First and Second Samuel were originally one book until translated into Greek. Written around 1000 BC during the first Iron Age, these books set the stage for the kingship of Israel during a time of regional powers rather than superpowers like Egypt or Babylon.
The first seven to eight chapters focus on Samuel, the last of the Judges who led Israel before the monarchy.
Saul: Rise and Fall
The middle section chronicles the selection of Saul as Israel's first king, his early victories, and his eventual downfall due to disobedience.
David: The Greatest King
The final portion details the rise of David, Israel's second and greatest king, whose dynasty would eventually produce the Messiah.
This historical narrative takes place during a technological turning point when weapons were transitioning from bronze to iron, giving the Philistines (described as "Mediterranean Vikings") a military advantage over Israel.
A Contrast of Two Kings
King Saul: Feared People
Saul was physically impressive—"there was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he." Though he won early victories, Saul repeatedly disobeyed God's commands, making excuses and blaming others.
When faced with challenges, Saul looked to appease people rather than obey God. He built monuments to himself and was more concerned with his reputation than with righteousness.
King David: Feared God
Unlike Saul, David was initially overlooked—"the Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
When David faced crises, like when his men threatened to stone him after the Amalekites raided Ziklag, "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" rather than seeking human approval.
A Contrast of Hearts
Saul's Heart of Pride and Excuses
When confronted with his disobedience, Saul deflected blame: "When I saw that the people were scattering... the people took the spoil." He never truly repented, only making external religious gestures to maintain his reputation.
David's Heart of Humility and Repentance
Despite committing grievous sins including adultery and murder, David responded to correction with genuine repentance: "I have sinned against the Lord." In Psalm 51, he acknowledged, "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight."
The difference between these kings wasn't that one was good and one was bad—both were deeply flawed. The distinction was that one remained proud while the other embraced repentance.
Understanding True Repentance
Biblical repentance isn't merely feeling sorry or changing one's mind—it's a complete redirection of the will. The Hebrew words naham (emotional sorrow) and shub (to turn) combine with the Greek metanoia (change of mind) to give us the full picture.
1
Recognition of Sin
True repentance begins with intellectual acknowledgment of our sinfulness before a holy God.
2
Godly Sorrow
This recognition produces genuine grief over our sin and its effects.
3
Change of Direction
Finally, repentance culminates in turning away from sin and toward God in faith.
A Contrast of Grace and Works
Saul's Self-Reliance
Saul attempted to make himself right with God through partial obedience and religious rituals. He relied on his own strength and judgment rather than fully trusting God's commands.
David's Reliance on Grace
David simply confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord," casting himself entirely on God's mercy. Romans 4:6-8 quotes David: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
The Book of Samuel reveals the gospel pattern: salvation comes not through works but through repentant faith that relies completely on God's grace.
David and Goliath: A Battle of Champions
In First Samuel 17, we find the iconic battle between David and Goliath. This wasn't just a personal duel but a contest of champions where one fighter represented an entire army—the victory of the champion would become the victory of his people.
Goliath, a mighty warrior, challenged Israel to send their champion. David, though young and seemingly weak, stepped forward in faith, declaring "the battle is the Lord's." With just a stone and sling, he defeated the giant, allowing all Israel to share in his victory as they charged forward to rout the Philistines.
David as a Type of Christ
The Anointed One
David was anointed as king but didn't immediately take the throne—Jesus is the anointed Messiah who will fully reign at his return.
Humble Champion
David appeared weak and was disdained by Goliath—Jesus came in humility and was rejected by many.
Victory Imputed
David's victory became Israel's victory—Christ's victory over sin and death becomes the victory of all who believe in Him.
The New Testament begins by identifying Jesus as "the son of David" (Matthew 1:1), and this title appears throughout the gospels as people recognized Jesus as the promised king from David's line.
The Davidic Covenant
"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body. And I will establish his kingdom... Your throne shall be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
In 2 Samuel 7, God makes a covenant with David, promising that his dynasty would endure forever. This promise points beyond David's immediate successors to Jesus Christ, the eternal king. David responds with humility: "Who am I, O Lord God, that you have brought me thus far?"
This covenant becomes one of the backbone promises of the New Testament, with Jesus identified as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to David.
Our Champion Reigns
Jesus as Our Champion
Like David facing Goliath, Jesus confronted the enemies of sin and death on our behalf. Not merely at risk of life, but at cost of life, He won the victory.
His Victory Is Ours
Christ's victory is imputed to all who believe. Because He has defeated the enemy, we can "charge forward" in the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations.
The Eternal King
Revelation identifies Jesus as "the root and descendant of David" who has conquered. The promised king from David's line now reigns eternally.
The Book of Samuel ultimately points us to Jesus, our champion who fought the battle on our behalf so that we might go forward in victory. "The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge."