Series: 1 Samuel

The book of First Samuel is a fascinating snapshot of a very critical time in the history of God’s people. It was a time when Israel was impatiently asking for a physical, earthly king – wanting to be like the “other nations.” God, on the other hand, had the perfect King in mind, but the time wasn’t right (Galatians 4:2). Before God agreed to allow his people to enthrone an imperfect prototype of his future King, God set out to firmly establish an office of men who would coexist with this new monarchy and boldly speak on God’s behalf. That’s where our story begins.

About 1100 BC God orchestrates the events that led to the birth and “temple adoption” of Samuel – the first in a long line of prophets like Nathan, Amos, Hosea, Joel, Micah, Isaiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah who would be used by God to help lead and correct a kingdom in need of God’s personal guidance and direction.

By 1043 BC Samuel had reluctantly anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. Much of our book focuses on his less-than-stellar attempt at governing God’s people. After giving the people just the kind of résumé they wanted, and as things were proceeding from bad to worse, God led Samuel to the home of Jesse in search of Saul’s successor. This time God was going 1100 BC to make it clear that he was going to be doing the choosing.

In 1025 BC this unlikely candidate for the number one job in Israel was anointed as the next king, but it would be over a decade until David, the shepherd
boy turned monarch, would begin to govern from Israel’s throne. All of the stories of David recorded in the book of 1 Samuel took place prior to his official inauguration.

Though most people did not recognize David as Israel’s king, God did, and he was careful to strongly support him – sometimes with nothing more than a slingshot.

Our book ends in 1011 BC with the suicide of king Saul after he was wounded in battle. The monarchy was underway, a prophetic office was clearly recognized, and God’s personal choice for a kingly prototype was poised to take his place in history – all in 31 chapters!