First SamuelThe last of the judges reluctantly initiated Israel’s monarchy

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

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.

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

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)

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 noblesand 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

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 generationon 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 mercyEven as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.

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.

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