Answer Key – Weeks 11-15

Week 11

In Judges 2:11–19, what repeated cycle did Israel continue to fall into?
Israel repeatedly turned away from God to worship idols. As a result, God allowed their enemies to oppress them. When the people cried out in distress, God raised up judges to rescue them, but after each judge died, the people returned again to sin. This cycle reveals both the stubbornness of human hearts and the patience and mercy of God.

In Judges 6:14–16, why did Gideon believe he was unfit, and how did God answer him?
Gideon believed he was unfit because his clan was the weakest in Manasseh and he considered himself the least in his family. God answered by assuring Gideon, “I will be with you” (NIV). Gideon’s victory would not depend on his own strength, but on the presence and power of God.

In Judges 14:5–6, how did Samson defeat the lion, and what does this reveal about the Spirit of the Lord?
Samson tore the lion apart with his bare hands when the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. This shows that the strength came from God rather than from Samson himself. The passage reveals the empowering work of the Spirit, enabling someone to accomplish what would otherwise be impossible.

Week 12

In Judges 17:6 and 21:25, what repeated phrase describes Israel’s spiritual condition, and what does it reveal about the nation?
The repeated phrase is, “Everyone did as they saw fit” (NIV). This reveals a nation living without submission to God’s authority. Instead of following the Lord’s commands, people followed their own desires and opinions, leading to spiritual confusion, moral compromise, and widespread disorder.

In 1 Samuel 2:1–10, what themes from Hannah’s prayer are echoed later in Mary’s song in Luke 1?
Both Hannah’s prayer and Mary’s song praise God for His holiness, power, and faithfulness. They speak of God humbling the proud, lifting up the lowly, feeding the hungry, and working through unlikely people to accomplish His purposes. Both women rejoice in the Lord as the One who overturns human expectations and brings salvation.

In 1 Samuel 14:24–27, Jonathan’s eyes brightened after eating honey. How can this serve as a picture of the understanding and discernment found in God’s Word? (See also Psalm 19:10)
Jonathan tasted a little honey from the forest, and immediately his strength returned and his eyes brightened. This can remind believers of the refreshing and strengthening power of God’s Word. Psalm 19:10 describes God’s words as sweeter than honey, bringing life, wisdom, and renewal to the soul.

Week 13

According to 1 Samuel 16:7, how does God’s way of choosing a king differ from the way people judge outwardly?
People often focus on appearance, strength, status, or outward ability, but God looks at the heart. While others may have been impressed by Saul’s height or David’s older brothers, God chose David because of his character and faith. This reminds us that God values inward devotion far more than outward image.

In 1 Samuel 17:45–47, whose name did David trust in when he faced Goliath, and what does this teach us about facing the giants in our own lives?
David came against Goliath “in the name of the Lord Almighty” (NIV). He knew the battle belonged to God, not to human strength or military skill. His confidence was rooted in the Lord’s power and faithfulness. This teaches us that the challenges we face are not overcome by fear or self-confidence, but by trusting God and standing firm in faith.

In 1 Samuel 24:4–7, why did David refuse to harm Saul even when he had the chance, and what can we learn from his restraint?
David refused to harm Saul because Saul had been anointed by God as king. Even though Saul was treating him unjustly, David trusted God to deal with the situation in His own time. David’s restraint teaches us the importance of humility, patience, and leaving judgment in God’s hands rather than taking revenge ourselves.

Week 14

In 2 Samuel 7:12–16, what promise did God make about David’s throne, and who is this ultimately fulfilled in?
God promised that David’s kingdom and throne would be established forever. While Solomon fulfilled this in a temporary earthly sense, the promise ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the eternal King from the line of David. Jesus reigns forever, fulfilling God’s covenant completely.

In 2 Samuel 9:8–13, how does David’s actions regarding Mephibosheth reflect God’s kindness toward us?
Even though Mephibosheth was poor, crippled, and unable to repay David, he was welcomed and treated like family. This beautifully reflects God’s grace toward us. Though we come with nothing to offer, God welcomes us through His covenant mercy and gives us a place at His table.

In 2 Samuel 24:24–25, what does David’s reply to Araunah teach us about worship?
David understood that true worship involves surrender and personal cost. He did not want to give God something that required no sacrifice from him. This teaches us that worship is more than outward actions—it comes from a willing heart that values God above comfort, convenience, or personal gain.

Week 15

In 1 Kings 8:27–30, what did Solomon realize about the Temple, and according to 1 Corinthians 3:16, where does God now dwell?
Solomon understood that no earthly building could fully contain God, because “the heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain” Him (NIV). The Temple was a place where people could seek and worship the Lord, but God’s presence is far greater than any structure. According to 1 Corinthians 3:16, God now dwells within His people through the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Kings 17:14–16, why did the widow’s flour and oil never run out, and what does this reveal about God’s provision?
The widow’s flour and oil did not run out because God kept His promise through Elijah. Even during famine, the Lord faithfully provided for her daily needs. This reveals that God is able to sustain His people in difficult seasons and that His provision is often experienced one day at a time as we trust Him.

In 1 Kings 18:26–39, how did the prophets of Baal try to gain their god’s attention, and what did the fire from heaven reveal about the Lord?
The prophets of Baal shouted loudly, danced, and even cut themselves in an attempt to get Baal to answer them, but there was no response. When Elijah prayed, God immediately answered with fire from heaven. This revealed that the Lord alone is the true and living God, powerful and worthy of worship.