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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Love how you worded this.
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I’m behind in the reading (started late) but am catching up and just wanted to share that this verse spoke to me. In a literal way (king, president etc), we should not place any ruler above our God, but also what else do I let “rule” my life besides Him? What am I a slave to? What do I place priority on and focus on and strive for most? It just really made me think about what rules my life.
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Loved the simple line in the summary about Israel moving from a theocracy—literally, ruled to God—to a monarchy. How can we be so naive, so stubborn to reject rule by God in favor of an monarch, who sets himself above all others. God even had Samuel warn the people what they what getting into. Alas, like people of today, the Israelites refused to believe & insisted they knew what was best for themselves. Isn’t that the root of all sin: setting ourselves above our precious Lord?
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Lord forgive us
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@Kristine Purcell
I think you’re absolutely right! Which is why I also think this portion is prophetic of the Tribulation period. God will be giving the whole world exactly what it’s been clamoring for; a world with no God and no Christians and a “king” like they want aka:the Anti-Christ. Saul is a type of the Tribulation king before we get true king, a Son of David, to come and rule and reign from the throne of David-Jesus Christ. -
I think this passage is showing us that God sometimes give us what we ask, even though he knows it’s wrong, so that we can learn from our mistakes
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@Jennifer Collings, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you!
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