1 Samuel

Reading the First Samuel is like watching a home movie of the Hebrew Nation! It’s a family history in real-time and with the skeletons all hanging out of the closets. 

This starts with Samuel as a child being raised by the church. He grows up to be a national leader, a judge and a prophet. His real claim to fame, though, is that he anointed the first king of Israel, King Saul. 

Saul was a warrior kind of king. He protected his territory and fought off the bad guys. This time in history would have looked a little like an Arabian Knights episode with shields and horses and armor. Saul’s downfall began when he got violently jealous of an up-and-coming leader named David. 

Saul Eventually lost his mind and then his life while he was losing his kingdom. He’s an example to us of someone who failed to do things God’s way and lost it all. 

The purpose of the Book of 1 Samuel is to teach that in leaders, character and commitment does count.

The theme of 1 Samuel is that God Is Working in History!

1 Samuel was written in 1050-750 BC.