1 Samuel Quiz – Characters and Themes

Interactive Quiz: Leadership & Characters in Samuel

Use this quiz to test your knowledge on the narratives of Eli, Samuel, Saul, and David.

1. According to the provided text, what was the specific reason God sentenced Eli’s house to ‘endless punishment’?
  • A. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt heirs who lost a major battle.
  • B. He failed to properly mentor Samuel as his successor.
  • C. He rebelled against a direct command from God.
  • D. He was aware of his sons’ sacrilegious behavior but did not discipline them.
Hint: The reason for the judgment relates to Eli’s failure in his parental and priestly duties.
Correct Answer: D. 1 Samuel 3:13 states he knew his sons were making themselves sacrilegious but did not “frown on them” (discipline them).
2. How did the people of Israel, from Dan to Beer-sheba, come to know that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of GOD?
  • A. He served as a ‘Bridge Between Eras,’ guiding the transition to monarchy.
  • B. He defeated the Philistines in a decisive battle.
  • C. He anointed both Saul and David as kings.
  • D. GOD was with him and did not let any of his predictions go unfulfilled.
Hint: Consider what would consistently prove to people that a prophet’s words come from God.
Correct Answer: D. 1 Samuel 3:19-20 explains that GOD was with him and “did not let any of his words fall to the ground.”
3. The text compares Saul’s rebellion to ‘the sin of divination’ and his defiance to ‘the iniquity of oracle idols.’ What was the direct consequence of this behavior?
  • A. Jonathan formed a covenant with his rival, David.
  • B. The spirit of the Lord departed from him.
  • C. His sons were prevented from inheriting the throne.
  • D. God rejected him from being king.
Hint: The punishment directly mirrored the crime: rejection for rejection.
Correct Answer: D. 1 Samuel 15:23 concludes: “Because you have rejected GOD’s word, He has rejected you as king.”
4. What promise regarding David’s legacy is highlighted in the excerpt from 2 Samuel?
  • A. He would be known as the man who united all of Israel.
  • B. He would be loved by his allies as they loved their own soul.
  • C. His house, kingship, and throne would be secure and established forever.
  • D. The spirit of the Lord would come mightily upon him forever.
Hint: The promise focuses on the permanence of his family’s rule.
Correct Answer: C. 2 Samuel 7:16 promises that his “house and kingship shall ever be secure… your throne shall be established forever.”
5. According to the provided descriptions of the anointings, what happened to David immediately after Samuel anointed him that is not mentioned as happening to Saul at his anointing?
  • A. The spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him.
  • B. Samuel declared him ruler over God’s people.
  • C. Samuel kissed him.
  • D. He was anointed in the presence of his brothers.
Hint: Think about the divine sign of empowerment that followed the physical act of anointing.
Correct Answer: A. In 1 Samuel 16:13, the spirit of GOD gripped David “from that day on,” whereas for Saul (10:1) only the physical act and verbal charge are initially mentioned.
6. The relationship between Jonathan and David is described as a key alliance. What was the foundation of the covenant they made?
  • A. Jonathan’s recognition of David as the divinely chosen successor.
  • B. A shared military strategy against the Philistines.
  • C. Jonathan loving David as he loved his own soul.
  • D. A political agreement to unite the houses of Saul and Jesse.
Hint: The text emphasizes the emotional depth of their bond as the basis for their formal agreement.
Correct Answer: C. 1 Samuel 18:1-3 notes that Jonathan’s soul became bound up with David’s and he loved him as himself.
7. Which of the following individuals is classified under the category of ‘Generals’ in the ‘Tapestry of Secondary Characters’?
  • A. Uriah the Hittite
  • B. Joab ben Zeruiah
  • C. Absalom
  • D. Hushai the Archite
Hint: Review the list of military leaders mentioned in the source material.
Correct Answer: B. Joab ben Zeruiah is listed as one of the Generals (alongside Abner ben Ner).
8. What common theme connects the characters listed as ‘The Corrupt Heirs,’ such as Hophni, Phinehas, and Absalom?
  • A. They were prophets who gave false or misleading advice to the king.
  • B. They were all opportunists who shifted loyalty between Saul and David.
  • C. They were all sons of primary leaders who created problems for their fathers’ reigns.
  • D. They were all foreign mercenaries who betrayed the king of Israel.
Hint: Consider the family relationships of the individuals listed in this group.
Correct Answer: C. These characters represent the failure or betrayal of the next generation (Eli’s sons and David’s son).
9. Ziba and Shimei ben Gera are highlighted as examples of ‘Opportunists & Survivors.’ What does their behavior reflect about the setting of the Book of Samuel?
  • A. The deep religious piety of the era.
  • B. The importance of foreign alliances for survival.
  • C. The unstable political climate during the transition of power.
  • D. The strong and unwavering loyalty to the monarchy.
Hint: Think about why someone would need to frequently change their allegiance.
Correct Answer: C. Their shifting loyalties highlight the complex and often dangerous political reality when power is changing hands.
10. Which of the following character types is NOT explicitly listed as a category in ‘The Tapestry of Secondary Characters’?
  • A. Loyal Soldiers
  • B. Voices of Wisdom
  • C. The Foreigners
  • D. The Prophets
Hint: Carefully read the bulleted list of headings for the different groups of secondary figures.
Correct Answer: D. While prophets like Nathan and Gad are mentioned, “The Prophets” is not a specific category heading like the others listed.