I Samuel - Books of the Bible

Search BibleWise

Archived Bible Overview Topics

Books of the Bible

Bible Overview should be a wonderful help to all of you whether you are starting or continuing your Bible study. Bible Overview features an examination of a different book of the Bible each month (in order) by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chapin Chaignot. The only exceptions to this pattern are in December, when we look at Jesus' birth, and in April, when we study Jesus' Triumphal Journey from Cross to Crown. If some of you are deciding to read the Bible through this year, you might want to check our archives where you can find articles and information on the books of the Bible as well as the characters we've already reviewed on this website. The Bible Time-Line in Teaching the Bible is also a quick reference to a particular individual. We encourage readers to share their Bible Study success stories on this site. Email us at forum@biblewise.com to be included on next month's site.

I Samuel

In all likelihood, 1 & 2 Samuel were originally one long book, e.g. scroll. (The same is probably true for Kings and Chronicles.) Scholars think this is true because there is no real break separating the books and a Masoretic (6th century C.E.) note at the end of 2 Samuel records a total of 1,506 verses. Needless to say, the scroll of Samuel would have been very unwieldy, which explains why it was divided into two parts. No doubt, its name is derived from Samuel, who is the major character in the opening verses. Because of its content, however, the LXX translators referred to it as part of the "Books of Kingdoms." Jerome shortened this to the "Books of Kings." Samuel and Kings were then known as 1, 2, 3, and 4 Kings. Not that long ago some Catholic commentators still referred to Samuel as 1 & 2 Kings, which causes considerable confusion since most scholars reserve that designation for the book of Kings.

Not only is Samuel the main character at the beginning of the book, but tradition has it that he is also its author. This brings up the same concerns raised in Deuteronomy about Moses' authorship since Deuteronomy also contains mention of his death. The same is true for 1 Samuel. The death of Samuel is mentioned in 1 Sam 25:1 and 28:3. Most scholars now agree that, like the previous books, 1 Samuel had a long oral history and was the product of many editorial hands over a long period of time.

If the story of Ruth were lifted out of the English Bible, Israel's history would flow easily from the conquests of Joshua, through Judges, Samuel, and Kings. These books are generally considered to be "Deuteronomic" in thought and are referred to as Israel's Deuteronomistic History (DH). Their theological perspective is quite distinctive - obedience to the laws brings blessings; disobedience to the laws brings judgment. This is most apparent in Judges with its cycles of blessings and hardships, but it is also true of Kings, which clearly delineates good kings from bad. In Samuel, however, the theology is subtler, letting the stories speak for themselves.

But, in fact, in the English Bible (the Hebrew Bible is different), Ruth does separate 1 & 2 Samuel from Judges. We have already discussed why Ruth might have followed Judges: Ruth symbolically restored order and honor to the role of women after the most violent of atrocities had been perpetuated against them at the end of the book of Judges. We have also mentioned that the book of Ruth exemplified peace, orderliness, and faithfulness, and that its interest in preserving a family line occurred through caring and positive motives. So it should be of additional interest to note that 1 Samuel begins with the story of another woman, Hannah. Like Ruth, Hannah resolutely and prayerfully set herself against the circumstances handed her in life. Through her, God's purpose became discernible. Though the books of Samuel and Kings follow the careers of Samuel, Saul, and David, the story really begins with a woman, with Hannah.

The four books comprising the Deuteronomistic History are also known as the Former Prophets. They cover a period of roughly eight centuries starting with the conquest in Joshua in approximately 1400 BCE to the end of the monarchy in Kings around the time of exile, which occurred in 587 BCE. Based on these dates, scholars estimate that Samuel was born around 1080 BCE.

This was an extremely crucial time in the history of Israel. Upon arriving in Canaan, the people had lost no time in settling down. They had moved quickly from being a nomadic society to an agrarian one. As they had settled into agricultural activities, they had the need for land, for reliable water resources, for a market economy. Soon a class system had developed. Some were doing very well and had many servants and slaves. Obviously as their lands expanded and their wealth increased, it became harder and harder to protect them from marauding inhabitants (many of whom were indigenous to the region). This is the situation described in Judges, whereupon local heroes (Judges) were raised up to meet these occasions. Operating under the Spirit of the Lord, these Judges generally had localized successes, but they did little to stem Israel's enemies. So it was that after three hundred years, Israel was in no better position than before. Furthermore, in the process, Israelite society had deteriorated to the point where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25) It is no wonder that people were crying out for change.

Taking lessons from the successes of their neighbors, Israel felt the need for a monarchic system of government. They wanted a king with a royal army. They wanted to be a "nation" like all their neighbors. The Deuteronomic writers basically felt this was a mistake. To their way of thinking, Yahweh ruled the Israelites. Who could ask for more? To them, then, having a king amounted to sin; they were breaking the First Commandment. This belief was fueled by the fact that Israel's neighbors regarded their kings as gods or at least as semi-gods and generally worshipped them. If Israel were to do the same, the prophetic voice claimed, it would be an act of apostasy, a rejection of Yahweh. Notwithstanding these arguments, Israel wanted to be like other nations. They wanted to be united, hence powerful and safe; they wanted to be dominating, to be the model for others. They felt their best chance was to conform to the pattern of life around them. "Give us a king" was the rallying cry.

Yahweh yielded to the demands of the people and gave them a king. How this all came about is the story that comprises the book of Samuel. Kingship was a necessary evil. Yet, all did not have to be considered lost. Everything was riding on how Israel would handle this new power structure, on how and whether the king would listen to Yahweh. Would he exercise his power in accordance with Yahweh's will, would he use his power in service to Yahweh, in faithfulness to the stipulations of the Sinai covenant?

Given the marked deterioration and eventual breakdown of society already noted in Judges, a reader might have cause for concern. Nonetheless, having a king becomes a reality in 1 & 2 Samuel. Samuel names the king; Saul is the interim king; David is the ideal king. Without passing judgment, 1 & 2 Samuel chronicles the agonies and the ecstasies of being king as well as the consequences - for good or bad.

There are four primary sections in 1 Samuel: 1:1-2:21 - Hannah's story;
2:22-8:22 - Samuel, Israel's last Judge; 9:1-15:35 - Saul, Israel's first king; 16:1-31:13 - Decline of Saul/Rise of David.

1:1-2:21 - The Time of Hannah

1:1-8		The barrenness of Hannah

1:9-18		Hannah goes to the temple to pray Hannah makes a vow: If she is given a son, she will give him to Yahweh Eli (High priest at the temple) assumes she is drunk; blesses her when she explains her plight

1:19-20		Hannah bears a son; she names him Samuel

1:21-28		Hannah keeps her vow; gives him to the Lord when he is weaned

2:1-10		Hannah's song - one of gratitude to God

2:11-17		Eli's sons are scoundrels

2:18-21		Hannah's son is blessed; so is Hannah She bears three more sons and two daughters

2:22-8:22 - Israel's last Judge - Samuel

2:22-26		Continued contrast between Samuel and Eli's sons

2:27-36		Eli is admonished for being derelict as a father and a priest Eli will be replaced; judgment will fall upon Eli's house

3:1-4:1a		The call of Samuel Eli's demise is inevitable God speaks to Samuel; Samuel answers God God's call is repeated three times Eli perceives that it is the Lord calling God foretells the destruction of Eli's house Samuel tells Eli And the Lord was with Samuel

4:1b-7:2		Digression involving the Ark of God, Explanation of Samuel's world

4:1-11		Philistines capture the Ark of God Eli's two sons are killed in battle No evidence of prayer in this battle

4:12-22		A man of Benjamin tells Eli the news about his sons Eli falls and dies His daughter-in-law is pregnant She gives birth to a son and names him Icabod Icabod means "The GLory has departed from Israel" The name has more to do with the house of Eli than Israel Eli's house is finished

5:1-12		Philistines place the ark next to Dagon, their god Their god is tipped over the next morning People are terrified, have many tumors, epidemics People of Ashdod decide they do not want the Ark anymore Send it over to Ekron -- they don't want it either

6:1-12		After 7 months, Philistines come up with a plan to get rid of the Ark Craft gold mice and tumors for guilt offering Hich offering and ark to nursing cows that had been separated from their calves. Idea is that if the cows headed off to Israelite territory (away from hungry calves) it will confirm God is in control Cows take off towards Beth-shemesh (Israelite territory)

6:13-7:2		Ark comes to Beth-shemesh People delighted, most treated ark with respect it deserved Those who didn't were killed

7:3-8:22		Story resumes with Samuel

7:3-17		Samuel instructs the people to put away foreign gods Israel wins battle against the Philistines Samuel judges Israel the rest of his days

8:1-5		Samuel makes his sons judges over Israel in his golden years Samuel's sons "did not walk in his ways" People want a king

8:6-22		Samuel resists, prays for guidance The Lord tells Samuel to "Hearken to the people" Samuel is to show them the ways of the king Warns them that a king would take their sons for army King would take best land for himself, tenth of everything for himself Ultimately, they would all be slaves to the king People cry out the more for a king

9:1-15:35 - Israel's first king -- Saul

9:1-14		Saul arrives on the scene Son of Benjamite - handsome and tall Goes out looking for father's lost donkeys Hears there is a seer in the land of Zuph

9:15-27		Saul meets Samuel God reveals to Samuel that he would meet a man from Benjamin Samuel was to anoint him to be king Saul is wined and dined, then Samuel tells him the news

10:1-16		Samuel anoints Saul Samuel offers him several signs as proof that he would be king The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Saul and he prophesied with others

10:17-27		The people are introduced to Saul Samuel calls all the tribes together Tribe of Benjamin, Saul's family, and eventually Saul are chosen by lot Most of the people are elated; a few are not

11:1-15		Saul's first battle - a victory Ammonites attack city of Jabesh Saul takes action -- commandeers an army, obedience, and unity Israel responds, wins battle mightily Saul's kingship now essentially ratified by the people

12:1-25		Samuel's farewell address. 12:1-11 Samuel must relinquish duties to Saul Reminds them of his trustworthiness and the Lord's saving acts Perhaps trying to establish pattern for future ceremonies A friendly, diplomatic transfer of power 12:12-25 Having said that, he warns them about their decision Both king and people must follow the Lord - then it will be well Calls down thunder, it rains - people are in awe People ask Samuel to pray for them All acknowledge the great risk they were taking Occasion for hope - they are offered two distinct choices Kings would have help of prophets

13:1-15		Major issues with the Philistines Saul prepares for battle, waits for Samuel to come to pray Samuel is delayed Saul goes ahead, does the burnt offering on his own Sign of Saul's impatience, lack of trust in God Samuel tells Saul he just forfeited his kingdom Saul would be a good soldier, but not a good king

13:16-22		Samuel leaves Gilgal - symptomatic of rift between Saul and Samuel Major battle never takes place Saul does minor skirmishes Israelites lack proper weapons; Philistines have iron weapons

13:23-14:23		Saul's son, Jonathan, initiates battle with the Philistines Jonathan is presented as charismatic leader who trusts God He knows that the Lord will hand over the Philistines to them Jonathan and his armor-bearer kill many of them Philistines are in panic Saul enters war very late The Lord delivers Israel that day

14:24-46		Saul makes an oath Saul superstitiously orders a fast among the people fearing the Philistines are regrouping Unknowingly Jonathan breaks the fast Justifies his actions based on common sense Saul orders Jonathan's death People refuse based on Jonathan's great victory Example of Saul's eventual demise

14:47-52		Saul's military successes Suggests all is well; readers know differently

15:1-9		Samuel's prophetic role: tells Saul to attack Amalekites Saul is to destroy everything Saul attacks and is successful Saul disobeys this order, keeping the best cattle, taking king prisoner

15:10-35		Saul's hardheartedness God rejects Saul as king Saul makes deliberate choices that put him at odds God Samuel prays for answers Saul claims he kept the cattle for sacrifice Samuel says obedience would have been better sacrifice

16:1-31:13 - Decline of Saul/Rise of David.

16:1-7		Anointing of David While Saul is still king, God instructs Samuel to anoint a son of Jesse David is youngest of 8 brothers Unlike Saul's pizzazz, David is a sheepherder Samuel anoints him in the presence of his family

16:14-23		Spirit of the Lord leaves Saul David plays the lyre for Saul, becomes Saul's armor-bearer When an evis spirit comes upon Saul, David plays

17:1-58		Story of David and Goliath David works in Saul's court, continues to tend his father's sheep Philistines present challenge: one on one against Goliath, winner takes all Goliath is 9 feet tall; Israelites are afraid One morning David comes with provisions; can't believe all of Saul's army is afraid of this one man Saul's army was afraid of this one man David offers to fight him; refuses Saul's armaments David slays Goliath with a stone; Philistines run off

18:1-16		David meets Jonathan 18:1-5 David and Jonathan make a pact 18:6-16 People love David Saul becomes jealous; the Lord is with David, not Saul

18:17-30		David becomes Saul's son-in-law Saul's daughter, Michal, loves David Saul set the marriage price: death of 100 Philistines David kills 200. Saul is afraid of David

19:1-20:42		Increasing hostility of Saul towards David 19:1-17 Saul's plots to kill David Jonathan intervenes on behalf Saul tries to kill him directly, but fails Michal tells David to flee -- Result: David leaves the royal court 19:18-24 David flees to Samuel In the presence of Samuel, killers forget their mission, begin to prophesy 20:1-42 David and Jonathan plan a test for Saul David will hide while Jonathan finds out for sure Saul's intentions Jonathan discovers Saul's intentions are to kill David Shoots the arrows as planned; Jonathan and David part ways

21:1-30:31		David, the outlaw, flees from Saul 21:1-10 David goes to the priest at Nob Lies about his reasons for being there, hungry and without weapons Is given the bread of the Presence, the holy bread Is given the sword of Goliath 21:11-15 David flees to Gath, a Philistine city His intention is to enlist with the Philistines, but they discover who he is and are bent on vengeance David acts as though he is mad, is able to escape again 22:1-10 David returns to Judah His family and other dissidents join up with him, total: about 400 men David moves his parents to the safety of Moab Saul realizes many have joined David, laments their disloyalty Saul is told about David's visit to the Priests at Nob 22:11-23 Massacre of the Priests Saul summons the priests, accuses them of helping David Priests maintain their ignorance of real events (David had lied to them) Priests are killed; one son, Abiathar escapes and goes off to find David David accepts responsibility for deceiving the priests, will protect Abiathar 23:1-14 David saves Keilah from an attack by the Philistines Saul seeks David; David flees the city David "inquired of the Lord" re both events 23:15-29 A close call for David Jonathan and David renew their covenant of loyalty, thereby confirming David's destiny to be king. Jonathan, Saul's son, supports David's kingship Saul is told where David is, pursues him, but has to call it off when the Philistines raid a nearby city David escapes once more Near misses illustrate Saul's inability to thwart God's intentions 24:1-22 Saul is delivered into the hands of David Saul unknowingly enters a cave in which David and his men are hiding David is close enough to cut off a piece of his robe, then regrets his act Saul leaves the cave; David calls to him and tells him he chose not to kill him. Saul is grateful, temporarily calls off the hunt and goes home 25:1-44 Death of Samuel; David and Abigail Abigail's husband is a rich farmer; David and his men help protect his sheep On shearing day, David asks that his men participate in the feast Nabal flatly refuses David plans to attack Upon hearing this, Abigail serves them and neglects to tell Nabal When she does tell him, his heart "died"; the Lord smotes him 10 days later When David hears Nabal is dead, he takes Abigail with him as his wife He also marries Ahinoam Both women are instrumental in being able to provide for his growing contingency 26:1-25 Saul's second encounter with David Saul is again after David; while camped at night, David sneaks into the camp and takes his sword and water pot, illustrating once again that he spared Saul's life Calls to Saul; Saul again apologizes for his wrongful pursuit of David 27:1-28:2 David lives in exile Goes back to the Philistine city of Gath; Saul stopped pursuing him Then moves to the city of Achish and lives there in peace for 16 months David begins attacking Israel's enemies, leaving no survivors to report back to the king of Achish. David tells the king that he was attacking the Israelites The king expects that the Israelites will hate David by now, so he hires him as his bodyguard and invites him to join them in attacking Judah 28:3-25 Saul and the Medium of Endor When the Philistines begin to regroup for attack, Saul contacts a medium Disguising himself, he asks to speak to Samuel She calls up Samuel, who identifies Saul Samuel tells him the unvarnished truth - Saul and his sons will die and he tells him the reasons why; the Israelites will be delivered into the hands of the Philistines Saul asked for advice, is told all is already lost Needless to say, Saul is despondent 29:1-11 Philistines reject David and his men for battle Mean to thwart any later accusations against David for fighting against Countrymen David does not participate in battle 30:1-31 David and the Amalekites When David returns to his home, he finds it burned and wives missing He pursues Amalekites and recaptures all the spoils Returns items to Judah, cements relations with fellow tribesmen 31:1-13 Death of Saul in battle with Philistines While David is having success in the south, Saul is losing with the Philistines Saul and his three sons are killed, thereby paving the way for a new king Philistines take his body, but tribesmen rescue it and bury it properly

Though Saul was a good military leader who had led many successful campaigns, his final loss to the Philistines left Israel pretty much where they had begun. The army was decimated; the men fled to their homes. The Philistines were victorious. If there was a lesson to be learned from all this, it might be that simply having a king wasn't enough. Israel would have to have the right king. Clearly, that wasn't Saul. Saul's failures were not due to his military or political accomplishments. They resulted from his failure to obey God, pretty much from the beginning. Nonetheless his demise, though complete, was not without dignity. He died in battle, with his sons, and eventually was given a proper burial. With Saul gone, the story logically turns towards David. Next month we will explore his kingship and see how he fares.

Bibliography

Alter, Robert and Frank Kermode. The Literary Guide to the Bible. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press. 1987.

Brueggeman, Walter. "1 & 2 Samuel." Interpretation. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1990.

Buttrick George, ed. Interpreter's Bible. New York, Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1953.

Dummelow, J.R. A Commentary on the Holy Bible. New York: MacMillan Publishing, 1977.

Evans, Mary. "1 and 2 Samuel." New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2000.

Mills, Watson and Richard Wilson. Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1995

Newsom, Carol and Sharon Ringe. The Women's Bible Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992.

Payne, David. "I & II Samuel." The Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1982.

Peterson, Eugene. "First and Second Samuel." The Westminster Bible Companion. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1999.

Robinson, Gnana. "1 & 2 Samuel, Let Us Be Like the Nations." The International Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1993.