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March 31, 2025

Bible Survey: 1 Samuel

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 1-2; 8; 16-17

This week, as we continue our one-year Bible reading plan, we will focus on the book of 1 Samuel. 1 Samuel continues the story of the nation, describing how Israel transitioned from a theocracy (a nation ruled by God) to a monarchy (a nation ruled by a king).

The book begins by introducing a man named Elkanah, who had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, while Hannah did not. Hannah persistently prays for a child (see Chapter 1). In this culture, not having children was a social stigma. God answers Hannah's prayer, and she conceives and gives birth to a son, whom she names Samuel. Samuel becomes one of the key figures in both the book of 1 Samuel and in the history of Israel. He is regarded as the last judge in Israel’s long line of judges, including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

It’s important to recognize that the Bible does not endorse everything it records. According to Scripture, the ideal for marriage is between one man and one woman for life (see Genesis 2; Matthew 19). While polygamy was common in certain historical contexts, it does not reflect God’s design. To illustrate that God does not approve of everything described in the Bible, consider the character of Satan, who is depicted in Scripture as a liar, murderer, and accuser. Thus, it is crucial to distinguish between description and approval when reading the Bible.

The book can be outlined as follows: Chapters 1-3 focus on the origin of Samuel, Chapters 4-6 cover the theft and return of the Ark of the Covenant, Chapter 7 details Samuel’s role in judging Israel, Chapters 8-12 describe Israel’s demand for a king and the selection of Saul, Chapters 13-15 recount the downfall of Saul, Chapters 16-30 focus on the rise of David, and Chapter 31 concludes with the death of Saul and his sons.

Authorship and date. The books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were originally one volume, with their division occurring during the Hebrew-to-Greek translation between 250 and 100 B.C. Although tradition attributes authorship to the prophet Samuel, the books do not explicitly name an author. It is believed that Samuel wrote Chapters 1-24, and after his death in Chapter 25, another person completed the text. This later authorship does not affect the inspiration or inerrancy of the book. The work was likely composed between 1100 and 1011 B.C.

Jesus in 1 Samuel. Although Jesus is not directly mentioned, His presence is reflected in David's life. David, like Christ, was born in Bethlehem, served as a shepherd, and sought to follow God's will. Both figures loved what God loved and opposed what God opposed. Christ, the ultimate King, was fully committed to the Father's will (see John 5:19; 6:37-39; 8:29; 10:37).

Application. Samuel, sent to anoint one of Jesse's sons as king, focused on outward appearances like many did with Saul. Saul was tall and seemed a suitable choice, but God rejected this notion. “When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:6-7, NIV). Despite Eliab's kingly appearance, God chose David.

We often make similar judgments based on looks, intellect, or fashion. However, appearances can be misleading. Focus on character—the true measure of a person.