Introduction
1st Samuel – The Story of Samuel and Saul
Author and title of the Book
1 Samuel 1-24 were written by Samuel. 1 Samuel 25-31 and 2nd Samuel were written by the prophets, Nathan and Gad (l Chronicles 29:29). The title or the names of 1st and 2nd Samuel are seen first of all from the old Hebrew text as both books being one book. They were called the Book of Samuel and the same applies to the Book of Kings. The Greek Old Testament called the Septuagint, calls them, “The Books of the Kingdom.” This includes 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings. The Latin Bible known as the Vulgate, written by the church father Jerome, refers to both 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings as, ” The Books of the Kings.” After 1517 AD, the Jews referred to both the Books of Samuel and the Books of Kings, as they are now presented: 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings.
Date of Composition
1st Samuel was written sometime between 1140 & 1150 BC right down to circa 900 BC.
The Place of Composition
This was obviously within the land of Israel, and probably in Jerusalem. You recall the recurring phrase from Joshua, “The children of Israel did not drive out the inhabitants of the land.” Another recurring phrase from Judges, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” The important phrase to remember from Samuel is, “The people wanted a king like other nations.” The fact that sinful man doesn’t want God to rule over him is seen in Matthew’s phrase, “not Jesus but Barabas.” This fact is also seen in the familiar words of the apostle John, ” You will receive another in his own name.” The lessons from all this are simple but powerful. This world needs a righteous king, with divine power. One who will rule the world with equity. This king can only be our “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” Jesus Christ. He is the only king who will rule the world with full dependence on God.
Same general considerations of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles: 1st & 2nd Samuel speak to us of kings from the standpoint of government and providence. 1st & 2nd Kings refer to the subject of a kingdom, and emphasize history and chronology. 1st & 2nd Chronicles can be called The Books of the Temple, and emphasize worship and morality.
The Story of Samuel – 1 Samuel 1 -12
Samuel’s parents: (1 Samuel 1:1-2:10)
1. The patience of Hannah. (1 Samuel 1:1-8)
2. The prayer of Hannah. (1 Samuel 1:9-20)
3. The presentation of Hannah. (1 Samuel 1:20-28)
4. The praise of Hannah. (1 Samuel 2:1-10)
This section has also been called, “The Song of Hannah.”
Samuel’s early environment: (1 Samuel 2:11-36)
The priestly failure is noted in 1 Samuel 2:11-17. The priests in question did not realize the spiritual meaning of the sacrifices. Also their immorality is emphasized in 1 Samuel 2:18-25. And the fact that the sentence of death was upon them is seen in 1 Samuel 2: 26-36.
Samuel’s call to service: (1 Samuel 3:1-18)
The reason for his call is noted in 1 Samuel 3:1-13 under the phrase, “God’s word was rare in those days.” This means there was no frequent vision from God to man. This was obviously because of the apostasy which was at an all time high in Israel during this time.
The purpose of his call is seen in 1 Samuel 3:4-10 and the revelation of his call is seen in 1 Samuel 3:11-18. This section also deals with the punishment upon the household of Eli.
Samuel’s work for God: (1 Samuel 3:19-11:15)
Although Samuel was not one of the Levites, he was God’s main representative during this period. (1 Samuel 3:19-4:1)
1 Samuel 4:2-7:17 presents Samuel as God’s last Judge. 1 Samuel 8:1-11:15 presents Samuel as God’s first prophet: i.e., the first one with both the gift and the office.
Israel’s demand for a king is noted in 1 Samuel 8:1-22. The appointment of a king is seen in 1 Samuel 9-10:16. The recognition of a king is noted in 1 Samuel 10:17-27.
The installation of the king is seen in 1 Samuel 11:1-5.
We close this first main division of our book by noting Samuel’s retirement from public life. 1 Samuel 12:1-25.
The Story of Saul – 1 Samuel 13:1 – 2 Samuel 1:16
A. Saul’s failure through pride. (1 Samuel 13) Saul presumed to make the sacrifice.
1. Saul under the control of the old sin nature (1 Samuel 13-15)
2. Saul’s old sin nature under the control of Satan results in the removal of the kingdom from him. (1 Samuel 16-17)
B. Saul’s rebuke by God. (1 Samuel 14)
1. The faith of Jonathan. (1 Samuel 14:1-23) 1 Samuel 14: 6 as the key verse.
2. Saul’s folly. (1 Samuel 14:24-32)
3. Saul’s altar. (1 Samuel 14:33-37)
4. Jonathan condemned by Saul and delivered by the people. (1 Samuel 14:38-45)
5. A review of Saul’s successes and his family. (1 Samuel 14:46-52)
C. Saul’s rejection by God. (1 Samuel 15) Saul disregarded the office of the prophet.
1. Saul’s opportunity. (1 Samuel 15:1-3)
2. Saul’s complete victory from Jehovah. (1 Samuel 15:4-8)
3. Saul’s faithlessness. (1 Samuel 15:9)
4. Saul is finally rejected. (1 Samuel 15:10-23) Saul was a coward; he blamed the people for his own sins.
5. Saul’s pseudo repentance. (1 Samuel 15:24-35)
D. Saul’s willful rebellion against God. (1 Samuel 15:16-31)
1. This rebellion is characterized by self-interest. (1 Samuel 16:1-18:5)
2. This rebellion is characterized by personal jealousy. (1 Samuel 18:6-30)
3. This rebellion is characterized by Satanic domination. (1 Samuel 19:1-28:2)
4. This rebellion is characterized by total apostasy. (1 Samuel 28:3-31:13)
The Story of David – 2 Samuel
Introduction
In 1 Samuel, King Saul is representative of apostates, and his son Jonathan is representative of the positive remnant. In 2 Samuel, Absalom, David’s son, is representative of apostates, and Mephebosheth is representative of the positive remnant. Mephebosheth was a grandson of king Saul and one of Jonathan’s sons. With the rulership of David, we see the beginning of a genuine monarchy type government in Israel. Under David the kingdom of Israel reached its pinnacle of development. The throne was established at Jerusalem, and there was a great national unity in its view of life. Also, widespread trade was established with foreign nations. Some more characteristics of the Davidic reign would include the city of Jerusalem as the center of political affairs, and Mt. Zion in Jerusalem, as the center of worship. The dynasty of David was made secure, and his kingdom was well organized.
2 Samuel Chapter Outline
I. David’s Success – 2 Samuel 1-10
A. David rules in Judah. (2 Samuel 1-4)
1. Saul’s death. (2 Samuel 1)
2. David departs to Hebron. (2 Samuel 2)
3. Abner deserts to David. (2 Samuel 3)
B. David rules over all Israel. (2 Samuel 5-10)
1. The choice of Zion as the new capital. (2 Samuel 5)
2. The Ark of the Covenant is the center of worship. (2 Samuel 6)
3. The Covenant of the Perpetual Kingdom. (2 Samuel 7)
4. David’s defeat of Israel’s enemies. (2 Samuel 8)
5. David’s adopted – royal son. (2 Samuel 9)
6. The new boundary. (2 Samuel 10)
II. David’s Sorrow – 2 Samuel 11 – 2 Samuel 19:8
A. David’s Sin. (2 Samuel 11)
1. The character of his sin
2. The commandments broken by his sin.
B. David’s Sadness. (2 Samuel 12)
1. The prophet Nathan’s courage. (2 Samuel 12:7-9)
2. The sentence pronounced. (2 Samuel 12:10-14)
3. The child’s death. (2 Samuel 12:15-24)
4. The birth of Solomon. ( 2 Samuel 12: 25-31)
C. David’s Suffering. (2 Samuel 13-19:8)
1. Amnon’s sin. (2 Samuel 13:1-22, compared with Leviticus 18)
2. The ingratitude of Absalom leads to revolution. (2 Samuel 13:23-19:18)
III. David’s Supremacy – 2 Samuel 19:9 – 2 Samuel 24:25
A. David returned to the throne. (2 Samuel 19:9-40)
1. Israel’s reception. (2 Samuel 19:9-10)
2. Judah’s reception. (2 Samuel 19:11-15)
3. David’s dealing with Simei. (2 Samuel 19:16-23)
4. David’s explanation of Mephebosheth. (2 Samuel 19:24-30)
5. The testimony of Barzielai. (2 Samuel 19:31-40)
B. David maintained on the throne. (2 Samuel 19:41-21:22)
1. Joab and Sheba rebel.
C. David’s rejoicing on the throne. (2 Samuel 22:1-23:39)
1. This section deals with David’s songs and David’s servants.
D. David’s presumption on the throne. (2 Samuel 24:1-25)
1. The sin. (2 Samuel 24:1-9)
2. The sentence. (2 Samuel 24:10-17)
3. The solution. (2 Samuel 24:18-25)
