General Introduction to the Book of Samuel Quiz

1. According to the introduction, what is the primary theme of the Book of Samuel?

• A. The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
• B. The origins of kingship and the shift to an institutional monarchy in Israel.
• C. The conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.
• D. The giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai.

💡 Need a Hint?

Consider the major change in Israel’s leadership structure that the book documents.

2. In the canonical structure of the Hebrew Bible presented, the Book of Samuel is part of which major section?

• A. Trei-Assar (The Twelve)
• B. Neviim (The Prophets)
• C. Torah (The Five Books of Moses)
• D. Ketuvim (The Writings)

💡 Need a Hint?

Review the provided list of the three main divisions of the Hebrew Bible.

3. How did the judge Gideon’s view on leadership contrast with the people’s demand in 1 Samuel?

• A. Gideon requested that Samuel choose a king for the people.
• B. Gideon insisted that only God should rule over Israel.
• C. Gideon believed his sons were more qualified to rule than he was.
• D. Gideon argued that a king was necessary to be like other nations.

💡 Need a Hint?

The source material highlights a significant shift in attitude between the era of Judges and the time of Samuel.

4. According to the section ‘God in the Background,’ what happened to Saul after the spirit of God departed from him?

• A. He went to war against the Ammonites and was victorious.
• B. He confessed his sins and was forgiven by God.
• C. He was immediately anointed again by Samuel.
• D. He was terrified by an evil spirit sent from God.

💡 Need a Hint?

The text describes a direct and troubling consequence of God’s spirit leaving Saul.

5. The theme ‘Human Beings at the Center’ is illustrated by God’s instruction to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7. What was this instruction?

• A. To select the oldest son as is customary.
• B. To choose the tallest and most handsome of the sons.
• C. To anoint the one who was the most skilled warrior.
• D. To look past physical appearance and see into the heart.

💡 Need a Hint?

This passage contrasts the way humans evaluate people with God’s method of evaluation.

6. What reason did the people give Samuel for wanting a king, as cited in 1 Samuel 8:5?

• A. They believed Samuel was too old and his sons were not following his ways.
• B. To have someone govern them like all the other nations.
• C. Gideon had instructed them to appoint a king after his death.
• D. They needed a leader for the upcoming sacrifice to God.

💡 Need a Hint?

Focus on the final clause of the quotation from 1 Samuel 8:5.

7. The anointing of both Saul and David involved a specific action by Samuel. What did he use in this ritual?

• A. Ashes from the altar.
• B. A scroll of the law.
• C. Water from a sacred spring.
• D. A flask or horn of oil.

💡 Need a Hint?

The text mentions two different containers for the same substance used for both anointings.