This document provides background information on 1 and 2 Samuel. It discusses Samuel as a bridge figure who helped transition Israel from the era of Judges to Kings. Samuel's role was to usher in royal rule, with Israel's kings being different than surrounding nations. Key themes in 1 Samuel include barrenness, disorder, loss and recovery, fear of the Lord, God's covenant, and God's sovereignty. Important characters introduced are Hannah, Samuel, Eli, Saul, David, and Jonathan. The document also provides a timeline of major events and summarizes the story of Hannah's prayer for a child in Chapter 1.

2. A “BRIDGE” FIGURE
I and 2 Samuel are one book divided into two parts by
Bible translators of antiquity. The books powerfully
chronicle a tremendous time of transition in Hebrew
history when the era of the Judges gave way to the era of
the Kings.
One way to think about the Prophet Samuel is as a vitally
important “bridge” figure God used to help bring about
this sweeping transition. His ministry began as a voice to
the nation but, over time, he primarily served as a
counselor to the first two royal rulers of the Nation – Saul
and David.

3. A DIFFERENT KIND OF KING
Samuel’s role: to usher in the rule of Kings among the people of God.
I Samuel, the backstory: Samuel’s role in bringing about this change, how
Israel’s kings were to be different from the kings of the surrounding nations,
and the ups and downs of the unfolding royal history.
Some theme words that capture certain prevailing factors that would affect
this narrative include:
Barrenness – Samuel is born as an answer to a barren wife’s prayers
Disorder – Eli the Priest and his sons exercise their ministry in disorderly and
disrespectful ways. It would cost them dearly
Loss and Recovery – Themes of danger, loss, and recovery cycle through
the stories of 1 Samuel again and again

4. THEME WORDS, CONTINUED
Fear of the Lord – whether the focus is on the ark of God, the priesthood,
distinctions between Israel and other nations, the sins of the kings, etc; there
is a recurring focus on the holiness of God and the fear of the Lord
Covenant – the backdrop for everything in the narrative is God’s covenant
relationship with Israel. God’s commitment to His people is clear as well as
the responsibilities that go with being God’s people.
Sovereignty – God is moving people and situations into position, overseeing
the outcome of conflicts, and otherwise arranging certain key factors
according to His ultimate plan and will
Patience and Faith – Whether change comes quickly or at a very slow pace
there is an emphasis on the need to trust God, do what is right, and have
faith that He is at work through it all

5. KEY CHARACTERS IN THE BOOK
Hannah – Samuel’s mother - her desperate prayer is answered with
his birth
Samuel – The representative of God’s covenant interests regarding
His people – a “miracle child” and prophet who grew up in a priestly
environment
Eli – The aging high priest and father of the disastrous Hophni and
Phineas is also Samuel’s early mentor and teacher
Saul – Israel’s first King who allows his influence to become
overpowered by fear, greed, jealousy, and disobedience
David – The Successor King who is both a shining hero and a flawed
ruler
Jonathan – Saul’s son, David’s advocate, and a key player in the
succession between his friend and his father

6. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS
About 1100 B.C. – Samuel Born
About 10Philistines capture the Ark
About 1043 – Saul begins to reign
1040 – David born
About 1025 – David anointed by Samuel to be future king
About 1020 – David slays Goliath
About 1015 – David and Jonathan become dear friends
About 1007 – David flees from Saul to Samuel in Ramah
About 1005 – Saul pursues David in wilderness, David spares Saul’s life
About 1011 – Samuel dies

7. THE PRAYERS OF A BARREN WOMAN –
CHAPTER ONE
“The Lord closed Hannah’s womb…” v. 6
Signs of Grief – “wept and would not eat” v. 7
She “prayed and wept bitterly” v. 10
“I’ve been pouring out my soul to the Lord…great anguish and
grief”
(she says to Eli) v. 15, 16
She conceives a child she names “Samuel” (sounds close to the
Hebrew “heard by God”)
“So now I give him to the Lord…” v. 28
“And he (Samuel) worshipped the Lord there…” v. 28