1 Samuel

Date Written:1100 – 931 B.C.

Author: Unknown for certain. Many believe Samuel, but also includes writings from the prophets Nathan & Gad.

Setting: The book begins in the days of the judges & describes Israel’s transition from a theocracy (led by God) to a monarchy (led by a king).

Key People: Eli, Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David

Purpose: To record the life of Samuel, Israel’s last judge, the reign & decline of Saul, the first king & also the choice & preparation of David, Israel’s greatest king. It describes the change from prophets to kings.  

Key Verses: And the Lord told him, ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king…Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly & let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.’ 8:7,9

But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings & sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice & to heed is better than the fat of rams.’ 15:22

Chapter Outline:

1-7 Eli & Samuel

8-15 Samuel & Saul

16-31 Saul & David

Importance of reading 1 Samuel:

• What we read: The people of Israel decided they wanted a king. They wanted to be set up & run like the surrounding nations. Though it was against His original purpose, God chose a king for them. What we can learn: Having a king didn’t solve Israel’s problems. No government or set of laws can substitute for having God rule in your heart & life. There are times God may give you what you ask for even though it isn’t His best for you. Be sure that you are praying God’s will for your life. 
• What we read: God guided His people using different forms of leadership – judges, priests, prophets & kings. They each had different leadership styles, but their success depended on their devotion to God. When they disobeyed God, there were tragic consequences. What we can learn: Sin affects what we can accomplish for God. Allow God to rule & guide every area of your life. Sin will get you off the path God has you on. 
• What we read: God told them that to obey is better than sacrifice. He wanted His people to obey, serve & follow Him with a whole heart rather than just going through the motions of offering their sacrifices. What we can learn: We can do the same thing, just go through the motions. You can go to church, sing, lift your hands, but if you aren’t doing it with a heart that is completely surrendered to God, then you are no different than the Israelites.
• What we read: Samuel tells Eli that God will act in judgement on his family because his two boys were sinning by taking parts of the sacrifices before they were offered to God on the altar, they cheated & robbed the people & Eli didn’t confront them about it. He was honoring his sons above God by letting them continue in their sinful ways.  What we can learn: We are to teach our children how to obey God & live for Him. We must bring them up in godly homes.     
• What we read: David quickly killed Goliath, but waited patiently for God to deal with Saul. Although David was anointed to be Israel’s next king, he waited years for this promise to come about. He waited on God’s timing instead of trying to make it happen himself. What we can learn: We have to know & obey the voice of God. We move when He says move & we wait when He says wait.
• What we read: David wasn’t afraid of the giant. Goliath had the definite advantage against Davied from a human standpoint, but Goliath didn’t realize that in fighting David, he also was fighting God. What we can learn: We don’t fight alone. God will fight our battles. Viewing impossible situations from God’s point of view helps us put giant problems in perspective.

Things to think about as you read 1 Samuel:

• What lessons did you learn from Eli’s dealings with his sons? Do you see your accountability before God to discipline your children?
• What do you learn from Samuel, Saul & David’s lives regarding seeking God, listening to Him & obeying Him? Are there consequences when you don’t?
• Did you notice how much time has elapsed since David was anointed to be king? Still, as 1 Samuel comes to a close, David is not king over Israel. Think about all that has happened since Samuel anointed David. What can you learn from this about God’s promises, His purpose & His timing? Are you waiting patiently on God for the fulfillment of His promises to you?

II Samuel

Date Written: 1100BC-930BC

Author: Unknown, but some think that Nathan’s son, Zabud, may have been the author.

Setting: The land of Israel under David’s rule.

Key People: David, Abner, Mephibosheth, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absalom, Joab, Abishai

Purpose: 1) to record the history of David’s reign 2) to demonstrate effective leadership under God 3) to show that one person can make a difference 4) to show  the personal qualities that please God.  

Key Verses: And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. 5:12

I have been with you wherever you have gone & I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. 7:9

Chapter Outline:

1-4 David’s reign in Judah

5-10 David unites Israel

11-12 David & Bathsheba

13-20 Family problems

21-24 The later years of David’s rule

Importance of reading II Samuel:

What we read: David sinned with Bathsheba & then tried to cover his sin by having her husband killed. Even though he repented & God forgave his sin, there were still consequences. He went through trouble & distress, both with his family & with the nation. What we can learn: Trying to cover up your sin will only lead to more sinful decisions. God is always ready to forgive our sins, but we may still have the consequences of them to live with.

What we read: Chapter 5:3-5 we see that David was anointed king for the 3^rd time. The first was when he was a young boy & Samuel came to his house & he was out tending to the sheep. Then he was anointed as king over the tribe of Judah. Now, he was finally anointed as king over all of Israel. What we can learn: There will be times that you know you have heard from God, yet the circumstances aren’t changing. Sometimes they can even get worse. David’s did. He went from tending sheep to running from Saul for his life. But trust & know, that whatever God has promised you, it will come to pass. Don’t let your time waiting discourage you. Spend your time waiting with excited anticipation.

What we read: There were numerous times that David could have killed Saul, yet he didn’t. He left it in God’s hands. What we can learn: There are times you may feel forgotten by God & you want to take over. But be still & you will see that God will work all things out for your good. He doesn’t need our help in figuring out how to do it.

What we read: In every battle, David fought the way God told him. Each time he 1) asked if he should fight or not 2) followed instructions carefully 3) gave God the glory. What we can learn: We should follow this same strategy. Don’t ignore these steps & instead do what you want without considering God’s will. Don’t do things your own way & ignore advice in the Bible or from other wise people.

What we read: David wanted to build a house for God, the temple. But God said no. What we can learn: Have you prayed with good intentions to do something for God only to have Him say no? This is God’s way of directing you to a greater purpose in your life. Accepting God’s no requires as much faith as carrying out His yes.   

Things to think about as your read II Samuel:

• What have you learned about sin & its consequences? Did you think that if God forgave you, there wouldn’t be consequences? What do you think now?
• After reading I Samuel & II Samuel & learning about David, why do you think God referred to him as a man after His own heart? If you want to be a person after God’s own heart, what would that look like in your life?
• Did you learn anything about inquiring or sitting before the Lord?
• As you read chapter 7, pay attention to the Lord’s promises to David. What did David do & how did he respond to God?
• Give special attention to David’s relationship with the Lord & to what David has to say about God even after God told him He would chasten him.
• Consider how David deals with his children. What do you learn about Absalom?

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/i4j5xPqNJlU?si=jno4lQaj06fz9xyQ

Blessings,

Nichole Henson, Fullness of Joy Ministry