The Books of Samuel, comprising 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, are historical books in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible and the Hebrew Bible. They are named after the prophet Samuel, who plays a significant role in the transition of Israel from a confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. These books are pivotal in understanding the establishment of the kingdom of Israel and the theological themes of kingship, prophecy, and covenant.

Authorship and Composition

Traditionally, the authorship of the Books of Samuel has been attributed to the prophet Samuel himself, along with contributions from the prophets Nathan and Gad. This view is supported by 1 Chronicles 29:29, which mentions these prophets as sources for the history of King David. However, modern scholarship often considers the books to be a compilation of various sources and traditions, edited over time. The final form likely emerged during the early monarchy or the exilic period.

Structure and Content

1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were originally a single work but were divided into two books in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. This division was later adopted in the Latin Vulgate and subsequent Christian Bibles.

· 1 Samuel: This book begins with the birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and details his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Key events include the calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 3), the demand for a king (1 Samuel 8), the anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 10), and David's rise to prominence, including his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The book concludes with the tragic downfall of Saul and his death in battle (1 Samuel 31).

· 2 Samuel: This book focuses on the reign of David, Israel's second king, highlighting his military conquests, political achievements, and personal failings. Notable events include David's capture of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5), the establishment of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7), and the sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The book also covers the rebellion of Absalom, David's son, and the subsequent turmoil within the kingdom (2 Samuel 15-18).

Theological Themes

The Books of Samuel explore several key theological themes:

· Kingship and Covenant: The narrative emphasizes the divine right and responsibilities of kingship. Saul's failure to obey God leads to his rejection, while David, despite his flaws, is portrayed as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The Davidic Covenant, promising an everlasting dynasty, is a central theme (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

· Prophecy and Divine Guidance: The role of prophets as God's messengers is prominent. Samuel, Nathan, and Gad serve as intermediaries between God and the kings, providing guidance, rebuke, and revelation.

· Faithfulness and Repentance: The books highlight the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of sin. David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12) contrasts with Saul's persistent disobedience.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Books of Samuel are set during a transformative period in Israel's history, transitioning from tribal confederation to monarchy. This era is marked by internal strife, external threats from the Philistines, and the consolidation of power under a centralized king. The narrative reflects the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Israel, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Significance in the Canon

The Books of Samuel are foundational for understanding the history of Israel and the development of the messianic hope rooted in the Davidic line. They provide insight into the nature of leadership, the consequences of sin, and the faithfulness of God to His promises. The narrative of David, in particular, foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.Books Of Samuel

are not separated from each other in the Hebrew MSS., and, from a critical point of view, must be regarded as one book. The present, division was first made in the Septuagint translation, and was adopted in the Vulgate from the Septuagint. The book was called by the Hebrews: "Samuel," probably because the birth and life of Samuel were the subjects treated of in the beginning of the work. The books of Samuel commence with the history of Eli and Samuel, and contain all account of the establishment of the Hebrew monarchy and of the reigns of Saul and David, with the exception of the last days of the latter monarch which are related in the beginning of the books of Kings, of which those of Samuel form the previous portion. [KINGS, FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF, B00KS OF] Authorship and date of the book ,--

1. As to the authorship. In common with all the historical books of the Old Testament, except the beginning of Nehemiah, the book of Samuel contains no mention in the text of the name of its author. It is indisputable that the title "Samuel" does not imply that the prophet was the author of the book of Samuel as a whole; for the death of Samuel is recorded in the beginning of the 25th chapter. In our own time the most prevalent idea in the Anglican Church seems to have been that the first twenty-four chapters of the book of Samuel were written by the prophet himself, and the rest of the chapters by the prophets Nathan and Gad. This, however, is doubtful.
2. But although the authorship cannot be ascertained with certainty, it appears clear that, in its present form it must have been composed subsequent to the secession of the ten tribes, B.C. 975. This results from the passage in (1 Samuel 27:6) wherein it is said of David, "Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah to this day:" for neither Saul, David nor Solomon is in a single instance called king of Judah simply. On the other hand, it could hardly have been written later than the reformation of Josiah, since it seems to have been composed at a time when the Pentateuch was not acted on as the rule of religious observances, which received a special impetus at the finding of the Book of the Law at the reformation of Josiah. All, therefore, that can be asserted with any certainty is that the book, as a whole, can scarcely have been composed later than the reformation of Josiah, and that it could not have existed in its present form earlier than the reign of Rehoboam. The book of Samuel is one of the best specimens of Hebrew prose in the golden age of Hebrew literature. In prose it holds the same place which Joel and the undisputed prophecies of Isaiah hold in poetical or prophetical language.

The Books of Samuel and Kings.
... Treatises. The Books of Samuel and Kings. This Preface was the first in
order of publication. It was set forth as an exposition ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the books of samuel and.htm

How Like the Prophecy About Christ in the 89Th Psalm is to the ...
... Book XVII. Chapter 9."How Like the Prophecy About Christ in the 89th Psalm is to
the Things Promised in Nathan's Prophecy in the Books of Samuel. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 how like the prophecy.htm

The History Books
... The first and second Books of Samuel have been put together from several other
records. Most likely Samuel himself did part of the work. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iv the history books.htm

The Historical Books.
... author be determined. III. THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL. 11. The two books of
Samuel constituted originally one work. The division was ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Chronicles
... times is met by the book of Ezra-Nehemiah, to which there was no rival, whereas
Chronicles had a rival in the existing and popular books of Samuel and Kings. ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/chronicles.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... The Book of Judges, the Book of Ruth, and the two books of Samuel cover a period
of Jewish history estimated in our common chronology at more than four hundred ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

Canonical Books of the Holy Scripture...
... are the five books of Moses, to wit: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy;
the book of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the two books of Samuel, the two of ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article iv canonical books of.htm

Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... on the Books of Samuel (in Studia Biblica, i.21, 1885). Driver, Notes on the Hebrew
Text of the Books of Samuel (1890). ... comm. on the Books of Samuel (1899). ...
/.../chapter ii books of the.htm

How the Books were Written.
... The first volume contains the Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the two books of
Samuel, the two books of Kings, and the two books of Chronicles. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
... 1. In 1 Chronicles 14:17 it is said, after the account of David's victory over the
Philistines (on which event the Books of Samuel report previous to chap. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the promise in 2 samuel.htm

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