1 Samuel
Open Your Bible
1 Samuel 8:1-22, Proverbs 1:29-33, 1 Timothy 1:15-17
BY She Reads Truth
This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
What Is 1 Samuel? The book of 1 Samuel documents the reign of Israel’s first king, Saul. It is also a history of the nation’s pattern of sin and repentance, as well as a history of the prophet Samuel’s spiritual leadership during Israel’s transition from theocracy to monarchy.
How 1 Samuel Fits Into the Story: God raised up Samuel as a final judge to rule over Israel and call His people back to the Lord, speaking on His behalf. As Samuel advanced in age, the people of Israel continued to reject the Lord and demanded a king like those of other nations. God granted their request, and His covenant faithfulness continued to prepare the way for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does the rebellion and rejection in today’s reading reveal about Israel’s posture toward God?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
61 thoughts on "1 Samuel"
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At times I struggle to have faith that God will provide for me, just as the Israelites did.
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1. They didn’t have full trust in God or else they wouldn’t have felt the need and desire for an earthly king because they would have known they had a spiritual king greater than any. They wouldn’t have cared to be like the other nations because they would have had confidence in the fact that God set them to be apart and different.
2. The Israelites chose to have an earthly king and rebel against God and his plan. They chose to be like other nations and not be set apart. Yet, God still saved and redeemed them time and time again. He still redeems us when we rebel and choose our own ways over his. -
1. The Israelites saw fitting in with the other nations as being more important than following God. With God as their king they felt like they were missing out, being deprived of something good. This is really the crux of our problem, starting back in Eden. We don’t believe God, though we may believe IN him. Therefore, we don’t trust that his plan is the best plan for us. We feel like he is keeping something good from us, so we rebel and seek out worldly pleasures on our own. Even after we flounder and “cry out because of the king we have chosen for ourselves” God still comes near to us. There are consequences for our rebellion but he never punishes us with permanent separation. He is found by us when we seek him.
2. God has a good plan for us but we don’t believe his plan is best so we go after our worldly desires. We replace other things as king of our lives. Even though we do all of this God is still waiting for us to come home, to come back to him. “…but while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
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First and second Samuel are to of books I have always enjoyed reading. There are several reasons, first it shows how the under dog can prevail, second it lets me know God doesn’t expect me to be perfect, third it has romance, and last but I guess this is the main reason it shows that God will never give up on me so I shouldn’t either.
Sisters be blessed. -
Oh how often we don’t put our trust in God like the Israelites and probably don’t even know we’re doing it! I’ve definitely been learning about put all my resources in His hands this week. Have I been doing that? No. Should I? Absolutely. Because that is the only place where my resources are best used. I also came into this study today after just being told something really hurtful by a loved one, and even this fresh God is speaking to me about that. I need to be forgiving, patient, and merciful toward her, because we offend God so much more than we could imagine. It is expected that I do nothing else except forgive because of how much I’ve been forgiven.
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And how God redeems is anyway!
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Great discussion all! I could not agree more with those who see the Israelites behavior in their own lives- about 6 months ago I was reading through the OT and was also aghast at their behavior, over the past few months I’ve been in situations where I find myself acting exactly like the “stiff-necked” Israelites and have to catch myself and pray for help and repentance. So powerful the examples of how we can go wrong
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Yes! Danielle great comment, I fall prey to this as well.
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