Contents
First and Second Samuel tell the story of the last judge (Samuel) and the first two Kings of Israel (Saul and David). The story is organized into five narrative sections followed by a sixth section containing various other materials.
The Story of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1—7:17)
First, there is the story of Samuel, a leader who functions as priest, prophet (3:20), seer (9:11, 18—19, Note the comment at 9:9), warrior, and judge (7:6, 15). Even as a child he hears the voice of God (3:1—18). His story provides the necessary transition between the period of the judges and the monarchy.
The Rise of Monarchy (1 Samuel 8:1—15:34)
The second section tells the story of how and why Israel developed a monarchy (1 Samuel 8:1—15:34). The central figure in this section is Saul, Israel’s first king. Samuel is still around until the end of chapter 12, however, and Saul is finally undone by his failure to heed God’s word given through the prophet.
David’s Rise to Power (1 Samuel 15:35—2 Samuel 5:10)
The third section tells of David’s rise to power (1 Samuel 15:35—2 Samuel 5:10). The story is one of conflict between David, to whom God has promised the throne of Saul, and the old King who becomes increasingly jealous of David.
David’s Early Reign (2 Samuel 5:11—12:31)
While this fourth section recounts several events during the reign of David (2 Samuel 5:11—12:31), these stories focus on an oracle of the prophet Nathan in chapter 7 (2 Samuel 7:16). Nathan tells David that his descendants will rule in an unending dynasty in Jerusalem and that his son (Solomon) will build a temple for the Lord there.
Absolom’s Revolt (2 Samuel 13:1—20:22)
The fifth section tells the story of the revolt of David’s son Absalom (2 Samuel 13:1—20:22). David is forced to flee Jerusalem and witnesses the death of two of his sons (Amnon [2 Samuel 13:23—39] and Absolom [2 Samuel 18]).
Additional Materials (2 Samuel 20:23—24:25)
Second Samuel ends with a collection of materials including poetry attributed to David, lists of his officers and warriors, and several short narratives connected only loosely with other parts of Samuel and Kings (2 Samuel 20:23—24:25).
Main Themes
These books present the Lord as bringing down the mighty and proud while lifting up the lowly. They also continue the themes of blessing for faithfulness and curse for unfaithfulness expressed in Joshua and Judges. These themes are introduced early with the story of Hannah (First Samuel 1—2). Reminiscent of the stories of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel in the book of Genesis, Hannah has no children and prays for deliverance. When she is granted a child, she sings a song of praise that expresses the book’s central themes.
There is no Holy One like the Lord,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble put on strength.
Those who were full are now working for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren woman has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn. The
Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
against his adversary he will thunder in heaven. The
Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king
and exalt the power of his anointed
(First Samuel 2:2—10).
In the story that follows the arrogant sons of Eli, the priest at Shiloh, are replaced by Samuel, Hannah’s son. The powerful king, Saul is later replaced by the lowly shepherd boy, David. David himself later grows proud, violates basic ethical principles expressed in the Mosaic covenant, and is humbled at the end of Second Samuel.