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    1 Samuel: The Lives of Samuel and Saul
    1 Samuel: The Lives of Samuel and Saul
    1 Samuel: The Lives of Samuel and Saul
    Ebook214 pages3 hours

    1 Samuel: The Lives of Samuel and Saul

    By John F. MacArthur

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    About this ebook

    These first four study guides in a 16-volume set from noted Bible scholar John MacArthur take readers on a journey through biblical texts to discover what lies beneath the surface, focusing on meaning and context, and then reflecting on the explored passage or concept. With probing questions that guide the reader toward application, as well as ample space for journaling, The MacArthur Bible Studies are an invaluable tool for Bible students of all ages.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherThomas Nelson
    Release dateJul 1, 2000
    ISBN9781418587222
    1 Samuel: The Lives of Samuel and Saul
    Author

    John F. MacArthur

    Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel  According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.

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      Book preview

      1 Samuel - John F. MacArthur

      MacArthur Bible Studies

      1 Samuel

      How One Godly Man Changed A Nation

      First Samuel

      MacArthur Bible Studies

      Copyright © 2000, John F. MacArthur, Jr. Published by Word Publishing, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other— except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

      Scripture passages taken from:

      The Holy Bible, New King James Version

      Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

      Cover Art by Koechel Peterson and Associates, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota.

      Interior design and composition by Design Corps, Batavia, IL.

      Produced with the assistance of the Livingstone Corporation. Project staff include Dave Veerman, Christopher D. Hudson, and Amber Rae.

      Project editor: Len Woods

      ISBN 0–8499-5538–6

      All rights reserved.

      Table of Contents

      The First Book of Samuel

      Introduction

      The Birth of a Leader

      1 Samuel 1:1–2:11

      Out with the Old, In with the New

      1 Samuel 2:12–3:21

      The Judgeship of Samuel

      1 Samuel 4:1–7:17

      Israel Demands a King!

      1 Samuel 8:1–22

      Saul is Chosen as King!

      1 Samuel 9:1–12:25

      The Reign of Saul

      1 Samuel 13:1–15:35

      David’s Rise to Power

      1 Samuel 16:1–18:9

      Saul’s Jealousy

      1 Samuel 18:10–20:42

      David’s Exile

      1 Samuel 21:1–23:29

      Lessons in Mercy

      1 Samuel 24:1–26:25

      David’s Defection

      1 Samuel 27:1–28:2

      A Sad End to a Sorry Life

      1 Samuel 28:3–31:13

      The First Book of Samuel

      Introduction

      First and Second Samuel were considered as one book in the earliest Hebrew manuscripts and were later divided into the two books by the translators of the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint (LXX). This division was followed by the Latin Vulgate (Vg.), English translations, and modern Hebrew Bibles. The earliest Hebrew manuscripts entitled the one book Samuel after the man God used to establish the kingship in Israel. Later Hebrew texts and the English versions call the divided book 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. The LXX designated them The First and Second Books of Kingdoms and the Vg., First and Second Kings, with our 1 Kings and 2 Kings entitled Third and Fourth Kings.

      Author and Date

      Jewish tradition ascribed the writing of Samuel to Samuel himself or to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (based on 1 Chronicles 29:29). But Samuel could not have been the writer because his death is recorded in 1 Samuel 25:1, before the events associated with David’s reign had taken place. Also, Nathan and Gad were prophets of the Lord during David’s lifetime and would not have been alive when the book of Samuel was written. Though the written records of these three prophets could have been used as resource material for 1 and 2 Samuel, the human author of these books is unknown. The work comes to the reader as an anonymous writing; that is, the human author speaks for the Lord and gives the divine interpretation of the events narrated.

      The books of Samuel contain no clear indication of the date of their composition. That the author wrote after the division of the kingdom between Israel and Judah in 931 B.C. is clear, due to the many references to Israel and Judah as distinct entities (1 Samuel 11:8; 17:52; 18:16; 2 Samuel 5:5; 11:11; 12:8; 19:42–43; 24:1, 9). Also, the statement concerning Ziklag’s belonging to the kings of Judah to this day in 1 Samuel 27:6 gives clear evidence of a post-Solomonic date of writing. There is no such clarity concerning how late the date of writing could be; however, 1 and 2 Samuel are included in the former prophets in the Hebrew canon, along with Joshua, Judges, and 1 and 2 Kings. If the former prophets were composed as a unit, then Samuel would have been written during the Babylonian captivity (560–540 B.C.), since 2 Kings concludes during the exile (2 Kings 25:27–30). Samuel has a different literary style than Kings, however, so it was most likely penned before the Exile during the period of the divided kingdom (931–722 B.C.) and later made an integral part of the Former Prophets.

      Background and Setting

      The majority of the action recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel occurred in and around the central highlands in the land of Israel. The nation of Israel was largely concentrated in an area that ran about ninety miles from the hill country of Ephraim in the north (1 Samuel 1:1; 9:4) to the hill country of Judah in the south (Joshua 20:7; 21:11) and between fifteen to thirty-five miles east to west. This central spine ranges in height from 1,500 ft. to 3,300 ft. above sea level. The major cities of 1 and 2 Samuel were located in these central highlands: Shiloh, the residence of Eli and the tabernacle; Ramah, the hometown of Samuel; Gibeah, the headquarters of Saul; Bethlehem, the birthplace of David; Hebron, David’s capital when he ruled over Judah; and Jerusalem, the ultimate city of David.

      The events of 1 and 2 Samuel took place between 1105 B.C., the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1–28), to 971 B.C., the last words of David (2 Samuel 23:1–7). Thus, the books span about 135 years of history. During those years, Israel was transformed from a loosely knit group of tribes under judges to a united nation under the reign of a centralized monarchy. The books focus primarily on Samuel (1105–1030 B.C.), Saul, who reigned from 1052 to 1011 B.C., and David, king of the united monarchy from 1011 to 971 B.C.

      Historical and Theological Themes

      First Samuel begins with Israel at a low point spiritually. The priesthood was corrupt (2:12–17, 22–26), the ark of the covenant was not at the tabernacle (4:3–7:2), idolatry was rampant (7:3–4), and the judges were dishonest (8:2–3). Through the influence of godly Samuel (12:23) and David (13:14), these conditions were reversed. Second Samuel concludes with the anger of the Lord being withdrawn from Israel (2 Samuel 24:25).

      During the years narrated in 1 and 2 Samuel, the great empires of the ancient world were in a state of weakness. Neither Egypt nor the Mesopotamian powers, Babylon and Assyria, were threats to Israel at that time. The two nations most hostile to the Israelites were the Philistines (1 Samuel 4; 7; 13; 14; 17; 23; 31; 2 Samuel 5) to the west and the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 10–12) to the east. The major contingent of the Philistines had migrated from the Aegean Islands and Asia Minor in the 12th century B.C. After being denied access to Egypt, they had settled among other preexisting Philistines along the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. The Philistines controlled the use of iron, which gave them a decided military and economic advantage over Israel (1 Samuel 13:19–22). The Ammonites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38), lived on the Transjordan Plateau. David conquered the Philistines (2 Samuel 8:1) and the Ammonites (2 Samuel 12:29–31), along with other nations that surrounded Israel (2 Samuel 8:2–14).

      First and second Samuel contain four predominant theological themes. The first is the Davidic Covenant. The books are literally framed by two references to the anointed king in the prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:10) and the song of David (2 Samuel 22:51). These refer to the Messiah, the King who will triumph over all nations opposed to God (see Genesis 49:8–12; Numbers 24:7–9, 17–19). According to the Lord’s promise, this Messiah would come through the line of David and establish David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). The events of David’s life recorded in Samuel foreshadow the actions of David’s greater Son (that is, Christ) in the future.

      The sovereignty of God is clearly seen in these books. For example, Samuel was born in response to Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 9:17; 16:12–13). Also, in relation to David, it is clear that nothing could frustrate God’s plan to have him rule over Israel (1 Samuel 24:20).

      Third, the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering chosen individuals for divinely appointed tasks is evident. The Spirit of the Lord came upon both Saul and David after their anointing as kings (1 Samuel 10:10; 16:13), the power of the Holy Spirit brought forth prophecy (1 Samuel 10:6) and victory in battle (1 Samuel 11:6).

      Fourth, the books of Samuel demonstrate the personal and national effects of sin. The sins of Eli and his sons resulted in their deaths (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25; 3:10–14; 4:17–18). The lack of reverence for the ark of the covenant led to the death of a number of Israelites (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:6–7). Saul’s disobedience resulted in the Lord’s judgment, leading to his rejection as king over Israel (1 Samuel 13:9, 13–14; 15:8–9, 20–23). Although David was forgiven for his sin of adultery and murder after his confession (2 Samuel 12:13), he still suffered the inevitable and devastating consequences of his sin (2 Samuel 12:14).

      Interpretive Challenges

      The books of Samuel contain a number of interpretive issues that have been widely discussed:

      How did the Holy Spirit minister before Pentecost? The ministry of the Holy Spirit in 1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 16:13–14; 19:20, 23; and 2 Samuel 23:2 does not describe salvation in the New Testament sense, but an empowering by the Lord for His service (see also Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14).

      What was the identity of the distressing spirit from the Lord? Is it a personal being, that is, a demon, or a spirit of discontent created by God in the heart (Judges 9:23)? Traditionally, this has been viewed as a demon (see note on 1 Samuel 16:14).

      How did Samuel appear in 1 Samuel 28:3–5 when summoned by the medium? It seems best to understand the appearance of Samuel as the Lord allowing the dead Samuel to speak with Saul.

      What is the identity of David’s seed in 2 Samuel 7:12–15. Usually this is understood as Solomon; however, the New Testament applies the words to Jesus, God’s Son in Hebrews 1:5 (see notes on 2 Samuel 7:12–15).

      The Birth of a Leader

      1 Samuel 1:1–2:11

      Opening Thought

      1) What qualities make for a good leader?

      _____

      Just for fun, list any ten qualities from any ten world leaders (living or dead), and create an ideal composite leader (for example, Churchill’s ability to inspire; Lincoln’s wisdom, etc.).

      Background of the Passage

      First Samuel begins with a domestic crisis. Elkanah, of the tribe of Levi (living among the tribe of Ephraim), has two wives, Peninnah, the proud mother of numerous children, and Hannah, Elkanah’s favored wife, who, in the sovereignty of God, is infertile. The situation becomes so grievous for Hannah that she prays bitterly and continuously. Ultimately she makes a vow, pledging to give back to the Lord her son, if only the Lord will graciously allow her to have one.

      The Lord responds favorably to this prayer, and chapter 1 concludes with the joyous birth of this son. He is named Samuel, and true to her word, Hannah dedicates him to the Lord. The first half of chapter 2 then contains Hannah’s joyous and inspired prayer of praise, in marked contrast with her earlier prayers of desperation and anguish. The major theme is that God is a righteous judge who vindicates the humble.

      These insights into the ancestry and remarkable birth of Samuel signal God’s hand on Samuel’s life and foreshadow the coming of a great leader. The boy will grow to be not only a great prophet in Israel (4:1), but also the last of her judges (7:17).

      Bible Passage

      Read 1:1–2:11, noting the key words and definitions to the right of the passage.

      1 Samuel 1:1–2:11

      ¹ Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

      ² And he had two wives: the name of one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

      ³ This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, [were] there.

      ⁴ And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters.

      ⁵ But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the LORD had closed her womb.

      ⁶ And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb.

      ⁷ So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat.

      ⁸ Then Elkanah her husband said to her, Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? [Am] I not better to you than ten sons?

      ⁹ So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the LORD.

      ¹⁰ And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish.

      ¹¹ Then she made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed

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