revrogesisonBoth 1 & 2 Samuel are written during a critical transitional phase of Israel’s development as a nation, charting the important political, religious, and private events that helped shape the destiny of these people. The first chapter of Samuel is a record of the birth of the renowned prophet, Samuel, who became instrumental in choosing Israel’s first king, Saul, and also anointing Dåvid as a future king. This narrative develops on an ever-changing religious horizon where the Tabernacle at Shiloh is the most important center for worship. The book focuses on the rise and decline of Saul’s rule, Saul’s struggle with David, as well as the intricacies of power and leadership. In 2 Samuel, attention now turns to the rule of David whom the writer portrays as a historical hero popularly remembered as a conquering hero with the Davidic covenant and finally as a prototype messiah. Together these books provide an exciting portrayal of Israel’s past with its themes of rule by divine right, the guidance of God in history, and the eternal relevance of his authority.
Authorship and Date
There are unknown authors for Books 1 and 2 of Samuels. The Books tell about Samuel, Saul, and David’s stories. The reign of Saul started at around 1050-1030B.C and ended in 1010 B.C. David’s reign lasted up to 971 B.C. Most probably, this book was written just after the end
Theme
As is seen in the Books of Samuel, the main idea behind the establishment of a dynasty or “the house” of David in Israel instead of Saul. The author further reaches into the choice for Jerusalem to be the location where the heir Apparent was to make a temple for the Jewish God, Yahweh.
Purpose
The purpose of 1 Samuel is to emphasize two pivotal events: the formation of Monarchy in Israel (chapters 8–12) and David’s ascendance to kingship after Saul (chapters 16–31). Despite that Saul ruled for some time, he became disfavoured with the Lord and the throne of Saul continued until his death in Mt.Gilboa (chapter 31). God promised David and his people an everlasting kingdom in 2 Samuel 7. This is because, according to 1Samuel’s Book, only an obedient king is acceptable to Israel’s God.
There is an interim period in the history of ancient Israel, which is discussed by First and Second Samuel in relation to authority shifts between the priest Eli and the judge Samuel on one side to Saul as the initial monarch of the Jewish state and, finally, David. Samuel can be described as a transitional figure who paved the way for kingship in Israel during his time. He is the prophet who was anointed both Saul and David by God. The rule of Saul was a transitional era when the Israel nation shifted from being merely an alliance of loosely bound people coming together on threats to a highly centralized nation with strong authority. The narrative surrounding David’s rise towards the end of First Samuel culminates in David’s complete throne in Second Samuel.
Key Themes in 1 Samuel
- God’s kingship: God himself is the Supreme Ruler of the Universe; human kingship exists, only as a kind of sub-ordained, delegated steward of Divine monarchy.
- God’s providential guidance: God directs the life course of people such as Hannah, Samuel, David, and Saul as they are under His providential care. God’s timing is always perfect.
- God’s sovereign will and power: God decides who is worthy and unworthy irrespective of their personal capabilities because it is a just and right purpose that only God can comprehend and he is still merciful.
- The importance of obedience to God’s word: Without obedience in the king who is anointed by the God of Israel, no sinful man or woman can draw near to him in his sanctuary save by his own free choice.
Key Themes in 2 Samuel
- Davidic covenant: In chapter 7 of 2 Samuel, God’s covenant with David has great significance for the Messiah, who would later be revealed as Jesus Christ.
- Messianic promise: Above all, this covenant is the turning point in the history of salvation because it is here that God chooses David at the beginning of an eternal race into which the final prince – Yeshua – will come forth. It was not due to any human perfection in David that he was chosen by God; it was simply through His grace.
Outline of 1 Samuel
- The Story of Samuel (1: 1–7:17)
- Transition to the Monarchy (8: 1–22)
- The Story of Saul (9: 1–15:35)
- The Story of Saul and David (16: 1–31:13)
Outline of 2 Samuel
- Story of King David (1: 1–20:26)
- Epilogue (21:1–24:25)
The setting of 1 and 2 Samuel
The setting 1 Samuel is approximately in 1050 BC within the territory of Israel, during the time when there was a shift from the epoch of the judges towards the formation of the monarchy. The story starts off with the birth of Samuel who emerges as a judge over Israel. The Lord tells Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king when the people desire one.
In ancient Israel, subsequent to the demise of Saul; the time of David who became the second king of Israel the events presented by II Sam. The narratives are part of larger stories describing the transition of ancient Israel from Judge’s era to the period of having monarchies. Though not specified exactly in the text scholars estimate that the events narrated in 2 Samuel took place in the 10th c. Before Christ, these are very similar to events described in the first book of Kings.
Second Samuel is mostly about the kingdom of King David and what he did in control of Israel. This part covers stories of his army victories, public feats as well as problems and hardships in managing a colossal empire. The story also includes David’s private life like his relationship with Bathsheba which led him to commit a sin.
