Decision making | Jamb Christian Religious Studies

Reliance on a Medium (1 Sam. 28:3-25)

1. 1 Samuel 28:3-25 records the story of King Saul consulting the medium of Endor, a violation of God’s commandments.
2. Saul’s reliance on the medium to seek guidance shows his desperation and abandonment of God’s guidance.
3. 1 Samuel 28:3-7 shows that Saul, in his fear and uncertainty, turned to a medium for advice rather than seeking God’s counsel.
4. Saul had previously expelled all mediums and spiritists from Israel, but in his desperation, he sought one out secretly (1 Samuel 28:3).
5. The medium at Endor summoned the spirit of Samuel, which violated God’s commands and demonstrated Saul’s lack of faith (1 Samuel 28:11-14).
6. Saul's consultation with the medium highlights a shift in his reliance from God to forbidden practices.
7. The medium's encounter with the spirit of Samuel foreshadowed Saul’s impending death and the downfall of his kingdom (1 Samuel 28:16-19).
8. Saul’s reliance on a medium demonstrated his broken relationship with God, who had previously communicated with him directly.
9. 1 Samuel 28:15 shows Samuel rebuking Saul, emphasizing that his disobedience and reliance on the medium had led to God’s silence.
10. Saul's consultation with the medium at Endor signified his spiritual decline and further alienation from God’s guidance.
11. 1 Samuel 28:20-25 highlights Saul's despair after hearing the prophecy of his impending defeat, showing the consequences of seeking guidance from unlawful sources.
12. Saul’s decision to rely on a medium, rather than returning to God in repentance, resulted in the loss of divine favor.
13. The story of Saul’s reliance on the medium at Endor teaches the importance of trusting in God alone for guidance, rather than resorting to forbidden practices.
14. Saul’s ultimate demise illustrates that reliance on a medium or occult practices brings no true answers, only spiritual destruction.
15. Saul’s actions serve as a warning about the dangers of abandoning God’s ways for shortcuts or external influences when making important decisions.
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The Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)

16. 1 Kings 3:3-28 recounts Solomon’s request for wisdom when God offered to grant him anything he wanted, and Solomon chose wisdom.
17. Solomon’s request for wisdom, rather than wealth or power, demonstrated his humility and desire to serve God’s people.
18. God granted Solomon unparalleled wisdom, making him the wisest man who ever lived, with knowledge in various fields, including science, art, and governance (1 Kings 4:29-34).
19. 1 Kings 3:16-28 tells the story of Solomon's wisdom in judging the case of two women claiming to be the mother of the same child, showcasing his discernment and understanding.
20. Solomon’s wisdom was so great that even foreign rulers, such as the Queen of Sheba, came to test and admire his knowledge (1 Kings 10:1-13).
21. Solomon’s wisdom was characterized by discernment and fairness, as seen in his ability to make righteous judgments (1 Kings 3:16-28).
22. 1 Kings 4:29-34 describes how Solomon’s wisdom extended beyond judicial matters to include his understanding of nature, plants, animals, and the arts.
23. Solomon’s wisdom also involved practical governance, as he established wise policies and laws for the people of Israel.
24. 1 Kings 4:34 notes that people from all nations came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, indicating the global impact of his understanding.
25. Solomon’s wisdom was not just intellectual but practical, enabling him to rule effectively and build a prosperous kingdom.
26. Solomon’s wisdom led to prosperity in Israel, as he governed with insight into the needs of the people and made decisions based on justice and truth.
27. 1 Kings 5:1-12 highlights Solomon’s diplomatic wisdom in negotiating with Hiram of Tyre to build the Temple, resulting in a peaceful and productive alliance.
28. Solomon's wisdom included his ability to foster peaceful relationships with neighboring nations, ensuring Israel’s security and prosperity.
29. Solomon’s wisdom led to great achievements, such as the building of the Temple of the Lord, which was a monumental project that required both knowledge and leadership (1 Kings 6:1-38).
30. Solomon’s wisdom was seen as a gift from God, and he used it to fulfill his role as king and to advance God’s purposes on earth.
31. 1 Kings 8:1-53 shows Solomon’s wisdom in leading the dedication of the Temple, offering a prayer of dedication and seeking God's presence for the people of Israel.
32. Solomon’s prayer of dedication (1 Kings 8:22-53) demonstrated his deep reverence for God, seeking divine guidance for Israel’s future and offering wisdom for future generations.
33. Solomon’s wisdom in leadership helped Israel become a powerful and influential nation during his reign.
34. Solomon’s wisdom was also reflected in his wealth, as it enabled him to manage resources effectively and establish peace and prosperity.
35. Solomon’s wisdom was an answer to God’s promise to give wisdom to those who ask for it, as seen in his prayer for wisdom instead of riches or power (James 1:5).
36. 1 Kings 3:5-14 shows that Solomon’s heart was aligned with God’s will, asking for wisdom not for personal gain but to serve the people faithfully.
37. Solomon's wisdom involved understanding both spiritual matters and practical affairs, making him a well-rounded leader.
38. Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God that he used for the benefit of Israel, marking his reign as one of peace, prosperity, and divine favor.
39. 1 Kings 4:32 reveals that Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs, showing his gift for wisdom and his ability to teach others godly principles.
40. Solomon’s wisdom was seen in his ability to make sound decisions that preserved peace and order in Israel, maintaining stability and prosperity.
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Unwise Policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (1 Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)

41. 1 Kings 9:15-23 describes Solomon’s unwise decision to conscript forced labor to complete the construction of the Temple and other building projects.
42. Solomon’s policy of forced labor created resentment among the Israelites, leading to social unrest and dissatisfaction.
43. 1 Kings 11:1-8 reveals that Solomon's marriages to foreign women, despite God’s command to not intermarry, led him to idolatry and away from God.
44. Solomon’s unwise policy of marrying foreign princesses violated God’s command, leading to the introduction of idol worship into Israel (1 Kings 11:2-8).
45. Solomon’s heart turned away from God as he allowed his foreign wives to influence him toward idolatry, ultimately leading to God’s anger (1 Kings 11:9-13).
46. 1 Kings 11:9-13 records God's judgment on Solomon for his disobedience, declaring that the kingdom would be torn from him and given to his servant.
47. Solomon's sin in permitting idolatry and turning away from God brought divine punishment, marking the decline of his reign.
48. Solomon’s failure to address idolatry in his kingdom led to division, with God promising to tear the kingdom apart after his death (1 Kings 11:11-13).
49. 1 Kings 12:1-20 shows Rehoboam’s unwise decision to follow the counsel of his young advisors rather than the older, wiser leaders of Solomon's court.
50. Rehoboam’s refusal to ease the heavy burden of taxes and labor placed on the people by Solomon led to the division of Israel and the loss of ten tribes.
51. 1 Kings 12:6-14 shows that Rehoboam’s decision to reject the wise counsel and adopt harsh policies caused Israel to rebel and split into two kingdoms.
52. Rehoboam’s failure to recognize the importance of listening to the wisdom of experienced leaders led to the loss of the northern tribes.
53. Solomon’s unwise decisions, including his policy of forced labor and idolatry, contributed to the eventual division of the kingdom after his death.
54. Rehoboam’s unwise decision to follow his peers instead of older, seasoned counselors resulted in a fracturing of the kingdom of Israel.
55. Solomon's unwise policies laid the groundwork for his son's failure to maintain unity and peace in the kingdom.
56. The forced labor imposed by Solomon led to resentment, which later fueled Rehoboam’s unwise decision to impose even harsher taxes on the people.
57. 1 Kings 11:31-40 records God’s promise to Jeroboam that he would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel as a result of Solomon’s disobedience.
58. Solomon’s unwise decisions concerning his alliances and religious practices led to the weakening of Israel’s political and spiritual unity.
59. Rehoboam’s inability to discern the will of the people and his stubbornness contributed to the division and decline of Israel’s unity.
60. The division of the kingdom after Solomon's death marked the failure of his policies, which were driven by his lack of discernment in maintaining unity and justice.
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Source of Solomon’s Wisdom

61. Solomon’s wisdom came directly from God, who offered to grant him anything he wanted (1 Kings 3:5-14).
62. Solomon’s decision to ask for wisdom, rather than wealth or power, pleased God and resulted in the granting of both wisdom and wealth (1 Kings 3:10-13).
63. 1 Kings 3:9 shows Solomon’s desire for understanding hearts, which was central to his wisdom in making decisions for his people.
64. Solomon's wisdom was a divine gift that set him apart as a leader, enabling him to make decisions with fairness and discernment.
65. James 1:5 highlights that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith, just as He did for Solomon.
66. Solomon's wisdom was marked by his ability to understand complex issues and apply God’s principles to real-life situations.
67. 1 Kings 4:29-34 describes how God gave Solomon wisdom exceeding that of all the men of the East and Egypt, making him renowned for his understanding.
68. Solomon’s wisdom extended to practical matters such as governance, law, and building, all of which were divinely inspired.
69. 1 Kings 4:30-34 shows that Solomon's wisdom drew people from all nations to hear his counsel, emphasizing its far-reaching impact.
70. Solomon’s wisdom allowed him to build an advanced and flourishing society, underpinned by both spiritual insight and practical skill.
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Comparing the Decision-Making of Saul and Solomon

71. Saul’s decision-making was often influenced by fear and insecurity, as seen in his rejection of God’s instructions (1 Samuel 13:8-14).
72. Solomon’s decision-making was guided by a genuine desire to serve God and his people, as shown in his request for wisdom rather than wealth (1 Kings 3:5-14).
73. Saul made impulsive decisions, such as offering a sacrifice before Samuel arrived, showing a lack of patience and trust in God’s timing (1 Samuel 13:8-14).
74. Solomon’s decisions, however, were characterized by deliberation and consultation with God, as seen in his wise ruling over the two women claiming the same child (1 Kings 3:16-28).
75. Saul’s decision-making often led to disastrous consequences, such as his failure to fully obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-23).
76. Solomon’s decision-making, on the other hand, was marked by his wisdom and humility, which led to peace and prosperity during his reign.
77. Saul’s lack of reliance on God for guidance resulted in his downfall, while Solomon’s dependence on divine wisdom led to success and peace.
78. Saul often sought to maintain his kingship through human effort, while Solomon sought wisdom from God, demonstrating different approaches to leadership.
79. Saul’s decisions often reflected his insecurity and fear, leading to his alienation from God, while Solomon’s decisions reflected his desire to honor God and seek His will.
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Analysis of the Decisions Made by Saul, Solomon, and Rehoboam

80. Saul’s decision to offer a sacrifice in place of waiting for Samuel was a poor choice that led to his rejection by God (1 Samuel 13:8-14).
81. Solomon’s decision to ask for wisdom was a wise choice that led to divine blessings and success (1 Kings 3:5-14).
82. Rehoboam’s decision to follow the counsel of his young peers rather than the elders caused the division of Israel (1 Kings 12:1-20).
83. Saul’s decision to spare King Agag and the best of the Amalekite livestock violated God’s command and led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:1-23).
84. Solomon’s decision to build the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem was a wise and honorable choice that marked a significant moment in Israel’s history.
85. Rehoboam’s decision to impose even harsher taxes on Israel led to rebellion and the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:14-15).
86. Saul’s decision to consult a medium rather than seeking God’s guidance marked his spiritual decline and brought about his downfall (1 Samuel 28:3-25).
87. Solomon’s decision to follow God’s wisdom in governance brought peace and prosperity to Israel, making his reign one of the most successful in Israel’s history.
88. Rehoboam’s decision to reject the wisdom of the elders led to a split in the kingdom, marking a tragic end to the united monarchy.
89. Saul’s decision to act out of fear and pride led to his rejection by God, showing the consequences of ignoring divine commands.
90. Solomon’s decisions were characterized by justice and wisdom, ensuring that Israel thrived under his leadership.
91. Rehoboam’s failure to listen to wise counsel was a direct cause of Israel’s division, showing the importance of humility in leadership.
92. Solomon’s decision to offer sacrifices and seek God’s guidance before making major decisions was a key reason for his success.
93. Saul’s decisions, driven by insecurity, led to his eventual defeat and death, serving as a lesson about the dangers of ignoring God’s will.
94. Rehoboam’s decision to follow the wrong advice resulted in civil war, leading to the lasting division of Israel.
95. Solomon’s decision to establish peace treaties and alliances with neighboring kingdoms demonstrated his diplomatic wisdom and foresight.
96. Rehoboam’s refusal to lighten the people’s burden led to widespread rebellion and the loss of much of Israel’s territory.
97. Saul’s impulsive decisions, such as offering the unlawful sacrifice, were examples of poor leadership choices that damaged his relationship with God.
98. Solomon’s decision to build the Temple was not only a wise choice but a fulfillment of God’s plan for Israel, showing his alignment with God’s will.
99. Rehoboam’s decision to disregard the needs of the people contributed to the downfall of his reign and the division of the kingdom.
100. Saul’s decisions, driven by fear and impatience, led to his rejection as king, while Solomon’s decisions, guided by wisdom, led to peace, prosperity, and the glory of Israel.

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