Page 70 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 7: Pre-Exilic Historical (Time of Kings)

7.1 Connect.

We have a problem! When Jesus saved us, He made us a new creation in Christ. He gave us
the Holy Spirit, and now wants to walk with us daily, just as Adam and Eve walked with God in
the Garden of Eden. God seeks fellowship with those whom He loves. Our problem is a
struggle for authority. God wants to be King of our lives. We don’t want to give up to God that
rulership. We somethings think we can rule our own lives better than God can. So we take
control. Who sits on the thrown of our hearts is a continual struggle.

It’s not a new problem. We have just studied the book of Judges where Israel would at times call on the
Lord, but then would forget His faithfulness and walk away from Him. As we begin the book of I Samuel,
we will see that Israel desires a KING, not YHWH, but an earthly king. Let’s continue with our survey….

7.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to discuss what the historical books in the time of the kings are all
about.

2. The student should be able to discuss the important questions such as: what, when, where,
how.

3. The student should be able to discuss the main message and main divisions of each individual
historical book in the time of the kings.

4. The student should be able to discuss the applications from the 6 historical books.

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7.3 1 Samuel
1 Samuel introduces us to the Last Judge of Israel, Samuel. It also
introduces us to the beginning of Israel’s monarchy. (cf. Samuel’s farewell,
12:1f, divided monarchy, 27:7) The theme(s) of 1 Samuel include: Prelude
to Kingship (1-7), Selection and Rejection of 1st King (8-15), Rise of a New
King (16-31) The main message of 1 Samuel is: The ministry of Samuel
unifies and prepares Israel for kingship, the reign of Saul highlights the folly
of appearance over obedience, and the rise of David illustrates the providence and
protection of God’s righteous leader. Prelude to Kingship (1-7) Selection and Rejection of 1st Kings (8-
15) Rise of New King, Demise of Old (16-31).

Chapter’s 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-

57 Main Contributor. Dr. Brian Gault (Prof. of Old Testament and Hebrew at Columbia International University) for
giving me permission to use most of his class notes for this Old Testament Survey. Forever grateful To God.
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