Bible 101: Lesson 10

1&2 Samuel

These books were originally one in the Hebrew Bible. 1 Samuel opens with the story of Hannah, a woman who was unable to conceive. She asked God for a child and promised to dedicate him to the Lord if her prayer was answered. The boy, Samuel, was born and brought to the temple as soon as he was weaned. His name means “asked of God” and he became one of the great leaders of Israel – a judge, a prophet and a priest. He established schools of prophets to guide Israel, which was still without a human ruler.

But the people of Israel longed to have a King, so God allowed Samuel to assist in the transition. The first King was Saul, a man who was, tall, brave and handsome. But although God baptized him with the Holy Spirit, he turned out to be a disappointment, sinking lower and lower spiritually. Finally God chose an unknown to be the new King – David the great grandson of Ruth and Boaz. Though he was a man who had some serious faults, he was obedient to God and was blessed with the promise that the Messiah would come from his line. This is the reason Jesus was sometimes referred to as the “son of David”.

The book shows the foolishness of putting our trust in human rulers instead of in God. It also shows that Saul, who was disobedient to God, was eventually destroyed, but Samuel and David, who were obedient even though guilty of great sin, were blessed.

Messianic Prophecies in 1&2 Samuel

The throne of David established forever
OT References: 2 Sam 7:12-13, 16, 25-26
NT Fulfillment: Matt 19:28; 25:31; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8; Heb 1:8; 8:1; 12:2; Rev 22:1