First Samuel
In the Hebrew Bible, the book of Samuel formed one book instead of the two books in our Protestant Bibles. The division into two books is the work of the translators of the Hebrew Bible into it's Greek version, called the Septuagint, during about the 3rd century BCE. The translators found the Greek translation of the Hebrew languaged book of Samuel was too long for one scroll. So they divided it into two scrolls - accordingly, two books.
1st Samuel opens with the birth of Samuel and closes with the death of Saul. The book belongs within the larger literary complex scholars call the Deuteronomistic History, a connected narrative running from Deuteronomy through Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, shaped by a theological perspective rooted in the covenant framework of Deuteronomy.
1st Samuel is rich with engaging narratives. It covers the transition of ancient Israel from a loosely confederated tribal society (the 12 tribes of Israel) governed by judges into a centralized monarchy (kingship). It does so through three of the most fully drawn characters in the entire Old Testament: Samuel, Saul, and David. The book is easy reading. Most of the story lines are easy to follow. They are engaging and even, at points, jarring. I think particularly noteworthy is how principled David is even under intense pursuit by Saul. Also noteworthy is the extent to which Saul went in order to hold on to the kingship. It's interesting to note Saul's "no holds barred" mindset to maintaining the prestege and power of the kingship vs. David's restraint and lack of aggression in securing the kingship. The moral complexities of those entrusted with great power is a study well worth doing. Perhaps, this book may be a great case study in those complexities.
Explore This Book
Authorship and Date
The book is anonymous. Its connection to the Deuteronomistic History, the sources behind it, and the scholarly debate over when and how it reached its final form.
Read more →Samuel and the Monarchy
First Samuel contains both pro-monarchic and anti-monarchic traditions that sit in unresolved tension. Understanding that tension is essential to reading the book honestly.
Read more →Relationship to Second Samuel
Originally one book in the Hebrew canon. How the division was made, what it obscures, and how the two volumes function as a continuous narrative unit.
Read more →Relationship to Kings and Chronicles
First Samuel is part of the Deuteronomistic History. Chronicles retells the same period from a different theological vantage point and with significant differences in content.
Read more →Notable Features
The ark narrative, Hannah's song, the complexity of Saul as a tragic figure, David's rise, and other features that have drawn sustained scholarly attention.
Read more →Major Narratives
The birth of Samuel, the ark narrative, Saul's rise and fall, David and Goliath, David's flight, and the woman at Endor, including her religious and cultural context.
Read more →Doublets and Contradictions
Two accounts of Saul's selection, two accounts of David entering Saul's service, the Goliath problem, and other internal tensions and contradictions with other books.
Read more →