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.

 Welcome to Season 10! Thank you for being a part of the club.

Show Notes

• Blog
• David's Flight from Saul
• The Old Testament Books
• The New Testament Books
• Bible Timeline

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