Judges, Samuel and Kings Judges. The history of the nation from Joshua to Samson. 1 Samuel. The story of the nation during the judgeship of Samuel and the reign of Saul. 2 Samuel. Story of the reign of David. 1 and 2 Kings. The books of Kings form only one book in the Hebrew MSS. They contain the history of the nation from David's death and Solomon's accession to the destruction of the kingdom of Judah and the desolation of Jerusalem, with a supplemental notice of the liberation of Jehoiachin from his prison at Babylon, twenty-six years later; they comprehend the whole time of the Israelitish monarchy.

Judges The book of Judges is the history of Israel during the government of the Judges, who were occasional deliverers, raised up by God to rescue Israel from their oppressors, to reform the state of religion, and to administer justice to the people.

Most Able Judges The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected.

Judges 2:11-12 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt;

Repentance Then the people came to the house of God, and remained there before God till evening. They lifted up their voices and wept bitterly,

Samuel But some great men were brought into the world with more observation than others, and were more early distinguished from common persons, as Samuel for one. God, in this matter, acts as a free agent. The story of Samuel introduces him as a child of prayer. Samson’s birth was foretold by an angel to his mother; Samuel was asked of God by his mother. Both together intimate what wonders are produced by the word and prayer. Samuel’s mother was Hannah,

1 Samuel 3:10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." Why do the Lord call people? Why Samuel?

Samuel’s Call Now also the call was doubled— Samuel, Samuel, as if God delighted in the mention of his name, or to intimate that now he should be made to understand who spoke to him. God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, Ps. 62:11. It was an honor to him that God was pleased to know him by name (Ex. 33:12), and then his call was powerful and effectual when he called him by name.

David’s Heart for God Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, Why did David honor Saul? "Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.” 2 Samuel 1:17,23

David’s Family Problems After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister." 2 Samuel 13:1, 11 What were the causes?

Psalms of David O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. Psalms 38:1-2 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. Psalms 40:1-2

Kings Then Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, "No! Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 1 Kings 1:43 With what great solemnity Solomon was made king (v. 44, 45), and that he was now sitting on the throne of the kingdom, v. 46. Adonijah thought to have stepped into the throne before him, but Solomon was too quick for him. The people were pleased, witness their joyful acclamations, v. 45.

Solomon The great work which Solomon was raised up to do was the building of the temple; his wealth and wisdom were given him to qualify him for that. In this, especially, he was to be a type of Christ, for "he shall build the temple of the Lord,’’ Zec. 6:12.

But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, "Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal- Zebub, the god of Ekron?' 2 Kings 1:3

People Sins Anger’s God The snare is laid for the sinner in the ground where he thinks least of it, Job 18:9, 10. The whole creation, which groans under the man’s sin, will at length sink and break under the weight. He is never safe that has God for his enemy.

Isaiah the Prophet "Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. 2 Kings 20:5

I Am Prayers that have much life and affection in them are in a special manner pleasing to God. 2. God exceeds his prayers; he only begged that God would remember his integrity, but God here promises (1.) To restore him from his illness: I will heal thee. Diseases are his servants; as they go where he sends them, so they come when he remands them. Mt. 8:8, 9. I am the Lord that healeth thee, Ex. 15:26.

Babylonian Captivity Now it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and encamped against it; and they built a siege wall against it all around. 2 Kings 25:1

The End