Renewing the Covenant The Book of I Samuel Ray of Hope Christian Church February 28, 2012

I Samuel 8 Deuteronomy 4:32-40

The Book of First Samuel heads what some call the “three double Books of the Old Testament” – I and II Samuel, I and II Kings, I and II Chronicles. These three double books form the record of the rise and fall of the Israelite monarchy.

I and II Samuel was divided into two parts by the translators of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament).

Three Names for Samuel I and II Book of Kingdoms I and II Kings (Vulgate) I and II Samuel (Hebrew Tradition and Modern Versions)

The Central message of the book is “ The people demand a king—choosing less than God’s best. ”

Theme and Purpose of I Samuel Kingship and Covenant Theocracy to Monarchy Reveal the Drama of Israel

The Purpose and Theme of I Samuel Suspense Rejection Betrayal Murder Witchcraft Disobedience Neglect Lies Fugitive Favoritism

Theology of I Samuel: Kingship of God God is the King of the Universe; no human king can assume kingship except as deputy of the divine King!

Theology of I Samuel: Kingship of God He is sovereign not only over Israel but also over the Philistines I Samuel 7:13 (the hand of the Lord was heavy upon the Philistines)

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Providential Guidance Romans 8:28

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Providential Guidance God is the One who guided providentially the lives of the God chosen individuals.

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Providential Guidance Hannah – I Samuel 1: God uses the hardship in Hannah’s relation with Peninnah

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Providential Guidance Saul – I Samuel 9: God manages Saul’s donkey-searching journey to lead to the encounter with the prophet Samuel

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Providential Guidance David – David’s chore of bringing food to his brothers in Valley of Elah during the war enables him to see Goliath and later defeat the Philistine (I Samuel 17)

The biblical witness is full of ordinary people used by God.

That means YOU TOO!

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Sovereign Will and Power I Samuel 2:1-10

Theology of I Samuel: God’s Sovereign Will and Power Humanly impossible matters are in fact divinely possible and hence challenge us to put our faith on the One who is sovereign over the entire creation.

Outline of I Samuel: Samuel Narrative – Chapters 1- 8 The ministry of Samuel marks the beginning of the prophetic ministry office. There were those before on whom the mantle of prophecy had fallen, i.e. Moses – Deut. 18:18

Outline of I Samuel: Samuel Narrative – Chapters 1- 8 Scripture indicates that the prophetic order was founded by Samuel 3:20; 10:5; 19:18-24 Acts 3:24, Acts 13:30, Hebrews 11:32

Outline of I Samuel: Samuel Narrative – Chapters 1- 8 The Ark Narrative – Chapters 4-6 Narrative reveals the folly of Israel’s notion that possession of the ark automatically guaranteed victory of over her enemies

Outline of I Samuel: Saul Narrative – Chapters  The Human King is the instrument of the Lord’s rule over his people and the people as well as the king were to continue to recognize the Lord as their ultimate Sovereign King of Israel was a theocratic office

Outline of I Samuel: Saul Narrative – Chapters  Disobedience and unrepentence will always lead to a fall – I Samuel 13, 15

Outline of I Samuel: David Narrative – Chapters  David chosen by the Lord – 16:1-11 David anointed to be King 16:12-13 – The anointing came years before the exaltation. The anointing began the process or ascent to the throne

Outline of I Samuel: David Narrative – Chapters  David meets Goliath 17:31-54

Outline of I Samuel: David Narrative – Chapters  Jonathan, Saul’s son, loved David – Chapter 18

Outline of I Samuel: David Narrative – Chapters  This was a time of testing and preparation for David. He has been threatened by Saul and found refuge among the Philistines (Sovereignty of God)