Books of Samuel. The Book of Samuel ( Hebrew: ספר שמואל, Sefer Shmuel) is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books ( 1–2 Samuel) in the Christian Old Testament. The book is part of the narrative history of Ancient Israel called the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books ( Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings) that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
What does the Bible say about Samuel?
In addition to teaching Samuel about God and His instructions, Eli gave the child Samuel light duties around the tabernacle, such as opening its doors ( 1 Samuel 2:18; 3:15 ). It was during this time when Samuel was still a child that God began to speak to him.
What did Samuel do in the Bible?
Samuel is a figure who, in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible, plays a key role in the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the institution of a kingdom under Saul, and again in the transition from Saul to David. He is venerated as a prophet by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
What is the story of Samuel in the Bible?
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are really one story: God finds a man after His own heart to lead His people. These two books were not originally divided, and so Second Samuel begins with David hearing the news of Saul’s death. Quick outline of 1 Samuel. God raises up Samuel as prophet and judge (1 Sa 1–7). Israel demands a king: Saul (1 Sa 8–15).
Who wrote the Book of Samuel in the Bible?
We can’t completely confirm who wrote the Books of Samuel; however, it is highly possible that they were compiled from the writings of the prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan. Most likely, Samuel wrote the first 25 chapters and then Nathan and Gad compiled the rest of the
What book of the Bible is Samuel in?
Bible References: Samuel is mentioned in 1 Samuel 1-28; Psalm 99:6; Jeremiah 15:1; Acts 3:24, 13:20; and Hebrews 11:32.
What is the purpose of the book of Samuel?
The book of 1 Samuel recounts the ministry of the prophet Samuel, who “restored law and order and regular religious worship in the land” (Bible Dictionary, “Samuel”) after the Israelites had forgotten the Lord and worshipped idols many times throughout the reign of the judges.
Who Wrote book of Samuel?
According to Jewish tradition, the book was written by Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, who together are three prophets who had appeared within 1 Chronicles during the account of David's reign.
Why are there 2 Samuels in the Bible?
The two books, which were originally one, are principally concerned with the origin and early history of the monarchy of ancient Israel. The work bears the name of Samuel apparently because he is the first of its principal figures and was instrumental in the selection of the first two kings.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
The book of 1 Samuel focuses on three characters: Samuel, Saul, and David. A poem near the start of the book reveals the book's key themes: God's opposition to the proud, exultation of the humble, faithfulness in spite of evil, and the promise of a messianic king.
What is the book of 1 Samuel About summary?
Samuel becomes a recognized prophet throughout Israel, delivering God's messages to the people. During battle, the Philistines kill Eli's sons and capture the Ark of the Covenant—Israel's religious altar and symbol of God. Upon learning of the attack and robbery, Eli falls over and dies.
What does the word Samuel mean?
God has heardThe name Samuel is from the Old Testament of the Bible, and derives from a Hebrew phrase meaning either “God has heard” or “name of God.” Samuel from the Bible is respected by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as a wise prophet, judge, and leader of ancient Israel.
What was the role of Samuel in the history of Israel?
Samuel thus appears as a leader in all Israel; his leadership is exercised in war and law, but his authority is basically religious, mostly prophetic, although with some features of priestly authority. He appears at first as being hostile to the monarchy and then as being favourable to it.
What is the summary of the book of 1 Samuel?
This summary of the book of 1 Samuel provides information about the title, author (s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 1 Samuel.
How many parts are there in the book of Samuel?
1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book. It was divided into two parts by the translators of the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT) -- a division subsequently followed by Jerome (in the Latin Vulgate, c. a.d. 400) and by modern versions.
What did Saul do when he refused to destroy the Amalekites?
Saul soon demonstrated that he was unwilling to submit to the requirements of his theocratic office (chs. 13 - 15 ). When he disobeyed the instructions of the prophet Samuel in preparation for battle against the Philistines ( 13:13 ), and when he refused to totally destroy the Amalekites as he had been commanded to do by the word of the Lord through Samuel (ch. 15 ), he ceased to be an instrument of the Lord's rule over his people. These abrogations of the requirements of his theocratic office led to his rejection as king ( 15:23 ).
What did the Philistines confess to God?
The Philistines were forced to confess openly their helplessness against God's power by their return of the ark to Israel. The entire ark episode performs a vital function in placing Israel's subsequent sinful desire for a human king in proper perspective. 3. Samuel as a judge and deliverer (ch. 7).
What does Samuel say about the monarchy?
1 Samuel relates God's establishment of a political system in Israel headed by a human king. Before the author describes this momentous change in the structure of the theocracy (God's kingly rule over his people), he effectively depicts the complexity of its context. The following events provide both historical and theological background for the beginning of the monarchy:
Where did Samuel gather the people?
Subsequently, Samuel gathered the people at Mizpah, where, after again admonishing them concerning their sin in desiring a king ( 10:18-19 ), he presided over the selection of a king by lot. The lot fell on Saul and publicly designated him as the one whom God had chosen ( 10:24 ).
Who is the author of the Chronicles?
Who the author was cannot be known since the book itself gives no indication of his identity. Whoever he was, he doubtless had access to records of the life and times of Samuel, Saul and David. Explicit reference in the book itself is made to only one such source (the Book of Jashar, 2Sa 1:18 ), but the writer of Chronicles refers to four others that pertain to this period (the book of the annals of King David, 1Ch 27:24; the records of Samuel the seer; the records of Nathan the prophet; the records of Gad the seer, 1Ch 29:29 ).
Who wrote the book of Samuel?
Author: The author is anonymous. We know that Samuel wrote a book ( 1 Samuel 10:25 ), and it is very possible that he wrote part of this book as well. Other possible contributors to 1 Samuel are the prophets/historians Nathan and Gad ( 1 Chronicles 29:29 ).
How long did the books of 1 Samuel last?
The translators of the Septuagint separated them, and we have retained that separation ever since. The events of 1 Samuel span approximately 100 years, from c. 1100 B.C. to c. 1000 B.C. The events of 2 Samuel cover another 40 years. The date of writing, then, would be sometime after 960 B.C.
What chapter does God remove his blessing from Saul?
Meanwhile, God removes His blessing from Saul, and an evil spirit begins goading Saul toward madness (16:14). Samuel travels to Bethlehem to anoint a youth named David as the next king (chapter 16). Later, David has his famous confrontation with Goliath the Philistine and becomes a national hero (chapter 17).
What is the purpose of Samuel's book?
Purpose of Writing: First Samuel records the history of Israel in the land of Canaan as they move from the rule of judges to being a unified nation under kings. Samuel emerges as the last judge, and he anoints the first two kings, Saul and David. Key Verses:
What chapter does Saul defeat the Ammonites?
Saul enjoys initial success, defeating the Ammonites in battle (chapter 11 ). But then he makes a series of missteps: he presumptuously offers a sacrifice (chapter 13), he makes a foolish vow at the expense of his son Jonathan (chapter 14), and he disobeys the Lord’s direct command (chapter 15).
What are the two sections of the book of Samuel?
Brief Summary: The book of 1 Samuel can be neatly divided into two sections: the life of Samuel (chapters 1-12) and the life of Saul (chapters 13-31) . The book starts with the miraculous birth of Samuel in answer to his mother’s earnest prayer. As a child, Samuel lived and served in the temple.
What does Saul seek to do on the eve of a battle with Philistia?
On the eve of a battle with Philistia, Saul seeks for answers. Having rejected God, he finds no help from heaven, and he seeks counsel from a medium instead. During the seance, Samuel’s spirit rises from the dead to give one last prophecy: Saul would die in battle the next day.
Who was Samuel in the Bible?
Samuel was a Levite from the descendants of Kohath. He was one of the few biblical characters to have a detailed birth narrative. His story in the Bible began with a barren woman, Hannah, praying to God for a child. The Bible says "the Lord remembered her," and she became pregnant.
Who presents his sons to Samuel?
Jesse presents his sons to Samuel, by James Tissot. Culture Club / Contributor / Getty Images
Why did Samuel serve in the Temple?
He served in several important positions during his life, earning God's favor because he knew how to obey. Samuel was a contemporary of King Saul and King David. His parents Elkanah and Hannah dedicated him to the Lord, giving the child to the priest Eli to be raised in the temple.
What is Samuel known for?
Samuel. Known for: As a prophet and judge over Israel, Samuel was instrumental in the establishment of Israel's monarchy. God chose him to anoint and counsel Israel’s kings. Bible References: Samuel is mentioned in 1 Samuel 1-28; Psalm 99:6; Jeremiah 15:1; Acts 3:24, 13:20; and Hebrews 11:32. Father: Elkanah.
What did the apparition tell Saul?
In 1 Samuel 28:16-19, that apparition told Saul he would lose the battle, along with his life and the lives of his two sons. In all of the Old Testament, few people were as obedient to God as Samuel. He was honored as an uncompromising servant in the " Hall of Faith " in Hebrews 11.
What happened to Samuel when he was sleeping?
One night God spoke to Samuel while he was sleeping, and the boy mistook the Lord's voice for Eli's. This happened three times until the old priest realized God was speaking to Samuel. Samuel grew in wisdom and became a prophet.
What are the strengths of Samuel?
Character Strengths of Samuel in the Bible. Samuel was an honest and fair judge, dispensing God's law impartially. As a prophet, he exhorted Israel to turn from idolatry and serve God alone. Despite his personal misgivings, he led Israel from the system of judges to its first monarchy.
Who was Samuel in the Bible?
The life of Samuel was pivotal in Israel’s history. He was a prophet, he anointed the first two kings of Israel, and he was the last in the line of Israel’s judges, considered by many as the greatest judge ( Acts 13:20 ). Samuel is cited alongside Moses and Aaron as men who called on God and were answered ( Psalm 99:6 ).
How many times did the Lord call Samuel?
The first three times the Lord called Samuel, the boy responded to Eli. Eli then understood what was happening and instructed Samuel to respond to the Lord if he called again. Then, "The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ’samuel! Samuel!'.
What did Samuel hear when he heard Eli calling him?
Meanwhile, Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men ( 1 Samuel 2:26 ). At a time when prophecies and visions were rare, Samuel heard what he first believed to be Eli calling him during the night. Though the young Samuel was ministering in the tabernacle, he still didn’t know the Lord, ...
Why did Samuel call on God to lead his people?
After a time, Samuel learned that Saul had been rejected by God to lead His people because of Saul’s disobedience ( 1 Samuel 13:11–13 ).
What did Samuel tell Eli?
The following day, Samuel took his first leap of faith, telling Eli everything, even though the message was bad news for Eli and his family ( 1 Samuel 3:11–18 ). Eli responded with acceptance. Samuel’s credibility as a prophet spread throughout Israel, and God continued to reveal His Word to His people through Samuel ( 1 Samuel 3:20–21 ).
Why did Samuel want to appoint a king?
Samuel had appointed his sons as judges, but the elders of Israel told Samuel that because he was too old and his sons did not walk in his ways, they wanted Samuel to appoint a king to rule like other nations had ( 1 Samuel 8:1–5 ). Samuel’s initial reaction to their demand was one of great displeasure, and he prayed to God about the matter.
What was Samuel's absolute allegiance to God?
However, it appears that, even from a young age, Samuel’s absolute allegiance was to God first. There may be times when we feel intimidated by those in authority, but, as Samuel proved more than once, it is God who must remain our priority. The world may look on us cynically when we remain steadfast in our faith.
What is the name of the man in the Bible?
Bible> 1 Samuel. 1 Samuel . 1 Samuel 1. Elkanah and His Wives. (Psalm 113:1–9) 1Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophimain the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu,bthe son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah.
What did Saul say when he was told David had escaped from Keilah?
When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. 14And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.
Where did the Philistines follow the Philistines?
The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh. 13Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight. 14The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock.
What is 1bElihu called?
1bElihu is also called Eliab and Eliel ; see 1 Chronicles 6:27 and 34.
Who was the Benjamite?
1Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.
Is there one holy like the LORD?
2There is no one holy like the LORD.
How many times did God call Samuel?
12. God calls Samuel by name—twice. Samuel is one of 8 people in the Bible that God calls by name … twice. The others are Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Martha, Simon, “My God,” and Saul.
Why is Samuel the last?
Why is Samuel the last? Because after Samuel, Israel is led by kings ( Ac 13:20 ).
What are some interesting facts about Samuel?
Samuel is one of the most intriguing Old Testament figures (to me, at least). He’s a star player in the story of David and Saul: the first two God-anointed kings of Israel. We meet him as a baby. We see him as a national leader, intercessor, and even a ghost.
Why is Samuel's ministry important?
Samuel’s prophetic ministry is significant because it begins at a time when words from the Lord are rare and infrequent ( 1 Sa 3:1 ). But after Samuel, Israel’s history comes alive with prophetic revelation: much of which is recorded in the prophetic books of the Bible.
Where is Samuel from?
Samuel is from the tribe of Levi. Not only was Samuel from the tribe of Levi, but he may have had Ephraimite blood, too ( 1 Ch 6:33–38, 1 Sa 1:1 ). This qualified him to serve in the temple, but Samuel was much more than a priest (see below). 4.
Who celebrated Passover after Samuel died?
Hundreds of years after Samuel’s death, a king named Josiah celebrates the Passover. It’s such an affair, the author says it’s the greatest Passover ever—well, ever since Samuel’s day ( 2 Ch 35:18 ).
Who was the first prophet?
6. Samuel is the first of the prophets. In the book of Acts, Peter also considers Samuel to be the first of the prophets—after Moses, that is ( Ac 3:24 ). A prophet is someone who speaks on behalf of God.
Summary of The Book of 1 Samuel
Title
- 1 and 2 Samuel are named after the person God used to establish monarchy in Israel. Samuel not only anointed both Saul and David, Israel's first two kings, but he also gave definition to the new order of God's rule over Israel. Samuel's role as God's representative in this period of Israel's history is close to that of Moses (see Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1)...
Literary Features, Authorship and Date
- Many questions have arisen pertaining to the literary character, authorship and date of 1,2 Samuel. Certain features of the book suggest that it was compiled with the use of a number of originally independent sources, which the author may have incorporated into his own composition as much as possible in their original, unedited form. Who the author was cannot be known sinc…
Contents and Theme: Kingship and Covenant
- 1 Samuel relates God's establishment of a political system in Israel headed by a human king. Before the author describes this momentous change in the structure of the theocracy (God's kingly rule over his people), he effectively depicts the complexity of its context. The following events provide both historical and theological background for the beginning of the monarchy: 1. …
Chronology
- Even though the narratives of 1,2 Samuel contain some statements of chronological import (see, e.g., 1Sa 6:1; 7:2; 8:1,5; 13:1; 25:1; 2Sa 2:10-11; 5:4-5; 14:28; 15:7), the data are insufficient to establish a precise chronology for the major events of this period of Israel's history. Except for the dates of David's birth and the duration of his reign, which are quite firm (see 2Sa 5:4-5), most oth…
Outline
- Historical Setting for the Beginning of Kingship in Israel (chs. 1-7)
- The Beginning of Kingship in Israel under the Guidance of Samuel (8:1;16:13)
- The Establishment of Kingship in Israel (16:14;31:13)
- The Consolidation of Kingship in Israel (2Sa 1-20)