Full Answer
Who wrote the book?
Together, 1 and 2 Samuel form one book in the Hebrew Bible. The Greek translation of the Bible, the Septuagint, was the first version to divide the material into two parts. Though named after its main character, the prophet Samuel, the book does not claim an author. However, Samuel may have written, and he certainly supplied, the information for 1 Samuel 1:1–24:22, which is a biography of his life and career up to his death. First Chronicles 29:29 notes that Samuel, along with Nathan and Gad, recorded the “acts of King David.” Evidence in the writing suggests that the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were compiled by someone from the prophetic school who used documents from Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. 1
Where are we?
First Samuel 27:6 refers to the divided monarchy, when the ten tribes of Israel rebelled against the two tribes of Judah, which occurred after Solomon ’s reign. From this we can conclude that the book came together sometime after the death of David (971 BC) and perhaps even after the death of Solomon (931 BC). Because the book contains no reference to the Assyrian invasion in 722 BC, it likely originated before the period of the exile.
Why is First Samuel so important?
In this critical period of Israel’s history, the people of God transformed from a loosely affiliated group of tribes into a unified nation under a form of government headed by a king. They traded the turmoil of life under the judges for the stability of a strong central monarchy.
What is the dividing marker between 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel?
He waited patiently for the throne, often pursued and driven into hiding by Saul. The book concludes with Saul’s death (31:1–13) , which serves as a natural dividing marker between 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.
When did the Assyrian invasion occur?
Because the book contains no reference to the Assyrian invasion in 722 BC, it likely originated before the period of the exile. The events that happen in 1 Samuel took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
Where is the first Samuel set?
First Samuel is set in the land of Israel, where the Hebrews invaded and settled (see Joshua). Numerous other peoples continued to dwell alongside Israel, often disrupting the peace and encouraging the Israelites to stray from their faith.
Who recorded the acts of King David?
First Chronicles 29:29 notes that Samuel, along with Nathan and Gad, recorded the “acts of King David.”. Evidence in the writing suggests that the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were compiled by someone from the prophetic school who used documents from Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. 1.
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.
What chapter does David elude Saul?
With supernatural aid, David narrowly but consistently eludes the bloodthirsty Saul (chapters 19-26) . Through it all, David maintains his integrity and his friendship with Jonathan. Near the end of the book, Samuel has died, and Saul is a lost man. On the eve of a battle with Philistia, Saul seeks for answers.
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.
Who Wrote the Book of 1 Samuel?
The authorship of 1 Samuel is unknown. This book, along with 2 Samuel, was originally a single volume in the Hebrew canon. Traditionally, the prophet Samuel was considered the author of the books of Samuel, and it is likely that he contributed to it. However, Samuel died prior to the completion of 1 Samuel, meaning he could not be its only author.
What does Adam Clark conclude about Samuel and Kings?
Adam Clark concludes that (1) the books of Samuel and Kings were constructed using original documents; (2) that the compiler was not contemporary with the events he narrates; (3) that the date and authorship of these books, while more recent that the events records are uncertain.
What is the purpose of the book of Samuel?
Robert Bergen identifies five potential purposes for the writing of 1 Samuel. It is, first of all, a book of history – it chronicles the life and ministry of Samuel, the last of the judges, it records the calling and reign of Saul, the first king of Israel, and it introduces David, recounting the tension between David and Saul.
Who was the first king of Israel?
Saul is the first King of Israel. In many ways, Saul serves as a foil to David. While he is a strong military leader, he is a poor spiritual example and leader for his nation. Prior to Saul ’s kingship, Israel was a loose coalition of tribes. Under Saul ’s leadership, they began to come together into a more cohesive nation.
Who are the three main characters in the book of Samuel?
Barker and Kohlenberger identify three major characters in the books of Samuel: Samuel, the kingmaker; Saul, abortive king; and David, the ideal king. 1 Samuel tells the complete story of the first two of these and begins the story of the third.
Who is Ed Jarrett?
Ed Jarrett is a long-time follower of Jesus and a member of Sylvan Way Baptist Church. He has been a Bible teacher for over 40 years and regularly blogs at A Clay Jar. You can also follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Ed is married, the father of two, and grandfather of three. He is retired and currently enjoys his gardens and backpacking.
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.
Who was Samuel named after?
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 ...
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:
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. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated "The First and Second Books of Kingdoms" (Septuagint), "First and Second Kings" (Vulgate) and "First and Second Samuel" (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions).
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 ).
What did Saul do as King?
He gave himself to military exploits and neglected the finer spiritual matters and soon made a complete break with Samuel, who represented the religious-national class-and thereby lost the support of the best elements of the nation.
What was Saul's most important work?
Probably the most notable of all his work was the establishment of schools of prophets, which greatly dignified the work of the prophets. After this time, the prophet and not the priest was the medium of communication between God and his people. Saul. As king, Saul began well and under favorable circumstances.
What is the story of Samuel and Kings?
Samuel and Kings form a continuous story, and give us a record of the rise, glory and fall of the Jewish Monarchy. First Samuel. Contents. This book begins with the story of Eli. the aged priest, judge and leader of the people.
What chapter is the Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church?
The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church— G. H. Gerberding. Chapter VIII. First and Second Samuel. Name. The name is taken from the history of the life of Samuel recorded in the early part of the book. It means "asked of God.".
Who was the strongest king of Israel?
Second Samuel. In this book, there is given the story of the career of David while king of Israel. He was the strongest king Israel ever had and was characterized as a fine executive, a skillful soldier and of a deeply religious disposition. He was not without his faults, but in spite of them developed a great empire.
How long did Leviticus live?
Leviticus was all lived, the entire Leviticus was lived at the base of Mount Sinai, maybe about a year. Numbers encompasses forty years; Deuteronomy, probably anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. So the time period doesn’t always correspond to the length of the passage, just a little thing on the side there.
Why does Israel need a judge after a judge?
Israel continues to need judge after judge after judge because what they actually need, cannot be provided by a human judge. But there's a Judge to come who holds life and death in His hands and can offer us true life; true abundant life involves not just rescue from sin external, but rescue from sin internal; there's a Judge coming who can do that.
Why study the Bible?
Study of the Bible ought to alter more than the way you think; it ought to alter the deepest desires of your heart, the fundamental ways you think about who you are and what you need. The Bible should produce in you a fear of idolatry and a growing worship of the One who alone has offered you forgiveness, transformation, rescue, deliverance, life eternal. It's not enough to learn the content. It's not enough to become theologically literate. It's not enough to memorize large portions of Scripture--those are all wonderful things, but those have direction, those have purpose!
Is hope found in a human king?
But what you really get is that hope is never found in a human king; hope is found in the King of kings. That King, The King is righteous and will not, in holiness, tolerate the rebellion of His people. He couldn’t love them if He did that. But He’s also a compassionate King who is ready and willing to forgive and to reconcile and to restore.
What is the court history of David?
Court History of David or Succession narrative (2 Samuel 9–20 and 1 Kings 1–2): a " historical novel " , in Alberto Soggin 's phrase, telling the story of David's reign from his affair with Bathsheba to his death.
What is the book of Samuel?
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible and two books (1 Samuel and 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 ...
What did David commit to Bathsheba?
David commits adultery with Bathsheba, who becomes pregnant. When her husband Uriah the Hittite returns from battle, David encourages him to go home and see his wife, but Uriah declines in case David might need him. David then deliberately sends Uriah on a suicide mission, and for this, Yahweh sends disasters against David's house. Nathan tells David that the sword shall never depart from his house.
What are the themes of the book of Hannah?
The main themes of the book are introduced in the opening poem (the " Song of Hannah "): (1) the sovereignty of Yahweh, God of Israel; (2) the reversal of human fortunes; and (3) kingship. These themes are played out in the stories of the three main characters, Samuel, Saul and David .
What is the purpose of the story of David's rise?
One of the main units within Samuel is the "History of David's Rise", the purpose of which is to justify David as the legitimate successor to Saul. The narrative stresses that he gained the throne lawfully, always respecting "the Lord's anointed" (i.e. Saul) and never taking any of his numerous chances to seize the throne by violence. As God's chosen king over Israel, David is also the son of God ("I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me..." – 2 Samuel 7:14). God enters into an eternal covenant (treaty) with David and his line, promising divine protection of the dynasty and of Jerusalem through all time.
What are the sources used to construct Samuel 1 and 2?
The sources used to construct 1 and 2 Samuel are believed to include the following: Call of Samuel or Youth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1–7): From Samuel's birth his career as Judge and prophet over Israel. This source includes the Eli narrative and part of the ark narrative.
Why are the books of Samuel based on Deuteronomy?
The Books of Samuel are considered to be based on both historical and legendary sources , primarily serving to fill the gap in Israelite history after the events described in Deuteronomy. The battles involving the destruction of the Canaanites are not supported by archaeological record, and it is now widely believed that the Israelites themselves originated as a sub-group of Canaanites. The Books of Samuel exhibit too many anachronisms to have been compiled in the 11th century BCE.
Why is Samuel the last?
Why is Samuel the last? Because after Samuel, Israel is led by kings ( Ac 13:20 ).
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.
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.
Is Samuel mentioned in the second Samuel?
Yes, we have the books of First and Second Samuel, but Samuel is never mentioned in Second Samuel! This is because both books were originally one document. You can learn more about all 66 books of the Bible here. Samuel is one of my favorite Bible characters—I’d encourage you to get to know him in First Samuel.
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 Wrote The Book?
Where Are We?
- First Samuel 27:6refers to the divided monarchy, when the ten tribes of Israel rebelled against the two tribes of Judah, which occurred after Solomon’s reign. From this we can conclude that the book came together sometime after the death of David (971 BC) and perhaps even after the death of Solomon (931 BC). Because the book contains no reference to the Assyrian invasion in 722 B…
Why Is First Samuel So Important?
- In this critical period of Israel’s history, the people of God transformed from a loosely affiliated group of tribes into a unified nation under a form of government headed by a king. They traded the turmoil of life under the judges for the stability of a strong central monarchy. First Samuel focuses on the establishment of that monarchy. The people demanded a king, similar to the kings of the …
What's The Big Idea?
- First Samuel chronicles the beginning of Israel’s monarchy, following the lives of the prophet Samuel, the ill-fated King Saul, and God’s ultimate choice of David as king. Several themes feature prominently. Providence: God repeatedly made everyday events work for His purposes. He used Hannah’s contentious relationship with Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1–2...
How Do I Apply this?
- God is still sovereign in the twenty-first century. He will accomplish His purposes with or without our cooperation. But as was true in the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, our response to God’s call affects our outcome. Will we obey Him as Samuel and David did and live lives marked by blessing? Or will we, like Saul, try to live on our own terms? “To obey is better than sacrifice,” Sa…
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) since he, more than any other person, pr…
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 be...
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 ot…
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)