1 Samuel

1 Samuel is an Old Testament book that provides an increased current of truth leading toward the Messiah. It opens with the people of Israel experiencing great spiritual failure: idolatry was rampant (7:3-4), the judges were perverting justice (8:2-3), the priesthood was corrupt (2:12-26) and "worthless" in the eyes of the Lord, and the surrounding nations were constantly harassing Israel. The cumulative affects of neglecting God and His Word are evident in the plight of Israel as a godly remnant struggled to maintain their hope in God's Promise. However, God's sovereign purpose and faithfulness would prevail: "For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." (12:22). We are introduced to Hannah who begged God to provide to her a son who would serve God throughout his life - at the will of God. In God's sovereign purpose, God gave her that son - Samuel - who would serve faithfully as a voice of righteousness. God's faithfulness to Israel would be personified in Samuel, His representative, who would as a result know the rejection of the people in rebellion against God. Instead, the people of Israel desired to have human authority exercised through a king - like the nations that surrounded them. The first king, Saul, represented what the best of human leadership and authority can provide. Without God man is lost in sin and spiritual blindness. God mercifully took the kingdom from Saul and gave it to a "man after God's own heart" - David. This is the point of God's sovereign faithfulness through which the greater Son of David, the Messiah would ultimately come. These exegetical outlines are designed to provide insights into the biblical text by the serious student who desires devotional stimulation. Each chapter handles a thought unit in the text and opens it up for the common believer to gain rich insight. These outlines will enable those who are studying the Scriptures to grow in grace and in a love for the Lord.