Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study the Old Testament books of 1&2 Samuel
WitW Bible Studies:
1 Samuel: Path to Kingship
2 Samuel: David as King
The Rebellion of Absalom
Jump to: Background; ** Maps; ** Encyclopedia; ** Outlines ** Key Words; ** Commentaries; ** Articles; ** GotQuestions ** Next **
Chronology
- c. 1100 BC Samuel born
- c. 1050 BC Saul anointed king
- c. 1040 BC David born
- c. 1025 BC David anointed as Saul’s successor (1 Sam 16:13)
- c. 1010 BC Saul dies
- c. 1003 David’s reign over Israel begins (2 Samuel 5)
- c. 991 BC Solomon born
- c. 970 BC David’s reign ends
- c. 930 BC Solomon dies
Genre: Understanding Narrative
Section 1: Background-Outlines
Background & Outlines
Chart: Bible History at a glance
Blue Letter Bible: Old Testament Timeline
Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament
ESV Introduction to 1-2 Samuel
ESV: Events of Samuel referenced in Psalms
ESV: Journey of Ark of Covenant in 1–2 Samuel
ESV: Fall of Saul and Rise of David in 1 Samuel
ESV: Rise and Failure of David in 1–2 Samuel
1 Samuel
Ray C Stedman: Overview of the Book
John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background
ESV Global Message of 1 Samuel
ESV Map: The setting of 1 Samuel
Biblehub: Timeline of 1Samuel
2 Samuel
Ray C Stedman: Overview of the Book
John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background
ESV Global Message of 2 Samuel
ESV Map: The setting of 2 Samuel
Biblehub: Timeline of 1Samuel
Maps from Holman Bible Atlas
The Battle at Ebenezer and the Loss of the Ark
The Ministry of Samuel and Anointment of Saul
The Kingdom of Saul and His Wars
The United Monarchy under Solomon (1)
The United Monarchy under Solomon (2)
Solomon’s Economic Enterprises
Jerusalem in the Time of David and Solomon
ESV Maps
Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Books
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Samuel, First & Second, Theology of
Holman Bible Dictionary: Samuel, Books of
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Samuel, Books
McClintock and Strong: Samuel, First and Second Books of.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Samuel, Books of
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Samuel, Books of
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Samuel, books of
Easton’s Bible Dictionary Samuel, Books of
Fausset Bible Dictionary Samuel, the Books of
Smith Bible Dictionary Samuel, Books of
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Samuel, Books of
The Nuttall Encyclopedia Samuel, Books of
The Jewish Encyclopedia Samuel, Books of
David
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: David; Life of David – Theological Perspective
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: David
McClintock and Strong: David
David means “well-beloved” – Hitchcock’s Bible Names
American Tract Society David
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary David
Easton’s Bible Dictionary David
Fausset Bible Dictionary David
Holman Bible Dictionary David
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible David
Hastings’ Dictionary of the NT David; David
Whyte’s Bible Characters David – in his services
Whyte’s Bible Characters David – in his races
Whyte’s Bible Characters David – in his vices
Whyte’s Bible Characters David – in His Virtues
Wilson’s Bible Types David
Watson’s Theological Dictionary David
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia David
Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia David
Samuel the prophet
Holman Bible Dictionary: Samuel
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Samuel
McClintock and Strong: Samuel
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Samuel
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Samuel
Samuel means “Heard of God, asked of God” – Hitchcock’s Bible Names
Samuel’s boyhood compared to Jesus; contrast with Eli’s sons
- 1 Samuel 1:28 – Luke 2:11
- 1 Samuel 2:11 – Luke 2:46
- 1 Samuel 2:21 – Luke 2:40
- 1 Samuel 2:26 – Luke 2:52
Samuel is: responsive (1 Samuel 3:10); The word of God is revealed to him (1 Sam 3:7); The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up (1 Samuel 3:19). The result is Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all Israel (1 Samuel 3:20). Samuel is a prophet (1 Samuel 3:7); priest (apprentice to Eli at Shiloh) and judge (1 Samuel 7:15).
Saul
Saul means “demanded, lent, ditch, death” – Hitchcock’s Bible Names
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Saul, king of israel
American Tract Society Saul
Easton’s Bible Dictionary Saul
Fausset Bible Dictionary Saul
Holman Bible Dictionary Saul
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible Saul
Whyte’s Bible Characters Saul
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Saul
Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Saul
McClintock and Strong Saul
The Nuttall Encyclopedia Saul
King, Kingship
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: King, Kingship
Holman Bible Dictionary: King, Kingship
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: King, Kingship
McClintock and Strong: King, Kingship
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: King, Kingdom
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature:King, Kingship
ESV short notes on the main characters
Key Words
1 Samuel: Ark (of the Lord, of God, of the covenant), judge (judged), king, Ichabod, Ebenezer, judge (judges), king, sin (sins, sinned), evil, Spirit of God (of the Lord), covenant, inquire (inquired).
2 Samuel: King, reigned, inquired, ark, covenant, before the Lord, inquired, evil (sinned, sin, iniquity), Spirit.
Commentaries:
Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Samuel – Ligonier.org
Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Samuel – Tim Challies
1-2 Samuel Commentaries Reviews
1 Samuel
1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart by Dale Ralph Davis (My favorite)
Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: 1 Samuel
Matthew Henry’s Complete Complete Commentary on the Bible: 1 Samuel
Reformation Study Bible Notes 1 Samuel
Precept Austin Commentaries & Sermons: 1 Samuel
Dale Ralph Davis: A Study of 1 Samuel (21-Part MP3 Series)
Dale Ralph Davis: Looking on the heart – Exposition of the Book of 1 Samuel 15-31
2 Samuel
2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity by Dale Ralph Davis (My favorite)
Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: 2 Samuel
Matthew Henry’s Complete Complete Commentary on the Bible: 2 Samuel
Reformation Study Bible Notes 2 Samuel
Precept Austin Commentaries & Sermons: 2 Samuel
Outline
- Samuel as the last judge (1 Samuel 7)
- The request for a King (1 Samuel 8)
- Political context: Philistine threat
- Theological problems of kingship: the motivating desire is to be like other nations; Samuel’s warning speech: 1 Samuel 8:10-22.
King as YHWH’s representative (1 Samuel 9-12)
- Solution: a king in covenant context, not a king “like the nations” have
- office of prophet constrains and directs kingship
- the king is divinely selected (1 Samuel 9:16)
- the king is brought to the prophet to be anointed ( 1 Samuel 10:1);
- the king is endowed with the Spirit for rule (1 Samuel 10:6-13);
- the king is made known to the people & his role defined (1 Samuel 10:17-27)
- the king is publicly attested by military victory (1 Samuel 11:1-13)
- The king is confirmed by the people (1 Samuel 11:15)
Transition from Saul to David (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 4)
- Show’s Saul’s downfall after the Spirit left him.
- Shows David’s patience in waiting for God.
- Shows how God equipped David for his future rule as king.
David’s rule as king (2 Samuel 5-24)
- David’s anointing as king of all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-4)
- Capture of Jerusalem and entry of the ark (2 Samuel 5:5-6:23)
- Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89)
- Empire expands (2 Samuel 8-10)
- David’s failures (2 Samuel 11-12)
- David’s problems (2 Samuel 13-20)
- Theological commentary on story (2 Samuel 20-24)
Outline from Dale Ralph Davis
1 Samuel
Part 1—A Prophet from God’s Grace 1 Samuel 1–7
- Cradle and Kingdom—1 Samuel 1:1–2:10
- Judgment Begins at the House of God—1 Samuel 2:11–36
- Prophets Profit—1 Samuel 3:1–4:1a
- Rabbit-Foot Theology—1 Samuel 4:1b–22
- Arkeological Discoveries—1 Samuel 5:1–7:1
- New Mercies—1 Samuel 7:2–17
Part 2—A King in God’s Place 1 Samuel 8–14
- The King Thing—1 Samuel 8:1-22
- Lost and Found—1 Samuel 9:1–10:16
- A Lost King?—1 Samuel 10:17–27
- A Hopeful Beginning—1 Samuel 11:1-15
- Covenant—Accusing and Assuring—1 Samuel 12:1-25
- Tarnish on the Crown—1 Samuel 13:1-23
- Sad Success—1 Samuel 14:1-52
Part 3—A Man after God’s Heart 1 Samuel 15–31
- Rejecting the Chosen—1 Samuel 15:1-35
- Looking on the Heart—1 Samuel 16:1-23
- Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth—Thud!—1 Samuel 17:1-58
- The Shadow of the Almighty—1 Samuel 18:1-9:24
- How Do You Spell Security?—1 Samuel 20:1-42
- Desperation—1 Samuel 21:1–22:5
- Even Now Many Antichrists Have Come—1 Samuel 22:6–23
- The God Who Provides—1 Samuel 23:1-29
- This Is the Day! Or Is It?—1 Samuel 24:1-22
- Preventive Providence—1 Samuel 25:1-44
- The Spear Makes the Point—1 Samuel 26:1-25
- What Can a God-less Text Teach Us?—1 Samuel 27:1–28:2
- And It Was Night—1 Samuel 28:3–25
- Accepting the Philistines as Your Personal Savior—1 Samuel 29:1-11
- When the Bottom Drops Out—1 Samuel 30:1-31
- The End?—1 Samuel 31:1-13
2 Samuel
Part 1: A Man After God’s Heart – 2 Samuel 1-8
- Kingdom Principles – 2 Samuel 1:1-16
- Good Grief – 2 Samuel 1:17- 27
- A Tale of Two Kingdoms – 2 Samuel 2:1-11
- Promise Rules – 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
- The Gore of Man Does Not Work the Righteousness of God – 2 Samuel 4:1-12
- Kingdom Collage – 2 Samuel 5:1-25
- The Terror and Ecstasy of God – 2 Samuel 6:1-23
- Getting to Know the Covenant God – 2 Samuel 7:1-17
- Sit Down and Stand on God’s Promise – 2 Samuel 7:18-29
- The Coming of the Kingdom – 2 Samuel 8:1-18
Part 2: A Servant Under God’s Rod – 2 Samuel 9-20
- Up With Covenant! – 2 Samuel 9:1-13
- Foreign Folly – 2 Samuel 10:1-19
- Flesh and Blood – 2 Samuel 11:1-27
- Grace Greater Than All Our Sin – 2 Samuel 12:1-31
- All in the Family – 2 Samuel 13:1-39
- The Manipulators – 2 Samuel 14:1-33
- Politics and Faith – 2 Samuel 15:1-37
- In the Presence of My Enemies – 2 Samuel 16:1-23
- His Kingdom Cannot Fail – 2 Samuel 17:1-29
- The Sad Triumph – 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8
- Welcome Home — Maybe – 2 Samuel 19:9-43
- No Surprises – 2 Samuel 20:1-26
Part 3: A Kingdom in God’s Hands – 2 Samuel 21-24
- The Cost of Covenant- breaking – 2 Samuel 21:1-14
- The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall – 2 Samuel 21:15-22
- Through Many Dangers, Toils, and Snares – 2 Samuel 22:1-51
- Last Words Look Forward – 2 Samuel 23:1-7
- Hail to the Chiefs – 2 Samuel 23:8-39
- Senseless Census – 2 Samuel 24:1-25
Journal Articles
Empowered by the Spirit of God- Holy Spirit in the Histographic Writings of the OT — D. Block
Counterfeit Davids Davidic Restoration and the Architecture of 1–2 Kings — Peter J. Leithart
The Case For Kingship In The Old Testament Narrative Books And The Psalms — D M. Howard
Israelite Kings In Assyrian Inscriptions — Bryant G. Wood
The Content And Significance Of The Books Of Samuel...– William J. Dumbrell
David’s Rise And Saul’s Demise- Narrative Analogy In 1 Samuel 24-26 — Robert P. Gordon
The Davidic Covenant — Michael A. Grisanti
The sanctuary at Shiloh, and Samuel’s sleeping therein,” Journal of Biblical Literature 19.1 (1900): 29-33 – Loring W. Batten
The Everlasting Covenant — D. F. Payne
From Philistine to Throne (1 Samuel 16:14-18:16),” Australian Biblical Review 34 (1986): 35-41. Antony F. Campbel
How Are the Mighty Fallen! A Study of 2 Samuel 1-17-27 — David L. Zapf
David’s Transfer of the Ark according to Josephus — Christopher T. Begg
David’s Second Sparing of Saul According to Josephus,” Tyndale Bulletin 48.1 (1997): 93-117. Christopher T. Begg
The Return of the Ark according to Josephus,” Bulletin for Biblical Research 8 (1998): 15-37. Christopher T. Begg
David and Mephibosheth According to Josephus,” Andrews University Seminary Studies 36.2 (Autumn 1998): 165-182. Christopher T. Begg
Priest And King Or Priest-King In 1 Samuel 2-35 — Karl Deenick
The Chronology Of Saul And David — Leslie McFall
Could Saul Rule Forever? A New Look at 1 Samuel 13:13-14,” Journal of Hebrew Scriptures 5, article 16 (2005). Michael Avioz
Saul, The Spiritist, and Samuel,” Grace Journal 11.1 (Winter 1970): 13-29. Thomas O. Figart
‘Play it again, Sam’ The Poetics of Narrative Repetition in 1 Samuel 1–7 — David G. Firth
Shining the Lamp: The Rhetoric of 2 Samuel 5-24,” Tyndale Bulletin 52.2 (2001): 203-225 David G. Firth
The Accession Narrative (1 Samuel 27 – 2 Samuel 1),” Tyndale Bulletin 58.1 (2007): 61-82 David G. Frith
David’s Rise and Saul’s Demise: Narrative Analogy in 1 Samuel 24-26,” Tyndale Bulletin 31 (1980): 37-64 Robert P. Gordon
Did Samuel Sin?” Grace Journal 11.2 (Spring 1970): 34-40. Peter Greenhow
The Case for Kingship in Deuteronomy and the Former Prophets,” Westminster Theological Journal 52.1 (1990): 101-115. David M. Howard, Jr
Reconsidering the Height of Goliath,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society48.4 (Dec. 2005): 701-714 J. Daniel Hays
A Jonadab connection in the Absalom conspiracy,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 30.4 (Dec. 1987): 387-390. Andrew E. Hill
The transfer of power from Saul to David in 1 Sam 16:13-14,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 32.4 (Dec. 1989): 473-483. David M. Howard Jr.
Theology and art in the narrative of the Ammonite War (2 Samuel 10-12),” Grace Theological Journal 3.2 (Fall 1982): 193-205 John I. Lawlor
Hannah: the receiver and giver of a great gift,” Andrews University Seminary Studies 40.2 (Autumn 2002): 207-217 Kenneth D. Mulzac
The Role of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25,” Andrews University Seminary Studies 41.1 (Spring 2003): 45-53 Kenneth D. Mulzac
2 Samuel 20:8-10: a note for a commentary,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 24.3 (Sept. 1981): 209-210 Edward A. Neiderhiser
Books of Samuel as a Study in Leadership,” Irish Biblical Studies 4.1 (Jan. 1982): 17-30. David F. Payne
Estimates of the Character of David,” Irish Biblical Studies 6.2 (April 1984): 54-70 David F. Payne
Apologetic Motifs in the Books of Samuel,” Vox Evangelica 23 (1993): 57-66 David F. Payne
An Evil Spirit from the Lord’-Demonic Influence or Divine Instrument?” The Evangelical Quarterly 70.1 (Jan.-Mar. 1998): 3-22. [1 Samuel 16:14] Robin Routledge
Exodus Motifs in First Samuel 7 and 8: a Brief Comment,” The Evangelical Quarterly 52.3 (Jul.-Sept. 1980): 130-131 J. Ernest Runions [1939-1989]
The Discourse Structure of the Rape of Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-22),” Vox Evangelica 20 (1990): 21-42 Jenny Smith
How are the mighty fallen: a study of 2 Samuel 1:17-27,” Grace Theological Journal 5.1 (Spring 1984): 95-126 David L. Zapf
2 Kings 20:1-11 The Openness of God: Does Prayer Change God? (Hezekiah’s Prayer) – scroll down
Preaching The David Story — Rolf A Jacobson
Taking God At His Word (2 Samuel 7-1-29) — F. W. Tyler
The Amalekite’s Report Of Saul’s Death- Political Intrigue Or Incompatible Sources– Bill T. Arnold
Structure, Context And Meaning In The Samuel Conclusion (2 Sa. 21-24) — Herbert H. Klement
GotQuestions.org
1 Samuel
Book of 1 Samuel – Bible Survey
What should we learn from the life of Hannah?
What should we learn from the life of David?
How could David be considered a man after God’s own heart?
What should we learn from the life of Samuel?
What should we learn from the life of King Saul?
Who was Jonathan in the Bible?
Who was King Saul in the Bible?
1 Samuel 1:1–8 Who was Elkanah in the Bible?
1 Samuel 1 What is the story of Hannah and Samuel?
1 Samuel 1:3 What does the Bible mean when it calls God the “LORD of hosts?
1 Samuel 1-4 Who was Eli in the Bible?
1 Samuel 2:8-28 What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow?
1 Samuel 2:12 Who were Hophni and Phinehas?
1 Samuel 3:1–10 How can we recognize the voice of God? (See also Does God still speak to us today?)
1 Samuel 4, 7, 14, 17, 31 Why were the Philistines and the Israelites always at war?
1 Samuel 4:1–11 Who was Amminadab in the Bible?
1 Samuel 4:18 What is the significance of a city gate in the Bible?
1 Samuel 4:21 What does the term “Ichabod” mean in the Bible?
1 Samuel 5 Who was Dagon in the Bible?
1 Samuel 5 What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with?
1 Samuel 7 What does the term Ebenezer mean in the Bible?
1 Samuel 7:14 Who were the Amorites?
1 Samuel 7:16 What is the significance of high places in the Bible?
1 Samuel 8:5-8 Was it wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king?
1 Samuel 9:9 What was a prophet in the Old Testament? (See also How many prophets are in the Bible? )
1 Samuel 13 Why was it wrong for Saul to offer a sacrifice?
1 Samuel 13:3 Who was Amnon in the Bible?
1 Samuel 14:37-45 What were the Urim and Thummim?
1 Samuel 14:49. Who was Michal in the Bible?
1 Samuel 14:50 Who was Abner in the Bible?
1 Samuel 15:2-3 Why did God command the extermination of the Canaanites?
1 Samuel 15:2–3 Who were the Amalekites? (See also Exodus 17:8-16 Commentary)
1 Samuel 15:22 Why is obedience better than sacrifice? (See also What does the Bible say about rebellion?)
1 Samuel 15:27 What is a mantle in the Bible?
1 Samuel 16:1 Who was Jesse in the Bible?
1 Samuel 16:14–23 What does the Bible say about music?
1 Samuel 16:22-23 What does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets?
1 Samuel 17 What should we learn from the account of David and Goliath?
1 Samuel 17:4ff How tall was Goliath?
1 Samuel 17 Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible?
1 Samuel 17:40 Why did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath?
1 Sameul 17 Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan?
1 Samuel 17:12–14 Does the Bible mention David’s mother?
1 Samuel 18-19 How many wives did King David have?
1 Samuel 18:1-5 What was the relationship between David and Jonathan? (See also Symbolism of Covenant Between Jonathan and David)
1 Samuel 18:1KJV What does the Bible say about soul ties?
1 Samuel 18:20-28 What is the story of David and Michal?
1 Samuel 19:13, 16 Why did people keep family idols?
1 Samuel 19:18-24 What was the school of prophets?
1 Samuel 21:1–6 What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)?
1 Samuel 21:7 Who was Doeg the Edomite?
1 Samuel 22 What was the Cave of Adullam?
1 Samuel 22:5 Who was Gad the seer?
1 Sameul 25 Who was Abigail in the Bible?
1 Samuel 25 What is the story of David and Nabal?
1 Samuel 26:10–11 Why was David so loyal to Saul after everything Saul had done to him?
1 Samuel 27:5–6 What is the significance of Ziklag in the Bible?
1 Samuel 28:7-20 Did the witch of Endor really summon Samuel from the dead? See also What is a medium? and What is a séance?
1 Samuel 31:10 Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth?
2 Samuel
Book of 2 Samuel – Bible Survey
Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel?
What is the story of Abner and Joab?
What is the story of David and Ish-bosheth?
What should we learn from the life of David?
How many wives did King David have?
Why is Jerusalem known as the City of David?
What is the story of David and Bathsheba?
What is the story of David and Nathan?
Why did Amnon rape Tamar? Why didn’t David punish Amnon?
Why was God so angry at David for taking the census?
How could David be considered a man after God’s own heart?
Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant?
Who were the mighty men of David?
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