Topical Bible: Books: Not Extant, But Mentioned in Scripture: Samuel Concerning the Kingdom

◄ Books: Not Extant, But Mentioned in Scripture: Samuel Concerning the Kingdom ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible, in its rich tapestry of history and divine revelation, occasionally references texts that are not extant, meaning they are no longer available to us. One such work is the "Book of Samuel Concerning the Kingdom." This text is mentioned in the context of the historical narratives of the Old Testament, specifically in relation to the reigns of the kings of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

The mention of the "Book of Samuel Concerning the Kingdom" is found in 1 Samuel 10:25. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home." This passage suggests that Samuel, the last judge of Israel and a pivotal prophet, documented the regulations and responsibilities associated with the monarchy, which he then placed before the LORD as a testament to the divine oversight of Israel's governance.

Historical Context:

Samuel played a crucial role during a transitional period in Israel's history, moving from a theocratic system of judges to a monarchy. The demand for a king, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8, was a significant shift for the Israelites, who desired to be like other nations. Samuel, under God's guidance, anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. The "Book of Samuel Concerning the Kingdom" likely contained detailed instructions and guidelines for the newly established monarchy, reflecting God's intentions and expectations for the king's role in leading His people.

Theological Significance:

The existence of such a book underscores the importance of divine order and law in the governance of Israel. It highlights the belief that kingship was not merely a political institution but a divinely ordained role with spiritual and moral obligations. The laying of the scroll "before the LORD" signifies the sacred nature of these instructions, emphasizing that the king was to rule under God's authority and in accordance with His will.

Implications for Biblical Study:

While the "Book of Samuel Concerning the Kingdom" is not available to us today, its mention invites reflection on the nature of biblical authority and the historical processes that shaped the canon of Scripture. It also encourages believers to consider the ways in which God's guidance was sought and recorded in ancient Israel, providing a framework for understanding the relationship between divine command and human leadership.

In studying the biblical text, the reference to this non-extant book serves as a reminder of the depth and complexity of the biblical narrative, as well as the providential care with which God has preserved His Word throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 10:25
Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
... the Septuagint contains indeed certain apocryphal books not extant in the ... to mouth,
even apparently, and not in dark ... 9. The inspiration of the books of the Old ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xi remaining books of.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... And I find that every extant specimen of this sacred ... is absurd, whilst the authority
of these books is under ... Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

Introduction.
... the work of this character that is still extant is called ... having regard to a class,
and certainly not alluding to ... The Books of Maccabees look forward to the re ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... [911] These four books are stated ... I. in Lucam): "There is extant also the Gospel
according to Thomas ... these things and brought thee to me, and I am not to blame ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and ...
... and the third Evangelist had access to extant documents of ... I see that the writers
of the several books wrote like ... that the words of Scripture are not inspired? ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon iv the plenary inspiration.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... Christian, and belonging to the class of Adamaic books, wherein is ... reached us from
antiquity contain sentences and statements not now extant, though there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... It is however not extant. ... The Donatist should believe in the books, which he says
were delivered up ... replies Augustin, as if the Spirit of God did not know the ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of ...
... its motion." (Ibid.) Would it not have been fairer to have named at least one of
the school-books which perpetuate ... that "not a few" of the extant species of ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/v in the present crusade.htm

1 Cor. Ii. 6, 7
... Him:" and these their words are not entirely extant. ... Even before the captivity many
books had disappeared; the ... And again, another thing, not less than those ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 1 cor ii.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus. ... of the Chaldeans, I Daniel understood
in the books the number ... upon the land; and the land of Egypt shall not escape ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm