Lesson 5 Commentary

Personalize the truth. The Israelites assessed their situation and decided they needed a king. Although God had saved them from all their “calamities and their distresses” (10:19), they wanted someone they could see to go with them into battle. They trusted in their own judgment instead of relying on God. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Is this difficult for you? Think about the ways you’re tempted to control your own life right now, leaning on your own understanding. In what ways could you begin relying more on Him and less on yourself? Talk with Him about this and ask Him to open your eyes to what He wants you to see.