The first book of Samuel covers a time of about 90 years starting at Samuel’s birth around 1100 BC unto the death of Saul around the year 1010 BC. The second book of Samuel describes the reign of David (around 1010 to 970 BC).
The books of Samuel represent the transition from the time of the judges to the time of the kings. Samuel the central figure of the first book is at the same time the last judge and the first prophet (Acts 3:24; Acts 13:20).
As in the books of Judges the apostasy of Israel in its responsibility is first described. Under Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 2:22-25; 1 Samuel 4:17-18) and also under the two sons of Samuel (1 Samuel 8:1-2) the office of the judge crumbles into pieces.
The decay in the house of Eli is so much graver as the priesthood is concerned also which ought to be the medium between God and the people. The enemies rob even the ark of the covenant, the holiest piece of the tabernacle and the synonym of the throne of Jehovah.
Into this condition of things God sends Samuel the first prophet who stands up for Jehovah with the people of Israel. Also Samuel introduces the kingdom. At first this happens on request of the people (King Saul, the man according to flesh) and then God chooses David (the man according to the heart of God). Read 1 Samuel 13:14.
LISTEN TO 1 SAMUEL READ BY ALEXANDER SCOURBY
Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard; therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman.
And Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my Lord, I am a woman sorely troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.
Do not regard your maidservant as a base woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”
1 Samuel 1:12-16 RSV
