A review of 1 Samuel

A review of 1 Samuel

Title

This book bears the name of its first major character, Samuel.

Authorship

While the Jewish tradition holds that Samuel wrote this book there is nothing in the text that states who the author is. He is anonymous.

Date

First Samuel covers a period of time when Israel moves from leadership by Judges to rulership by a King (c.1105-1010 B.C.).

The book, however was written some time later.

Outline

1. Samuel as Judge and Prophet (1:1-7:17)

2. The Beginning of Kingship (8:1-15:9)

3. David's rise to Leadership (15:10-31:13)

Plot

1 Samuel story begins late in the turbulent times of the Judges when Eli is the priest in Israel. Hannah prays for a son whom she will dedicate to the Lord's service when he is born.

God answers her prayer and early on calls Samuel to a very important work in Israel. He functions as the last Judge and the first official Prophet in the nation.

The Israelites were being oppressed by the Philistines, the sacred "Ark of the Covenant" had been lost to the enemy and Eli's notorious sons had corrupted the priestly office which led to the departure of the Lord from the Tabernacle.

God uses the obedient Samuel to lead Israel out of this grave situation.

The prophetic ministry and leadership skills of Samuel led to a spiritual revival in Israel but when he was old the Israelites demanded a King, like the nations around. First Samuel records the anointing of King Saul, his reign and his disobedience and downfall.

Well before King Saul dies God has rejected him and Samuel is commissioned to anoint another man. This very young man at the time is David, son of Jesse, and he becomes Israel's greatest King. The early tenure of David and the last days of Saul end the book of First Samuel.

Major Characters

Eli, Eli's sons, Hannah, Samuel, King Saul, King David

Major Events

Hannah's prayer

God's call on Samuel

Samuel's leadership

King Saul's rise and fall

David an Goliath

David's anointing as king

David's encounters with King Saul

Purpose and Message

1. To indicate what Godly leadership did for the nation of Israel as evidenced in Samuel.

2. To show the impact and characteristics of Godly people - Hannah, Samuel and David.

3. To confirm God's faithfulness to his people despite their sin and to show His grace when they repent.

4. To inform us of the transition of Kingship in Israel.

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