First and Second Samuel are named for the principle character in the early chapters of the book. Samuel led Israel as its last judge and anointed Israel's first two kings, Saul and David.
First and Second Samuel were originally one book in the Hebrew Bible. The Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate first divided the Hebrew into two books. The Septuagint entitled Samuel and Kings as four consecutive books called "First-Fourth Kingdoms". The Vulgate also had four books but with the title "Kings". In the Hebrew Bible the division into two books was established with its first printing (A.D. 1488). The English versions followed the Hebrew title "Samuel".
First and Second Samuel are anonymous. According to Jewish tradition, based on I Chronicles 29;29, the Books of Samuel were authored by Samuel and completed by the prophets Nathan and Gad. Since I Samuel 15:1 records Samuel's death and he seldom appears after the anointing of David (I Sam 16:1-13), alternative explanations for the compilation of the books of Samuel have been sought.
As the Jewish tradition itself indicates, the Books of Samuel are a composite work of more than one hand. Among the materials used were eyewitness accounts, archival materials, independent narratives, and poetry.
Scholars disagree on how and when the Books of Samuel were written. Some believe the work was completed soon after the time of David (1011-971 B.C.). Other scholars have dated the completed work about 650-550 B.C. as part of a larger history influenced by the central ideas of Deuteronomy.
Some commentators have charged that I Samuel evidences sources of contradictory theological viewpoints (for example, views on kingship). However, this diversity has been explained on other grounds, such as differences in emphasis or supplementation. The book's variety of sources have been integrated into a unified work with a consistent theme. (HBH)
Author: The author of I Samuel isn't mentioned in this book, but it's probable that Samuel edited it or offered the information that appears in 1:1-25:1, which covers his entire life and ministry until his death. The author of the rest of the book can't be determined, although some suppose that its editing has been at the charge of the priest Abiathar.
Date: Due to the references to the city of Ziklag, which "Came to belong to the kings of Judah to this day" (27:6) and other references to Judah and Israel, we know that this book was written after the division of the nation in 931 B.C. And as it doesn't mention the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C., it should be dated before that event. The First Book of Samuel covers a period of about 140 years, which begins with the birth of Samuel approximately around 1150 B.C. and ends with the death of Saul, around 1010 B.C.
Content: Israel had been governed by judges raised up by GOD in a crucial moment of Hebrew history. However, the nation degenerated morally as well as politically. It had been submitted to the cruel domination of the Philistines. The temple in Shiloh had been profaned and the priesthood was corrupt and immoral. Samuel, the providential son of Hannah, came in the midst of this religious and political confusion. The felicity and joy that caused his mother to give birth anticipates that which would be brought to the whole nation.
The sons of Samuel themselves didn't have the pious character of their father. The people didn't trust in their abilities; as Samuel grew old, the people pressured him to name a king. He did it against his will. Saul, a handsome, charismatic individual, was chosen as the first king of Israel. His ego was comparable to his stature. Impatient, he assumes the office of priest instead of waiting for Samuel. After rejecting GOD's commandments Saul is rejected by GOD. Afterwards Saul is transformed into a tragic figure. Consumed by jealousy and fear, he gradually loses common sense and spends his final years uselessly persecuting David through the woods of the kingdom, with the intention of killing him. However, David found an ally in Saul's son, Jonathan, who advises him of his father's plans to assassinate him. Finally, when Saul and Jonathan die in a battle, the stage is set for David to become the second king of Israel.
Historical Setting: The Books of I and II Samuel describe a turning point in Israel's history. This was a time when the people became dissatisfied with their loose tribal form of organization and insisted on a united kingdom under the ruling authority of a king. For hundreds of years they had existed as a tribal society, with each tribe living on its own portion of the land and minding its own affairs. If a superior enemy threatened the entire nation, they depended on deliverance at the hands of judges, those military leaders described in the Book of Judges, who would raise a volunteer army to make their borders secure.
This system of defense, however, proved woefully inadequate when the Philistines began to flex their muscles against the nation with renewed intensity about 1100 B.C. These warlike people boasted of iron chariots, a well-organized army, and other superior weapons which they used with military precision against the poorly organized Israelites. The threat of this superior force led the nation to clamor for a king - a ruler who could unite all the tribes against a common enemy.
Saul was anointed by Samuel about 1050 B.C. to serve as first king of the nation. A gifted young man of great promise, he ruled for 40 years (Acts 13:21) before taking his life by falling on his own sword when the Philistines prevailed against him in a decisive battle (I Sam. 31:1-7). David, his successor, also ruled 40 years (II Sam. 5:4; I Chron. 29-27), from 1010 to 971 B.C. Building on Saul's beginning, David succeeded in driving out the Philistines, unifying the people, and conquering or establishing peaceful relationships with surrounding nations. (IBD)
Special Considerations: The story of David and Goliath (I Samuel 17) presents more than a dramatic encounter between two warriors. It also points up the contrast between David and Saul. Since he was tall himself, Saul should have been the one to face the giant (I Sam. 9:2). By his failure to meet Goliath, Saul demonstrated both his folly and his inability to rule. By rising to the challenge, David demonstrated his wisdom and faith, proving that he was GOD's man for the throne of Israel.
In addition to its stories, the books of I and II Samuel contain several poems, or psalms of praise to GOD. One such poem is the lovely Psalm of Hannah (I Sam. 2), in which Hannah rejoices in GOD's goodness in allowing her to conceive. The dramatic Psalm of the Bow (II Samuel 1), in which David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, is another of these poems. (IBD)
Personal Application: The First Book of Samuel clearly observes that GOD is acting in history. Even the most unfortunate events, as sin and rebellion can be utilized by Him to make his divine plan advance. The corruption of the sons of Eli, and his inability to educate and instruct them, shapes the environment where the child Samuel develops. The rejection of GOD and the demand of a king for Israel give place to the establishment of an earthly dynasty that would prepare for GOD's entry into human history in the person of the Messiah. Finally, Saul, who began so wonderfully, ends his life in a tragedy, killing himself. Because of Saul's weakness, David is taken from raising sheep and introduced to the king's court. The foolish persecution of David on Saul's part served as a backdrop for the ascension to the throne of the greatest of the kings of Israel, a man after GOD's own heart.
But GOD's hand is not only manifested in the great moments of history. In I Samuel the following lessons are also made evident: GOD intervenes in the pain and misery of Hannah to give her, not only a son, but a progeny of three sons and two daughters (2:21). Although human beings are fixed on appearances, GOD sees the heart (16:7). Obedience is better than sacrifice (15:22,23), which indicates that GOD is interested in men's hearts as well as their actions. GOD doesn't notice those who show great dignity when they have sinned, since He is a patient and merciful GOD.
Christ Revealed: The similarities between Jesus and the child Samuel are striking. Both were sons of promise. Both were dedicated to GOD before they were born. Both served to bridge the gap between one age and another in the nation's history. Samuel combined the offices of prophet and priest; Christ is Prophet, Priest and King.
The tragic end of Saul illustrates how earthly kingdoms end. The only hope is in the Kingdom of GOD upon earth, whose government is in the LORD's hands. The genealogy of the One sent by GOD begins with David. In Christ, GOD comes as King and will come again as King of kings.
David, the shepherd child, prefigures Christ, the Good Shepherd. Jesus becomes the Shepherd-King.
The Holy Spirit in Action: The First Book of Samuel contains notable references about how the Holy Spirit inspires prophets, as with Saul and his servants. In 10:6 the Holy Spirit descends upon Saul, who prophecies and is transformed "into another man", that is, into someone filled with the Spirit to fulfill the divine mission.
After David was anointed by Samuel, "from that day forward the Spirit of Jehovah came upon David" (16:13).
The phenomenon of the Spirit inspiring those who worship appears in chapter 10 and 19:20. This didn't equal the raving of pagans, but was true worship and praise inspired by the Spirit, something not very distinct from what occurred on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Even in the multiple uses of the ephod and the Urim and Thummim, we look towards the future temple when "the Spirit of truth" will guide us to "all the truth", will tell us "the things that will come to pass, and "will take of mine" - says Jesus -, "and will make you wise" (John 16:13,14). (IBD)
Purpose and Theology:
During the judges period, the nation was a theocracy. The LORD was its only king and authority. The tribes had no central authority to govern them and were held together because of their common commitment to the covenant with the LORD. With the establishment of the kingdom, GOD would express His rule in a new way, through his chosen king.
The First Book of Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Between 931 and 722 B.C.
Theme: GOD works in history
Key Words: Samuel, Saul, David
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