The Dawning of a

Kingdom
The Books of
1-2 Samuel
 1st Samuel:
Structure and Outline

• The Story of Samuel Chap. 1—7

• Transition to the Monarchy Chap. 8

• The Story of Saul Chap. 9—15

• The Story of Saul and David Chap. 16—31

 2nd Samuel:
Structure and Outline
• The Story of David Chapters 1—20
– David’s Rise to the Throne 1:1—5:5
– Jerusalem, The City of David 5:6—6:23
– Davidic Covenant 7
– David’s Victories 8
– David and Mephibosheth 9
– The Ammonite War 10
– David and Bathsheba 11—12
– Absalom’s Trouble & Rebellion 13—20
• The Epilogue Chapters 21—24
– Famine and War 21
– David’s Song and Last Words 22:1—23:7
– David’s Mighty Men 23:8—39
– Census and Threshing Floor 24
 1st and 2nd Samuel:
• What are 1-2 Samuel?
1 & 2 Samuel are named after Samuel, the final Judge of
Israel. In Hebrew Scripture, these books appear as one
literary work. The first seven chapters deal with
Samuel’s life and ministry. He ruled in Israel as prophet,
priest, and judge until Israel demanded a king. Samuel
anointed both Saul and David as Israel’s first two kings.
1 Samuel chronicles the rise and fall of Saul and introduces
David, laying the foundation for his kingship.
2 Samuel tells of David’s reign as king of Israel, from his
accession to the throne following Saul’s death to a time
near the end of his life. The book portrays David at his
best and worst—morally, spiritually, and politically.
 1st and 2nd Samuel:
• Who Wrote 1-2 Samuel?
The author of 1 & 2 Samuel is anonymous. Some of the material
could have been composed by Samuel, but since his death is
recorded in 1 Samuel 25, he could not have written most of it.
Moreover, both books seem to have been compiled in stages.
The final form is likely from the late 10th century B.C.
1 Samuel 27:6 says, “Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to
this day.” Ziklag was captured by the Egyptians in 925 B.C., so
the final compilation must have been earlier. However, the
term “kings of Judah” would only have been used after the
division of the kingdom. Therefore, since the kingdom
divided around 930 B.C., a reasonable conclusion is that 1-2
Samuel were finalized between 930 and 925 B.C.
 1st and 2nd Samuel:
• Why Were 1-2 Samuel Written?
1 Samuel details the beginning of the monarchy. The period of
the judges ended with Samuel’s leadership because the
people demanded to be like the other nations with kings.
Despite God warning of the difficulties kings would bring,
the people rejected God’s kingship. Saul was a living
example of the problems associated with kings, but God
raised a man after His own heart (David) whose lineage,
many believe, would lead to a promised Messiah.
2 Samuel gives the history of King David and the Davidic
covenant. The Messianic promise given in The Garden was
instituted through Abraham, but the hope of the Messiah
shines most brightly as God begins the everlasting kingship.
 1st and 2nd Samuel:
• Key Themes and Theology
– God Is King Over Israel
– God Judges the Heart of Man
– Even Godly People Sin Against God
– The Messiah Will Come Through David
 Key Influences Samuel’s Life
• Blessed with Devout Parents
– Elkanah (father) and Hannah (mother)
• Dedicated to the Lord
– Hannah vows to wean Samuel then dedicate him
• Received Priestly Training
– 2:11 Raised by Eli, in Shiloh, where the Ark was
• Called to be a Prophet
– God speaks to Samuel at night, waking Samuel
• Prepared Through Divine Revelation
– 3:19 Samuel let none of God’s Words fall to the ground
 Israel Asks for a King: Chap. 8
• Good Characteristics of Saul
– Chosen By God 9:15
– Humble Man 10:22
– Tall and Striking in Appearance 10:23
– Great Military Leader
• Bad Characteristics of Saul
– Anger 18:10-11
– Intruded into the Realm of a Priest 13:8-13
– Blamed Others 13:8-13
– Self-Pity 20:30
– Superstitious 28
– Vengeful
 God Raises His King
• The Choosing of David 1 Samuel 16
– Samuel is sent to the House of Jesse in Bethlehem
– Samuel invites Jesse’s family to a sacrifice
– Samuel meets Jesse’ sons, assuming each sequential son
to be the king God has chosen.
– “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider His
appearance of his height, for I have rejected him. The
Lord does not look at the outward appearance, but the
LORD looks at the heart.’” 1 Sam. 16:7
– David was left behind, tending the flocks. Samuel asks to
see David, and discovers him to be God’s choice.
– David is sent to serve in Saul’s court as a harpist and
later as an armor-bearer.
 God Raises His King
• David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17
– The Philistines were gathered for war and their
warrior, Goliath, challenged the Israelite army.
– Israel was terrified at Goliath’s challenge
– David was tending his father’s sheep, but was sent
to bring supplies to his brothers in battle.
– David’s zeal for the LORD urged him to respond
– David volunteers, Saul is hesitant to allow it
– David confidently trusts in his LORD to defeat the
giant.
 God Raises His King
• David and Jonathan 1 Samuel 20
– David develops a friendship with Saul’s son.
– Saul’s jealousy of David grows greatly
– Jonathan makes a covenant with David to faithfully
serve David; and David also agrees to faithfully
serve Jonathan’s family.
• David Flees from Saul 1 Samuel 20
– David runs from Saul and is pursued heavily by him
– Multiple times David spares Saul’s life.
– David deals with bouts of depression and loneliness
– It is in this time where many of the Psalms were
written.