The Basics: A Brief Overview First and Second Samuel
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE: 1st and 2nd Samuel
INTRODUCTION:
1st and 2nd Samuel (from here on out: Samuel) was originally one in the same. However, it has been broken up in order to separate some of the key events found in the book by the Septuagint; a division followed by the Latin Vulgate. If you want to know how Israel goes from a theocratic government system to a monarchy, Samuel is the book for you.
WHO WROTE IT:
John MacArthur eloquently identifies the issues on who and when the book was written. MacArthur states, “Jewish tradition ascribed the writing of “Samuel” to Samuel himself or to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (based on 1 Chr 29:29). But Samuel cannot be the writer because his death is recorded in 1 Sam 25:, before the events associated with David’s reign even took place. Further, Nathan and Gad were prophets of the Lord during David’s lifetime and would not have been alive when the book of Samuel was written. Though the written records of these 3 prophets could have been used for information in the writing of 1 and 2 Samuel, the human author of these books is unknown. The work comes to the reader as an anonymous writing, i.e., the human author speaks for the Lord and gives the divine interpretation of the events narrated.”
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
MacArthur continues to systematically review the text and helps us identify a possible time frame of when the book was written, “The books of Samuel contain no clear indication of the date of composition. That the author wrote after the division of the kingdom between Israel and Judah in 931 B.C. is clear, due to the many references to Israel and Judah as distinct entities (1 Sam11:8; 17:52; 18:16; 2 Sam. 5:5; 11:11; 12:8; 19:42-43; 24:1, 9). Also, the statement concerning Ziklag’s belonging “to the kings of Judah to this day” in 1 Sam 276:6 gives clear evidence of a post-Solomonic date of writing. There is no such clarity concerning how late the date of writing could be. However, 1 and 2 Samuel are included in the Former Prophets in the Hebrew canon, along with Joshua, Judges, and 1 and 2 Kings. If the Former Prophets were composed as a unit, then Samuel would have been written during the Babylonian captivity (ca. 560–540 B.C.), since 2 Kings concludes during the exile (2 Kin. 25:27-30). However, since Samuel has a different literary style than Kings, it was most likely penned before the Exile during the period of the divided kingdom (ca. 931–722B.C.) and later made an integral part of the Former Prophets.”
KEY TOPICS:
Samuel enlightens the reader on several topics such as; society, government, religion, prophecy, prophets, man, woman, sex, children, family issues, promises, war, witchcraft, Nephilim, God, love, and finally Jesus Christ foreshadowed.
KEY SECTIONS:
Because the book of Samuel has been divided into two books we will tackle the first division and than the second division.
Division (1): Chapters 1-3 shows Samuel becoming a Prophet of God. Chapters 4-7 is Israel’s final days in the era of the Judges. Chapters 8-15 is the reign of King Saul. Chapters 16-30 depict David as a man after God’s own heart. Chapter 31 describes the death of King Saul.
Division (2): Chapters 1-10 the reign of King David. Chapter 11-12 describes David’s and Bathsheba’s sin. Chapter 13-21 discusses National as well as family Civil War. Chapter 22-23 are David’s songs to God. Chapter 24 details David’s mistake with the census.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
Samuel interacts with 1st and 2nd Kings as well as 1st and 2nd Chronicles. Some of the same people who are written about in Samuel can be found in 1st and 2nd Kings. While the decisions in Samuel reflect a direct correlation to the events of 1stand 2nd Chronicles. Many characteristics of Jewish custom today reach back to the book of Samuel.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
It cannot be stressed enough, the book of Samuel is by no means an easy read. There are tales of great trial and joy, the book is also a reflection of the human capacity to love and fail all at the same time. For those who want to understand how man is inherently wicked and in need of a savior, just read Samuel. If you are wanting to see the foreshadowing of Jesus Christ coming, than this is the book for you. Samuel identifies what I would call the Israeli spirit that we see today. Out of constant obstacles and challenges, God is continually there for them. I cannot think of a better set of books that reflect the Jewish Israeli society than Samuel. However, this does not mean that there is no practicality for a Gentile. The book of Samuel is a perfect reflection of how much Jesus Christ cares for us. Samuel is a perfect book for parents to read and study with their adolescent children who are coming of age, and might need some education on topics that are simply not discussed. Samuel reminds any Christian today of a much needed lesson that when Christ is on our side, there is no one to fear. David exhibits this principle when facing the giant, David’s men display this lesson when outnumbered, flanked, and out positioned by the hordes of enemy. Additionally, women such as Hannah and Abigail would exemplify the lesson that we have Christ with us no matter the occasion. Finally, Samuel is the book that helps identify the transition from the era of Judges to the time of the Kings. This coming era would bring the heights of Israel and the utter depth of a nation.
Hold Until Relieved, Our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL