Samuel: Chronicles of
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Topical Encyclopedia
The "Chronicles of Samuel" refers to the historical records attributed to the prophet Samuel, which are mentioned in the Old Testament as sources for the narratives found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. These chronicles are not extant as separate documents but are believed to have been used as source material for the biblical accounts of the early monarchy in Israel, particularly the reigns of Saul and David.

Biblical References and Context

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel in the Old Testament provide a detailed account of the transition of Israel from a confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. The prophet Samuel plays a pivotal role in this transition, serving as the last judge of Israel, a prophet, and the anointer of the first two kings, Saul and David. The "Chronicles of Samuel" are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:29: "As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the chronicles of Samuel the seer, the chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and the chronicles of Gad the seer."

Historical and Theological Significance

The chronicles attributed to Samuel are considered significant for several reasons. Historically, they provide insight into the early monarchy and the challenges faced by Israel during this period. Theologically, they emphasize the sovereignty of God in the establishment of kingship in Israel and highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Samuel's role as a prophet and judge underscores the theme of divine guidance and authority. His anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:1, marks a significant moment in Israel's history: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'"

Samuel's Legacy

Samuel's legacy is multifaceted. As a judge, he led Israel with integrity and faithfulness, calling the people to repentance and renewal of their covenant with God. As a prophet, he was instrumental in communicating God's will to the nation, particularly in matters of leadership and governance. His anointing of David, as described in 1 Samuel 16:13, set the stage for the Davidic dynasty: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

The "Chronicles of Samuel" are thus seen as foundational to understanding the biblical narrative of Israel's monarchy and the theological themes of divine election, covenant, and kingship. While the original chronicles are not available, their influence is evident in the biblical text, which continues to be a source of spiritual and historical reflection for believers.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Chronicles 29:29
Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

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 Books of Samuel and Kings.
... Whence it happens that, by most people, five of the books are reckoned as double,
viz., Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Jeremiah, with Kinoth, ie, his ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the books of samuel and.htm

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
... Israel. To this opinion we are led by the position which the report occupies
in the Books both of Chronicles and of Samuel. The ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the promise in 2 samuel.htm

At that Time Samuel Died. ...
... the account of the Chronicles, [310] because we think that it was taken (as said
above) from the Acts of the Apostles, and we repeat that Samuel and Saul ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxvi at that time.htm

Use of the Old Testament by the First Christian Writers, and by ...
... After the Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Kings first and second, Samuel, Chronicles,
come Ezra first and second, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Canticles ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter v use of the.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... IV and V THE KINGDOM UNDIVIDED AND THE KINGDOM DIVIDED. THE HISTORICAL BOOKS:
I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

Number and Order of the Separate Books.
... 84) the number twenty-seven is found, made by taking the alphabet enlarged with
the five final letters, and dividing Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles into two ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter iv number and order.htm

Samuel
... asserting that it was the brother of Goliath whom Elhanan slew (1 Chronicles
20:5 ... In this chapter, Saul is unacquainted with David, 1 Samuel 17:56, whereas in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

The Manner in which Josephus Mentions the Divine Books.
... 7. Judges and Ruth. 8. Samuel. 9. Kings. 10. Chronicles. 11. Ezra and Nehemiah. ... 2.
Judges and Ruth. 3. Samuel. 4. Kings. 5. Chronicles. 6. Ezra and Nehemiah. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter x the manner in which.htm

The History Books
... in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the
book of Gad the seer.' (These last have disappeared.) (1 Chronicles 29:29.). ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iv the history books.htm

Resources
Who was Samuel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Hannah and Samuel? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of 1 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Samuel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Samuel

Samuel the Prophet

Samuel: A Judge (Leader) of Israel, his Judgment Seat at Beth-El, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah

Samuel: A Prophet of the Israelites

Samuel: Anoints David to be King

Samuel: Anoints Saul to be King of Israel

Samuel: Blessed of God

Samuel: Called Shemuel

Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor

Samuel: Chronicles of

Samuel: Consecrated to God Before his Birth

Samuel: Death of; the Lament for Him

Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler

Samuel: His Mother's Song of Thanksgiving

Samuel: His Vision Concerning the House of Eli

Samuel: Israelites Repent Because of his Reproofs and Warnings

Samuel: Makes his Corrupt Sons Judges in Israel

Samuel: Ministered in the House of God

Samuel: Miraculous Birth of

Samuel: Organizes the Tabernacle Service

Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests

Samuel: Renews the Kingdom of Saul

Samuel: Reproves Saul; Foretells That his Kingdom Will be Established

Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul

Samuel: Sons of

Samuel: The Philistines Defeated Through his Intercession and Sacrifices

Statecraft: Samuel

Related Terms

Samuel's (6 Occurrences)

Shammah (8 Occurrences)

Ziklag (13 Occurrences)

Seer (21 Occurrences)

Ziba (13 Occurrences)

Keilah (16 Occurrences)

Servant's (29 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Stronghold (68 Occurrences)

Arrows (59 Occurrences)

Zobah (15 Occurrences)

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

Valour (66 Occurrences)

Seemeth (36 Occurrences)

Asahel (17 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)

Sorrowing (33 Occurrences)

Valiant (66 Occurrences)

Shemesh (24 Occurrences)

Spear (55 Occurrences)

Shield (65 Occurrences)

Zuph (3 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

Kish (18 Occurrences)

Victory (71 Occurrences)

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)

Stature (22 Occurrences)

Suckling (19 Occurrences)

Son-in-law (14 Occurrences)

Severely (48 Occurrences)

Kenites (8 Occurrences)

As'ahel (17 Occurrences)

Seeks (48 Occurrences)

Sweareth (34 Occurrences)

Spared (45 Occurrences)

Starting (34 Occurrences)

Kine (24 Occurrences)

Youths (28 Occurrences)

Kissed (26 Occurrences)

Syrians (63 Occurrences)

Shimei (43 Occurrences)

Arrow (34 Occurrences)

Skirt (16 Occurrences)

Smiting (76 Occurrences)

Station (78 Occurrences)

Vowed (34 Occurrences)

Sovereign (209 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Saul's (79 Occurrences)

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

Shamed (91 Occurrences)

Saveth (36 Occurrences)

Surrender (18 Occurrences)

Stepped (16 Occurrences)

Sacrificing (39 Occurrences)

Array (63 Occurrences)

Stronger (59 Occurrences)

Safety (72 Occurrences)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Voices (76 Occurrences)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Setteth (116 Occurrences)

Vashni (1 Occurrence)

Kiriathjearim

Ascend (86 Occurrences)

Shiloh (34 Occurrences)

Sling (11 Occurrences)

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Spoil (140 Occurrences)

Subdued (41 Occurrences)

Standeth (111 Occurrences)

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)

Street (54 Occurrences)

Articles (78 Occurrences)

Slept (74 Occurrences)

Success (29 Occurrences)

Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor
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