Page 81 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

Brief Summary

Chapters 1-3 focus of the rise of Samuel as prophet and judge. Israel needs a political and spiritual
leader to unify them under God. Samuel is God’s answer, Israel’s last judge in a prelude to kingship. His
birth to a barren mother stresses consecration. Hannah asks, YHWH remembers, answers. Since YHWH
gave her a son, she gives him back, praising YHWH as supreme ruler- anti-Baal and One who reverses
human fortunes (1-2). The rise of Samuel is contrasted with the demise of Israel’s spiritual leadership-
Eli. Eli’s sons didn’t know YHWH, defied His law, were rejected by Him, while Samuel served YHWH,
grew in favor with Him, and responded to His calling, being established as His prophet in Israel (2-3).

Samuel: Judge (4-7) after defeat by Philistia, Israel brings ark as a relic to ensure victory enemy afraid of
YHWH, Israel’s amulet- danger! Fulfilling His word to Eli, YHWH allows defeat of Israel, death of Eli’s
family, departure of ark. YHWH abandoned His people (4), but when Philistines bring ark into Dagon’s
temple, He is shown supreme, overpowering Dagon, oppressing Philistia with persistent plague (5). Out
of fear for YHWH, Philistia returns ark to Israel, as test and with token- guilt. Bracketed by disregard for
YHWH, men of Israel look in ark, learn its danger (6). Samuel calls Israel to repent, serve only YHWH.
They fast, confess sin and YHWH thunders to defeat enemy (7).

Saul: Selection (8-12). As Samuel grows old and his sons grow corrupt, Israel requests a king to be like
other nations. Rejection/reliance, Dt. 17.- Ignoring ramifications, they reject God’s rule (8) God appoints
Saul of Benjamin, anoints him signs, alters his heart, allots him as king (9-10) Confirming the choice, as
Ammon threatens defeat and disgrace for Israelite city, Saul receives divine power to destroy enemy
(11). Samuel concludes his ministry with challenge: retiring from public service, he promises restitution
for any wrongdoing, rebukes people for requesting a king- cosmic sign, reminds Israel to obey God’s
commands or face dire consequences, promising prayer (12)

Saul: Rejection (13-15). The road from Saul’s selection to rejection contains three steps: (1) Though
Samuel commanded Saul to wait 7 days at Gilgal (10:8), as Philistia musters, Israel scatters, Saul rebels,
offering sacrifices for favor. Samuel rebukes Saul as a fool.

God rejects (13). - (2) In battle with Philistia, Saul shows disregard for divine presence- ark.
Foolish regard for personal vengeance- vow (14). - (3) YHWH commands Saul to defeat, destroy Amalek
for atrocity against Israel, but Saul rebels, sparing the king and animals. Samuel rebukes Saul, stressing
God’s rejection and priority of obedience. Saul blames people and shows fear of man (15).

Justifying Sin in our Lives
In I Samuel 13, King Saul was told to lead the army to Gilgal and the prophet Samuel would join him to
offer a burnt sacrifice to the Lord. Israel, in doing so, was seeking the blessings of God in the battle with
the Philistines. Saul waited for seven days for Samuel to come, but Samuel delayed. Some of Saul’s
soldiers began to desert the army and Saul became distressed. The Philistines even arrived to do battle,
yet no Samuel. So, Saul decided to disobey God’s clear direction and offered up a burnt offering on his
own. He was doing God’s thing HIS WAY. (I Sam. 13)

When Samuel arrived, he reprimanded Saul for his disobedience, but Saul justified doing wrong to get
right out of his actions. He made excuses for his disobedience. Because of his rebellious spirit, God took
his kingdom from him and his prodigy and gave it to David. Two chapters later Saul was told to take the
army and smite the Amalekites and utterly destroy them, including their livestock. After the campaign,

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