1 Samuel Introduction
Introduction
Invitation to Samuel–Kings
The books of 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings used to be one long book. They were later separated. That’s because of the length of the old scrolls on which the books were written. A scroll was only long enough to hold part of this big book.
These books have a form that repeats itself. The form begins with the age of the king when he began his rule. Then it tells where and how long the king ruled. It gives some facts about this king as a person. And it describes some important events that happened while he ruled.
The books of Samuel were named after Samuel the prophet. Samuel was also the last judge to guide the Israelites as a nation. The book of 1 Samuel tells about the birth of Samuel. It ends with the death of King Saul. Saul was Israel’s first king. Saul was chosen by God to be king. At first, Saul followed God’s commands. But later he did not follow God faithfully. So God announces that he will look for another man to rule Israel. God will choose a man who will be faithful to him. The book of 2 Samuel tells about the rule of King David. He was king of Israel after King Saul.
God made a promise to King David. God tells David that a member of his family line would always rule in Israel. But they would have to obey God’s rules, laws and commands. The kings that came after David, however, did not always obey God’s commands. Some kings did not lead the Israelites to love God and obey his commands. A few kings did lead the people back to obeying God. But that usually did not last long. This pattern repeated itself over and over again.
Finally, God allows powerful nations from the East to take the Israelites away. These strangers take the Israelites away from their homes. They take them as prisoners and slaves to another country. At this point Israel’s story has not gone well. But God has made his promise. He will bring his people back home. God will bring a new king from David’s line. Through Israel he will heal the world.
Currently Selected:
1 Samuel Introduction: NIrV
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.