Category: Old Testament, History book
Written by: According to Jewish tradition, the author of 1st and 2nd Samuel is the prophet Samuel – until his death. After that, it was completed by two other prophets, Gad and Nathan.
At the time of: The book is believed to have been written around 1000BC at the time of David and Solomon. The time period is pivotal, as it is the time that Israel moves away from being governed by God through His judges, to a monarchy ruled by a kin.
Main Focus: To reveal the role of God in the lives of His people, and provides a historical recount of how Israel went from being governed by judges to having a king in charge. 1st Samuel is a book that shows what happens when we obey or disobey God.
The book can be loosely divided into 3 parts:
- Samuel the Prophet and judge (chapters 1-7)
- Saul the first king (chapters 8-15)
- David the king (Chapter 16 onwards)
A modern scholar said: “the Book of Samuel is a greatly magnificent Book; not surpassed by any other, in its dealing with history, its insight in human nature, and its truthful portrayal of events. This Book reveals God’s ways of dealing with people, either good or evil; his dealings with peoples; and gives a true portrait of God’s works in His judgment and chastisement as well as in His forgiveness and mercy – from Fr Tadros Malaty
Watch an overview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJOju5Dw0V0&t=6s