The document provides background information on the biblical book of 1 Samuel, which covers the period from 1080-1040 BC and the transition of Israel from a loose confederation of tribes governed by judges to a monarchy with its first king, Saul. It describes key events like Hannah's prayer for a son and the birth of Samuel, Eli's wicked sons and the loss of the Ark, and Samuel calling the people back to God. Samuel's own sons misuse their power as judges, leading the people to demand a king. Samuel reluctantly agrees and anoints Saul as the first king of Israel.

1. First Samuel
The last of the judges reluctantly initiated
Israel’s monarchy

3. Background
 1Samuel covers the historical period
from 1080-1040 BC
 The author is unknown, but likely
from the Deuteronomic tradition
 Originally Samuel was one book; it
was divided when it was translated
into Greek from Hebrew

4. Theme
 Theme is the tension between the
perceived need for a king and the
people’s reliance on God
 Even though the period of judges is one
of chaos and anarchy, unity under a king
requires taxes, forced labor and a loss of
independence and freedom.
 Unity also means the gain of a more
structured way of life, national identity
and strength in the face of other nations.

5. Players
 Elkanah and Hannah (Peninnah)
 Eli, a judge and prophet, with
wicked sons (Hophni and Phinehas)
 Samuel, a judge and prophet
consecrated to the LORD from birth

6. Events
 Hannah pleads for a son
 Samuel is born and consecrated at Shiloh
 Samuel is given to Eli’s care; Samuel’s
revelation (Here I am, Lord…)
 Eli’s sons wickedness/loss of the ark
 The ark in the temple of Dagon, Philistine
god. (5:1-12)
 Return of the ark; Samuel calls people
back to the covenant.
 Defeat of Philistines (Ebenezer, stone
marker)

7. Hannah’s prayer
“My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted by my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in your victory.a
2There is no Holy One like the LORD;
there is no Rock like our God.b
3Speak boastfully no longer,
Do not let arrogance issue from your
mouths.*
For an all-knowing God is the LORD,
a God who weighs actions.c
4“The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.d
5The well-fed hire themselves out for
bread,
while the hungry no longer have to
toil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes.e
6“The LORD puts to death and gives life,
casts down to Sheol and brings up again.f
7The LORD makes poor and makes rich,
humbles, and also exalts.
8He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap lifts up the poor,
To seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage.
“For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and he has set the world upon them.g
9He guards the footsteps of his faithful
ones,
but the wicked shall perish in the darkness;
for not by strength does one prevail.
10The LORD’s foes shall be shattered;
the Most High in heaven thunders;
the LORD judges the ends of the earth.
May he give strength to his king,
and exalt the horn of his anointed!”h

8. Mary’s Magnificat

My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me
blessed;
Because he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name;
And his mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of his
mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his
posterity forever.

9. Samuel’s sons lead to king
 Joel & Abijah
 Accept brides, pervert justice
 Elders call for king; Samuel prays
and the Lord tells him what to do.
 Saul, a Benjamite who is quite
handsome…on a search for donkeys,
ends up eating with Samuel.

11. Resources
 Summarize project resources
− Dedicated (full-time) resources
− Part-time resources
− If project is constrained by lack of
resources, suggest alternatives
 Understand that customers may
want to be assured that all possible
resources are being used, but in
such a way that costs will be
properly managed

12. Goals for Next Review
 Date of next status update
 List goals for next review
− Specific items that will be done
− Issues that will be resolved
 Make sure anyone involved in
project understands action plan