1 Samuel

In FIRST SAMUEL of Jesse’s son

This book is named after the Prophet Samuel . It covers the actions and events in the lives of Samuel who was the last of the Judges, Saul, first King of Israel and David the charismatic and versatile king and military genius. The period is of changing systems in Israel the rule of the judges comes to a conclusion and the Kingdom of Israel is established.

Outline of Events

Birth and dedication of Samuel 1:1-2: 1-11

Failure of Eli as Judge and Parent 2:12-36

Samuel’s Call and Childhood 3:1-21

Capture and return of the Ark of the Covenant 4-6

Samuel’s Prayer defeats Philistines 7:1-22

Israel’s Clamour for a King 8

Saul Chosen and Anointed 1 Kings 9-10

Samuel proclaims the Kingdom and the Problems 12

Saul’s Weakness and Samuel’s Prophecy 13

Jonathan’s deliverance of Israel 14:1-16

Obedience is better than Sacrifice 15:1-23

David anointed King 16

David dispatches Goliath 17

Friendship of David and Jonathan 18

Persecution of David by Saul 18:9–27:4

Saul’s last years and his suicide 26-31

The Power of Prayer is a dominant truth and reoccurring theme and activity in the life of Samuel.

He was born in answer to prayer 1: 10-28

His name means ‘Asked of God’ 1:20

His prayer brings deliverance at Mizpah 7:2-13

His prayer when Israel insisted on having a King 8:21

His unceasing prayer for his people 12:23

Dangerous Deviations from Divine Law

Polygamy 1:6

Parental weakness and indulgence 2:22-25; 8:1-5

Trust in sacred objects 4:3

Impatience 13:8-9

Limited obedience to the Lord 15

We are aware that all the Old Testament Scriptures are indeed the Word of God.