Samuel

Original reader:

1&2 Samuel is written sometime after the the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms (southern and northern). It is addressed to both kingdoms for the future generations to show the biographical contrast between Israel's first two kings and how they lead the nation.

Author:

The author for 1 Samuel is not entirely sure, though it does mention that Samuel the prophet made some written records (1 Sam 10:25). Also the biblical text suggests both Nathan and Gad the seers helped compose both books of Samuel. (1 Chron 29:29) This is just surface evidence of authorship of 1&2 Samuel, nobody really knows who the exact author is.

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

One of the major themes and repeated ideas shown throughout 1&2 Samuel is the transitions of leadership. We see that God raises people up and then tears them down all in accordance with his plan. We see the transition of Eli the judge/priest passed onto Samuel. (1 Sam 3:19-4:1, 4:18, 7:3) We then see the leadership change from priest to king. The nation of Israel wanted to be like the nations around them so they demand a king to reign over them opposed to God as their ultimate king. So we see Samuel anoint Saul.(1 Sam 8:5, 10:20-25) After the downfall of Saul we see the transition of kingship passed onto David. (1 Sam 15:10-18:9)

Another common occurrence in 1&2 Samuel is the victories that God gives to both Saul and David. (1 Sam 7:1-17, 2 Sam 6:1-10:19) Another big theme is the contrast between the character of Saul opposed to the character of David. We see Saul starts out with a great beginning but then concludes in absolute failure. He tends to lead and live by his emotions rather than the law of God. ( 1 Sam 13:7-14, 15:9) We see the character of David addressed as "one after my own heart" (1 Sam 13:13-14). David became more and more powerful because God was with him. (2 Sam 5:10) After disobeying God we see Saul trying to justify what he did was right. (1 Sam 15:1-21) Where as David has a heart of repentance after he sins. (2 Sam 12:13)

In conclusion these are a couple of the main themes and repeated ideas throughout 1&2 Samuel.

The main idea of this book is stated in 1 Sam 2:30 "But I will honor those who honor me and I will despise those who think lightly of me."

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason 1&2 Samuel was written was to continue the history of Israel and their relationship with God and to connect the era from the time of judges to the time of kings. Also it strongly emphasizes the consequences of faithfulness and disobedience.

Character and Nature of God:

God shows his faithfulness and super natural power to Hannah by enabling her to become pregnant when she was barren.  (1 Sam 1:19) We see the holiness and raw power of God displayed when the Philistines captured the Ark of God. God ends up shattering the Philistine god and sending a plague of tumors on the people. (1 Sam 5:1-12) Also more of God's holiness is displayed when Israel gets the Ark of God back and 70 men look into the Ark, God kills them because they are not pure and it just in general not allowed to look into it. (1 Sam 6:19-20)

God looks at the heart of people not their outward appearance. (1 Sam 16:7) It was the hand of the Lord that was upon David that gave him his victories. (2 Sam 8:6) God's forgiveness and judgement is shown to David after he sins by committing adultery with Bathsheba and having Uriah murdered. (2 Sam 12:7-14) God shows his protection to David by rescuing him from his enemies and from Saul. (22:1-3)

As you can see a lot of the character and nature of God is shown throughout both books of Samuel.

God's redemptive plan:

I see God's redemptive plan show in 2 Sam 7:13-16. The Lord spoke to Nathan to give a message to David about David's house and kingdom and throne being secure forever, implying that Jesus is the one to come and his kingdom is the one to reign forever. Jesus' genealogy also stems from David, so David is a representation of Christ. 

Personal Application:

1 Sam 2:30

 "But I will honor those who honor me and I will despise those who think lightly of me."

I feel God is wanting to give me a greater understanding of the fear of the Lord. That he does not take relationships with him lightly. There are so many levels of intimacy that God desires and i feel he is inviting me to go deeper with him.

POP

I feel the above verse applies to my point of passion. That as I grow in the fear of the Lord and my relationship with him i will be able to reflect more of his character and be an example to the youth. Not just the youth though but also in regards to worship leading and having more of God's heart and being able to bring people into the presence of God