INTRODUCTION

• 1 Samuel describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings.
• Before the kingship, Israel was a loosely organized confederation of tribes governed as a theocracy.
• 1 Samuel comes directly on the heels of Judges. As that book concludes, we know it was a period of great moral apostasy when everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Jud. 17:6, 21:25).
• There are three primary characters in this book whose lives are interwoven: Samuel, Saul and David. The books were not primarily composed for historical or biographical intent. The main purpose is theological and the main character is God.
• The book covers the ninety-four year period from the birth of Samuel to the death of Saul (1105–1011 B.C.).
• Both 1 and 2 Samuel were originally combined in the Hebrew Bible.
• The book contains some of the most beloved stories found in the Bible.
• Events that mark Samuel’s ministry:
• The head of a company of prophets (10:5; 19:20).
• The last judge (7:6, 15–17) and the first great prophet in Israel (3:20).
• Anointed the first two kings, Saul (10:1) and David (16:12–13).
• Lived from 1105–1015 B.C.
• Ministered from 1067–1015 B.C. (Dates are close approximations).
• Patriotic, dedicated, courageous, pious and wise.
• Mentioned as a great man of faith in Hebrews 11:32.

AUTHOR

• Although Samuel is identified with this book, the author is anonymous.
• Jewish tradition (the Talmud) identifies Samuel as the author, but his reported death in 25:1 makes it clear that he did not write all of 1 Samuel and any of 2 Samuel. The degree is unknown, but it does appear Samuel did make some contributions (see 10:25 and 1 Chron. 29:29).
• Itappears both 1 and 2 Samuel were a compilation from the writings of various prophets (Samuel, Gad and Nathan).

DATE

• If Samuel was a contributing author, the book was written during his lifespan (see above) and was fully compiled before the Assyrian captivity/fall of the Northern Kingdom in 722 B.C.
• Conservative scholarship believes this book was written shortly after the events themselves.

THEME

• The primary theme is the sovereign control of God.
• The names of God recorded all reveal the ways He demonstrates Himself to resolve the tensions of His people.
• Godreverses the natural order of things to exalt the people who trust Him.
• God is the One who holds the nation Israel in His hand.
• Other minor themes established throughout the book are:
• Israel’s emerging concept of a “messiah” or “anointed one.” Messiah will be Israel’s only hope.
• The Davidic Covenant.
• Assessments of Saul and David’s character.
• Futility to trust in natural strength.

PURPOSE

• Instruct the kings of Israel to place their trust not in human strength, but rather in God who is over all.
• Chronicle the transition of Israel’s leadership from judges to kings, from a theocracy to a monarchy.
• Record the history and God’s establishment of the Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7).
• Reveal the role of the prophets as God’s mouthpiece to the kings and people of Israel.

OUTLINE

• Samuel: The Last Judge of Israel (1:1–12:25).
• The birth and childhood of Samuel (1:1–4:1a).
• Events surrounding the Ark (4:1b–7:17).
• The question of kingship (8:1–12:25).
• Saul: The First King of Israel (13:1–31:13).
• Notable events in Saul’s reign (13:1–15:35).
• The rise of David (16:1–19:17).
• David the outlaw (19:18–26:25).
• David and the Philistines (27:1–31:13).