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Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

principles of good governance, such as 3. Considering the tragic end of Eli’s
the rule of law. He centred his ministry lineage, how might the story of his
on God’s laws, ensuring that all people family serve as a cautionary tale for
live according to the divine laws. He modern spiritual leaders?
promoted Justice by dealing with social
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conflicts. He made sure that all people Institution of the monarchy
were equal before the law. He was A monarchy is a form of government
responsive to the needs of the people by with a king or queen as the head of the
taking fateful fights for the peace and state. On its part, Israel was a theocentric
safety of his people. When the people society under God’s rule, but in 1 Samuel
asked for a king, he responded and chapter 8, the elders of Israel approached
became a kingmaker. Samuel and asked him to make a king

for them. The crucial question here is,
Activity 2.3 ‘Why did the elders approach Samuel

1. Visit the library and use internet and ask him to make a king for them?’
sources to read 1 Samuel 1: 1:12-17;
2:12-25 further. It is important to note that in Israel, this
(i) Discuss the results of Eli’s and was a time of political upheaval, with
Samuel’s silence about the corrupt judges and relentless disbelief.
evil deeds committed by their The political and social status of the
children. time so greatly affected Israel’s decision
(ii) Show the lessons today’s parents to ask for a king. They needed protection
or modern leaders can learn from from outsiders and honest officials; they
them. chose to organise a monarchy in hopes
that Israel would reunite and survive the
disorders.
Exercise 2.3

1. The sons of Samuel are said to On his part, Samuel was aware of
have taken bribes and perverted the failures and abuses of kings. He,
justice. Show how bribery affects therefore, tried to discourage the
Tanzanians today in terms of demand for the king by enumerating
providing social services and the consequences in case the monarchy
promoting human rights. failed to uphold the principles of good
governance.
2. Compare Samuel’s roles as a

political leader with those of Samuel said a king would take people’s
political leaders in Tanzania. sons and appoint them to his chariots

16 Form Five Student’s Book