Bible Book Club Susan Merrill & Heather Rubio

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are the story of Israel’s leadership transition from judges to the first 2 kings: Saul, who failed due to pride and disobedience, and David, a man after God’s heart. 
The 2 books were originally one book and are named after Samuel, the prophet God used to establish Israel’s monarchy.
Most of 1 Samuel was a contrast between Saul and David. Saul was the king the people wanted. He was a bad example of a king because while he looked good on the outside, his heart was all about himself, not God. David was the king God wanted. He was a good example of a king with a heart for the Lord.
Their devotion to God, or lack of it, was a key performance indicator. David clearly outperforms Saul.  Saul did not subdue the Amalekites and the Philistines;  David did. Saul thinks nothing of disobeying God and doing what he wants. David obeys God and denies his wants in the wilderness for 14 years. Twice the number of perfection 7, proving him to be twice the man Saul is.
Saul relied on Samuel and a medium for answers. David relied on the priests and the divine revelation of God. Saul was self-absorbed and inconsistent in his regard for God. David is steadfast and passionate about God. Saul risks everything to retain the crown by killing David. David risks everything to defend the crown by not killing Saul. Saul’s life ends in humiliation. David’s life is forever linked to Christ. 
 2 Samuel is focused solely on David...his successes and failures as the second king and his love for the Lord that leads to the promise and hope of an eternal king. The story begins with the death of Saul, which sets in motion a rather messy 5 chapter transition to David.
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In chapter 1 of the Book of 1 Samuel, we meet Hannah.  At this point in her life, her husband is not enough to bring her joy. She is overwhelmed by her barrenness and prays to God in her distress.

We see God provide Hannah with a blessing in the form of a son, whom she names Samuel. What Samuel becomes to Israel is where our story gets more interesting!
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In chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of 1 Samuel, the story transitions from Hannah and the birth of her son Samuel who will be the future prophet and priest, to Eli, the current high priest.

The story of Eli's wicked family is a sad contrast to Samuel's faithful family. Hophni and Phinehas are not qualified to lead the people. But God has provided one last judge to lead Israel and transition the nation to a king.  Samuel grows into the judge, priest, and prophet God called him to become.
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Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of 1 Samuel, are part of what is called the ark narrative because they tell the story of the Philistine's victory over Israel and their possession of the ark of the covenant. 
Samuel is absent from these chapters. The focus is on the failure of Eli and his sons as spiritual leaders.  The loss of the Ark of the Covenant was a visible symbol of Israel’s broken covenant with God.  
In chapter 7, Samuel is reintroduced to lead Israel to repentance and deliverance from the Philistines. The first scene in chapter 4 begins with a note from the author that Samuel is doing his job.  He is spreading the word of God; however, what happens next implies that Israel was not listening. 
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When we open today in 1 Samuel 6,  the Israelites have lost the ark and are suffering without the presence of God. The Philistines have gained the ark but are suffering with the presence of God! Samuel is nowhere to be seen...yet.
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Show Notes
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 In the first seven chapters of 1 Samuel, we learn the story of Samuel himself. In the following six chapters, we learn of the first King of Israel, Saul. 
Israel once again is not satisfied by having the one true God as their king. They want a human ruler and so the search begins...and ends with Saul.
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Show Notes
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