Samuel, First and Second

The eighth and ninth books of the OT. Together 1 and 2 Samuel describe the rise of kingship in Israel and give an account of the life of David. The books take their name from the prophet Samuel, who dominates the early chapters and eventually anoints David king.

Outline of Contents

1 and 2 Samuel

I. The story of Samuel (1Sam 1:1-7:17)

A. Samuel’s birth and childhood (1Sam 1:1-3:21)

B. The Ark narrative (1Sam 4:1-7:1)

C. Samuel judges Israel (1Sam 7:2-17)

II. The advent of kingship in Israel (1Sam 8:1-15:35)

A. The demand for a king (1Sam 8:1-22)

B. The election of Saul (1Sam 9:1-11:15)

C. The farewell of Samuel (1Sam 12:1-25)

D. The rejection of Saul (1Sam 13:1-15:3)

III. The rise of David (1Sam 16:1-2; Sam. 5:1)

A. The anointing of David (1Sam 16:1-13)

B. David at the court of Saul (1Sam 16:14-21:1)

C. David in the wilderness of Judah (1Sam 21:2-26:2)

D. David in the service of the king of Gath (1Sam 27:1-30:31)

E. The death of Saul (1Sam 31:1-13)

F. David becomes king (2Sam 1:1-5:10)

IV. The reign of David (2Sam 5:11-12:31)

A. David’s achievements (2Sam 5:11-9:13)

B. David’s crimes (2Sam 10:1-12:31)

V. Absalom’s revolt (2Sam 13:1-20:22)

A. Strife in the house of David (2Sam 13:1-14:33)

B. The civil war (2Sam 15:1-20:22)

VI. Miscellaneous materials (2Sam 20:23-24:25)