Reading With the People of God #9 - FaithfulnessSample

Memorization Challenge:

13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you.- Samuel 12:13

Primer: An Introduction to Samuel

Samuel plays a major role in the transition of Israel from the time judges were called upon to deliver Israel from their enemies to the time of the newly instated kings that would soon be given to Israel. After Joshua led the Israelites from the desert into Canaan he ruled until his death. There was a lack of central leadership in Israel after Joshua died and the different tribes found leaders who would come to their aid or rescue when needed.

Samuel was born during the time the judges governed Israel, in fact he was a contemporary of Samson who was a judge in Northern Israel, from the tribe of Dan. Samuel was born in Southern Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin. It is believed that Samuel compiled most of the material used to write the book of Judges and probably wrote a large portion of it.

The book of I Samuel is largely written from Samuel’s perspective and tells how God used him as a prophet, priest, and king-maker. He was also considered one of the last judges in Israel. In these roles Samuel foreshadowed Christ and also as an intercessor for God’s people. His mother, Hannah, rejoiced with a prayer song of praise when he, as a boy, was dedicated to the Lord. That song was echoed by Mary, the mother of Jesus, in what is called the Magnificat.I Samuel 2;1-12and Luke 1:46-55

Samuel’s life is a fascinating account on it’s own but the thing that makes his life so extraordinary is that God used him to make a monumental change in Israel, bringing it from a Theocracy, the rule of God, to a monarchy, the rule of a king, albeit under God’s leadership.

The study of I Samuel will show us God’s heart, bring us on many adventures, and carry us along as the first king of Israel is anointed. While Saul is reigning, God has Samuel anoint another, a better king, yet a boy. It’s believed David was merely seventeen when Samuel called him out of the field and, at God’s direction, anointed him as the future king of Israel. That action would put David in peril for many years. As he matured and gained support, God watched over him, protecting him from his enemies.

Meanwhile, Samuel acted as advisor to both Saul and David, both God’s anointed. Throughout his life Samuel is seen as honest and fair, always striving to obey God. No matter the cost, Samuel’s first loyalty was always to God.

When Christ came, He also ushered in a monumental change. The new kingdom would be a spiritual kingdom, a kingdom without borders, a monarchy that will be a Theocracy governed by the King of kings, one related to David, the king that Samuel anointed.

*Overview contributed by: Jinet Troost