1 And 2 Samuel: The Calling Of Three Great Men, What Is God’s Will For You? Series

1 and 2 Samuel a fly over, and a look at calling. What is God’s will for you?

1 Samuel 3:8-10.

The following gives an understanding of the two books of Samuel, this is not my work but is well worth listening to, it comes from Biblies.net. I will tell you when I am speaking my own words soon.

The author or authors of 1 and 2 Samuel are not known. These books recount the stories of Samuel, Saul, and David. Saul’s reign began between 1050–1030 BC and ended in 1010. David then reigned until 971. The books were probably written soon after the end of his reign.

Theme of Samuel; The central theme of the books of Samuel is how the Lord (1) established a dynasty (“house”) in Israel for David rather than Saul and (2) how he chose Jerusalem as the place where David’s successor would establish the temple (“house”) for the worship of the divine King [our God] Yahweh.

Purpose:

The purpose of 1 Samuel is to highlight two major events: the establishment of the monarchy in Israel (ch. 8–12); and the rise of David to be king after Saul (ch. 16–31). After ruling for a while, Saul was rejected by the Lord in favo[u]r of David (ch. 15–16), though Saul stayed on the throne until his death at Mount Gilboa (ch. 31). Later, in 2 Samuel 7, God promises David and his house an eternal dynasty. The book of 1 Samuel establishes the principle that obedience to the Word of God is the necessary condition for a king to be acceptable to the God of Israel.

First and Second Samuel deal with a transitional period in the history of ancient Israel. There is a transition of leadership first from the priest Eli to the judge Samuel, then from the judge Samuel to the king Saul, and then from Saul to David.

1 [first] Samuel Key Themes

1. God’s Kingship

God is King of the universe and always has been. No human king [or any other type of monarch] can assume [their role] except as a deputy of the divine King.

2. God’s Providential Guidance

God providentially and individually guided the lives of chosen people such as Hannah, Samuel, and David. Even the life of Saul was in God’s providential care (see 1 Samuel 9:16). God’s timing is always perfect (see 1 Samuel 9 and the end of 1 Samuel 23), for he is the Lord of history.

3. God’s Sovereign Will and Power

God chooses or rejects people according to his absolute sovereign will and purpose. He may change his way of dealing with individuals according to his plan and purpose, but his decision is always just and right. At the same time, he is merciful and gracious.

Therefore, obedience to God’s Word is of prime importance. Only God’s grace allows sinful human beings to be in relationship with the [H]oly God. Only the God-given way of approaching him through sacrifice can prepare humans to come closer to God. Believers can only wait on God, who will do his will according to his own purpose. What is impossible for humans is possible for God. This should encourage believers to put their faith in the one who is sovereign over the entire creation. (What Is the Background of 1 Samuel? - Bibles.net)

2 [Second] Samuel Key Themes

The themes of 1 Samuel are related to the themes of 2 Samuel: the [S]overeign God, who has guided David’s life, chooses David as the ruler of God’s people. God pledges to David an eternal covenant. David thus becomes the prototype of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ.

1. Davidic Covenant (See 2 Samuel 7)

2. Messianic Promise

Second Samuel 7 is a turning point in the history of salvation. God chose David to be the beginning of an enduring dynasty, from which the ultimate Ruler, Jesus, would come. God used David to fulfil his eternal plan of salvation, not because he was perfect from a human viewpoint, but because the Lord was “with him” and showed grace to him.

A Redemptive History:

But God’s promise of an eternal kingdom means that David’s family will ultimately bring a worldwide blessing for all peoples, most notably in the last and greatest Son of David, Jesus Christ.

The Israelites asked for a king. That was what they got. But their kings were plagued with the same fundamental problem that afflicted the people—sin. What the people needed most desperately was not a king to reign over them as a fellow sinner and to lead them to victory over other nations. What they needed was a king to lead them in victory over sin itself, and to bring that victory to other nations. (What Is the Background of 2 Samuel? - Bibles.net)

Well, that was concise and deep all at the same time: back to my wording now. The book of Samuel is a history of redemption as much as it is a history of the time. The continued story of Abraham’s family’s journey towards salvation for all in history who will accept Him, Jesus Christ. There are three callings that I would like to focus on that are part of 1st Samuel. I am taking this route as today is Candidates Sunday. Now it may be Candidates Sunday, but that doesn’t mean the rest of you who believe that you aren’t somehow destined for full time ministry as Salvation Army Officers can turn off. While I can’t guarantee it there may be something in this message for you, stay with me, I’m hopeful that there will be.