1 Samuel - Introduction

Introduction

Author

THE BOOKS OF 1 AND 2 SAMUEL are named for the prophet who first appears in 1 Samuel and who anointed both Saul and David as king. Ancient Jewish tradition, in fact, attributes at least some of the material to Samuel. Because his death is reported in 1 Samuel 25, it’s possible he was responsible for chapters 1–24. Additional Jewish tradition claims that the prophet Gad (who appears in 1 Samuel 22) and Nathan (who appears in 2 Samuel 7, 12) compiled the rest of the books (see 1 Chr 29:29). But, ultimately, the text of 1–2 Samuel does not name any author.

Historical Background

First Samuel follows on the heels of the book of Judges, which chronicles the time period after Joshua’s death and before Israel’s monarchy. During the time of the judges, the Israelites fell into repeated cycles of disobedience to the Lord, oppression by enemies, and deliverance by God-appointed judges. First Samuel opens in the eleventh century at the end of this period. The initial chapters describe the calling of Samuel to his ministry and the transition to a monarchy beginning with Saul. The final event in 2 Samuel (the building of David’s altar at the threshing floor of Araunah) occurred in about 975 BC.

Message and Purpose

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel highlight the life and influences of the prophet Samuel—especially in the early chapters of 1 Samuel, which record his miraculous birth and prophetic calling. Through Samuel’s prophetic office, God allowed and established a king in Israel. Though God wanted to be his people’s King, they wanted to have a human king like those over other nations. So, he gave them Saul and then later David, the two monarchs who are the main focus of 1–2 Samuel.

These books not only show Samuel’s influence over Israel in bringing God’s Word to his people, but they also teach some powerful spiritual lessons. We see the consequences of disobedience as Saul’s failure to obey God cost him his kingdom rule. But, we also see the emergence of David as the “man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam 13:14).

In 2 Samuel, David is anointed as king, and God makes a covenant with him to establish his royal line forever—a line through which the Messiah would come. Thus, David is a key figure in God’s kingdom agenda—not only for Israel but for the whole world. Second Samuel is about spiritual priorities and obedience, but it is also about grace. When David sinned greatly, God did not take his life. He showed him mercy.

Both books teach us to walk under God’s kingdom rule so that we can experience the full benefit of his kingdom blessing as kingdom people.

VIDEO INTRO

Outline

1. Samuel and the Transition to the Monarchy (1:1–8:22)
   1. Samuel’s Birth and Early Life (1:1–3:21)
   2. The Capture and Restoration of the Ark (4:1–7:17)
   3. Israel’s Demand for a King (8:1-22)
2. The Rise and Fall of King Saul (9:1–15:35)
   1. Saul’s Anointing and Early Successes (9:1–12:25)
   2. Saul’s Decline and Rejection (13:1–15:35)
3. David’s Anointing and History under Saul (16:1–28:2)
   1. David’s Anointing and Service to Saul (16:1-23)
   2. David’s Defeat of Goliath (17:1-58)
   3. David’s Service in Saul’s Court (18:1–20:42)
   4. David’s Fugitive Years (21:1–28:2)
4. Saul’s Sad Final Days and Death (28:3–31:13)
   1. Saul Consults a Medium (28:3-25)
   2. David’s Movements (29:1–30:31)
   3. Saul’s Death at Gilboa (31:1-13)