INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL

INTRODCUTION TO THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL

NAME:

In the Hebrew Canon the two books of Samuel appear as one, commonly known as, “The First Book of Kings”. The name Samuel is ascribed to the fact that the personal history, ministrations as judge, prophet, and priest, and the work of Samuel in the transition period in which a king was set up are related in the early part of this book. Samuel was the last of judges and the associate of his predecessor Eli over a period of years.

THEME:

The book records the failure of the priesthood under Eli and of the judges in Samuel’s attempt to make the office hereditary. In his prophecies, Samuel was both faithful and conspicuous, and this phase of his work took precedence over his priesthood; hence, he is the beginning of a long line of prophets in Israel who became the spokesmen of GOD. Notable in the respect was his establishment of the schools of the prophets. Most outstanding in the events of his career, however, was the founding of the monarchy under the reign of King Saul.

PROMINENT TRUTHS:

Prominent truths of the book cover the purpose of GOD in making Israel a theocratic nation, not to be altered even in the setting up of a monarchy; the sovereignty of GOD over Israel and other nations; and “righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”

OUTLINE:

Historically the book is a continuation of Judges and Ruth:

1) Story of Samuel to the death of Eli (1:1-4:22)

2) From the death of Eli to demand for a King (5:1-8:22)

3) The reign of Saul to the anointing of young David (9:1-15:35)

4) From the call of David to the death of Saul (16:1-31:13)

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF RUTH

THE BOOK OF RUTH

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF RUTH

NAME:

This lovely story takes its name from the young Moabitish Widow, Ruth, who became the wife of Boaz, ancestors of David and of Jesus. Ruth gave up her religion and became a proselyte to the Hebrew Faith. As a result, she is honoured by being mentioned in the genealogy of her Saviour (Matt 1:5)

PERIOD:

Historically, the book belongs within the early period of judges, and it fittingly describes the domestic and pastoral life of devout Israelites of that turbulent era.

THEME:

In the characters of this narrative, Naomi, Boaz, and Ruth, the beauties of Christian virtue and faith are delineated; and the power of true religion overcoming the most adverse circumstances in life is demonstrated. As a consequence of trust in Israel’s GOD and adherence to the principles of righteousness, a heathen woman, without childhood training and true religious environment, became glorious in character and renowned in history.

OUTLINE:

Ruth is regarded as a type of the Gentile Church of Christ, and her experiences are compared to that of a Christian under the analysis:

1) Ruth Deciding

2) Ruth Serving

3) Ruth Resting

4) Ruth rewarded.

BASIC STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JUDGES

NAME AND CHARACTER OF THE BOOK:

This second of the historical books of the Old Testament takes its name from the exploits of the thirteen men raised up by GOD to deliver Israel from the oppressions of alien peoples –oppressions brought upon them as punishment for their apostasies and idolatries. Through these men, GOD continued HIS personal government of the nation. The records of the Book, however, are fragmented without chronological order, and the work of some of these leaders may have been contemporaneous, at least in part.

CONDITION OF THE NATION:

Following the death of Joshua, Israel’s national life continued over a long period without being centrally organized, and the people were falling constantly into idolatry and suffering under the iron heel of heathen nations. The Book records seven apostasies, seven periods of servitude to seven nations, and seven deliverances. It also proves explanations and interpretations of these dealings of GOD with Israel and other signifigant events.

KEYWORDS:

“The children of Israel again did evil in the eyes of the LORD”; and “The LORD sold them into the hands of the oppressor”. KEY VERSE is “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (17:6) whereas the KEY WORD is “confusion”

PERIOD COVERED:

We are told in 1 Kings 6:1 that the tine from Exodus to the building of the Temple in the fourth year of Solomon was 480 years. On the other hand the period of 40 years in the wilderness, 40 years reign of Saul, 40 years for the reign of David, 24 years covering the life of Joshua after entering Canaan, and 4 years in Solomon’s reign. A total of 148 years. If 148 is subtracted from 480, we have 332 years as the period of Judges, including Samuel’s long term of service.

OUTLINE:

The book is divided into four sections:

1) The conquest to the Judges (1:1-3:6)

2) Judges and their work (3:7-16)

3) The idolatry of Micha (17-18)

4) The Crime of Gibeah (19-21)