Sovereignty of God in the midst of Uncertainty Author: It must be admitted that with the current evidence one cannot affirm without reservation who wrote the book. The Talmud names Samuel as the author, but this is hardly probable since he dies in 25th chapter. Date: The events in the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel took place in ancient Israel over a span of about 130 years, from the beginning of the eleventh century B.C. to the early part of the tenth century B.C. Title: First and Second Samuel were considered as one book in the earliest Hebrew manuscript, and were later divided into the two books by the translators of the Greek version.

Sovereignty of God in the midst of Uncertainty PURPOSE A main purpose of the Book of Samuel was to record the establishment of Kingship in Israel and to explain its theological significance.

Sovereignty of God in the midst of Uncertainty Theological Theme There are four predominant theological themes in 1 and 2 Samuel. The first is the Davidic Covenant. A second theme is the sovereignty of God. Third, the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering men for divinely appointed tasks. Fourth, the books of Samuel demonstrate the personal and national effects of sin

Sovereignty of God in the midst of Uncertainty Historical Theme As 1 Samuel begins, Israel was at a low point spiritually. The priesthood was corrupt (1 Sam. 2:12–17, 22–26),1 Sam. 2:12–1722–26 The ark of the covenant was not at the tabernacle (1 Sam. 4:3–7:2), Idolatry was practiced (1 Sam. 7:3, 4), and the judges were dishonest (1 Sam. 8:2, 3).1 Sam. 4:3–7:21 Sam. 7:341 Sam. 8:23 Through the influence of godly Samuel (1 Sam. 12:23) and David (1 Sam. 13:14), these conditions were reversed.1 Sam. 12:231 Sam. 13:14 Second Samuel concludes with the anger of the Lord being withdrawn from Israel (2 Sam. 24:25).2 Sam. 24:25

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty Original meaning: 1 Samuel 1: 1-8 Background of Hannah and her problems 1 Samuel 1: 9-18 Hannah’s Prayer: 1 Samuel 1: Birth of Samuel 1 Samuel 1: Hannah fulfills her vow

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty Bridging the context Bridge between then world of Bible and the world of today The significance of Samuel’s birth narrative centers not on Samuel himself but on his mother Hannah. She invested well!!!

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty SHE MADE A WISE INVESTMENT IN THE FAMILY She Invested In Spite Of Difficulty - v. 1-2 She Invested In Spite Of Discouragement - v. 5-6 She Invested In Spite Of Desperation - v. 5-6

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty SHE MADE A WISE INVESTMENT IN THE FAITH Her Faith Was Personal - v ; 2:1-10 Her Faith Was Practical - v Her Faith Was Profound - v. 11, 20-23

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty SHE MADE A WISE INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE Through The Length Of Her Commitment - v. 11, 22; 2:18-21 Through The Life Of Her Child - v , 2:26

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty Contemporary Significance When a nation is in such despair, the only hope is the appearance of righteous individuals both in national leadership and in the common citizenry. Samuel announces that both. Samuel is the coming new leadership and he is given to the nation through a righteous family.

Sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty What is the significance of this passage in terms of leadership and individual responsibility? Israel’s problems were deeply rooted in the national psyche, but their failed religious leadership compounded them. The birth of Samuel provided hope for the future of Israel. A godly citizen also contributes to the development of the nation. Finally we should also note the connection of Hannah’s suffering and her effective prayer.