INTRODUCTION

First and Second Samuel are one coherent story. Israel as a nation was delivered from the land of Egypt. In the wilderness at Mt Sinai; they made covenant and received the commandments. They entered the Promised Land and were ruled by a period of Judges. This led us to the book of 1 Samuel. The event was about 1100BC to 1000BC. Written about 960BC

It was written by Samuel (I Samuel 10:25) and other contributors like Nathan and Gad (1Chronicles 29:29)

An overview provides the three main characters in the first book of Samuel. They are Samuel (Chapters 1-7), Saul (Chapters 8-31) and David (Chapters 21-24)

Chapters 1-7 focusing on Samuel has two parts. First from chapters 1-3 the call of Samuel. It begins with Hannahs grief over her barrenness and joy as God heard her cry for a child called Samuel. Her song is a prophetic message of God at work despite human evil and God will one day raise up a Messianic King (Chapter 2). Samuel received God's call (I Samuel 3:10).

Second part, from chapters 4-7 the conflict between Israel and Philistines. The Israelites in their pride were defeated by the Philistines and the ark was taken. However, it brought plagues to the Philistines and thus it was returned.

Chapters 8-31 focusing on Saul in two parts: First, the exaltation of Saul. Israel wanted a king against the perfect will of God (Chapters 8-10). Saul was chosen. Saul was competent but he had character flaws. He turned disobedient and dishonest.

Second part concerns Saul's downfall (Chapters 13-15) Samuel warned him God wanted a king who is humble and faithful in obedience than making sacrifices (I Samuel 15:22) Saul became jealous and attempted to kill David (Chapters 21-26) The first king of Israel, Saul was given on the insistent of the people defying God's perfect will to be their King. His insecurity, jealousy and disobedience led to his witchcraft. He died in defeat.

In between the chapters; God was raising David as being chosen to be the next king (I Samuel 16:7). God empowered him to overcome Goliath (I Samuel 17:45) The Lord's presence with him attributed to his success in all endeavours from taking on Goliath to the time of enthronement.

    Previous Day
    Next Day