Name. The name is taken from the history of the life of Samuel
recorded in the early part of the book. It means "asked of God." The
two were formerly one book and called the "First Book of Kings," the
two books of Kings being one book and called Second Kings. Samuel and
Kings form a continuous story, and give us a record of the rise, glory
and fall of the Jewish Monarchy.
First Samuel.
Contents. This book begins with the story of Eli. the aged priest,
judge and leader of the people. It records the birth and childhood of
Samuel, who later becomes priest and prophet of the people. It tells
of Saul's elevation to the throne and of his final downfall. Along
with this is also given the growing power of David, who is to succeed
Saul as king.
The Prophets. Samuel was not only both judge and priest and prophet,
but as prophet he performed conspicuous services in several
directions. Probably the most notable of all his work was the
establishment of schools of prophets, which greatly dignified the work
of the prophets. After this time, the prophet and not the priest was
the medium of communication between God and his people.
Saul. As king, Saul began well and under favorable circumstances. He
gave himself to military exploits and neglected the finer spiritual
matters and soon made a complete break with Samuel, who represented
the religious-national class-and thereby lost the support of
the best elements of the nation. He then became morose and melancholy
and insanely jealous in conduct and could not, therefore, understand
the higher religious experiences that were necessary as a
representative of Jehovah on the throne of Israel.
Analysis.
I. Career of Samuel, Chs. 1-7.
1. His birth and call, Chs. 1-3.
2. His conflict with the Philistines, Chs. 4-7.
II. Career of Saul to his rejection, Chs. 8-15.
1. Chosen as King, Chs. 8-10.
2. Wars with Philistines, Chs. 11-14.
3. He is rejected, Chs. 15.
III. Career of Saul after his rejection. Chs. 16-31.
1. While David is at his court, Chs. 16-20.
2. While David is a refugee in Judah. Chs. 21-26.
3. While David is a refugee in Philistia. Chs. 27-31.
For Study and Discussion. (1) The story of Eli and his sons. (2) The
birth and call of Samuel. (3) The anointing of Saul. (4) The anointing
of David. (5) The evils of jealousy as seen in Saul. (6) The
importance of respect for existing forms of government-see David's
attitude toward Saul. (7) How a man's attitude toward God and his
servants can make or mar his destiny. (8) Examples of how God uses
both good and bad carrying forward his purposes.
Second Samuel.
In this book, there is given the story of the career of David while
king of Israel. He was the strongest king Israel ever had and was
characterized as a fine executive, a skillful soldier and of a deeply
religious disposition. He was not without his faults, but in spite of
them developed a great empire.
Analysis.
I. His Reign Over Judah a Hebren, Chs. 1-4.
II. His reign Over All Israel, Chs. 5-10.
III. His Great Sin and Its Results, Chs. 11-20.
IV. An Appendix, Chs. 21-34.
For Study and Discussion. (1) How David became king. (2) His victories
in war. (3) His great sin and some of its consequences. (4) His
kindness toward his enemies (see also his attitude toward Saul
recorded in First Samuel). (5) The kindness of God as illustrated by
the story of David's kindness to Mephibosheth, Ch. 9. (6) David's
psalm of praise, Chs. 22-23. (7) The different occasions when David
showed a penitent spirit (8) The great pestilence. Ch. 24.
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