1 & 2 Samuel

Samuel becomes the person of God To unite Israel’s twelve tribes under a king and David is portrayed as the ideal king, despite his flaws

Summary:
Samuel is both a judge and prophet (a mouthpiece for God).  1 Samuel describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings.  The three main characters in this book are Samuel the judge and first prophet; Saul who becomes the first king of Israel but never fully takes on the role of king because of his ambivalence; and David, the king-elect who is anointed by Samuel but not yet recognized as Saul’s successor until 2 Samuel. We see in 1 and 2 Samuel both, that God-Yahweh is sovereign (in control) over not only individuals, but over Israel as well as the surrounding nations.  We see a people asking for a king, so that they may be like all of the other nations.  Prior to this, Israel was under a theocracy, where God was their king.  In the Ancient Near East, a king held two primary roles.  He was to lead the people into battle and was to establish justice.  At this time in Israel’s history, her arch enemy was the Philistines.  Ultimately the true king would be the one to stand up to this fearsome people group and lead Israel into war against them.  Now we know why it is so significant that David, the shepherd boy, is the only one to stand up to the most infamous Philistine….Goliath.  Note that Saul never really engages the Philistines in battle.

Some important points to understand about the books of 1 & 2 Samuel:

  • This book is a beautiful example of a righteous, barren woman, conceiving a son whom she dedicates to the Lord in return for His faithfulness in her life.  Her prayer (2:1-10) is similar in many ways to Mary’s prayer (Luke 1:46-55) or hymn of praise.
  • David becomes king of Judah and rules in Hebron for seven years before becoming king over all twelve tribes (Israel) after the death of Saul’s son, Ishbosheth.  He rules as king for 40 years in all.
  • 2 Samuel depicts David’s rise to power as well as his kingship.  2 Samuel 7 outlines the “Davidic Covenant” in which David desires to build a “house” (temple) for the LORD.  God does not allow David to do this, but God does promise David a “house” (dynasty) that would last forever.
  •  The “Abrahamic Covenant is built on and expanded upon (God’s promise of Land, Seed-lit., and blessing).  Ultimately Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the line of David
  • David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it the royal city and residence.  It is here where the future temple is built by his son Solomon
  • Although David is the “ideal king,” we can relate to his human side in his notorious sin of adultery with Bathsheba (chs. 11-12).  Unfortunately he lives the rest of his life with the consequences of this poor choice.  Note the progression of sin and the many opportunities he had to change his direction.
  • David is remembered throughout Scripture as “a man after God’s own heart” primarily because of two important qualities that ruled his life: He was very quick to repent whenever he had sinned, and he always gave God the glory for the successes in his life.  He is an example to us all.