Introduction to 1st Samuel: God Uses the Humble and Overlooked

Introduction to 1st Samuel: God Uses the Humble and Overlooked

Collin Leong. August 4, 2025


A. Historical Summary

1. Title and Authorship

  • Title Origin: In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Samuel form a single book named after the prophet Samuel, a central figure in both.

  • Traditional Authorship:

    • Samuel is believed to have written the early portions (up to his death in 1 Samuel 25).

    • Nathan and Gad, two prophets active during David’s reign, are traditionally credited with completing the narrative, as suggested by 1 Chronicles 29:29.

  • Modern Scholarship: Some scholars view the book as a compilation of prophetic records, royal archives, and oral traditions, later edited into its final form during or after the exile.

2. Audience and Background

  • Primary Audience: The Israelite community, especially those living during or shortly after the early monarchy period (around 1050–970 BC), including the reigns of Saul and David.

  • Secondary Audience: Later generations of Israelites who needed to understand the theological and historical foundations of their kingship and covenant identity.

    Background:

  • Post-Judges Era: The people had just come through a chaotic period of tribal judges (see Judges 21:25: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes”), longing for centralized leadership.

  • Cultural Pressure: Surrounded by nations with kings, Israel desired a monarchy to feel secure and “modern,” even though this request reflected a lack of trust in God’s direct rule (1 Samuel 8:5–7).

  • Spiritual Instability: The priesthood was corrupt (Eli’s sons), and prophetic voices like Samuel were rare—making divine guidance feel distant.

  • Military Threats: The Philistines and other enemies posed constant danger, prompting the people to seek a strong, visible leader.

  • Covenantal Identity Crisis: The people were wrestling with what it meant to be God’s chosen nation in a changing political landscape.

3. Date and Historical Context

  • Estimated Composition: Around the 10th to 9th century BC, with possible final redaction during the 6th century BC (exilic or post-exilic period).

  • Historical Setting:

    • Covers events from approximately 1100–1010 BC, during Israel’s transition from tribal confederacy under judges to centralized monarchy.

    • Set in the land of Israel, particularly in regions like Shiloh, Ramah, Gibeah, and Jerusalem (later).

    • Reflects a time of Philistine dominance, internal tribal tensions, and the people's desire for political stability through kingship

4. Purpose and Themes

  • Purpose:

    • To document the establishment of monarchy under divine guidance.

    • To contrast faithful leadership (Samuel and David) with disobedient leadership (Saul).

    • To emphasize God’s sovereignty, the importance of obedience, and the consequences of rejecting divine authority

  • Themes
    • Divine Kingship vs Human Kingship – Israel demands a king like other nations, but God remains the true sovereign. (1 Samuel 8; 12:12–13)
    • Leadership & Obedience – Success in leadership depends on obedience to God, not outward appearance or charisma. (1 Samuel 15:22; 16:7)
    • Rejection & Replacement – Saul is rejected for disobedience; David is chosen for his heart and faithfulness. (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:1)
    • God’s Presence & Power – The ark of the covenant symbolizes God’s presence, which cannot be manipulated or controlled. (1 Samuel 4–7)
    • Human Failure & Divine Grace – Even flawed leaders are used by God to accomplish His redemptive purposes. (1 Samuel 18–31)

B. Key Messages

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Leadership

  • God raises and removes leaders according to His will.

  • Saul is chosen but later rejected; David is anointed despite humble beginnings.

  • Human kingship is permitted, but divine authority remains supreme.

2. The Importance of Obedience

  • Saul’s downfall is directly tied to his disobedience (e.g., unlawful sacrifice, sparing Amalekite king).

  • Obedience is valued more than ritual or appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22).

3. Faithfulness in Trials

  • David’s rise is marked by trust in God amid persecution.

  • Hannah’s persistent prayer and Samuel’s integrity show faithfulness under pressure.

4. The Power of Prayer

  • Hannah’s story begins the book with fervent, humble prayer.

  • Samuel’s leadership is rooted in spiritual discernment and intercession.

5. God Looks at the Heart

  • David is chosen not for stature but for his heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

  • True leadership is measured by inner character, not external credentials

6. The Danger of Rejecting God’s Voice

  • Israel’s demand for a king reflects spiritual compromise (1 Samuel 8:7).

  • Saul’s repeated failure to heed prophetic warnings leads to ruin.

7. The Role of Prophets in Guiding Kings

  • Samuel serves as a divine mouthpiece, confronting Saul and mentoring David.

  • Prophets uphold covenantal truth even when kings falter.

8. Sin Has Consequences

  • Saul’s jealousy, pride, and disobedience lead to national instability and personal tragedy.

  • The narrative warns against hardened hearts and spiritual compromise.

9. God Uses the Humble and Overlooked

  • Hannah, Samuel, and David all begin in obscurity but are elevated by God.

  • God’s purposes often unfold through unexpected vessels


C. Framework

1. Samuel: Prophet, Priest, and Judge (Ch. 1–7)

God raises Samuel to lead Israel during a time of spiritual decline and Philistine oppression. His leadership marks the end of the judges and prepares the way for kingship.

a) Chapters 1–3: The Rise of Samuel

  • Ch 1: Hannah’s prayer and Samuel’s miraculous birth

  • Ch 2: Hannah’s song; Eli’s corrupt sons and prophetic warning

  • Ch 3: God calls Samuel; judgment pronounced on Eli’s house

b) Chapters 4–7: Ark Narrative and National Repentance

  • Ch 4: Philistines capture the Ark; Eli’s death

  • Ch 5: Dagon falls before the Ark; plagues on Philistines

  • Ch 6: Ark returned to Israel with guilt offerings

  • Ch 7: Samuel leads Israel in repentance; victory at Mizpah


2. Israel Demands a King (Ch. 8–12)

Israel rejects divine rule and demands a human king. Samuel warns of the consequences, but God permits their request.

a) Chapter 8: The People’s Demand

  • Ch 8: Israel asks for a king “like other nations”; God consents

b) Chapters 9–10: Saul’s Anointing

  • Ch 9: Saul searches for donkeys; meets Samuel

  • Ch 10: Saul is anointed and publicly chosen as king

c) Chapters 11–12: Saul’s Early Victory and Samuel’s Farewell

  • Ch 11: Saul defeats Nahash; gains national support

  • Ch 12: Samuel’s farewell speech; covenant renewal and warning


3. Saul’s Reign and Rejection (Ch. 13–15)

Saul’s disobedience leads to divine rejection. His failure contrasts with the rising favor of David.

a) Chapter 13: Impatience and Illicit Sacrifice

  • Ch 13: Saul offers sacrifice unlawfully; Samuel rebukes him

b) Chapter 14: Jonathan’s Faith and Saul’s Rashness

  • Ch 14: Jonathan’s bold attack; Saul’s foolish oath

c) Chapter 15: Saul’s Final Disobedience

  • Ch 15: Saul spares Amalekite king; God rejects him as king


4. David’s Rise and Saul’s Decline (Ch. 16–31)

David is anointed and gains favor through faith and courage. Saul’s jealousy leads to a tragic downfall.

a) Chapters 16–17: David Anointed and Victorious

  • Ch 16: David anointed; serves Saul as musician

  • Ch 17: David defeats Goliath with faith and a sling

b) Chapters 18–20: Saul’s Jealousy and Jonathan’s Loyalty

  • Ch 18: David’s popularity grows; Saul plots to kill him

  • Ch 19–20: Jonathan defends David; covenant of friendship

c) Chapters 21–26: David’s Flight and Mercy

  • Ch 21–22: David flees; Saul slaughters priests at Nob

  • Ch 23–24: David spares Saul in the cave

  • Ch 25: Abigail’s wisdom averts bloodshed

  • Ch 26: David spares Saul again; appeals to God’s justice

d) Chapters 27–31: Saul’s Final Days

  • Ch 27–28: David among Philistines; Saul consults a medium

  • Ch 29–30: David rescues families from Amalekites

  • Ch 31: Saul and sons die in battle; Israel mourns

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