Samuel: prophetic involvement with kings and court: Practice Questions

In the context of the development of the Israelite monarchy, which specific event characterizes the role of Gad as a 'seer' (hozeh) acting as a check on the power of King David?

In the narrative of 1 Kings 18, the contest on Mount Carmel serves as a pivotal confrontation between Elijah and the monarchy. How does this event specifically function to preserve Yahweh worship against the influence of Queen Jezebel?

Briefly describe the significance of Nathan’s parable to King David in 2 Samuel 12:1–12.

Explain why Elijah’s encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18:17–40 was a direct challenge to the authority of King Ahab.

Evaluate the functional differences between Nathan and Gad as ‘court prophets’ based on their specific interventions in King David’s administration.

Early prophets: Samuel, Nathan, Gad and Elijah
Compare and contrast the roles of Nathan and Gad as court prophets acting as a check on the power of King David.

In your answer, refer to the following specific incidents:
- Nathan’s consultation regarding the temple and his later criticism of David over the death of Uriah and Bathsheba (\( 2 \) Samuel \( 7 \) and \( 11-12 \)).
- Gad’s role as a seer concerning David’s census and the subsequent choice of punishment (\( 2 \) Samuel \( 24 \)).

Early prophets: Samuel, Nathan, Gad and Elijah
Examine the complex portrayal of Samuel as a transitional figure in the development of the Israelite monarchy.

\( (a) \) Outline Samuel’s distinct roles as a military leader, political judge, and priest as recorded in \( 1 \) Samuel \( 7:3-17 \).
\( (b) \) Discuss the tension in Samuel’s prophetic authority during the election and rejection of King Saul (\( 1 \) Samuel \( 10-15 \)).
\( (c) \) Evaluate the extent to which the biblical portrait of Samuel may be considered an ‘idealised’ figure rather than a strictly historically reliable one.