From the Prophecy to History

There were a few suggestions as to how to proceed from the pages of Amos, one of which was a study of 1 & 2 Samuel. This is a hefty endeavor but well worth the investment of time and mental resources. As we moved from a prophetic style of writing into a historical we will have to bite off larger chunks of the text in order to keep the story moving, as that is what we are getting involved in – a story with real people who lived real lives (often messy lives) and real events that actually happened a few thousand years ago. This is history. No one made up the events or the people. They happened. There are many people who do not take the Bible as a literal history. I am not one of them. For me the Bible is filled with people who actually lived and breathed on the same planet we inhabit whose lives were not that different from our own. They had spouses, children, problems, joys, and a very tangible relationship with the God of the Universe.    1 Samuel is an accounting of some of the most famous of God’s people and their stories are fascinating. We will examine famous stories that even the most Biblically illiterate could probably recount at least in part, like David and Goliath. And there are obscure people and events that will make your eyes grow wide with their incredible facts.

Some background information would be in order before we begin. Much of the story of God’s people has transpired before the book of 1 Samuel. The descendants of Abraham have come to be known as the Children of Israel. Israel (or Jacob, as was his birth name) was the grandson of Abraham. God is following through on his promise to Abraham to make his descendants a mighty nation. After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, having moved there for food during the time of Joseph, Israel is then freed by the hand of God with Moses as their leader. After a few missteps that lead to 40 years of wilderness wanderings, God leads them into the Promised Land where they take up residence. During the time of Moses God is helping His people get to know Him and understand His ways. The 10 Commandments are given to them and God sets them apart from the rest of the world in several different ways. He claims His people, woos His people, and keeps His promises to His people. By the time we get to 1 Samuel, the people have listened more to the pagan cultures around them than to God and have drifted far away from Him. They have been through the time of the Judges (another 400 years), the men and women God set up as leaders over His people to speak for Him and rule the people with His will. Now the people stand poised to begin to lead the world as God intends them to do. Would that the story goes smoothly from this point forward.

As we dive into Samuel, don’t be discouraged by all the strange names. They would find our names strange too! Don’t be discouraged by the longer readings. If you really get into the stories, the verses will fly by. Enjoy the process and try not to fall too far behind. 

Samuel was the last “judge” and God’s prophet and a priest. He brings the Word of God to the people, and more importantly to the king. While his words will not always be heeded, they are nonetheless important and continue to show that God loves His people and wants the very best for them.