April 1, 2003, Vol.3, No.7.
Two new articles every two weeks.
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us.
THIS ISSUE: "Introduction
to First Samuel" (see below)
and "Introduction to Ruth"
Overview of the Bible:
Introduction to First
Samuel
by Keith Sharp
 Arrangement
In the ancient Hebrew manuscripts, First and Second Samuel
were one book.
Name
They are called after the name of Samuel the prophet, not
only because he is the chief character of the first part (1 Samuel
chapters 1-8) but also because he anointed both of the other
two chief characters of the books: Saul and David.
Samuel
Samuel was the last judge of Israel as well as the first prophet
of the kingdom of Israel (3:19-21). He also ministered before
the Lord as priest (2:18).
Author
The author of the two books is unknown. He apparently lived
during the time of the divided kingdom (27:6). He may have used
material originally recorded by the prophets Samuel, Nathan,
and Gad (cf. 1 Chronicles 29:29).
Theme
First Samuel shows how the problem of anarchy in Israel was
solved. Samuel revived the institution of prophecy in Israel
(3:1,10,19-21), thus giving the guidance in the right way to
individual Israelites.
But how could national guidance be provided? The people rejected
God's rule for a king "like all the nations." (8:4-7)
God warned them through Samuel that the kind of king they desired
would be oppressive (8:9-18). However, they stubbornly insisted
on such a king (8:19-20). Thus, God through Samuel gave them
the kind of king they wanted: Saul, a physically impressive but
head-strong ruler (8:22; 9:1-2; 13:8-12; 14:24,30,43-45; 15:1-9).
Thus, God rejected him as king (13:13-14; 15:22-31,35) and selected
David, a man after His own heart rather than after the people's,
to be king (13:14; 15:28; 16:1-13). Israel needed a ruler after
God's heart, not after their own. This God-chosen ruler, David,
provided national guidance.
Outline
1. The Call & Rule of Samuel - chapters 1 - 8
a. The Birth of Samuel & Song of Hannah - 1:1 - 2:10
b. Samuel's Childhood & Call - 2:11 - 3:21
c. The Death of Eli - chapter 4
d. The Ark Taken & Returned - 5:1 - 7:2
e. Samuel Judges Israel - 7:3 - 8:22
2. The Call & Reign of Saul - chapters 9 - 15
a. Samuel & Saul Meet - 9:1-25
b. Saul's Annointment - 9:26 - 10:27
c. Saul's Victory Over the Ammonites - chapter 11
d. The Speech of Samuel - chapter 12
e. The Sins of Saul - chapters 13 - 15
(1) Foolish Sacrifice - chapter 13
(2) Foolish Command - chapter 14
(3) Rebellion & Stubborness - chapter 15
3. The Conflict Between Saul & David - chapters 16 - 31
a. David's Secret Annointment - 16:1-13
b. David Serves Saul - 16:14-23
c. David & Goliath - chapter 17
d. Saul's Jealousy of David - chapters 18 - 20
e. David a Fugitive from Saul - chapters 21 - 27
f. The Fall of the House of Saul - chapters 28 - 31
Summary
1. Samuel occupied three offices: judge, prophet, and priest.
2. Individual spiritual guidance was given to Israel by prophets.
3. National guidance was given by a king.
4. The theme of First Samuel is THE KINGDOM ESTABLISHED.
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