1 + 2 SAMUEL BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY: THE EARLY KINGS OF ISRAEL
1 + 2 Samuel, originally written as one long story, form an epic tale of the rise and fall of Israel’s kings. When the tribes of Israel requested a king as their leader, God used the prophet Samuel to appoint Saul first, and later to appoint David. God used these two very different kings to show how He honors those who are obedient and opposes those who act of their own accord. Although God provided righteous judges and priests, the Israelites wanted to be like the surrounding nations that were led by kings.
Some of the stories in 1 + 2 Samuel might be familiar, like David and Goliath. But are you familiar with the story of Jonathan and the honey? Or Saul attempting to hide some sheep from Samuel? This book includes some classic Bible stories along with a winding narrative of violent wars, men on the run, and near-death experiences.
MAIN IDEAS: THE LEADERSHIP OF SAMUEL, SAUL, + DAVID
Despite Samuel’s faithful leadership, the Israelites wanted a king to rule the nation. (1 Samuel 8:5-7)
After Saul was appointed king, he did not keep God’s laws or commandments. (1 Samuel 13:8-15)
God made a covenant with David that his descendants would always reign. (2 Samuel 7:16-17)
Despite David’s sin and disobience, David loved God and continually trusted Him. (2 Samuel 22:2-4)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: FAITHFUL
Throughout the history of Israel, God’s people often acted faithlessly and rebelled against God’s leadership. God provided many faithful prophets and priests, including Samuel, but the Israelites desired a king. God set the Israelites apart, marking them as a people led by God. The Israelites rejected this idea and wanted human leader like the nations that surrounded them. 1 Samuel 8:7 reveals God’s response, saying that the Israelites did not reject Samuel as their leader, but instead they rejected God. God would not reject His people because He was pleased to have them as His own. Even when the Israelites did not choose God, God chose the Israelites.
1 Samuel 15:29 compares God to an earthly king, saying, "He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind." God remains faithful to His promises despite the wavering faithfulness of His people. In spite of their disobedience, God continued to work out His plans for Israel and lead them towards success. In 2 Samuel 22:51, David credited God as the provider of Israel’s triumph, saying, ”He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever."
JESUS IN 1 + 2 SAMUEL: THE FUTURE KING FROM DAVID
When David realized that he was living in a beautiful cedar house, but the ark of God was residing in a tent, he decided to build a temple for the presence of God. God later appeared to the prophet Nathan and instructed him to go back and tell David not to build a house. Instead of David building a house for God, God would build a house for David. God clarified that David’s house would not be a physical house, but a legacy and kingdom that would endure forever. God used the descendants of David to establish a new eternal throne. Eventually, God would send Jesus through the descendants of David to fulfill this promise.
David was amazed at God’s kindness and generosity and responded by praising God. Although David’s descendants would not always be on Israel’s throne, God promised David that an everlasting king - Jesus - would be established from his lineage. This promise is known as the Davidic Covenant. In 2 Samuel 7:28, David declared, "Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant." Jesus, the Savior, reigns forever as the King of kings, fulfilling God's promise of an everlasting throne.
