The Book of Samuel continues the history of Israel to the start of the kingdom. Samuel was the last of the "judges" and Israel demanded that he should make way for a king, like the nations around them. But Israel had forgotten that God was their King. In rejecting Samuel, they rejected God. Saul was given to them as king, but he did not obey God (1 Samuel 15) and God eventually had to reject him.
The story opens with the birth and ministry of Samuel. The Philistines were the main enemy of Israel at this time. The Ark of the Covenant was captured by them (1 Samuel 4) though it brought them trouble (1 Samuel 5). They were defeated when Israel returned to the worship of God (1 Samuel 7) under Samuel.
| SUNDAY
1 Samuel 1 |
The "temple" (verse 9) was the Tabernacle (tent) set up in Shiloh. Israel had become decadent, and their priests were self-centred and greedy. |
| MONDAY
1 Samuel 2 |
Compare verses 1-10 with the words of Mary in Luke 1:46-65. Hannah's prayer of faith had been answered and she rejoiced. Samuel was given back to God as promised, to serve Him in the Temple. |
| TUESDAY
1 Samuel 3 |
Verse 4. Samuel was called by God, and the old man Eli told him how to answer. We should also listen as God speaks through His word. |
| WEDNESDAY
1 Samuel 8 |
God was the Judge and King of Israel whom they had rejected (verse 7). Israel was the kingdom of God at that time, but did not appreciate it. |
| THURSDAY
1 Samuel 9 |
Saul was a tall man (verse 2) but not big enough spiritually for the Kingdom of God, as chapter 15 will show. |
| FRIDAY
1 Samuel 10 |
Note how God helped Saul at first (verses 6, 9, 26). God wanted Saul to trust Him and ensure success in his kingship. |
| SATURDAY
1 Samuel 15 |
Saul failed to put God first and did not fully obey His instructions. Although sacrifice was commanded, it was only a means to an end: obedience, which was far more important (verses 22-23). |