Shmuel I Introduction to Chapters 1-7 1. Skim the first half of Sefer Shmuel and attempt to divide these chapters into distinct units. Relate to the final psukim of Chapter 7. List several reasons why Chapters 1-7 is a distinct unit that could be titled "Shmuel the Judge." Could these chapters be considered a continuation of Sefer Shoftim? If so, why? What part of Sefer Shoftim are they connected to? (Relate to authorship (see Bava Batra 14b), content, structure, etc.) Why do you think these chapters were not included in Sefer Shoftim? Chapters 1-3 2. Compare the story of Shimshon to that of Shmuel (relate to their parents, birth, life, and leadership). How was Shmuel more successful? Why was he more successful? Relate this fact to Tefilat Chanah, (Chanah's prayer) and to his time period. (See 2:10). 3. Explain the contrast between Shmuel, and Eli and his sons. What tribe was Shmuel from? (See Divrei HaYamim I Chapter 6). Was he related to Korach? In what way are Korach and Shmuel similar? What was the status of the national leadership, religious leadership, and nevuah (prophecy) when Shmuel was young? How and why did these things change during his lifetime? Chapters 4-6 4. Why did Bnei Yisrael take the Aron to battle? Was there a precedent for this action? Should this action be considered a mitzvah, optional or forbidden? What concepts of gods did the other nations have? Did Bnei Yisrael relate to their G-d in a similar way? What is the Aron supposed to represent? How did the Pelishtim react to the Aron? After capturing the Aron, why did they put it in Beit Dagon? In what way are these events related to the level of Bnei Yisrael during the time period of the Shoftim? What is their connection to Shmuel and to the sons of Eli? 5. What happened to the Mishkan after this battle? (See Yirmiyahu Chapter 7:13-15 and Rambam Hilchot Beit HaBechirah Chapter 1, Halacha 2). To where do you think the Aron should have been brought after it returned from the Pelishtim? Does it ever return to the Mishkan? Why were the people of Beit Shemesh punished? Why was the Aron moved to Kiryat Ye'Arim? (In what tribe and by which border is it located?) When and where were the Aron and Mishkan finally reunited? Chapter 7 6. In pasuk 2, twenty years elapse as Bnei Yisrael return to Hashem. Do you think that this return is caused by the events of chapters 4-6, or by the leadership of Shmuel as mentioned in chapter 7? Do you think that these twenty years include chapter 7 or do you think that the twenty years transpire before chapter 7? (See commentaries there). 7. Shmuel gathers Bnei Yisrael together at Mitzpeh for a 'National Convention.’ What was the purpose of this gathering? Did any Shofet prior to Shmuel organize such a gathering? Would you say that this is the major difference between Shmuel and the other Shoftim? (Relate to your answer to question #1). Read Divrei HaYomim II Chapter 35. Especially note pasuk 18. How has Shmuel corrected the problems of the period of the Shoftim? Explain why Chapters 1-7 relate to Sefer Shoftim (who is their author?) 8. See Shoftim 20:1. Why do you think the Pelishtim understood Shmuel's convention as an act of war? Were the people prepared for battle? To whom did Bnei Yisrael attribute the victory? Contrast this battle with Chapter 4. What is the Navi's message? Using the psukim at the end of Chapter 7, explain why Shmuel was a Shofet, and why he was better and more successful than his predecessors were. Chapters 8-12 1. Skim chapters 8-13. Why are chapters 8-12 a separate unit? (How does this unit differ from chapter 7 and from chapter 13)? What is the topic of this unit and how is it unique? (Relate to text and content). Carefully compare Chapter 8 to Chapter 12! 2. Attempt to define the differences between a king and a judge. (Relate to type of government, transfer of power, ability to levy taxes and draft soldiers, national policies, etc.). Bring examples from Sefer Shoftim and from Shmuel. What are the positive and negative aspects of each type of leader? Does Malchut Adam (kingship of people) conflict with Malchut Shamayim (Kingship of Hashem)? (See Shoftim 8:23). Read about appointing a king in Devarim 17:14-20. See the commentaries there. Is it a mitzvah to appoint a king? (See Rambam Hilchot Melachim Chapter 1 Halacha 1). If it is, why has it taken so long to fulfill this mitzvah? Carefully read the Gemara on this topic in Sandhedrin 20b, from the mishnah until the end of the daf. If a king is something negative, what type of government is ideal? 3. Why did Bnei Yisrael ask for a king at this time? Can you relate your answer to the 'cycle' of Sefer Shoftim? In your opinion, was there more than one group among the people? See Radak and Ralbag there and in chapter 12 pasuk 12. Why was Shmuel angry, and why did Hashem tell Shmuel to agree? What is the 'mishpat hamelech?’ Does the king have the right to take all the things mentioned? Why? (See Radak). Why did Shmuel warn Bnei Yisrael about the ‘mishpat hamelech’ - to scare them? 4. Why are the people so worried about war at this time? What is the alternative to appointing a king? Why does Bnei Yisrael ask Shmuel for a king - are they not capable of appointing a king by themselves? 5. Does Shaul seem to be a natural leader in chapter 9? How is his leadership character enhanced in chapter 10? What is the significance of the three signs? Once they have come true, what is Shaul's guide? What is he supposed to do? What is the reaction of the people after he is anointed as king at Mitzpeh? Are there two groups? Explain each group. 6. How is Shaul's leadership character enhanced in chapter 11? Does Shaul have a special connection to Yavesh Gilad? See Shoftim chapter 21. Why does Shmuel re-anoint Shaul after the battle of Yavesh Gilad? Why in Gilgal? (What should have happened in Sefer Yehoshua)? Why is the reaction of the people more favorable this time? 7. Chapter 12 answers almost all of the questions raised regarding the problems of appointing a king in chapter 8. Chapter 12 Chapter 8 Compare Psukim 3-5 to Psukim 11-18 6-12 19-20 13-15 7-9 8. In pasuk 3, is Shmuel showing off or trying to set an example? Why is there an increased fear of corruption with the kingship? Relate this to the parallel between Shmuel and Korach. (Look in the questions on chapters 1-3). 9. What is the main point that is made in psukim 6-15? Shmuel causes it to rain during the wheat harvest, (late spring) as a sign of Hashem's anger at their request for a king. Is rain good or bad? At what time of the year? What may this tell you about a king? 10. Pasuk 19: The people finally regret asking for a king. If Shmuel is truly against having a king, why does he insist that they keep their king? Pasuk 22: Why does Hashem want a melech? Under what condition will the kingdom be successful? Chapters 13-16 1. Why is Chapter 13 the beginning of a new unit? What is the topic of this unit? Is this a standard opening line? Where do you think this unit ends? List several possibilities. For each possibility, explain the topic and your reasoning. In what way is this unit different from previous chapters? 2. Could it be that Shaul was only one year old when he became king? Is it logical that he reigned for only two years? Look in the commentaries. What statement do you think is being made by the Navi regarding the kingship of Shaul? How does this statement relate to the topic of this unit? (Keep this question in mind as you read the upcoming chapters). 3. In what geographical area of the country did the Pelishtim live? What geographical area did they now begin to penetrate? What event caused the Pelishtim to launch a full attack? Compare this battle with the two previous battles against the Pelishtim in Sefer Shmuel. What would be the result of a defeat? How will the outcome of this battle affect the attitude of the people toward Shaul? Why do you think Shmuel requested that Shaul wait seven days, despite the fact that all his troops began running away, etc.? What is the connection between 13:8-12 and 10:7-9? When can the king do whatever he thinks best, and when must he wait for the Navi? (Can you relate all the above to the war with Jericho)? 4. What was so terrible about Shaul bringing the Korban? (His intentions were for the sake of Heaven and in the interest of Bnei Yisrael)! Should this be the reason for him to lose the kingship? (Base your answer on problems of the melucha discussed in the questions about chapter 8). 5. From a strategic point of view, what method did Yonatan use to turn the tide of the battle? (Compare this battle to the war with Gidon vs. chariots). How did Hashem intervene in the battle? Compare the behavior of Shaul to that of Yonatan during the entire battle. Who is acting as the ideal leader? Does this conflict continue during the rest of the Sefer? How? Why did Shaul forbid his soldiers to eat on the day of the battle? Was this for religious or military reasons? Why was every minute important? Was Yonatan's approach correct? 6. Read chapter 14 psukim 47-52. Could these psukim be considered a summary of Malchut Shaul? (See Shmuel II at the end of chapter 20). Could you consider this the end of the unit that began in chapter 13? In your opinion are these chapters an accurate historical account of Shaul's reign, do they emphasize something else? (If so, what topic do they emphasize and how does it relate to Malchut David)? Chapters 15-16: The Sin of Shaul and the War with Amalek 7. Hashem commands Shaul to fight Amalek. Is Shaul commanded to attack any other nation? (See Devarim 25:17-19). If there is a special mitzvah to destroy Amalek, why did Hashem wait until now? (See Rambam Hilchot Melachim Chapter 1 Halacha 1). What is so evil about Amalek that they must be destroyed? (What is their idol worship? What do or don't they believe in)? Why do you think that the mitzvah to destroy Amalek is that of the king? (How is the ideal king the opposite of Amalek)? 8. What exactly was Shaul's sin? Were his intentions sincere? Compare this sin to his sin in chapter 13. Did Shmuel see Shaul's failure partially as his own? Prove your answer. Relate the conversation between Shaul and Shmuel to the fact that they are standing before a large public gathering. Does this help us understand Shaul's 'sincerity' when he admits that he sinned? Refer to psukim 12 and 30 in your answer. What is the relationship between Shmuel and Shaul from this time on? Chapter 16 1. Why was Shmuel mourning the loss of Shaul's kingdom? What was the relationship between Shmuel and Shaul from this time on? Why was Shmuel afraid that Shaul would kill him? Based on the anointing of David and the earlier anointing of Shaul, what is the purpose (and significance) of anointing? Is it done privately or publicly? Why? Explain why Shmuel may have a problem with his credibility after anointing David. What is the reaction of Yishai's family? 2. In your opinion, how old does David seem to be when anointed? What is his relationship, if any, with Shmuel from this time on? Later in the chapter, when he is chosen to be Shaul’s harpist, how old does he seem to be? (Look in pasuk 18). Based on these questions, how long of a time period is represented by pasuk 14? How long of a time period could pasuk 23 represent? Explain your understanding of ruach ra'ah (bad spirit) as well as ruach Hashem (the spirit of Hashem). In what way do these understandings help explain the upcoming struggle between Shaul and David? Chapter 17 3. What is the geographical reason that the battle with the Pelishtim takes place in Emek Ha'Eleh? (Locate the area on a map). Who should be the one to fight Galiat? How does this answer relate to the conflict between David and Shaul? 4. As you read chapter 17, ask yourself the following questions: a) Is this chapter a continuation of chapter 16, or is it a separate story? b) Is the story being told from Shaul or from David’s point of view? c) How old does David seem to be? (See psukim 13-15, 28, 33 and 39). d) How could Shaul not know David, considering that David had previously been chosen to be his harpist and his arms bearer? Is it possible that chapter 17 is chronologically out of order? Where could chapter 16 have taken place? (Refer to #2 above). Is there a logical reason why the story is out of order? Explain why chapter 17 could be considered a new unit. How would you define its main topic? Where does the unit end? Chapter 18-21 5. List the reasons for Shaul's jealousy of David. Are these natural, logical reasons or are they caused by a ruach ra'ah (bad spirit? Do psukim 5-9 refer only to the battle with Galiat, or do they refer to a much longer time period? Prove your answer. 6. Over the next several chapters, Shaul constantly tries to kill David. For each case list a) the cause of Shaul's jealousy b) how Shaul tried to kill David and c) who saves David. Is there a pattern? How long of a time period (in your opinion) has elapsed? Chapter 19 7. Why does David choose to run to Shmuel? If Shmuel is the accepted Navi, why doesn't he intervene in the conflict and proclaim that David is to be king? After this incident, why does David think that there is a chance that Shaul has forgiven him and that he can return? Chapter 20 8. Why does Yonatan need such a complicated system of getting a message to David? Why can't they simply meet in the field as they have done before (and as actually happens at the end)? Is Yonatan worried that he is being followed? If so, why? Chapter 21 9. Why does David go first to Nov Ir HaKohanim? How far is it from Givat Shaul? Since when is the Mishkan there? Why does David then run to Achish the king of Gat? Why does he think that it's safer by the Pelishtim? How does he save himself? Chapters 22-24 Chapter 22 1. What type of people joined David while he was in hiding? What conclusions do you think David’s enemies drew from this? Why does David bring his parents to the king of Moav? (Is Moav his family in any way?) 2. In pasuk 5, the prophet Gad tells David to return to Eretz Yehuda. In your opinion, what is the relationship between Gad and David? Why doesn’t Shmuel come to advise David instead of Gad? What is the significance of David’s return to Eretz Yehuda? How does Shaul interpret this move? What is Shaul’s reaction? 3. Try to explain why Shaul considered David a person who rebelled against the kingship (Mored B’malchut). Was his fear that the Kohanim of Nov conspired to help David founded? Compare 22:19 to 15:3. What point is being emphasized? Is there another reason why the Kohanim of Nov deserve to die? (See Radak). Relate all of the above to the idea of “gmul” in Tanach. 4. After Evyatar joins him, David begins to ask Hashem about his battle plans. How does he ask these questions and what is its significance? (See Rambam Hilchot Klai Mikdash chapter 10 Halacha 10-13). Why do you think that the people of Kliah and Zayif are willing to tell Shaul of David’s whereabouts? (What are they afraid of? See chapter 22). Chapter 23 5. See 23:13-18. Based on this covenant, what ideal relationship is possible between the kingship of David and the Kingship of the house of Shaul? (Compare also to 24:20). Why doesn’t this relationship come to fruition? Does it ever occur? Chapter 24 6. In chapter 24 an argument takes place between David and his men in regard to his treatment of Shaul. Explain David’s philosophy. When and why does this argument continue? (See 26:8). What decisions does David take on his own and what does he leave for Hashem? Compare with 25:25-32. Chapters 25-27 7. How did Shmuel’s death effect the events of the following chapters? Why is his death mentioned again in Chapter 28? Who wrote the rest of Sefer Shmuel? (See Bava Batra 15). See Divrei Hayamim 29:29-30. Where do you think the words of Shmuel end? 8. Does David have the legal/moral right to demand payment from Naval? What can we learn about the attitude of the “upper class” to David and his men from Naval’s statement in Pasuk 10? How are David’s actions in chapter 25 different from his remarks in chapters 24 and 26? How does Avigail save him? Why? 9. Compare Chapter 26 to chapter 24. Answer the questions in question #6. Explain how all of these chapters deal with the problem of “Gmul.” Why does David escape to the land of the Pelishtim after this event? In 27:7-11, compare David’s battle with Amalek to Shaul’s battle with Amalek (Chapter 15). Chapters 28-30 10. Locate the Mountain of Gilboa on a map. What is its strategic importance? Try to explain chapter 28 both as a dream and as an actual event. What are the problems with each way of understanding the chapter? (See the commentaries)!! Compare what Shmuel tells Shaul in psukim 16-19 to 15:28. Did Shaul believe him then? Does he believe Shmuel now? Use this answer to explain the actions of Shaul since that time. 11. How could Acish have trusted David during this entire time period? Do you think that David was really going to fight alongside the Pelishtim against Shaul? (See 29:4-5). What can we learn about David’s character from chapter 30? Why are these characteristics important to become a king?