Lord. (1 Samuel 8:7)

11. How long has Israel been rejecting the Lord?
Answer: Since He brought them out of Egypt. (1 Samuel 8:8)

12. What did the Lord tell Samuel to do?
Answer: To listen to the people and tell them how the king will be with them. (1 Samuel 8:9)

13. What are some things the king will do to Israel when he reigns over them?
Answer: (Accept answers from 1 Samuel 8:10-17)

14. When Israel becomes slaves, will the Lord answer their cries?
Answer: No. (1 Samuel 8:18)

15. What did Israel want even after Samuel told them how a king would reign over them?
Answer: A king. (1 Samuel 8:19)

16. Who did Israel want to be like according to 8:20?
Answer: Like other nations. (1 Samuel 8:20)

17. What did Israel want the king to do for them?
Answer: Lead them and fight their battles for them. (1 Samuel 8:20)

18. What did the Lord say to Samuel after he told them what the people said?
Answer: “Listen to them and give them a king.” (1 Samuel 8:22)

Next, if you liked this Sunday School/Homeschooling idea, then sign up today to receive Scripture Lady's Free Email Kid Tips packed full with creative ideas and receive 6 FREE Bible Review Games to help your kids get excited about the Bible!

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Article author

About the Author

Kathy Vincent is the director of a performing ministry for children called The Scripture Lady and has been traveling around Southern Califo ia for the past 15 years ministering to preschoolers and elementary aged children with the Word of God through musical, thematic presentations.

She is also a regular seminar speaker, author/creator of over 30 products for the Christian children's worker and a veteran homeschooling mom of two.

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