In the earliest Hebrew manuscripts both 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were combined as one book, but the translators of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) divided it into two parts. The books are named after the prophet, Samuel, who was responsible for establishing a kingship (monarchy) in Israel by first anointing Saul as king followed by the anointing of David. Although Samuel was one of the major characters in these books, he is not considered the author of them because he died (1 Samuel 25:1) before the reign of David began; therefore, most scholars agree that the human author of 1 and 2 Samuel is unknown. Not only is the human author unknown, but also the exact time of writing is not clear. It is likely that these books were written sometime following the dividing of the kingdom into Israel and Judah (931 BC) and before the exile of the Jews in 722 BC.
Even though the exact date of the writing is not known, the events of 1 and 2 Samuel begin with the birth of Samuel in 1105 BC (1 Samuel 1) and end with the last words of David in 971 BC (2 Samuel 23). This means that the events took place over the span of about 135 years. The period of the judges (1383-1043 BC) was just drawing to a close and the people of Israel were doing whatever was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). Samuel is then introduced to the reader and becomes the one whom God uses to change the leadership of Israel from the judges to a king; of course, this transition would hopefully bring God’s people back into an obedient relationship with Him. Here is a simple outline of the beginning of the kings in Israel:
Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel (1 Samuel 1:1-7:17)
Saul, the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 8:1-15:35)
Saul and David, the transfer of Israel’s leadership (1 Samuel 16:1-31:13)
David, the second king of Israel (2 Samuel 1:1-24:25)
The story of Samuel begins at a time when Israel had been disobedient to God in numerous areas. A corrupt priesthood (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-26) had resulted in an idolatrous people (1 Samuel 7:3-4) who had strayed far away from God. Samuel becomes a godly influence on the nation and determines to lead them in the “…good and right way (1 Samuel 12:23). This strong emphasis on obedience continued through the rule of David and resulted in God’s judgment being removed from Israel (2 Samuel 24:25). Although the storyline is very important to these books, it is imperative that the reader does not miss the theological implications of this story. Throughout 1 and 2 Samuel, one must not miss the sovereign hand of God in all things. Israel, God’s chosen people, was chosen to demonstrate what it looks like when a nation is under God’s rule. In order for Israel to follow God’s rule, the Holy Spirit empowered these kings to accomplish certain tasks such as defeating threatening nations or leading the people in the ways of God. There are many twists and turns in the story as the kings appointed by God attempt and even fail to obey God. Ultimately, God used King David and established what is known as the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:1-17; 23:5). This unconditional covenant promised that the Messiah would come through David’s line and ensure that David’s throne would last forever. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise will occur when Jesus Christ returns and establishes His millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 19). While these books provide hope for the future, they also detail the consequences for sin and disobedience. Some of the sins are related to individuals and others are related to the nation of Israel. The reader must carefully read the history of the kings in Israel and personally apply the lessons learned. There is much to be learned from the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.
Dear God, provide understanding as I read through these books of 1 and 2 Samuel.
