◄ 1 Samuel 8 ►
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Israel Demands a King (Deuteronomy 17:14–20) 1When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judgesa over Israel. 2The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. 3But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. 4So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” 6But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. 8Just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9Now listen to their voice; but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.” Samuel’s Warning 10So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. 12He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his servants. 15He will take a tenth of your grain and grape harvest and give it to his officials and servants. 16And he will take your menservants and maidservants and your best cattleb and donkeys and put them to his own use. 17He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.” God Grants the Request 19Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. 20Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.” 21Samuel listened to all the words of the people and repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. 22“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.” Footnotes: 1 a Or governors or leaders; similarly in verses 2, 5, 6, and 20 16 b LXX; Hebrew your best young men Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Samuel 8 Summary Israel Demands a King Verses 1–3 – Samuel’s Failed Succession Plan Samuel, now gray-haired, appoints his two sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges in Beersheba. Unlike their father, the young men “turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice” (v. 3). Their corruption poisons public trust and prompts the elders to act. Verses 4–6 – Israel Demands a King Representatives of every tribe travel to Ramah and tell Samuel, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations” (v. 5). Samuel is displeased and prays, sensing the request chips away at the nation’s direct reliance on God. Verses 7–9 – God’s Gracious Concession The LORD answers Samuel: “Listen to the voice of the people… for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me as their king” (v. 7). Still, God allows the request while instructing Samuel to warn the people about the coming cost. Verses 10–18 – The Heavy Price of a King Samuel itemizes royal demands: conscripted sons, commandeered daughters, prime farmland seized, tithes redirected to court officials, and a future cry to God that will go unanswered (vv. 11–18). The picture is sobering—an earthly king will tax, draft, and dominate. Verses 19–22 – Persistent Request Granted Despite the warning, Israel insists, “No! We must have a king over us” (v. 19). God tells Samuel to comply. Samuel sends the elders home, making way for Saul’s anointing in the next chapter. 1 Samuel 8 represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites. It portrays a transition in the leadership structure of Israel from Judges to Monarchs. Amidst Samuel's aging years and his sons' failure to carry on his just leadership, the people of Israel demand a king, leading to a profound exchange between Samuel and God regarding the people's desire and God's warning. Historical Setting • Timeframe: Near the end of the judges period (c. 1050 BC). Tribal Israel faces Philistine pressure, sporadic unity, and administrative gaps. • Governance: “Judges” were temporary deliverers (Judges 2:16-19). Samuel’s leadership bridged prophetic, priestly, and judicial roles, but his sons marked a throwback to Eli’s corrupt offspring (1 Samuel 2:12-17). • Cultural pull: Every major Near-Eastern power—Egypt, Assyria, the Hittites—was monarchic. Surrounding Philistine city-states each crowned a “seren” (ruler). Israel felt out of step and vulnerable. Archaeological Notes • Beersheba’s four-room houses, discovered in Iron Age strata, suggest administrative activity—fitting Samuel’s attempt to set his sons there as local judges. • Ramah’s likely site at modern-day er-Ram shows an early Iron Age village with storage jars and silos, implying Samuel’s home was a regional hub. • Philistine iron weaponry found at sites like Ekron and Ashdod highlights the military edge Israel envied when seeking a centralized monarchy. Backdrop in the Torah Deuteronomy 17:14-20 foretold a time Israel would “say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations around me.’” God permitted a king but imposed limits: the ruler must be an Israelite, avoid excessive horses, wives, and silver, and write a personal copy of the Law. Israel clamored for a king but forgot the fine print. Their motive—national prestige—differed from God’s motive—covenant faithfulness. Echoes in Earlier Narratives • Judges 8:22-23—After Gideon’s victory, Israel offered him kingship; he declined, saying, “The LORD will rule over you.” That ideal now crumbles. • Hosea 13:10 later rebukes the nation: “Where is your king, that he may save you?” He points back to 1 Samuel 8 as the turning point. • Gideon’s son, Abimelech, had already tried a mini-monarchy (Judges 9), ending in chaos—an unlearned lesson. Royal Cost Checklist (vv. 11-17) Compared with Later History • Conscription—fulfilled in Saul’s draft (1 Samuel 14:52) and Solomon’s forced labor (1 Kings 5:13-14). • Land seizure—Ahab’s taking of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21) is a textbook case. • Tenth of flocks—Solomon’s taxation (1 Kings 12:4) spurred the northern secession. God’s Heart Revealed The refusal does not thwart God’s plan; instead, it showcases His patience. He turns a flawed demand into a vehicle for Messianic promise: through David’s line, the true King—Christ—will come (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:32-33). What people asked for out of fear, God will use for redemption. Leadership Lessons 1. Personal integrity in leaders matters more than lineage. Samuel’s godliness could not override his sons’ greed. 2. Imitation of worldly models often masks insecurity. Israel feared Philistine iron and Amalekite raids more than they trusted divine protection. 3. God sometimes grants persistent requests to teach hard truths (Psalm 106:15). Contrast: God as King vs. Human Kings God: Delivers without taxation (Exodus 15). Human king: Delivers at the people’s expense. God: Lawgiver who serves (Isaiah 40:10-11). Human king: Law-maker who is served. This tension sets up later prophetic critique (Isaiah 3:12-15; Micah 6:4). Samuel’s Emotions The text notes Samuel was “displeased” (v. 6). His reaction parallels God’s grief. Yet Samuel models intercession: before speaking to the people, he “prayed to the LORD.” Leaders must take wounds vertically before responding horizontally. Monarchy and Messianic Thread • Saul—people’s choice: tall, impressive, but spiritually shallow. • David—God’s choice: “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). • Jesus—the final King: humble, suffering, reigning forever (John 18:36-37; Revelation 19:16). New Testament Connections • John 19:15—“We have no king but Caesar!” echoes 1 Samuel 8’s rejection. • Acts 13:21-23—Paul retells Israel’s monarchy origins, then races to Jesus as the promised Savior. • 1 Peter 2:9—Believers are a “royal priesthood,” restoring God’s original plan of direct rulership. Takeaways for Modern Readers • Beware letting culture set the agenda. Churches and families can be tempted to adopt societal metrics of success rather than God’s voice. • Count the cost of leadership decisions. Enthusiasm without discernment leads to long-term burdens. • God remains sovereign. Even when His people choose second-best, He weaves their account toward His ultimate best in Christ. Practical Application • Pray first, speak later—Samuel’s sequence stands. • Evaluate leaders by character, not charisma. • Remember that Christ, not any earthly system, is the believer’s ultimate King. Summary in One Sentence 1 Samuel 8 shows Israel trading direct divine governance for the visible security of a human monarch—an act God permits, warns against, and eventually redeems through the rise of the Messiah. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Teaching Points Israel's Demand for a King The chapter begins with the Israelites demanding a king to judge them like all the other nations (1 Samuel 8:5). This request signifies a rejection of God's unique leadership and a desire to conform to worldly standards. Samuel's Displeasure and God's Response Samuel is displeased with the people's request, but God instructs him to listen to the voice of the people (1 Samuel 8:7), acknowledging that they have rejected Him, not Samuel. Warning of the Consequences God, through Samuel, warns the Israelites about the consequences of having a king, including the loss of personal freedoms and increased burdens (1 Samuel 8:11-18). The People's Persistence Despite the warnings, the people persist in their demand, saying, No, we must have a king over us (1 Samuel 8:19), demonstrating their stubbornness and lack of trust in God's provision. Practical Applications Trust in God's Leadership We should trust in God's perfect plan and resist the temptation to conform to worldly standards or seek human solutions over divine guidance. Heed God's Warnings Pay attention to the warnings God provides through His Word and His messengers, understanding that they are given for our protection and well-being. Evaluate Our Desires Regularly evaluate our desires and motivations to ensure they align with God's will rather than our own or societal pressures. People 1. Samuel Samuel is the central figure in 1 Samuel 8. He is a prophet and judge over Israel. The chapter begins with him appointing his sons as judges over Israel as he grows old. Samuel is deeply displeased when the Israelites demand a king to rule over them, as it signifies their rejection of God's direct rule. The Hebrew root of his name, שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel), can mean "heard by God" or "name of God." 2. Joel Joel is one of Samuel's sons, mentioned in 1 Samuel 8:2. He is appointed as a judge in Beersheba. However, he, along with his brother, does not follow Samuel's righteous ways. The Hebrew root of his name, יוֹאֵל (Yoel), means "Yahweh is God." 3. Abijah Abijah is Samuel's other son, also appointed as a judge in Beersheba. Like his brother Joel, he is described as corrupt, taking bribes and perverting justice. The Hebrew root of his name, אֲבִיָּה (Aviyah), means "My father is Yahweh." 4. The Elders of Israel The elders are the representatives of the people of Israel who come to Samuel at Ramah to demand a king. They express their desire to have a king "like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:5), which indicates their rejection of the unique theocratic leadership under God. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) Although not a human character, the LORD is a central figure in the narrative. He responds to Samuel's prayer about the people's demand for a king. God instructs Samuel to listen to the people but also to warn them about the consequences of having a king. The Hebrew name for God used here is יהוה (YHWH), often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, signifying the covenantal name of God. Places 1. Beersheba In 1 Samuel 8:2, it is mentioned that Samuel's sons were judges in Beersheba. Beersheba is a significant location in the southern part of Israel, often considered the southern boundary of the land of Israel in biblical times. The name Beersheba comes from the Hebrew "Be'er Sheva," which can mean "well of seven" or "well of the oath," reflecting its historical and covenantal significance in the patriarchal narratives. Events 1. Samuel's Sons Appointed as Judges Samuel, now old, appoints his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel. They serve in Beersheba. This decision marks a significant transition in leadership, as Samuel's sons do not follow his righteous ways. 2. Corruption of Samuel's Sons Unlike their father, Samuel's sons are corrupt. They "turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3). The Hebrew word for "perverted" (וַיַּטּוּ, vayattu) implies a deliberate deviation from justice. 3. Elders of Israel Demand a King The elders of Israel gather and approach Samuel at Ramah. They express their dissatisfaction with his sons and demand, "Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:5). This request signifies a desire to conform to the surrounding nations, moving away from the theocratic leadership under God. 4. Samuel's Displeasure and Prayer Samuel is displeased with the people's request for a king. He prays to the LORD for guidance. The Hebrew root for "displeased" (וַיֵּרַע, vayēra) suggests a deep emotional response, indicating Samuel's concern for Israel's spiritual direction. 5. God's Response to Samuel The LORD instructs Samuel to heed the people's request, saying, "It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king" (1 Samuel 8:7). This highlights the spiritual implications of their demand, as they are rejecting God's direct rule. 6. Warning About the Nature of a King God tells Samuel to warn the people about the consequences of having a king. Samuel conveys that a king will "take your sons and appoint them to his own chariots and horses" and "take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers" (1 Samuel 8:11, 13). The Hebrew verb "take" (יִקַּח, yiqqach) is repeated, emphasizing the king's authority to seize what he desires. 7. Further Warnings of Royal Exploitation Samuel continues to warn that a king will take the best of their fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and a tenth of their grain and vintage. He will also take their servants and livestock for his own use (1 Samuel 8:14-17). This paints a picture of the potential exploitation and loss of personal freedoms under a monarchy. 8. People's Persistence in Their Demand Despite the warnings, the people refuse to listen to Samuel. They insist, "No, we must have a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:19-20). This reflects their determination to pursue a human monarchy, prioritizing conformity over divine guidance. 9. God's Command to Grant Their Request After hearing the people's insistence, the LORD instructs Samuel to "Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them" (1 Samuel 8:22). This marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history, as God allows them to experience the consequences of their choice. Lessons from 1 Samuel 8 1. The Danger of Rejecting Divine Leadership In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demand a king to lead them, rejecting God's direct rule. This teaches us the importance of valuing divine guidance over human leadership. As it says in 1 Samuel 8:7, "It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." We must remember to prioritize God's wisdom over worldly desires. 2. The Influence of Peer Pressure The Israelites wanted a king because other nations had one. This highlights the power of peer pressure and the temptation to conform. Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Stand firm in your faith and let God shape your path. 3. The Consequences of Earthly Desires God warns the Israelites about the burdens a king will impose, yet they persist. This illustrates how earthly desires can lead to unforeseen consequences. As 1 Samuel 8:18 warns, "When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen." Be cautious of what you wish for, and seek God's will instead. 4. The Importance of Listening to Godly Counsel Samuel, a prophet of God, advises the Israelites against choosing a king, but they ignore him. This teaches us to heed godly counsel and wisdom. Proverbs 19:20 encourages us, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." 5. The Role of Free Will God allows the Israelites to choose a king, respecting their free will. This demonstrates that while God guides us, He also allows us to make our own choices. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh." 6. The Perils of Short-Sighted Decisions The Israelites' demand for a king was based on immediate desires rather than long-term consequences. This teaches us to consider the future impact of our decisions. James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault." 7. The Unchanging Nature of God Despite the Israelites' rejection, God remains faithful and continues to guide them. This reassures us of God's unchanging nature and steadfast love. Hebrews 13:8 declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." 8. The Value of Obedience Samuel's obedience to God's instructions, despite the people's demands, highlights the importance of following God's commands. 1 Samuel 8:22 shows Samuel's faithfulness: "The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'" Obedience to God is always the right choice. 9. The Significance of Prayer Samuel prays to God when faced with the people's demands, demonstrating the power of prayer in seeking guidance. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 10. The Assurance of God's Sovereignty Even when the Israelites choose a king, God's sovereignty remains intact. This assures us that God's plans will prevail, regardless of human actions. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." Trust in His ultimate control over all things. Topics 1. The Appointment of Samuel’s Sons as Judges In 1 Samuel 8:1, we see that as Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. This decision marks a significant transition in leadership, as Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah, are introduced to take on roles of authority. The Hebrew term for "judges" (שֹׁפְטִים, shoftim) indicates leaders who were expected to uphold justice and lead the people according to God's laws. 2. Corruption of Samuel’s Sons Verses 2-3 describe the corruption of Samuel’s sons, who "did not walk in his ways" and "turned aside after dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice." This highlights a moral decline and failure in leadership, contrasting with Samuel's integrity. The Hebrew word for "perverting" (וַיַּטּוּ, vayyattu) suggests a deliberate deviation from the right path. 3. The Elders’ Request for a King In verses 4-5, the elders of Israel gather and approach Samuel at Ramah, requesting a king to judge them "like all the other nations." This request signifies a desire to conform to the political structures of surrounding nations, moving away from the theocratic leadership established by God. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) indicates a shift towards monarchical rule. 4. Samuel’s Displeasure and Prayer Verse 6 reveals Samuel's displeasure with the people's request for a king, prompting him to pray to the LORD. This response underscores Samuel's reliance on divine guidance and his concern for the spiritual implications of the people's demand. The Hebrew root for "displeased" (וַיֵּרַע, vayera) conveys a sense of deep distress or offense. 5. God’s Response to the Request In verses 7-9, God instructs Samuel to heed the people's request, explaining that they have not rejected Samuel, but have rejected God as their king. This divine response highlights the spiritual rebellion of the Israelites, as they turn away from God's direct rule. The Hebrew word for "rejected" (מָאַס, ma'as) implies a rejection or despising of God's authority. 6. Warning About the Nature of a King Verses 10-18 contain Samuel's warning to the people about the consequences of having a king. He describes how a king will take their sons and daughters, the best of their fields, and a tenth of their produce, essentially enslaving them. This warning serves as a prophetic insight into the burdens and demands of monarchical rule. The Hebrew term for "take" (לָקַח, laqach) is repeated, emphasizing the king's authority to seize what he desires. 7. The People’s Persistence Despite Samuel's warning, verses 19-20 show the people's insistence on having a king to lead them and fight their battles. Their persistence reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and protection, as they seek security in human leadership. The Hebrew phrase "we will have a king over us" (וְהָיָה עָלֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ, vehayah aleinu melek) underscores their determination to pursue their own desires. 8. God’s Command to Grant Their Request In verses 21-22, after hearing the people's response, Samuel relays their words to the LORD, who instructs him to "listen to their voice and appoint a king for them." This command signifies God's allowance of their request, despite its implications, and sets the stage for the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The Hebrew verb "appoint" (שִׂים, sim) indicates the act of setting or placing someone in a position of authority. Themes 1. Rejection of God's Kingship In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demand a human king to lead them, rejecting God's direct rule over them. This theme is evident in 1 Samuel 8:7, where the Lord tells Samuel, "It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." The Hebrew word for "rejected" (מָאַס, ma'as) implies a strong refusal or disdain, highlighting the gravity of their decision to prefer human leadership over divine sovereignty. 2. Desire for Conformity with Other Nations The Israelites' request for a king is driven by their desire to be like other nations. In 1 Samuel 8:5, they say, "Appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations." This reflects a theme of conformity and the pressure to adopt worldly standards, rather than maintaining their unique identity as God's chosen people. 3. Consequences of Human Leadership Samuel warns the Israelites about the potential negative consequences of having a human king. In 1 Samuel 8:11-18, he describes how a king will take their sons and daughters, the best of their fields, and a tenth of their grain and vineyards. This theme underscores the burdens and demands that come with human governance, contrasting with the benevolent rule of God. 4. Divine Warning and Human Stubbornness Despite God's warning through Samuel, the Israelites persist in their demand for a king. In 1 Samuel 8:19, it states, "Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We must have a king over us.'" This theme highlights human stubbornness and the tendency to ignore divine counsel, even when it is clearly articulated. 5. Transition in Leadership Structure The chapter marks a significant transition in Israel's leadership structure from judges to a monarchy. This shift is pivotal in Israel's history and reflects a broader theme of change and adaptation in response to societal pressures and internal desires. The Hebrew term for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) becomes central to Israel's identity and governance moving forward. Prayer Points Pray for Trust Ask God to help us trust in His leadership and guidance, even when it goes against worldly norms. Pray for Discernment Seek God's wisdom to discern His warnings and the courage to heed them. Pray for Alignment Request that God align our desires with His will, helping us to prioritize His kingdom over our own ambitions. Answering Tough Questions 1. If God disapproved of Israel’s request for a king (1 Samuel 8:7), why did He still grant it? 2. Why does 1 Samuel 8 conflict with later passages that seem to affirm kingship, such as 2 Samuel 7? 3. Is there any archaeological evidence supporting a sudden shift to monarchy in Israel during 1 Samuel 8’s timeframe? 4. How do the ominous predictions about a king’s behavior (1 Samuel 8:11–18) align with the notion of a divinely sanctioned ruler? 5. Could 1 Samuel 8 reflect later editorial influences rather than an authentic historical event? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does 1 Samuel 8 resonate with the modern concepts of leadership and governance? 2. How can the story of Samuel's sons serve as a cautionary tale for leaders today? 3. How does the people's demand for a king reflect on their faith and relationship with God? 4. If you were Samuel, how would you have responded to the people's demand for a king? 5. Can you identify any current situations in your life where you're choosing your will over God's guidance? 6. How does God's reaction to the people's request challenge our understanding of God's character? 7. How do the warnings given by God about the kingship apply to our understanding of power and authority today? 8. Discuss a situation in which you, like the Israelites, insisted on your own way despite given warnings. 9. What parallels can you draw between the people's insistence on having a king and societal pressures today? 10. How can we discern whether our desires align with God's will or are influenced by worldly standards? 11. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of obedience and faith? 12. How might this chapter inform the way we pray for and respond to our leaders today? 13. What lessons can we learn from the people's decision to reject divine leadership in favor of a human king? 14. In your personal life, how can you make sure you're not replacing God's authority with that of human leaders? 15. How can Samuel's interaction with God serve as a model for bringing our anxieties and concerns to God in prayer? 16. How does the people's desire to be "like all the other nations" resonate with today's struggle with societal conformity? 17. Discuss how the change in Israel's leadership structure might impact their faith and relationship with God. 18. How does the concept of human leadership compare and contrast with God's leadership as seen in 1 Samuel 8? 19. If you were one of the Israelites, would you have supported the call for a king? Why or why not? 20. How can we apply the lessons from 1 Samuel 8 in our relationships, community roles, and leadership positions today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions