Introduction to the Book of 1 Samuel

Introduction to the Book of 1 Samuel Author: Jewish tradition attributes the writing to Samuel ◦ This is impossible, based on 1 Samuel 25:1 The actual author of Samuel is unknown. The original writings of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book (and in the Hebrew Scriptures still is). The division of the two books originated with the Alexandrian translators (LXX) about the 4th Century A.D. Date of Writing: Sometime after 931 B.C. ◦ Based on references to Judah and Israel being separate kingdoms. ◦ 1 Samuel 11:8; 17:52; 18:16. Probably before the Babylonian Captivity (560-540 B.C.) ◦ 1 and 2 Kings was written during the captivity. Since the literary style of 1 and 2 Samuel is different that that of 1 and 2 Kings, it was probably written at a different time. Most likely it was written shortly after the dividing of the kingdom, since there is little reference to the decay and ultimate conquests of Israel and Judah. Chronology of Writing: The birth of Samuel (1105 B.C.) and Saul's death (1011 B.C.) Begins during the time of the Judges (1105 B.C-1052 B.C.) Includes the reign of Saul, the first king of Israel (1052-1011 B.C.) Important Themes in 1 Samuel: Israel was at a low point spiritually at the beginning of this book. ◦ The priesthood was corrupt (2:12-17) ◦ The ark of the covenant was not at the tabernacle (4:3-7:2) ◦ Idolatry was practiced (7:3, 4) ◦ The judges were dishonest (12:23) ◦ Through the influence of Samuel and David, these conditions somewhat turned around (12:23; 13:14) The establishment of Judah as “ruler” and the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) The Sovereignty of God ◦ The birth of Samuel ◦ The appointing of David as king. The Spirit of God working by coming upon men for specific tasks. ◦ Saul and David at their anointings (10:10; 16:13) ◦ Bringing forth prophesy (10:6) ◦ Bringing victory in battle (11:6) Demonstration of the personal and national effect of sin ◦ Sins of Eli and his sons resulted in their deaths (12:12-25) ◦ Lack of reverence for the ark led to the death of many in Israel (6:19) ◦ Saul's sin resulted in his rejection by God as king (13:9,13, 14; 15:8,9, 20-23) ◦ Davids sin in 2 Samuel had personal and national consequences. Important People in First Samuel: Hannah – One of two wives to Elkanah, an Ephraimite, the mother of Samuel. ◦ 1 Samuel 2:1-2 Eli – Priest at the time of Samuel's birth ◦ 1 Samuel 3:12-14 Samuel - “the Lord (Yahweh) hears” - Son of Hannah, the last Judge of Israel and the first prophet. ◦ 1 Samuel 3:19 Saul – from the tribe of Benjamin, first king of Israel, eventually rejected by God. ◦ 1 Samuel 9:1-2 David – from the tribe of Judah, eighth son of Jesse, chosen to replace Saul as king, served Saul as warrior and as a singer. ◦ 1 Samuel 13:14 Jonathan – Son of Saul, friend to David. Chose to support God's plan to make David king over his own father. ◦ 1 Samuel 18:1