1 Samuel — Introduction & Outline

The two books of "Samuel", originally one in the Hebrew Bible, were artificially divided in the LXX under the title "Books of the Kingdoms", which included 1 and 2 Kings. Anonymous, the books of Samuel were attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad by the Hebrew Talmud according to the words of 1 Chronicles 29:29. Samuel is the most likely author of 1 Samuel 1-24 (cf. 10:25), but since his death is recorded in 25:1, others wrote the rest of the material.

Samuel was the judge over Israel after Samson. He was born about 1105 B.C. and, assuming he was thirty years old at the start of his ministry, served from about 1075 B.C. to 1015 B.C., the time of his death. He was used of God to lead Israel and appoint the first two kings, Saul and David.

1 Samuel 1-24 was clearly written before Samuel's death in about 1015 B.C. 2 Samuel ends in the last days of David so it and the last part of 1 Samuel were compiled after about 970 B.C., the time of David's death. Further, 1 Samuel 27:6 indicates the kingdom was divided at the time of writing which dates the origination after Solomon's death in about 931

B.C. Silence about the Assyrian captivity in 722 B.C. indicates the latest possible date of writing.

The books of Samuel cover about 135 years from the birth of Samuel in about 1105

B.C. to near the death of David in about 970 B.C. Of this, 94 years, or the period ending with the death of Saul (c. 1011), are covered by 1 Samuel.

These books serve as a link to the times of the judges. The last judge, Samson, had failed to completely relieve Israel from the oppression of the Philistines, the chief enemy seen in 1 and 2 Samuel, and thus they become a burden Samuel assumes. The Philistines inhabited the coastal plains and the hill country of Palestine. Like the times of the judges, 1 Samuel begins with no central leadership for Israel, but the books record the beginning of the monarchy and the reigns of Saul and David. Under the reigns of these kings the nation resolves its internal problems and its external oppression.

Religiously, Israel was idolatrous and immoral (1 Sam. 7:3). As priest, Eli reflected this moral laxity in his failure to discipline his sons who corrupted the priesthood (2:22-34). As an act of divine discipline, the ark was stolen by the Philistines at Eli's death and not returned until David's reign, a period of about 75 years.

The books of Samuel are first a history of the development of Israel from anarchy to a theocratic monarchy. Theologically, however, the purpose is to show how God sovereignly rules in the monarchy. God had promised Israel a king as part of His redemptive plan (Gen. 49:10; Num. 24:17; Deut. 17:14-20), but the people impatiently insisted on an immediate king. In granting their desire, God establishes the Davidic dynasty through which He rules Israel and will rule Israel in the eternal kingdom of a promised Davidic "son" (2 Sam. 7:12-16). Thus the books show how God continues to bring about His sovereign rule through man, specifically the Davidic dynasty and the Heir it will produce.

This book is most easily divided by its movement through the lives of the three main characters: Samuel, Saul, and David. Samuel represents the last judge of Israel, Saul, the first king, and David, the good king who is juxtaposed to Saul's wicked reign.

The rise and rule of Samuel, the last judge, (1:1-8:22) is depicted as a hopeful period against the dark era of the judges. The appearance of Samuel pictures a transition from the moral laxity of the priesthood of Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1:1-3:21). Samuel's birth is marked by the direct intervention of God in answer to the prayers of Hannah, his mother (1:1- 2:10). Hannah's dedication of Samuel and her prayer of praise recognize God's rule over and through men (cf. 2:10). Later, Samuel's godly childhood ministry is a stark contrast in the narrative to the sins of Eli's priesthood (2:11-36). The full transition of leadership to Samuel is finally assured by a divine commission (3:1-21).

The rule of Samuel over Israel is pictured as a success (4:1-7:17). It begins with the successful return of the ark to Israel (4:1-7:2) after God's punishment for Eli's sins brings the capture of the ark, the death of Eli, and the departure of the divine glory from Israel (4:1-22).

After causing the Philistines much trouble (5:1-12), the ark is safely returned to Israeli territory (6:1-7:2). This event strengthens Samuel's rule and leads to a successful restoration of Israel religiously, militarily, and politically (7:3-17). The chief disappointment of Samuel's rule comes in the occasion of his sons' failure as judges and the consequent demand of the people for a king (8:1-22). The warning by Samuel and eventual concession to their demand prepares the reader for the appointment of Saul as the first king and his subsequent failure.

At this point the narrative shifts to the second major personage of the book and relates the rise and rule of Saul, the first king of Israel (9:1-15:35). The introduction of Saul in the narrative creates a transition from Samuel to Saul (9:1-12:25). The choosing of Saul (9:1-27) and his proclamation as king (10:1-27) are narrated with almost comical circumstances. This conveys the displeasure of God at the rejection of His divine rule (10:19) and may also suggest that there was hardly a man in Israel qualified to be king. Saul's first act as king, the rescue of Jabesh Gilead from the Ammonites, assures his acceptance by the nation (11:1-15) and shows that God can use a seemingly incompetent human king to mediate blessing, if the king is faithful (11:13). This appears to be the message of Samuel's sermon that confirms Saul's kingship (12:1- 25). Though the people have failed God in their demand for a king, God is faithful to Israel because He has chosen them to be His special people (12:19-22).

The rule of Saul after his victory over the Ammonites is a record of failure (13:1- 15:35). The first failure is the presumption of Saul in making a sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel (13:1-23). Samuel's rebuke for this sin clarifies that God intends to use the monarchy to rule His people and signals the rejection of Saul as the ruler in any enduring respect (13:13-14). The weakness of Saul's character is also demonstrated in his making a rash oath that almost costs the life of his son, Jonathan, and risks the rebellion of the people (14:1-52). The final and climactic failure of Saul's rule is his failure to fully obey God by totally destroying the Amalekites and their livestock (15:1-35). Because of this, Samuel declares the end of Saul's rule over Israel and its transfer to another (15:28). The narrative thus sets the stage for the rise of king David.

The rise of the good king David is juxtaposed with the wicked rule of Saul by a series of conflicts between the two (16:1-31:13). David rises to prominence by God's sovereign direction and blessing (16:1-17:58). He is chosen to be king because of his inner character (16:7), and that character is validated by his confrontation with Goliath which defends the honor of God and His people (17:26,36,45-47). In the narrative, this is a strong contrast to Saul who failed because he had no notion of God's honor.

The differences between the characters of David and Saul lead to inevitable conflict (18:1-27:12). As David serves in Saul's court (18:1-20:42), Saul's jealousy grows to the point where he tries to kill David (18:10-19:24). In contrast, Jonathan recognizes David's virtue and the two form a covenant of loyalty to one another (20:1-42). Though David flees the presence of Saul, the conflict continues in his exile (21;1-27:12). The account of his escapes from Saul (21:1-23:29) also describes David's growing power and influence (22:1-5; 23:1-13) while portraying the evil of Saul by his murder of the eighty-five priests in Nob (22:6-23). The contrast of David's righteousness (24:17) and Saul's wickedness (26:21) is amplified further by the two accounts of David sparing Saul's life in the wilderness (24:1-26:25). In addition, the record of these events demonstrates David's high regard for the position of the monarch under God (24:6; 26:9). The death of Samuel in this section (25:1) serves to mark the transition of Israel into the monarchy under David, who is depicted as morally qualified in contrast to the immoral Saul.

The conflict between Saul and David continues through the final decline of Saul (28:1-31:13). That Saul has utterly forsaken God is proved by his consultation of a medium (28:1-25) and is punished by the consequent prediction of his death (28:19). Meanwhile, David's dismissal by the Philistines providentially positions him to assume the kingship and keeps him from the precarious dilemma of having to oppose Israel in battle (29:1-11). The text further contrasts Saul and David by recounting David's trust in God for the defeat of the Amalekites (30:1-31), while the account of Saul's trust in a medium for military advice is fresh in mind (28:1-25). While David enjoyed victory, Saul suffered defeat and death (31:1-13).

The transition to the monarchy recorded in 1 Samuel leaves David poised to assume God's role as king of Israel. It is demonstrated by the leadership of Samuel, the failure of Saul, and the success of David, that the monarchy is intended to be an extension of God's rule and a means of blessing as a reward for faith.

1. The Rise and Rule of Samuel, the Last Judge 1:1-8:22

   1. The transition from Eli to Samuel 1:1-3:21

      1. The birth of Samuel 1:1-2:10

         1. Hannah's barrenness 1:1-18
         1. Her sorrow over barrenness 1:1-7
         2. Her supplication for a son 1:8-18
         2. Samuel's birth and dedication 1:19-28
         1. His birth 1:19-23
         2. His dedication 1:24-28
         3. Hannah's prayer of praise 2:1-10
      2. The sins of Eli's priesthood 2:11-36

         1. The sins of Eli's sons 2:11-17
         2. The contrast of Samuel's childhood ministry 2:18-21
         3. The rebuke of Eli's sons 2:22-26
         4. The prophecy against Eli's household 2:27-36
      3. The prophecy of Samuel 3:1-21

         1. Samuel is called by God 3:1-9
         2. Samuel is given the word of God 3:10-18
         3. Samuel is recognized as a prophet 3:19-21
   2. The rule of Samuel 4:1-7:17

      1. Samuel's success in restoring the ark 4:1-7:2

         1. The capture of the ark by the Philistines 4:1-22

            1. The Philistines conquer Israel. 4:1-10
            2. Eli dies. 4:11-18
            3. Ichabod: the glory departs. 4:19-22
         2. The curse of the ark on the Philistines 5:1-12

            1. The curse on Dagon 5:1-5
            2. The curse of tumors 5:6-9
            3. The rejection of the ark 5:10-12
         3. The return of the ark by the Philistines 6:1-7:2

            1. The advice to return the ark 6:1-9
            2. The return of the ark 6:10-19
            3. The residence of the ark at Kirjath Jearim 6:20-7:2
      2. Samuel's success in restoring Israel 7:3-17

         1. The revival of Israel's devotion to God 7:3-6
         2. The victory over the Philistines 7:7-12
         3. The maintenance of peace in Israel 7:13-17
   3. The rejection of Samuel 8:1-22

      1. The rejection of Samuel and his sons 8:1-9
      2. The warning concerning a king 8:10-18
      3. The concession concerning a king 8:19-22
2. The Rise and Rule of Saul, the First King 9:1-15:35

   1. The transition from Samuel to Saul 9:1-12:25

      1. The choosing of Saul as king 9:1-27

         1. Saul's search for the donkeys 9:1-14
         2. Saul's meeting with Samuel 9:15-27
      2. The proclamation of Saul as king 10:1-27

         1. Samuel's instructions at Saul's anointing 10:1-8
         2. Saul's prophesying 10:9-16
         3. Samuel's proclamation of Saul as king 10:17-27
      3. The acceptance of Saul as king 11:1-15

         1. The threat to Jabesh Gilead by the Ammonites 11:1-3
         2. The rescue of Jabesh Gilead by Saul 11:4-11
         3. The acceptance of Saul by the people 11:12-15
      4. The confirmation of Saul as king 12:1-25

         1. Samuel's assertion of his innocence 12:1-5
         2. Samuel's reminder of Israel's disobedience 12:6-18
         3. Samuel's assurance of God's faithfulness 12:19-25
   2. The rule of Saul 13:1-15:35

      1. The failure of Saul in making an unlawful sacrifice 13:1-23

         1. The threat of war with the Philistines 13:1-7
         2. The rebuke by Samuel for an unlawful sacrifice 13:8-15
         3. The absence of weapons for the Israelite army 13:16-23
      2. The failure of Saul in making a rash oath 14:1-52

         1. Jonathan's attack on the Philistines 14:1-14
         2. Saul's attack on the Philistines 14:15-23
         3. Saul's rash oath 14:24-46
         1. Jonathan breaks Saul's oath. 14:24-30
         2. The people sin by eating blood. 14:31-35
         3. Jonathan is spared from execution. 14:36-46
         4. Saul's continuing war with enemies 14:47-52
      3. The failure of Saul in partial obedience 15:1-35

         1. Saul's disobedience by incomplete destruction 15:1-9
         2. Saul's rejection as king by the Lord 15:10-23
         3. Saul's sorrow and sentencing 15:24-35
3. The Rise of David and Conflict with Saul 16:1-31:13

   1. The rise of David 16:1-17:58

      1. The anointing of David by Samuel 16:1-13
      2. The distressing spirit upon Saul 16:14-23
      3. The defeat of Goliath by David 17:1-58

         1. The challenge by Goliath 17:1-11
         2. The curiosity of David 17:12-27
         3. The confidence of David 17:28-39
         4. The victory of David 17:40-54
         5. The inquiry of Saul 17:55-58
   2. The conflict between David and Saul 18:1-27:12

      1. The conflict in Saul's court 18:1-20:42

         1. Jonathan's love for David 18:1-4
         2. Saul's jealousy of David 18:5-9
         3. Saul's persecution of David 18:10-19:24

            1. The murder attempt with a spear 18:10-16
            2. The plot in David's marriage to Michal 18:17-30
            3. The pledge to spare David 19:1-7
            4. The murder attempt at David's house 19:8-17
            5. The arrest attempt at Naioth 19:18-24
         4. Jonathan's loyalty to David 20:1-42

            1. The plan to determine Saul's anger 20:1-11
            2. The covenant between Jonathan and David 20:12-23
            3. The manifestation of Saul's anger 20:24-34
            4. The departure of David 20:35-42
      2. The conflict in David's exile 21:1-27:12

         1. David's escapes from Saul 21:1-23:29

            1. The help from Ahimelech the priest 21:1-9
            2. The flight to Achish, king of Gath 21:10-15
            3. The army of four hundred and refuge in Moab 22:1-5
            4. Saul's murder of the priests 22:6-23
            5. The rescue of Keilah and subsequent escape 23:1-13
            6. The evasion in wilderness strongholds 23:14-29
         2. David's sparing of Saul 24:1-26:25

            1. David spares Saul's life. 24:1-22
            1. David cuts Saul's robe. 24:1-7
            2. David addresses Saul. 24:8-15
            3. Saul admits David's right to rule. 24:16-22
            2. Samuel dies. 25:1
            3. David marries Abigail. 25:2-44
            1. The wickedness of Nabal 25:2-13
            2. The intercession of Abigail 25:14-35
            3. The death of Nabal 25:36-38
            4. The marriage of David and Abigail 25:39-44
            4. David spares Saul's life again. 26:1-25
            1. David takes Saul's spear and jug. 26:1-12
            2. David addresses Abner. 26:13-16
            3. David addresses Saul. 26:17-20
            4. Saul expresses remorse. 26:21-25
         3. David's refuge from Saul in Philistia 27:1-12

            1. David allies with the Philistines. 27:1-7
            2. David conducts secret raids. 27:8-12
   3. The final decline of Saul 28:1-31:13

      1. Saul consults a medium. 28:1-25

         1. The Philistines gather for battle. 28:1-6
         2. Saul seeks a medium. 28:7-14
         3. Samuel addresses Saul. 28:15-19
         4. The medium strengthens Saul. 28:20-25
      2. David is dismissed by the Philistines. 29:1-11

         1. The suspicion of the Philistine princes 29:1-5
         2. The departure of David 29:6-11
      3. David defeats the Amalekites. 30:1-31

         1. The Amalekites invade Ziklag. 30:1-6
         2. David consults the Lord. 30:7-10
         3. David finds the Egyptian servant. 30:11-15
         4. David defeats the Amalekites. 30:16-20
         5. David divides the spoil. 30:21-31

            1. Among the two hundred men 30:21-25
            2. Among the elders of Judah 30:26-31
      4. Saul and his sons die in battle. 31:1-13

         1. The death of Saul and his sons 31:1-10
         2. The burial of Saul and his sons 31:11-13