1 Samuel

Author: Unknown
Date of Writing: 10th Century BC
Type of Book: Historical
Theme: Israel's transition between the judges and the kings

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally just one book in the Hebrew Bible, as were the books of 1 and 2 Kings. They were collectively called The Book of Samuel and the Book of the Kings. In the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament, written around 150 BC, the two books were joined together as the Books of Kings, but were divided as 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 3 Kings and 4 Kings. Later the division was maintained, but the four books became known as 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Kings. The book of 1 Samuel was probably mostly written by Samuel and finished by the prophets Nathan and Gad after his death (1 Chronicles 29:29).

First Samuel tells the story of the transition in Israel from the period of the judges to the era of the kings and prophets. Samuel was the last of the thirteen judges in Israel, and he was the first of the prophets. He also was the one who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

It had been God's desire to rule over His people in a theocratic form of government, but the children of Israel didn't want to continue to live without a human king. They demanded to have a king to rule over them, like other countries around them, and they insisted despite God's warnings to the contrary. Man continuously rejects the rule of God.

In this book we see that God gave in to their desires and gave them a king. Saul had all the potential of a great leader. He was tall, good-looking, and a very charismatic leader. But he had one weakness - he didn't obey God and follow Him. His story serves as a great example of what happens when human leaders don't follow God. His reign ended in abysmal failure.

This book also chronicles the rise of David, Israel's second king. David was a man after God's heart, and God used him mightily. When he was just a boy, he slew the Philistine giant, Goliath. Finally, it would be through his lineage that the Messiah would come, the ultimate King of Israel.

So this book shows the transition between the judges and kings and the transition from Saul to David. We not only read many great stories in this book, but we see clearly how important it is for leaders to follow the Leader.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible