1 Samuel Commentaries

1 SAMUEL RESOURCES
1 Samuel Commentary, Sermon, Illustration, Devotional

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission
1 Samuel Chart from Charles Swindoll

TIMELINE OF THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL, KINGS & CHRONICLES
1107	1011				971	931	853	722		586
1 Samuel	2 Samuel				1 Kings	1 Kings	2 Kings
31	1-4	5-10	11-20	21-24	1-11	12-22	1-17		18-25
1Chr 10		1 Chr 11-19		1 Chr 20-29	2 Chronicles 1-9	2 Chronicles 10-20	2 Chronicles 21-36
Legend: B.C. dates at top of timeline are approximate. Note that 931BC marks the division of the Kingdom into Southern Tribes (Judah and Benjamin) and Ten Northern Tribes. To avoid confusion be aware that after the division of the Kingdom in 931BC, the Southern Kingdom is most often designated in Scripture as "Judah" and the Northern Kingdom as "Israel." Finally, note that 1 Chronicles 1-9 is not identified on the timeline because these chapters are records of genealogy.

The Ryrie Study Bible

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Map on Left ESV Global Study Bible, on right Jensen's Survey of the OT
CLICK TO ENLARGE

INTRODUCTION TO
1 SAMUEL

OVERVIEWS OF 1 SAMUEL

• Book of First Samuel Overview - Insight for Living Ministries - See Map of the United Kingdom

• Excerpt - What's the big idea? First Samuel chronicles the beginning of Israel’s monarchy, following the lives of the prophet Samuel, the ill-fated King Saul, and God’s ultimate choice of David as king. Several themes feature prominently.
• Providence: God repeatedly made everyday events work for His purposes. He used Hannah’s contentious relationship with Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1–28), led Saul to Samuel during Saul’s search for lost donkeys (9:1–27), and caused David to learn of Goliath while taking food to his brothers (17:1–58). These are but a few examples.
• Kingship: As the divine King, God designated a human vice-regent, David, to rule over His people. This history validates David’s house as the legitimate rulers of Israel. It also fulfills Jacob’s promise that the scepter will never depart from Judah, David’s tribe (Genesis 49:10).
• Reversal of human fortune: Hannah’s barrenness gave way to children (1 Samuel 1:1–28; 2:21); Samuel became prophet instead of Eli’s sons (2:12; 3:13); Saul rose to prominence though he was from a lowly tribe; and David was anointed king though he was the youngest son (16:1–13). Normal human patterns were reversed by God so that His plan could be furthered, showing His sovereignty over all.
• How do I apply this? God is still sovereign in the twenty-first century. He will accomplish His purposes with or without our cooperation. But as was true in the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, our response to God’s call affects our outcome. Will we obey Him as Samuel and David did and live lives marked by blessing? Or will we, like Saul, try to live on our own terms? “To obey is better than sacrifice,” Samuel told Saul (1 Samuel 15:22). That truth still speaks to us today.

• 1 Samuel - Introduction - excellent summary, includes outline - John MacArthur - Here is an excerpt from MacArthur's introduction

  There are four predominant theological themes in 1 and 2 Samuel. The first is the Davidic Covenant. The books are literarily framed by two references to the “anointed” king in the prayer of Hannah (1 Sam. 2:10) and the song of David (2 Sam. 22:51). This is a reference to the Messiah, the King who will triumph over the nations who are opposed to God (see Gen. 49:8–12; Num. 24:7–9, 17–19). According to the Lord’s promise, this Messiah will come through the line of David and establish David’s throne forever (2 Sam. 7:12–16). The events of David’s life recorded in Samuel foreshadow the actions of David’s greater Son (i.e., Christ) in the future.

  A second theme is the sovereignty of God, clearly seen in these books. One example is the birth of Samuel in response to Hannah’s prayer (1 Sam. 9:17; 16:12, 13). Also, in relation to David, it is particularly evident that nothing can frustrate God’s plan to have him rule over Israel (1 Sam. 24:20).

  Third, the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering men for divinely appointed tasks is evident. The Spirit of the Lord came upon both Saul and David after their anointing as king (1 Sam. 10:10; 16:13). The power of the Holy Spirit brought forth prophecy (1 Sam. 10:6) and victory in battle (1 Sam. 11:6).

  Fourth, the books of Samuel demonstrate the personal and national effects of sin. The sins of Eli and his sons resulted in their deaths (1 Sam. 2:12–17, 22–25; 3:10–14; 4:17, 18). The lack of reverence for the ark of the covenant led to the death of a number of Israelites (1 Sam. 6:19; 2 Sam. 6:6, 7). Saul’s disobedience resulted in the Lord’s judgment, and he was rejected as king over Israel (1 Sam. 13:9, 13, 14; 15:8, 9, 20–23). Although David was forgiven for his sin of adultery and murder after his confession (2 Sam. 12:13), he still suffered the inevitable and devastating consequences of his sin (2 Sam. 12:14).

• Introduction to 1-2 Samuel - ESV Study Bible (note maps are also included in this introduction) - excerpt

Global Message of 1 Samuel

Purpose - The purpose of 1 Samuel is to highlight two major events: the establishment of the monarchy in Israel (chs. 8–12); and the rise of David to be king after Saul (chs. 16–31). After ruling for a while, Saul was rejected by the Lord in favor of David (chs. 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. Samuel thus is the link between the judgeship and the kingship in Israel. He is the prophet God uses to anoint both Saul and David. The kingdom of Saul was also transitional. Under Saul, Israel was more than a loose confederation that gathered together whenever there was a common threat, but there was no strong central rule such as existed later. The story of the rise of David in the second half of 1 Samuel prepares for the full-scale kingship of David in 2 Samuel.

1 Samuel Key Themes

1. God’s kingship. God is King of the universe and always has been. No human king can assume kingship 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 Sam. 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 holy 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.

• 1 & 2 Samuel Introduction - James Van Dine
• Garrett Kell has a page called "Every Book of the Bible in One Word" and for 1 Samuel he has "God of the heart"
• NIV Study Bible Introduction - 1 Samuel
• Keys to 1 Samuel - William Orr
• 1 Samuel - Myer Pearlman 
• 1 & 2 Samuel - Israel's Greatest King - Wil Pounds
• 1 & 2 Samuel Notes and Outlines - J Vernon McGee
• 1 Samuel in Analyzed Bible - G Campbell Morgan
• Irving Jensen's Survey of the OT and NT (2581 pages) - following is an excerpt from Jensen's survey...

THE THREE LEADING CHARACTERS OF 1 AND 2 SAMUEL

1.Samuel.

The name Samuel is from a Hebrew word which has been variously translated as: “the name of God,” “his name is God,” “his name is mighty,” or “heard of God.”
One is not surprised that the Jews have esteemed Samuel second to Moses among their leaders. The psalmist (Psalm 99:6), and God speaking to Jeremiah (Jer 15:1), classified Samuel with Moses as an interceding priest. Samuel held the honor of being the last of the judges (1 Sam 7:6, 15–17) and the first of the new order of prophets (1 Sam 3:20; Acts 3:24; 13:20). The stature of the prophetic office during the years of the kingdoms can be traced back to Samuel’s life and ministry. He probably was the founder of a school of prophets (cf. 1 Sam 10:5).

2. Saul.

Saul (Heb., Sa-ul, “asked,” i.e., of God) was the first king of Israel; son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a choice young man in the prime of life when he was placed on the throne. He was a physical “giant” (1 Sam 10:23), industrious, generous, honest, and modest. God chose him to institute Israel’s monarchy, but three times during his reign he disqualified himself from the high office. The story of Saul (1 Sam 9–31) is one of the most pathetic accounts of God’s servants. J. Barton Payne cites four degenerations in Saul’s experience:

GOOD POINTS	DEGENERATED INTO
striking appearance, 1 Sa 9:2	pride, 1 Sa 18:8
initiative, 1 Sa 11:7	rebellion, 1 Sa 20:31
bravery, 1 Sa 13:3	recklessness, 1 Sa 14:24
patriotic Spirit-filling, 1 Sa 11:6	demon possession, 1 Sa 16:14

3. David.

David, son of Jesse, was a man after God’s heart, and in a life-span of about seventy years, he “served his own generation by the will of God” (Acts 13:36, KJV). T. H. Jones describes David:

He stood out as a bright and shining light for the God of Israel. His accomplishments were many and varied; man of action, poet, tender lover, generous foe, stern dispenser of justice, loyal friend, he was all that men find wholesome and admirable in man, and this by the will of God, who made him and shaped him for his destiny.

David was Israel’s greatest king, designated by God as the Messianic forerunner of Christ. He is the only person in Scripture with the name David. There are fifty-eight New Testament references to him. (Read Rom 1:3 and Rev 22:16 for two examples.)

David’s career was marred by heinous sins, but his honesty and contrition in acknowledging and confessing those sins brought God’s forgiveness. (Read his prayer of Psalm 51.)

Overlappings in 1 Samuel

First Three Kings of Israel

Main Characters in 1 Samuel

The Man Samuel in 1 Samuel 1-8

Jensen suggests that you read 1 Samuel with this outline in mind:

1. Samuel’s Birth and Call (1 Sa 1:1–4:1a)
2. The Ark of the Lord (1 Sa 4:1b–7:2)
3. Samuel the Judge (1 Sa 7:3–8:22)
4. Saul the King (1 Sa 9:1–12:25)
5. Saul Rejected (1 Sa 13:1–15:35)
6. David Anointed (1 Sa 16:1–17:58)
7. David Flees Saul (1 Sa 18:1–21:9)
8. David in Exile (1 Sa 21:10–28:2)
9. Last Days of Saul’s Reign (1 Sa 28:3–31:13)

Paul Apple's Commentary on 1 Samuel has the following introduction... (Source)

Jeffries: The best introduction to the Book of 1 Samuel expresses in one declarative sentence the full impact of the social, political, historical and theological dynamics which characterized God’s Chosen People at the time of its writing:

Judges 21:25NKJV “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

a. Historically, 1 Samuel is the record of Israel’s political transformation from a marginal tribal community rendered impotent by the presence of the Philistines to a centralized independent monarchy which became a world-class power.

b. When the narrative begins -- 1100 - 1050 B.C. -- Israel was in moral and spiritual chaos. The terrible civil war against the tribe of Benjamin ( Judges 19 - 21 ) had broken the heart of the already-struggling nation, and years of undisciplined religion -- the refusal to obey Jahweh -- had removed the people from the source of their spiritual power. Having lost all governing authority and the ability to defend themselves, their disobedience had finally removed their one abiding resource. The nation was in danger of complete collapse.

Davis: “Triumph and tragedy are the two words which best describe the content of the books of Samuel. Some of Israel’s greatest moments of glory and darkest hours of defeat are retold with simplicity and candor. The stories retold in these books are of significant value didactically for this present age. The faith and the failures of both great and small are viewed in the light of sovereign grace. Historically the books are masterpieces of national record. The campaigns of Joshua conducted about 1400 B.C. enabled the children of Israel to occupy the hill country and certain sections of the lowlands. However, with that occupancy came the gradual infiltration of Canaanitic social and religious practices. These had a tremendous negative effect on the progress of Israelite colonization. Due to the subtle infiltration of Baalism, the spiritual life of Israel very quickly degenerated into a state of apostasy. The rise of divinely appointed judges during this period provided mainly for military needs. Under many of the judges there was a noticeable spiritual decline, and in many cases, this was either initiated or permitted by the judges themselves. In addition to the internal strife and spiritual weakness there was increasing military pressure upon Israel from the outside. It was in this context that the prophet Samuel made his appearance, and a most important one it was. He was a very capable physician coming to the aid of Israel at a time when her fever was at the highest.”

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ESV Charts and Notes Related to 1 Samuel

• Rise and Failure of David in 1–2 Samuel

Journey of Ark of Covenant in 1–2 Samuel

• The Journey of the Ark of the Covenant in 1–2 Samuel
• 1 Sam. 3:3 The Lord calls to Samuel who is sleeping in the tent of meeting, “where the ark of God was”
• 1 Samuel 4 Philistines capture the ark (for seven months: 1 Sam. 6:1)
• 1 Sam. 5:1–7 Philistines bring the ark to Ashdod, setting it up next to the idol Dagon
• 1 Sam. 5:8–9 Philistines bring the ark to Gath
• 1 Sam. 5:10–12 Philistines send the ark to Ekron
• 1 Sam. 6:10–15 Philistines return the ark with guilt offering to Beth-shemesh
• 1 Sam. 6:19–21 The Lord strikes 70 men for looking into the ark
• 1 Sam. 7:1–2 Men of Kiriath-jearim take the ark to the house of Abinadab (where it stays for 20 years)
• 1 Sam. 14:18 Saul commands Ahijah to bring the ark to the war camp
• 2 Sam. 6:2–5 David begins to move the ark to Jerusalem on a cart
• 2 Sam. 6:6–7 The Lord strikes Uzzah dead for holding on to the ark
• 2 Sam. 6:10–11 David takes the ark to the house of Obed-edom, where it stays for three months
• 2 Sam. 6:12–17 David brings the ark to Jerusalem, and places it inside the tent he pitched for it
• 2 Sam. 15:24–25 Zadok brings the ark to David, who commands him to carry it back to Jerusalem
• 2 Sam. 15:29 Zadok and Abiathar carry the ark back to Jerusalem

Fall of Saul and Rise of David in 1 Samuel

Saul	David
Holy Spirit removed; evil spirit given (1Sa 16:14–23)	Anointed with Holy Spirit (1Sa 16:1–13)
Jealous and treacherous (1Sa 18)	Faithful friend (1Sa 20)
Attempts to kill David (1Sa 19)	Protects Saul’s life (1Sa 24; 26)
Failed holy warrior (1Sa 15)	Mighty holy warrior (1Sa 17)
Kingdom torn away (1Sa 13:13–14; 15:11, 26)	Kingdom promised forever (2Sa 7:1–17)

Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in Psalms

• 1 Samuel 19:11 David’s house surrounded -- Psalm 59:1-17
• 1 Samuel 21:10–11 David seized by Achish -- Psalm 56:1-13
• 1 Samuel 21:12–22:1 David escapes from Achish (called Abimelech in Psalm 34 title) -- Psalm 34:1-22
• 1 Samuel 22:1 (possibly 1Sa 24:3) David in cave -- Psalm 57:1-11; Psalm 142:1-7
• 1 Samuel 22:9–19 Doeg the Edomite -- Psalm 52:1-9
• 1 Samuel 23:14–15 (possibly)Desert of Judah -- Psalm 63:1-11
• 1 Samuel 23:19 David betrayed by Ziphites -- Psalm 54:1-7
• 2 Samuel 8:1–14 Victory over Transjordan -- Psalm 60:1-12
• 2 Samuel 11–12 Against house of Uriah -- Psalm 51:1-19
• 2 Samuel 15–17 Absalom’s revolt -- Psalm 3:1-8
• 2 Samuel 15–17 (possibly)Desert of Judah -- Psalm 63:1-11
• 2 Samuel Victory over all enemies -- Psalm 18:1-50

Short notes on the main characters from ESV

• Hannah
• Eli
• Samuel
• Saul
• David
• Jonathan
• Abigail
• Abner
• Michal
• Nathan
• Absalom
• Joab
• Abishai

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Below is an interesting outline from Dale Ralph Davis'

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

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Outline of 1 Samuel - John Hannah - Hannah's Bible Outlines (excellent resource)

1. The judgeship of Samuel  (1 Sa 1:1-7:17)
   1. The birth and parentage of Samuel  (1 Sa 1:1-2:10)
      1. The ancestry of Samuel  (1 Sa 1:1)
      2. The barrenness of Hannah  (1 Sa 1:2-8)
      3. The prayer of Hannah  (1 Sa 1:9-18)
         1. The vow  (1 Sa 1:9-11)
         2. The blessing of Eli  (1 Sa 1:12-18)
      4. The birth of Samuel  (1 Sa 1:19-20)
      5. The dedication of Samuel  (1 Sa 1:21-28)
      6. The song of Hannah  (1 Sa 2:1-10)
         1. Praise for Jehovah's person  (1 Sa 2:1-3)
         2. Praise for Jehovah's power  (1 Sa 2:4-8)
         3. Praise for prophetic assurances  (1 Sa 2:9-10)
   2. The call of Samuel  (1 Sa 2:11-3:21)
      1. The failure of Eli's house  (1 Sa 2:11-36)
         1. The presence of Samuel at Shiloh  (1 Sa 2:11)
         2. The degeneracy of Eli's sons  (1 Sa 2:12-17)
         3. The blessing upon Elkanah and Hannah  (1 Sa 2:18-21)
         4. The warning of Eli to his sons  (1 Sa 2:22-26)
         5. The prophecy against Eli's house  (1 Sa 2:27-36)
      2. The summons of Samuel  (1 Sa 3:1-21)
         1. The call to Samuel  (1 Sa 3:1-9)
         2. The word to Samuel  (1 Sa 3:10-15)
         3. The words related to Eli  (1 Sa 3:16-18)
         4. The fame of Samuel  (1 Sa 3:19-21)
   3. The deliverance by Samuel  (1 Sa 4:1-7:17)
      1. The defeat of Israel  (1 Sa 4:1-7:2)
         1. The judgment upon Eli's house  (1 Sa 4:1-22)
            1. The historical setting  (1 Sa 4:1-4)
            2. The death of Eli's sons  (1 Sa 4:5-11)
            3. The death of Eli  (1 Sa 4:12-18)
            4. The birth of Ichabod  (1 Sa 4:19-22)
         2. The capture of the Ark  (1 Sa 5:1-7:2)
            1. The judgment upon the Philistines  (1 Sa 5:1-12)
               1. Upon their god, Dagon  (1 Sa 5:1-5)
               2. Upon the people  (1 Sa 5:6-12)
            2. The return of the Ark  (1 Sa 6:1-7:2)
               1. The counsel of the Philistines  (1 Sa 6:1-9)
               2. The Ark at Bethshemesh  (1 Sa 6:10-21)
                  1. The return of the Ark  (1 Sa 6:10-16)
                  2. The symbols in the Ark  (1 Sa 6:17-18)
                  3. The judgment because of the Ark  (1 Sa 6:19-21)
               3. The Ark at Kiriath-jearim  (1 Sa 7:1-2)
      2. The victory of Israel  (1 Sa 7:3-17)
         1. Samuel's promise of deliverance  (1 Sa 7:3-4)
         2. The defeat of the Philistines  (1 Sa 7:5-14)
         3. Samuel's ministry summarized  (1 Sa 7:15-17)
2. The reign of Saul  (1 Sa 8:1-31:13)
   1. The rise of King Saul  (1 Sa 8:1-15:35)
      1. The demand of Israel for a king  (1 Sa 8:1-22)
         1. The failure of Samuel's successors  (1 Sa 8:1-3)
         2. The request of the elders of Israel  (1 Sa 8:4-9)
            1. The request of the elders  (1 Sa 8:4-6)
            2. The counsel to Samuel  (1 Sa 8:7-9)
         3. The Lord's warning about the request  (1 Sa 8:10-18)
         4. The request renewed  (1 Sa 8:19-22)
      2. The anointing of Saul to be King  (1 Sa 9:1-10:16)
         1. Saul's ancestry and stature  (1 Sa 9:1-2)
         2. Saul's encounter with Samuel  (1 Sa 9:3-27)
            1. The search for the donkeys  (1 Sa 9:3-4)
            2. The request for Samuel's aid  (1 Sa 9:5-14)
               1. The suggestion of Saul's servant  (1 Sa 9:5-10)
               2. The directions of the women  (1 Sa 9:11-14)
            3. The preparation of Samuel  (1 Sa 9:15-17)
            4. The meeting of Saul and Samuel  (1 Sa 9:18-27)
         3. Saul's anointing by Samuel  (1 Sa 10:1-16)
            1. The anointing and instructions by Samuel  (1 Sa 10:1-8)
            2. The prophesying of Saul  (1 Sa 10:9-13)
            3. The return of Saul  (1 Sa 10:14-16)
      3. The vindication of Saul as king  (1 Sa 10:17-11:15)
         1. Saul's appointment as king  (1 Sa 10:17-27)
         2. Saul's defeat of the Ammonites  (1 Sa 11:1-11)
            1. The threat to Jabesh-gilead  (1 Sa 11:1-5)
            2. The defeat of Nahash  (1 Sa 11:6-11)
         3. Saul's approval by Israel  (1 Sa 11:12-15)
      4. The final address of Samuel  (1 Sa 12:1-25)
         1. Samuel's integrity cited  (1 Sa 12:1-5)
         2. Samuel's plea for obedience to the Lord  (1 Sa 12:6-18)
         3. Samuel's words of comfort  (1 Sa 12:19-25)
      5. Saul's initial conflict with the Philistines  (1 Sa 13:1-14:52)
         1. The scattering of Israel's army  (1 Sa 13:1-7)
         2. The impetuousness of Saul  (1 Sa 13:8-14)
            1. Saul's sin  (1 Sa 13:8-10)
            2. Saul's excuses  (1 Sa 13:11-13)
            3. Saul's rejection announced  (1 Sa 13:14)
         3. The oppression of Israel  (1 Sa 13:15-23)
         4. The route of the Philistines  (1 Sa 14:1-23)
            1. Jonathan's approach to the Philistines  (1 Sa 14:1-5)
            2. Jonathan's engagement of the Philistines  (1 Sa 14:6-15)
            3. Jonathan's scattering of the Philistines  (1 Sa 14:16-23)
         5. The foolish oath of Saul  (1 Sa 14:24-46)
            1. Jonathan's unknowing disobedience  (1 Sa 14:24-30)
            2. Israel's sin of eating blood  (1 Sa 14:31-35)
            3. Jonathan blamed for Israel's sin  (1 Sa 14:36-42)
            4. Jonathan rescued from death  (1 Sa 14:43-46)
         6. The summary of Saul's military prowess  (1 Sa 14:47-48)
         7. The family of Saul  (1 Sa 14:49-51)
         8. The war with the Philistines  (1 Sa 14:52)
      6. Saul's failure and rejection as king  (1 Sa 15:1-35)
         1. Samuel's instructions to destroy Amalek  (1 Sa 15:1-3)
         2. Saul's defeat of the Amalekites  (1 Sa 15:4-9)
         3. Samuel's disclosure of Saul's failure  (1 Sa 15:10-19)
         4. Saul's reply  (1 Sa 15:20-24)
            1. His excuse  (1 Sa 15:20-23)
            2. His request for forgiveness  (1 Sa 15:24)
         5. Saul's rejection by the Lord  (1 Sa 15:25-31)
         6. Samuel's slaying of Agag  (1 Sa 15:32-35)
   2. The decline of King Saul and the rise of David  (1 Sa 16:1-31:13)
      1. David in the court of Saul  (1 Sa 16:1-19:17)
         1. The anointing of David  (1 Sa 16:1-23)
            1. The Lord's instructions to Samuel  (1 Sa 16:1-3)
            2. Samuel's selection of the Lord's anointed  (1 Sa 16:4-13)
            3. David in Saul's court  (1 Sa 16:14-23)
         2. The slaughter of Goliath by David  (1 Sa 17:1-58)
            1. The defiance of Goliath  (1 Sa 17:1-11)
            2. The arrival of David  (1 Sa 17:12-30)
               1. The sons of Jesse  (1 Sa 17:12-16)
               2. The mission of David  (1 Sa 17:17-19)
               3. The fear of Israel  (1 Sa 17:20-25)
               4. The inquiry of David  (1 Sa 17:26-27)
               5. The rebuff of David's brothers  (1 Sa 17:28-30)
            3. The request of David  (1 Sa 17:31-40)
            4. The confrontation with Goliath  (1 Sa 17:41-49)
            5. The defeat of the Philistines  (1 Sa 17:50-54)
            6. The inquiry of Saul  (1 Sa 17:55-58)
         3. The separation of David from Saul  (1 Sa 18:1-19:17)
            1. Jonathan's love for David  (1 Sa 18:1-5)
            2. Saul's jealousy of David  (1 Sa 18:6-9)
            3. Saul's attempts to kill David  (1 Sa 18:10-19:17)
               1. His attempt to spear David  (1 Sa 18:10-16)
               2. His attempt to have David killed by the Philistines  (1 Sa 18:17-30)
                  1. Saul's aborted promise of Merab  (1 Sa 18:17-19)
                  2. Saul's promise of Michal  (1 Sa 18:20-30)
               3. His attempt to spear David again  (1 Sa 19:1-17)
                  1. Saul's promise of safety  (1 Sa 19:1-7)
                  2. Saul's attempt on David  (1 Sa 19:8-10)
                  3. Saul's pursuit of David  (1 Sa 19:11-17)
      2. David in exile from Saul  (1 Sa 19:18-31:13)
         1. His flight to Samuel at Ramah  (1 Sa 19:18-24)
         2. The plot to ascertain Saul's motives  (1 Sa 20:1-42)
            1. The plot formulated  (1 Sa 20:1-23)
            2. The intentions of Saul revealed  (1 Sa 20:24-34)
            3. The separation of David and Saul  (1 Sa 20:35-42)
         3. His flight to Ahimelech at Nob  (1 Sa 21:1-9)
            1. His request for food  (1 Sa 21:1-7)
            2. His request for weapons  (1 Sa 21:8-9)
         4. His flight to Achish, king of Gath  (1 Sa 21:10-15)
         5. His flight to the cave of Adullam  (1 Sa 22:1-2)
         6. His flight to Mizpah of Moab  (1 Sa 22:3-5)
         7. Saul's vengeance on Ahimelech  (1 Sa 22:6-23)
            1. The discovery of Ahimelech's aid to David  (1 Sa 22:6-10)
            2. The massacre of Ahimelech, the priests and Nob  (1 Sa 22:11-19)
            3. The escape of Abiathar  (1 Sa 22:20-23)
         8. David's defeat of the Philistines at Keilah  (1 Sa 23:1-13)
            1. David's defeat of the Philistines  (1 Sa 23:1-5)
            2. Saul's pursuit of David  (1 Sa 23:6-13)
         1. His flight in the wilderness of Ziph  (1 Sa 23:14-23)
         10. His flight in the wilderness of Maon  (1 Sa 23:24-27)
         11. His flight in the wilderness of Engedi  (1 Sa 23:28-24:22)
             1. The sparing of Saul's life  (1 Sa 23:28-24:7)
             2. The words of David to Saul  (1 Sa 24:8-15)
             3. The reply of Saul to David  (1 Sa 24:16-22)
         12. His flight in the wilderness of Paran  (1 Sa 25:1-44)
             1. The death of Samuel  (1 Sa 25:1)
             2. The refusal of Nabal  (1 Sa 25:2-13)
             3. The intercession of Abigail  (1 Sa 25:14-31)
             4. The acceptance by David  (1 Sa 25:32-35)
             5. The death of Nabal  (1 Sa 25:36-38)
             6. The marriage of Abigail to David  (1 Sa 25:39-42)
             7. The marriage of Ahinoam to David  (1 Sa 25:43)
             8. The fate of Michal  (1 Sa 25:44)
         13. His flight in the wilderness of Ziph  (1 Sa 26:1-25)
             1. The Ziphites again inform on David  (1 Sa 26:1-5)
             2. David again spares Saul  (1 Sa 26:6-12)
             3. David's words to Abner  (1 Sa 26:13-16)
             4. David's words to Saul  (1 Sa 26:17-20)
             5. Saul's reply  (1 Sa 26:21-25)
         14. His flight to Philistia  (1 Sa 27:1-31:13)
             1. His stay in Gath  (1 Sa 27:1-4)
             2. His residence at Ziklag  (1 Sa 27:5-7)
             3. His lies  (1 Sa 27:8-12)
             4. The Philistine advance on Israel  (1 Sa 28:1-31:13)
                1. Saul's consultation with the witch of Endor  (1 Sa 28:1-25)
                   1. Saul's search for spiritual aid  (1 Sa 28:1-7)
                   2. Saul's conversation with the woman of Endor  (1 Sa 28:8-14)
                   3. Samuel's discourse with Saul  (1 Sa 28:15-19)
                   4. Saul's fear  (1 Sa 28:20-25)
                2. The departure of David from the Philistine ranks  (1 Sa 29:1-30:31)
                   1. The reaction of the Philistine lords  (1 Sa 29:1-5)
                   2. The dismissal of David  (1 Sa 29:6-11)
                   3. The Amalekites raid Ziklag  (1 Sa 30:1-6)
                   4. The pursuit of David after the Amalekites  (1 Sa 30:7-31)
                      1. The inquiry of the Lord  (1 Sa 30:7-10)
                      2. The finding of an Egyptian slave  (1 Sa 30:11-15)
                      3. The slaughter of the Amalekites  (1 Sa 30:16-20)
                      4. The dividing of the spoils  (1 Sa 30:21-31)
                3. Saul's defeat by the Philistines  (1 Sa 31:1-13)
                   1. The death of Saul  (1 Sa 31:1-6)
                   2. The dishonoring of Saul  (1 Sa 31:7-10)
                   3. The recovery of Saul's body  (1 Sa 31:11-13)

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Sidlow Baxter - In the Hebrew manuscripts, 1 and 2 Samuel form but one book, as also do 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. Their division into two books each, as we now have them, originates with the so-called Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, said to have been made in the third century B.C. In the Septuagint, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings are called, respectively, the First, Second, Third and Fourth Books of the Kingdoms (the plural word "Kingdoms" meaning the two kingdoms, Judah and Israel). The Latin Vulgate - Jerome's famous translation of the entire Bible into Latin, in the fourth century A.D. - continues the Septuagint division of Samuel and Kings into two books each, but calls them the First, Second, Third and Fourth Books of the Kings (not Kingdoms). It is from this that there came the sub-titles to these four books in, our Authorized Version...For sheer interest, 1 Samuel is unsurpassed. Not only does it recount eventful history; it is eventful history interwoven with the biographies of three colourful personalities - Samuel, Saul, David. Fix it well in the mind - and the memory will easily retain it - that 1 Samuel is the book of the transition from the theocracy to the monarchy; and the book of the three remarkable men - Samuel, the last of the judges, Saul, the first of the Kings, and David, the greatest of the kings. If we remember this, we cannot easily forget the central spiritual message of the book. God had called Israel into a unique relationship with Himself; and God Himself was Israel's King invisible. Through disobedience the people had brought chastisement upon themselves from time to time, but were willing to attribute much of this, later, to the fact that they had no human and visible king, such as the surrounding nations had: and now, at length, as Samuel ages, and his sons prove perverse, the people make it the occasion to press for a human king. The fateful choice is recorded in chapter 8 which should be read carefully. It was a retrograde step, dictated merely by seeming expediency. It was the way of human wisdom, not of faith in God. It was taking the lower level. It was a refusing of God's best, for the second best - and there is much difference between the two. The people thought it would solve their many problems, and make things wonderfully easier, if only they could have a human and visible king such as the neighbouring peoples had; but, alas, they were quickly to learn how self-deceived they were in thinking so, for new troubles were now to break upon them through the very king they had demanded: and herein lies the central message of 1 Samuel to us, namely: Troubles increased through choosing the seemingly easier but lower way of human wisdom, in preference to God's way - by choosing less than God's best.

God has His best things for the few
Who dare to stand the test; 
God has His second choice for those
Who will not take His best.
It is not always open ill
That risks the promised rest; 
The better often is the foe
That keeps us from the best.
And others make the highest choice,
But when by trials pressed,
They shrink, they yield, they shun the cross,
And so they lose the best.

As a character study Samuel has few peers; and as a factor in the early growth of his nation he is equaled only by Moses. The ministry of Samuel marks the institution of the monarchy. From now onwards we are to see Israel under the kings. Besides this, the appearance of Samuel marks the institution of the prophetic office. There were those in Israel, even before Samuel's time, on whom the mantle of prophecy had fallen (Num 11:25; Judg 6:8). Moses himself is called a prophet (Deut 18:18). But there was no organised prophetic office. Samuel founded the schools of the prophets, and originated the prophetic order. In a very real sense, therefore, he is "the first of the prophets"; and this distinction is recognised in the New Testament, as the following verses shew:

• "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days" - (Acts 3:24)
• "And, after that, He (God) gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet" - (Acts 13:20).
• "And what shall I more say? - for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon ... and Samuel and the prophets" - (Heb 11:32).

Samuel, then, is a significant figure. He ends the period of the Judges; he heads the order of the prophets; he originates the first great educational movement in the nation; he places Israel's first king on the throne, and later anoints David, the greatest of all Israel's kings.  (excerpt from Explore the Book)

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Henrietta Mears on 1 Samuel - excerpts from What the Bible is All About...

Royal history begins with the book of Samuel. The long period of the rule of the judges ends with Samuel. When Samuel came into power the people were in an awful state. They had practically rejected God, and we hear them clamoring for an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:4-7). This book begins the five-hundred-year period of the kings of Israel (approximately 1050-586 b.c.). The events recorded in 1 Samuel cover a period of about 115 years from the childhood of Samuel through the turbulent times of Saul to the beginning of the reign of the king whom God chose—David. In the personal lives of these three men this book gives us an exceedingly graphic picture of these times. Samuel was the last of the judges; Saul was the first of the kings. The record brings us up to the time when David is ready permanently to establish the monarchy and God is ready permanently to establish David's throne (Psalm 89). The book may be divided under the names of three of its chief characters—Samuel (1 Samuel 1-7); Saul (1 Samuel 8-15); and David (1 Samuel 16-31). The history of this book is presented to us in the attractive cloak of biography. Everyone likes a true story.

Samuel, the King Maker (1 Samuel 1-7) - Samuel—"name of God" is the meaning of his name....He was preeminently a man of prayer. This first book that bears his name is a marvelous study in the place and power of prayer, illustrated from life. He was a child of prayer (1 Samuel 3:1-19); he brought victory to his people through prayer (1 Samuel 7:5-10); when the nation wanted a king, Samuel prayed unto the Lord (1 Samuel 8:6); intercessory prayer was the keynote of his life (1 Samuel 12:19-23)....Eli was both judge and priest at this time. He had ruled for forty years. He was an indulgent father and as a result his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, also priests, were allowed to act in a most disgraceful manner. As a result there was moral corruption and God warned Eli of the downfall of his house. Fungus growth in a tree usually is not detected for a long time. Everything seems right outwardly; but when the crash suddenly comes, the state of the tree is seen. Israel had been sinning for a long time. At length the catastrophe came in the disaster recorded at this time (1 Samuel 4)....

The Philistines were Israel's powerful enemies living to the southwest on the coast. Perhaps this renewed action on their part was due to the death of Samson. The battle soon went against Israel. They wondered why God had deserted them. While warring against God they asked God to war for them. Read the account of the revival at Mizpeh (1 Samuel 7). We cannot win while we war against God! Apart from the immediate causes, rebellion against God is the root reason for tragic wars today. Civilization in general has not been seeking first and always the glory and will of God. The United States has failed to meet this test, as well as all other nations. Civilized nations have failed, as they were bound to do, and they always will fail as long as God is left out.

After Israel's first defeat by the Philistines, did they do right by looking to the Ark of God for protection (1 Samuel 4:3-7, 10)? The Ark of God was a very poor substitute for the God of the Ark. Many people think that when they wear religious symbols or perform religious rituals or give money to charitable causes that they will be safe. They think that these things are a charm, or talisman, to bring them victory. Can you give some illustrations of this?  "Man's extremity is God's opportunity!" Although at the time the loss was terrible, yet God overruled for good. Through Samuel God provided (1) deliverance from the Philistines, (2) preparation for the kingdom, (3) a permanent sanctuary instead of a tabernacle at Shiloh and (4) a better priesthood.

Samuel was the last of the judges, the first of the prophets and the founder of the monarchy. Besides this, he started a school of the prophets, a kind of seminary. The record of this great man's life is beyond reproach. It is hard to find a single mistake that Samuel made. God always gives us the best we will take, for his mercy endureth forever. We are free human agents. We can choose for ourselves; but we may well tremble at the consequences. We must choose God's best or our own way. "The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh" (1 Samuel 3:21). God revisited Shiloh! For Shiloh had been left. Read Judges 21:19-21. The place of worship had been turned into a place of feasting and dancing. Shiloh was the location of the house of God from the days of Joshua to Samuel. David moved it to Jerusalem. The Ark was removed by the Philistines in Samuel's childhood and from then on Shiloh ceased to be of great importance (1 Samuel 4:3, 11). What brought about this timely revival? Three things: A praying mother, 1 Samuel 1, A chastened people, 1 Samuel 2, A faithful prophet, 1 Samuel 3. We need a praying band of Christians, a people brought to a sense of their need, and a consecrated preacher to bring about revival.....God cannot do much for people who do not feel they need anything. God pities that person. There are those who think they are "all right."

"Well," said Samuel, "if you really mean business, you've got to show me. Do something. Prove it. How? Put away your strange gods" (author's paraphrase of 1 Samuel 7:3). "Put away" might be translated "cut it out." If you mean business, God will mean business. Religion is not just a matter of emotion but also of the will. It is often easy for us to talk big, but it is another thing to live up to what we say. We often make promises to God that we never keep. How sad that sometimes our lives shout, "Lie!" to what our lips say. The people began to lament and Samuel took advantage of this and called on them to return to their God and put away their idols. Samuel erected an altar and called it Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12). Ebenezer means "stone of help." Christ our victory is called "the stone" in both the Old Testament and the New (Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; see also Daniel 2:35).

Saul, the King Chosen (1 Samuel 8-15) - God never intended Israel to have any king but Himself. He would send them great leaders and these in turn would receive their orders directly from Him. But Israel in her falling away had become restless. They wanted a king like the other surrounding nations. We find God granting their request. Here is a great lesson. We either can have God's best or His second best, His directive will or His permissive will. Saul, their first king, was a failure. He was handsome to look at, he was tall and of a noble mien. He started out splendidly. He proved to be an able military leader. He defeated the enemies about him—the Philistines, the Amalekites and the Ammonites. Saul was humble at first, but we find him becoming proud and disobedient to God. No man had a greater opportunity than Saul and no man ever was a greater failure. His jealousy of David bordered on insanity....Saul failed God in several ways: Saul's presumption at God's altar (1 Samuel 13:11-13)  Cruelty to his son Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:44)  Disobedience in the matter of Amalek (1 Samuel 15:23)  His jealousy and hatred of David (1 Samuel 18:29)  His sinful appeal to the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7)....

David, the King Proven (1 Samuel 16-31) - As the third division of the book opens we see Samuel mourning for Saul. God rebukes him and tells him to arise and anoint the new king (1 Samuel 16:1).  David, "the apple of God's eye," was one of the greatest characters of all times. He made great contributions to the history of Israel both spiritually and nationally. In this book we see David as a shepherd lad, a minstrel, an armor bearer, a captain, the king's son-in-law, a writer of psalms and a fugitive. He was anointed three times and was to be the founder of the royal line of which the King of kings came.

The closing chapter of our book is draped in black. It gives the closing picture of one of the most disastrous failures. Saul died on the field of battle by his own hand. Advantages and opportunities in youth never guarantee success in manhood. One must keep true to God. Saul's undoing was not so much disobedience, as half-hearted obedience (1 Samuel 15). He was a victim of human pride and jealousy.

1 SAMUEL COMMENTARY
VERSE BY VERSE
BRUCE HURT, MD

Click here for verse by verse commentary on 2 Samuel

In depth comments, including numerous cross references, Hebrew word studies, illustrations, devotional (applicational) THOUGHTS on many passages, maps, quotes from many conservative sources.

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ARCHIVE.ORG
BOOKS AVAILABLE
TO BORROW OR READ

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

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Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament - 1 Samuel by Eugene Merrill - note some of margins slightly cut off.

James Rosscup - Professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary surveys both books with conservative expertise, dealing with Hebrew meaning, problems, customs, etc. He has a high view of inspiration and a good use of literature relevant in the area.

David, a heart for God by Briscoe, D. Stuart 1 rating

Looking on the heart (Volume 2 - 1 Samuel 15-31) by Davis, Dale Ralph A Study of 1 Samuel (21-Part MP3 Series)

The First book of Samuel by Tsumura, David Toshio - New International Commentary on the Old Testament  30 ratings

Mathison (Ligonier) - The best intermediate-advanced-level commentary on the first book of Samuel is now the commentary by David Tsumura in the NICOT series. It is very well written and very thorough. Tsumura’s expertise in the languages of the ancient Near East is evident throughout.

2 Kings : the power and the fury by Davis, Dale Ralph

Cyril Barber - Combines history and theology in his description of the events surrounding Israel's first two kings.

Be successful  (1 Samuel): Attaining Wealth That Money Can't Buy  by Wiersbe, Warren W

Wiersbe is alway worth checking for his insights and applications.

The Communicator's Commentary: 1, 2 Samuel by Chafin, Kenneth (Now published as The Preacher's Commentary)

Rosscup says this is part of "A 12-vol. set done by 12 men selected for unusual ability to show the Bible is alive in biblical exposition, with spiritual refreshment and insight. The authors seek to combine scholarship on biblical meaning, illustrations to spark applications, and outlines." 

Cyril Barber - Pastoring a church with a good seminary library close by enabled Chafin to have access to the finest literary resources available. His treatment of the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David is helpful, even if it lacks depth that a thorough knowledge of human personality would enhance. In spite of this, preachers will find these chapters clearly outlined and their contents ably articulated.

Preaching through the Bible : 1 Samuel by Eaton, Michael 

First and second Samuel by Laney, J. Carl,

James Rosscup - Laney, an assistant professor of Biblical literature at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary and more widely known for his volume The Divorce Myth, traces the lives of Samuel, Saul and David. This 1982 update for Moody Press’s Everyman’s Bible Commentary Series is a surprisingly resourceful paperback. Laney argues tersely for a 722 B. C. date for the Fall of Samaria. Thus, he prefers a time of writing for I & II Samuel sometime during or immediately following David’s lifetime. He dates the dividing of the kingdom as 931 B. C. Regarding textual matters, Laney does not overlook the lacuna of I Samuel 13:1 as he states that great benefit can be gleaned from the LXX in a study of these two books. One interesting sidelight is his citation of the “dynastic defense” motif evident in I Samuel 15 and II Samuel 8, a setting apparently not unlike 13th Century Hittite tradition. Laney’s discussion of God’s will in I Samuel 8:21, 22 is quite helpful. In I Samuel 28 the treatment of the Witch of Endor is thorough. He concludes that God caused Samuel himself to appear. In II Samuel 7, Laney sheds light on the covenant by picturing its threefold nature. Laney’s maps and graphics are well-placed and worthwhile. His treatment in 2 Samuel 24 of the two-sided nature of David numbering God’s people is also worthy of attention. This is a well researched and supported volume. There are few volumes on I and II Samuel which could rightly claim to be more helpful on expositional matters.—Jan Sattem

First and Second Samuel by Johnson, Frank,

1 and 2 Samuel : an introduction and commentary by Baldwin, Joyce

1 & 2 Samuel by Gordon, R. P

James Rosscup - This generally highly-regarded work offers much assistance verse by verse, using the RSV. The author comments a lot on the Hebrew text as to exegesis, word study, dealing with problems, etc.

1, 2 Samuel : Bible study commentary by Vos, Howard Frederic,

Roscupp - Vos was Professor of History and Archaeology, King’s College, Briarcliff Manor, New York, In this conservative work he gives a long outline at the outset, then incorporates this in his survey of I and 2 Samuel. For many Bible teachers, preachers, and lay people the exposition helpfully sums up what is said and some implications. It offers brief explanation of some main problems, such as the number judged at Beth Shemesh in I Samuel 6:19ff. and how to fill in the number of Saul’s years in 13:1.

1 Samuel by Klein, Ralph - Word Biblical Commentary Series. This is a cumbersome commentary for routine use.

Cyril Barber - Based on the latest Redaktionsgeschichte, this exposition makes a valuable contribution but needs to be used with discernment. The bibliographies at the beginning of each chapter are of the utmost value. Comments on the text are technical, and because Klein feels the text is in poor shape, he relies heavily on the LXX and other critical commentaries. Seminarians and pastors will find Klein's translation helpful, his research impeccable; but his explanation of the theme of 1 Samuel is lacking. However, his overall treatment is one that deserves careful consideration.

Samuel -1 & 2 Samuel by Payne, David 8 ratings

A harmony of the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles : the books of the Kings of Judah and Israel by Crockett, William Day 36 ratings

I & II Samuel, a commentary by Hertzberg, Hans Wilhelm  4 ratings

A man's man called by God by Jorden, Paul J - The life of David written by a medical doctor. Not in depth but easy to read.

The first book of Samuel by Ackroyd, Peter -   The second book of Samuel : commentary

James Rosscup - An attempt to meet general readers’ needs. The approach is mildly critical. Ackroyd has a clear writing style and often is of help on the reading of a given text, historical setting, customs and explanation of the passage. The work is cursory.

Cyril Barber - Based on the NEB. This source-critical work by a leading comparative religionist contains an up-to-date evaluation of the archaeological material relating to the period of Samuel and Saul. Adheres to a modified documentary theory. 2

The first book of Samuel by Blaikie, William Garden,

Cyril Barber - One of the finest devotional commentaries ever produced. First published in 1887 as part of The Expositor's Bible

Desiring God's own heart -1 & 2 Samuel/1 Chronicles by Arthur, Kay

1 & 2 Samuel : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving

Commentary on 1-2 Samuel - online - Ralph D Gehrke - Lutheran commentator (1968)

David - Shepherd and King - Charles Gulston

I & II Second Samuel by Bergen, Robert D - Shepherd's Notes - Not very detailed but occasional interesting insights.

James Rosscup on Bergen's more extensive commentary in the New American Commentary (not online) - The commentator is a professor at Hannibal-La Grange College, Hannibal, MO. He argues for the accurate, reliable, relevant Word of God. His excellent work reflects wide knowledge of biblical literature in the text and in footnotes. The writing flows with lucid vitality, and Bergen invests much from word study, grammar, customs, geographical details, etc. His appraisal of Eli is arresting (69), as are comments on Saul’s excuses of I Sam. 15 and David’s fight with Goliath. Bergen’s careful weighing of views about how Saul died ends with his harmonizing view that Saul fell on his sword (I Sam. 31), but in his final moments the Amalekite hastened his death (2 Sam. 1). This is a fine grappling with main details in the two books.

A NavPress Bible study on the book of 1 Samuel 

The Prophets of Israel  - Leon Wood - 405 pages (1979)  See user reviews. 

James Rosscup - A thoroughly conservative work, very clearly written, in two sections, prophetism and the prophets. Wood under the first division goes into the identity, meaning of “to prophesy,” function, the Holy Spirit and prophecy, and other aspects. In the second, he discusses in some detail prophets before Samuel, Samuel, monarchy prophets, and the writing prophets from the ninth century to post-exilic days. This is a fine book that gives the student or pastor a much better, integrated understanding of the prophets behind the prophetic books.

KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT - no restriction on length of time one can use  it. No copy and paste. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective.  

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective (pre-millennial)  

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H. Wayne;  Very helpful notes. Conservative.

The Holman illustrated study Bible  Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

Zondervan King James Version commentary - New Testament

Disciple's Study Bible : New international version  Not that helpful for verse by verse study.  Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews 

The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - OT and NT - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. 

The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible commentary - This version has no time restriction but only has the NT. 

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist. 

The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes 

The David Jeremiah study bible - (2013) 2208 pages Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel

Believer's Bible Commentary by MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages

Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. - "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen."

Warren Wiersbe - "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." 

Life application study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes. 

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages. Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Lion handbook to the Bible - (1999) 822 pages. This resource is absolutely loaded with very nice color pictures and charts.

NIV archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

NIV cultural backgrounds study Bible. bringing to life the ancient world of scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The NIV study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. Note this is the first edition. Here is a link to the 2011 version of the NIV Study Bible Note that this resource has been fully revised in 2020.

The Ryrie study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W 113 ratings

"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. 

Harper study Bible : the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version

The Jewish Study Bible - Only OT - Interesting Jewish perspective.

The student Bible : New International Version

Hebrew-Greek key word study Bible : New international version

Key word commentary : thoughts on every chapter of the Bible by Water, Mark

Eerdmans' family encyclopedia of the Bible (1978) 344 pages

Eerdmans' handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages 

Tyndale handbook of Bible charts & maps by Wilson, Neil  

Bible handbook and A-Z bible encyclopedia

International children's Bible field guide : answering kids' questions from Genesis to Revelation by Richards, Larry

The illustrated guide to Bible customs & curiosities by Knight, George W. (George William), 

Today's handbook of Bible times & customs by Coleman, William L

The Shaw pocket Bible handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

The new Unger's Bible dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-

Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill Frederick

The Hodder Bible handbook by Unger, Merrill 

Nelson's expository dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill 

Kregel Bible handbook : a full-color guide to every book of the Bible by Kerr, William 3 ratings

The new encyclopedia of Christian quotations by Water, Mark

Zondervan handbook to the Bible

Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase. 

1 SAMUEL / 2 SAMUEL
1 KINGS / 1 KINGS
1 CHRONICLES / 2 CHRONICLES
Inductive Bible Study Courses

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• 1 Samuel 1-31 God's Search For a Man After His Own Heart
• 2 Samuel; 1 Chronicles - Life of David, A Man After God's Own Heart
• 1 Kings 1-15:8 - Divided Heart - A Divided Nation
• 1 Kings 15-2 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 14-20 - God Searches For A Heart Fully His
• 1 Kings 2-14; 2 Chronicles 21-25 Passing the Mantle

Links below to lectures related to 1 Samuel study

• (Click here for other teacher helps related to 1Samuel)

CHRIST IN 1 SAMUEL
A M HODGKIN

• Christ in All the Scriptures - Contents

The lawless state of God's people, described in the Book of Judges, is continued in the early part of 1Samuel, and seems to reach its height when the priests were given over to wickedness [ch. 2], [culminating in the loss of] the Ark of the Lord [to] the hands of the Philistines [ch. 4]. We have a solemn lesson of the result of failure in parental discipline, even on the part of good parents. Of the sons of Eli we read: ''The sin of the young men was very great before the Lord,'' and ''Eli restrained them not.'' In the same way, the sons of even righteous Samuel ''walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment'' [1Sam 8:3], until the people of Israel made their behavior the excuse to demand a king. David also seems to have shown an inability to rule his own house, as is evident in the rebellion of both Absalom and Adonijah. Of Adonijah, we read: ''And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?'' [1Kin 1:6]. David, evidently, had not acted the father's part in chastening his son.

Samuel, Saul, and David stand out as the three central figures of 1 & 2 Samuel.

Samuel's Name.

Samuel himself was a picture of our Saviour. The meaning of his name was one of the perplexities of Hebrew scholarship till the year 1899, when the Twelfth Congress of Orientalists held its meeting at Rome, and Professor Jastrow, of Philadelphia, showed that, in the Assyrian, which is closely allied to the Hebrew tongue, the word sumu means son, and he translated ''Samuel'' as ''son (or offspring) of God.'' Hannah, in the depth and sincerity of her surrender, gave up her first-born son to God utterly [ch. 1].

He was ''God's son'' from the moment of his birth. ''Therefore I have given him to the Lord'' (not ''lent'' as in the A.V.). The word, common to the Babylonian and Hebrew tongues before their separation, becomes a witness to the antiquity of the book. It disappeared from the language of the Israelites so completely that no Jewish student of the Bible, ancient or modern, was able to explain it. But it is evident that it was in common use in Hannah's day; for she wanted every one to know that he was altogether the Lord's own, and she must have chosen a word, therefore, which every one could understand.

The name ''God's son'' takes us a step further. The resemblance between Hannah's Song and that of Mary, the mother of Jesus, [is remarkable]. Mary's Song is not a repetition of Hannah's, yet both see the same vision. It is a vision of the earth's full salvation, and of the Lord's Christ. ''The adversaries of the Lord,'' sings Hannah, ''shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall He thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and He shall give strength unto His King, and exalt the horn of His anointed'' -- that is of His Messiah (1Sam 2:10). ''He hath showed strength with His arm,'' responds Mary: ''He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts... He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; as He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever'' (Luk 1:51-55).

Hannah's Song, and the name she gave her child, are alike a prophecy of Christ. She has the honor of being the first to use the name ''Messiah.''

The Lord of Hosts.

Another and most majestic Divine title occurs for the first time in the first chapter of this book, and that is ''The Lord of Hosts.'' The Rev. A. Craig Robinson bases upon this fact the following argument:

''The Divine title 'Lord of Hosts' never occurs in the Pentateuch; it occurs for the first time in 1Samuel 1:3. After this, it occurs very frequently, especially in the prophets-- 281 times in all. If the Pentateuch was written by a multitude of writers in the later age, when this title for Jehovah was so much in vogue, how is it that not one of them has in the Pentateuch used this expression even once?''

That Jehovah of Hosts was a title of Christ, we see from comparing Isa 6:1-3 with John 12:41, and Isa 8:13,14 with 1Peter 2:5-8.

Samuel was a type of Christ (Ed: See caveats regarding Typology - Study of Biblical types) in combining the offices of prophet, priest, and ruler. The Schools of the Prophets founded by him are a foreshadowing of the Lord's service in pouring out His Spirit upon apostles, evangelists, and teachers.

Above all, Samuel was a picture of Christ in his life of prayer and intercession. From the time that God ''called Samuel''-- the story we have loved from childhood [ch. 3] -- his life was one of continual communion. Samuel had access to the ear of God, and his own ear was open to God's voice. He and Moses are God's chosen examples of intercessors. ''Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, yet My mind could not be toward this people'' (Jer 15:1). Samuel said to the rebellious nation, ''God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you'' [1Sam 12:23]. ''Jesus... ever liveth to make intercession for them'' [Heb 7:25].

A Friend.

In Jonathan we have another picture of Christ, showing the love and friendship of our Heavenly Friend. ''There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother'' [Prov 18:24]. He, the King's Son, was not ashamed to own the shepherd lad [as] his friend, and Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren [Heb 2:11]. ''The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and he loved him as his own soul'' [1Sam 18:1]. Jesus, ''having loved His own which were in the world, loved them to the uttermost'' (John 13:1, R.V. margin).

Jonathan made an everlasting covenant with David (1Sa 18:3; 20:15,16; 23:18): ''He stripped himself of the robe that was on him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.'' So Christ stripped Himself of His glory, and He has covered us with the robe of His righteousness, and has armed and girded us for the fight. Jonathan strengthened David's hands in God (1Sa 23:16), and the Lord says to us, ''My strength is made perfect in weakness'' [2Cor 12:9]. The picture falls short, as all pictures do, of the glorious reality. Jonathan, at the risk of his own life (1Sa 20:33), sought to reconcile his father to David. Christ laid down His life as ''the propitiation for our sins'' (1John 2:2). He is our Mediator, our Advocate with the Father, and has made us sharers of His throne in glory.

The Shepherd King.

Both as Shepherd and as King, David is a type of our Saviour (Ed: See Typology - Study of Biblical types). In 1Samuel, we have the account of David's long season of preparation for the Kingdom.

The little town of Bethlehem is the birthplace alike of David and of his greater Son. The quiet years of toil with his father's flock remind us of the years spent at Nazareth and in the carpenter's shop. Many of the Psalms recall David's watch over the flock:

''When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;
What is man, that Thou are mindful of him?
and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?'' (Psa 8:3,4)

''The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament showeth His handywork...'' (Psa 19:1)

On the same plains round Bethlehem, the shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night, while the star which guided the wise men shown over their heads, when, lo, the angel of the Lord brought them the good tidings of great joy, of the birth, in the city of David, of a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. ''And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men'' [Luke 2]. Those who have watched the sunrise from those plains where David must often have watched it, tell us that no words can describe its magnificence. ''In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun; which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race'' (Psa 19:4,5).

Psalm 23.

In the Shepherd Psalm, David surely describes his own care of the sheep. How often he had led them by still waters, and caused them to lie down in green pastures, and many a time he must have had to lead them down one of the gorges of the wilderness of Judea. This wilderness is fifty miles long, and ten miles broad, with many valleys just such as are described by the [Hebrew] word gay in this Psalm. There are eight different words for valley in Hebrew, but gay signifies a deep, rocky gorge, some of them only two or three feet wide at the bottom, almost as dark as night even in the daytime, because of the steep, rocky sides rising 800 feet high on each side. Here the hyenas stalk the sheep if they get separated from the shepherd. But with his club the shepherd does battle both with wild beast and with wilder Bedaween [sic.], and reassures the sheep with the touch of his staff in the dark valley. More than once David had risked his life, and left the rest of the flock, to rescue one lamb from the mouth of the lion or bear. The good shepherd has always to take his life in his hand and be ready to lay it down. With what confidence David says, ''Jehovah is my Shepherd, I shall not want.'' And the Son of David responds, ''I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep'' [John 10:11]. He leaves the ''ninety and nine'' and goes [into the wilderness] after the one that was lost, until He finds it [Mat 18:11-14].

The Eastern sheep-fold is an enclosure, open to heaven, with a small place of shelter at the back, and enclosed with a rough, stone wall. At one corner, there is a tiny doorway, but every shepherd is himself the door. He sleeps in the doorway to guard the sheep at night. He stands in the doorway as they come home in the evening, and examines every sheep before it goes in. He has a bowl of water for the thirsty sheep, and a bowl of oil for the wounded ones; he anoints with oil those whose heads have been bruised against the rocks. The imagery of the twenty-third Psalm does not change in the middle, as some have thought, to that of an indoor bancquet; the imagery of the shepherd's care is sustained throughout.

The Shepherd and the King were blended in David and in David's Son. A true king must always have the heart of a shepherd. When David saw the Angel of the Lord about to destroy Jerusalem, he cried: ''I it is that have sinned, and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? Let Thine hand be on me... but not on Thy people'' (1Chron 21:17).

''I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them, even My Servant David; and He shall be their Shepherd'' (Ezek 34:23). He is --

• The Good Shepherd in death. John 10:11. See Psalm 22.
• The Great Shepherd in resurrection. Heb 13:20. See Psalm 23.
• The Chief Shepherd in glory. 1Peter 5:4. See Psalm 24.

THE OLD TESTAMENT PRESENTS...
REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST
PAUL R. VAN GORDER

1 SAMUEL

The book of 1 Samuel [say: ''First Samuel''] is a book of transition. It outlines the change from the theocracy established under Moses to the monarchy begun under [king] Saul. The book also marks the transition from priests to prophets as the central figure of God's dealing with Israel. First Samuel is really a continuation of the book of Judges, with Ruth as a parenthesis. The key thought is ''choosing a king,'' and the key verse reads, ''Now, therefore, behold the king whom ye have chosen'' (1Sam 12:13).

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK--

• Close of the Period of the Judges (1 Samuel 1-7)
• Early life of Samuel (1 Samuel 1-3)
• Judgments on Eli and loss of the Ark (1 Samuel 4:1-7:2)
• Samuel as judge (1 Samuel 7:3-17)
• Beginning of the Monarchy (1 Samuel 8-31)
• Appointment of the first king (1 Samuel 8-10)
• Saul's reign until his rejection (1 Samuel 11-15)
• The fall of Saul and rise of David (1 Samuel 16-31)

As the book of 1 Samuel opens, lawlessness is reaching its height in Israel. The threshold of the book also depicts in symbol the spiritual state of Israel. After first considering the significance of losing the ark of the covenant, we shall see how Samuel and David reflect Christ, and how Saul represents his countertype. (Ed: See caveats regarding Typology - Study of Biblical types)

THE LOSS OF THE ARK--

Chapter 4 of 1Samuel records the story. The people had forgotten God. The priesthood was corrupted. Eli, the high priest, had no control over his sons, who were also priests. We are told, ''Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord; for men abhorred the offering of the Lord'' (1Sam 2:17). How sad! Men who had no real knowledge of God were in charge of holy things.

To make matters worse, the Philistine armies had moved up against Israel and were defeating them. So the elders of Israel decided to get the ark of the covenant from Shiloh and carry it into battle. They reasoned this way: ''It may save us out of the hand of our enemies'' (1Sam 4:3). The ark symbolized God's presence with His people. But Israel failed to distinguish between having 'a form of godliness' and knowing God's presence in their midst. Not only was Israel defeated in the battle with the Philistines, but that heathen people also killed the two sons of Eli and captured the ark. Ungodly men cannot preserve the power of true faith. They turn the most holy things into ridicule. Furthermore, the Lord will not protect empty ritual when the Spirit is gone. Sin always brings defeat.

But let's get back to the primary thought of these studies. Perhaps someone is asking, ''Where in this book of apostasy, sin, and defeat do we see the Lord Jesus?'' First Samuel is really a biography of three men: Samuel, Saul and David. We shall consider each of them, probing to see how the Lord Jesus is pictured either by comparison or contrast.

SAMUEL--

The Lord Jesus is pictured often in the life of Samuel. During that period when Eli and his licentious sons occupied the office of the priesthood, a glimmer of hope came to the land in the person of a praying mother [1Samuel 1]. Take note of the fact that conditions in Israel just prior to our Lord's first coming were similar. To Hannah was born a son whom she called ''Samuel.'' That name means ''heard of God'' or ''sons of God.'' Read again Hannah's prayer in the first ten verses of 1Samuel 2. This prayer was prophetic, looking forward to a day of deliverance. An interesting parallel can be observed in the prayer of Hannah and Mary's prayer, the Magnificat, recorded in Luke 1:46-55.

Similarities between Christ and Samuel may be seen in the growth of Samuel, his acceptance as prophet and priest, and his place as a ruler. Samuel's activity was terminated when the people, demanding a king, rejected him (1Sam 8:7).

SAUL--

The people did not want Samuel as their judge and ruler; consequently, God let them have a king of their choosing. By comparison, how pertinent are these words of our Lord: ''I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not; if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive'' (John 5:43).

So, Saul was chosen king over Israel. He was head and shoulders above other men. He made an awesome sight as he stood among the people. The ''morning'' of Saul's life was calm and bright. How wonderful if he would have said something like, ''Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee!'' ...But no.

''There is a line by us unseen
But crosses every path,
The hidden boundary between
God's patience and His wrath.''

Saul had crossed that line. Consequently, the ''midday'' of his life was cloudy and threatening. His ''afternoon'' was cold and dark; his ''evening'' was terrifying with the thunderstorms of despair and suicidal blackness.

Much about Saul suggests Satan's counterfeit, [the] Antichrist. The Lord Jesus came in the Father's name and was rejected. Antichrist will come like Saul of old, the people's choice. He will be received and exalted. But he will bring a holocaust of war, famine, despair, and death.

DAVID--

A child was born in Bethlehem of the tribe of Judah. This lad, who was destined to be Israel's greatest king, spent his youth in his father's fields. How like our Lord, who spent His childhood in Joseph's carpenter shop.

David was anointed as king long before he was recognized. He was sought and hunted by Saul, who desired his death even though he had done nothing to deserve it. David's first public act was the meeting of Goliath; similarly, our Lord's first experience, following His baptism, was His temptation by Satan in the wilderness.

The first part of David's reign was met with great acclaim by the nation. The Lord Jesus was met in His triumphal entry with cries of ''Hosanna to the son of David!''

It was not long, though, until David was rejected by Israel and had to hide in the cave of Adullam. John tells us that Jesus ''came unto His own, and His own received Him not'' (John 1:11). A strange company of men gathered with David in that cave-- some 400 of them. Who were they? They were the distressed, the debtors, the discontented. But somehow they were attracted to David [cp. Mat 11:28; Luke 5:30-32]. The inspired writer to the Hebrews said, ''Let us go forth, therefore, unto Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach'' (Heb 13:13). You would find it most interesting to read the story of these men who joined David and who were faithful to him at the time of his rejection (2Sam 23:8-39). Paul wrote to young Timothy, ''If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us'' (2Tim 2:12).

Christ is the anointed of God. No doubt about it, Jesus Christ will reign! However, we are living in the time of His rejection. It will not always be so, for coronation time is coming!

DON ANDERSON
Verse by Verse Teaching Notes
Life of David

---

• David Study Guide
• David Chart Scans (studies 1-24)

David Teacher Notes - See above for Scriptures covered in each study

David Study Notes - over 700 pages of notes - - See above for Scriptures covered in each study

David Lectures - Mp3's - Link to list of 24 lectures See above for Scriptures covered in each study

PAUL APPLE
1 Samuel Commentary

189 page Pdf Recommended

• 1 Samuel Commentary
• 1 Samuel Blog - 1-28
• 1 Samuel Blog - 29-31

ALBERT BARNES
1 Samuel Commentary

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR
1 Samuel Commentary

Multiple Comments, Illustrations, Homilies

1 SAMUEL
RESOURCES ON BIBLE.ORG

• Click here for general list of articles related to 1 Samuel

BRIAN BELL
1 Samuel Sermon Notes
Calvary Chapel

ANOTHER FORMAT

1 Samuel 1	1 Samuel 2	1 Samuel 3	1 Samuel 4
1 Samuel 5	1 Samuel 6	1 Samuel 7	1 Samuel 8
1 Samuel 9	1 Samuel 10	1 Samuel 11	1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 13	1 Samuel 14	1 Samuel 15	1 Samuel 16
1 Samuel 17	1 Samuel 18	1 Samuel 19	1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 21	1 Samuel 22	1 Samuel 23	1 Samuel 24
1 Samuel 25	1 Samuel 26	1 Samuel 27	1 Samuel 28
1 Samuel 29	1 Samuel 30	1 Samuel 31

BRIAN BILL
1 Samuel Sermon Notes

JIM BOMKAMP
1 Samuel Sermon Notes
Calvary Chapel, Green Bay

CAMBRIDGE COMMENTARY

 

ALAN CARR
Expository Sermon Notes
1 Samuel
Calvary Baptist

Well Done

RICH CATHERS
1 Samuel Sermon Notes
Calvary Chapel

ADAM CLARKE
Commentary
1 Samuel

• Click for brief critique

STEVEN COLE
Sermon Notes (Pdf)
1 Samuel

Excellent Resource to supplement your preparation for teaching and preaching.

14 part study on King David from 1 and 2 Samuel

COMMENTARY CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY
ON THE WHOLE BIBLE
1 Samuel

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. Published 1871 One of the Better Older Commentary. It does not analyze the text based on so-called "higher criticism," but is thoroughly conservative and evangelical. Tends to be more conservative and literal. Avoids spiritualizing.

Below is the index to the Unabridged Version of this well done commentary

Introduction	1 Samuel 1	1 Samuel 2	1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 4	1 Samuel 5	1 Samuel 6	1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 8	1 Samuel 9	1 Samuel 10	1 Samuel 11
1 Samuel 12	1 Samuel 13	1 Samuel 14	1 Samuel 15
1 Samuel 16	1 Samuel 17	1 Samuel 18	1 Samuel 19
1 Samuel 20	1 Samuel 21	1 Samuel 22	1 Samuel 23
1 Samuel 24	1 Samuel 25	1 Samuel 26	1 Samuel 27
1 Samuel 28	1 Samuel 29	1 Samuel 30	1 Samuel 31

THOMAS CONSTABLE
1 Samuel
Conservative, Millennial

RON DANIEL
Sermon Notes
1 Samuel

BOB DEFFINBAUGH
1 Samuel Commentary Notes

JOHN DUMMELOW
1 Samuel Commentary

JOHN ELLICOTT
Old Testament Commentary for English Readers
1 Samuel

• Editor: Ellicott
• Author: Frederic Gardiner (1822-1889)

THEODORE EPP
1 Samuel Devotionals

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY
1 Samuel
W G Blaikie

Cyril J. Barber - One of the finest devotional commentaries ever produced. 

Spurgeon on Blaikie's related life of David: "Dr. Blaikie is a good writer. This Life of David has supplied a great lack." (Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries)

Warren W. Wiersbe - If you can locate the six-volume edition of the Expositor’s Bible, buy it immediately! It takes up less space than the original fifty-volume set, and not everything in the original set is worth owning. Samuel H. Kellogg on Leviticus is a classic; so is Alexander Maclaren on the Psalms and on Colossians. (A Basic Library for Bible Students)

DON FORTNER
1 Samuel Sermon Outlines

A C GAEBELEIN
Commentary
1 Samuel

• Outline

JOHN GILL
Commentary
1 Samuel

GOTQUESTIONS
Related to
Book of 1 Samuel

L M GRANT
1 Samuel Notes

DAVE GUZIK
1 Samuel Commentary

Conservative, Evangelical, Millennial

Notes are brief but this is an excellent modern commentary

ROBERT HAWKER
1 Samuel Commentary

HYMNS
Relating to 1 Samuel

• Click, scroll down, click specific book

MATTHEW HENRY'S
1 Samuel Commentary
(1706)

ILLUSTRATIONS
10,000 Illustrations
 1 Samuel

Bible.org

1Samuel 16:7 - More for Less- Have you checked the labels on your grocery items lately? You may be getting less than you thought. According to U.S. News & World Report, some manufacturers are selling us the same size packages we are accustomed to, but they are putting less of the product in the box. For example, a box of well-known detergent that once held 61 ounces now contains only 55. Same size box, less soap. How something is wrapped doesn’t always show us what’s on the inside. That’s true with people as well. We can wrap ourselves up in the same packaging every day—nice clothes, big smile, friendly demeanor—yet still be less than what we appear to be. (Our Daily Bread, June 22, 1992)

1 Samuel 17 - Godly Leadership

1. Looks for Opportunities to make a Difference. 1Sa 17:20-24

2. Has ability to see the Real Issue. 1Sa 17:26

3. Is an Encourager of Men. 1Sa 17:32a

4. Is Willing to be Personally involved. 1Sa 17:32b

5. Values Past accomplishments for Present challenges. 1Sa 17:33-36

6. Has an unquestionable Dependence on God for victory. 1Sa 17:37

7. Avoids Power Doubters. 1Sa 17:28, 33

8. Never Leads in someone Else’s Armour. 1Sa 17:38-40

9. Always Sizes up the Opposition and makes sure he has adequate resources to Overcome. 1Sa 17:45

10. Remembers whose Battle it Really is. 1Sa 17:47

11. Never Backs off from a formidable Challenge. 1Sa 17:48

12. Makes Double sure the Enemy is Defeated. 1Sa 17:51

13. Is usually Sought out by Others. 1Sa 17:55-58

Biblical Sermons, H. W. Robinson, Baker, 1989, p.51 (sermon by James Rose)

INTERNATIONAL CRITICAL COMMENTARY
A Critical & Exegetical Commentary
1 Samuel
Henry P Smith (1904)

S. LEWIS JOHNSON
Lessons from the Life of David

Recommended 

KEIL AND DELITZSCH
1 Samuel Commentary

James Rosscup writes "Keil, C. F. and Franz Delitzsch. Commentary on the Old Testament. 25 volumes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1950. This is the best older, overall treatment of a critical nature on the Old Testament Hebrew text verse by verse and is a good standard work to buy. The student can buy parts or the whole of this series. Sometimes it is evangelical, at other times liberal ideas enter." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

PAUL KRETZMANN
1 Samuel Commentary

LANGE'S COMMENTARY
1 Samuel
C H Toy and John A Broadus

Spurgeon's Comments on Lange's Series: "These volumes are not all of equal value, but as a whole, they are a grand addition to our stores. The American translators have added considerably to the German work, and in some cases these additions are more valuable than the original matter. For homiletical purposes these volumes are so many hills of gold, but, alas, there is dross also, for Baptismal Regeneration and other grave errors occur....We are very far from endorsing all Zöckler’s remarks." (Caveat: Be a Berean - Acts 17:11)

ALEXANDER MACLAREN
Sermons 1 Samuel

J VERNON MCGEE
Commentary on 1 Samuel
Thru the Bible
Mp3's

F B MEYER
Our Daily Homily
1 Samuel

F B MEYER
Through the Bible Commentary
1 Samuel

F B MEYER
David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King

F B MEYER
Samuel: The Prophet

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
1 Samuel
Conservative, Evangelical

THE THEOLOGICAL JOURNAL LIBRARY on Galaxie.com

An annual $50 or monthly $5 subscription (click here) is required to view the entire article but will give you access to literally thousands of conservative articles. See search box (Enter Verse to Search >20,000 journal articles) on right hand side of this page.

Examples of articles you can access:

• Discerning Between Good And Evil- Solomon As A New Adam In 1 Kings -- John A. Davies
• Diversity of OT Prophetic Phenomena and NT Prophecy --John W. Hilber
• The Tel Dan Stela and the Kings of Aram and Israel -- Bryant G. Wood
• Preaching The David Story -- David G. Firth
• Studies in 1 and 2 Samuel Part 1- The Structure of 1 and 2 Samuel -- John A. Martin
• Studies in 1 and 2 Samuel Part 3- The Text of Samuel -- By- John A. Martin
• Studies in 1 and 2 Samuel Part 4- The Theology of Samuel -- John A. Martin
• The Accession Narrative (1 Samuel 27 – 2 Samuel 1) -- David G. Firth

JOURNAL ARTICLES FREE ONLINE RELATED TO THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL

• 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 This article reconsiders the pericope in 1 Samuel 13:13-14, in which Samuel told Saul that had he been obedient to him, he and his dynasty would have ruled forever. These words are traditionally considered by scholars and interpreters as a later addition or as Samuel's own interpretation of God's oracles. Dr Avioz contests these views on the basis of historical and exegetical arguments.
• 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
• STRUCTURE, CONTEXT AND MEANING IN THE SAMUEL CONCLUSION (2 SA. 21-24)1 Herbert H. Klement
• 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
• Why has Yahweh Defeated us Today Before the Philistines?' The Question of the Ark Narrative," Tyndale Bulletin 51.1 (2000): 81-100. A. Stirrup
• 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
• 2 Samuel 8 -- Robert M. Good
• 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

GENERAL RESOURCES
Outlines, Maps, Sermons, Commentaries on 1 Samuel

BEST COMMENTARIES

• Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Samuel - Ligonier Ministries
• Best Commentary on 1-2 Samuel - Best Commentaries Reviews
• Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Samuel - Tim Challies

Challies rates Dale Ralph Davis book #1 - Click for an except 1 Samuel Commentary

JAMES ROSSCUP - Best commentaries on 1 Samuel

• Keil, C. F. and Franz Delitzsch. Commentary on the Old Testament.  This is the best older, overall treatment of a critical nature on the Old Testament Hebrew text verse by verse and is a good standard work to buy. The student can buy parts or the whole of this series. Sometimes it is evangelical, at other times liberal ideas enter.
• Ackroyd, Peter R. The First Book of Samuel (Cambridge Bible Commentary) - borrow. Cambridge: U. P., 1971. 238 pp.  This is much the same as his work on the second book of Samuel (cf. that entry). Ackroyd, Peter R. The Second Book of Samuel (Cambridge Bible Commentary). Cambridge: U. P., 1977. 247 pp. An attempt to meet general readers’ needs. The approach is mildly critical. Ackroyd has a clear writing style and often is of help on the reading of a given text, historical setting, customs and explanation of the passage. The work is cursory.
• Anderson, A. A. 2 Samuel (Word Biblical Commentary) - borrow. 1989. 302 pp.  Conservatives will find much to aid them here in meticulous exegetical detail and giving of different views, all done quite readably. One is soon aware, however, of the nonconservative perspective, as in supposing errors as to historical fact, misstatements, and portions ineptly inserted by an exilic redactor (cf. pp. 118–19, 132, 161, 168 etc.). Users will have to use the work with much carefulness but can glean heavy profit from places where he contributes well. Anderson is Honorary Fellow in theology, University of Manchester, England. His introduction takes up theories of composition that specialized scholars can follow completely, even if they do not agree. Many things said in Samuel are attributed to the artistic skill of the author, and one gains the impression that to Anderson they are not historically reliable (xxxiv, etc.). The form/structure/setting sections have much that can help evangelicals and much that gives liberal slants biased on ideas of theoretical sources. Careful advanced students can sift out much and leave much. Like Klein’s work on I Samuel, the flow is broken in many ways, so the use of the commentary for any but specialist students will be slow plodding and spotty in benefit.
• Baldwin, Joyce C. 1 and 2 Samuel : an introduction and commentary (borrow): An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988. 299 pp.   A concise, competent, clear evangelical work using various sources, elucidating most passages well and showing their theological and practical relevance then and now.
• Barber, Cyril J. and Carter, John. I Samuel, Always a Winner. A Bible Commentary for Laymen. Glendale, CA: G/L Publications, 1977. 160 pp.   Sunday School or Bible class teachers and laypeople in general can gain good ideas on how to present material, how to explain some of the main customs and resolve certain problems. The book is simple, well-organized, refreshing for a series of Bible readings in devotional times, but also has frequent things that stimulate for preaching.
• Barber, Cyril J. The Book of Second Samuel. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux, 2000.   Barber, a keen student aggressive to explain passages, surveys each segment in its main flow, and offers relational application. He uses provocative titles, vivid writing, often careful reasons for views, and valuable leads for teachers and preachers. He articulates lessons such as David’s making decisions as regarding the Amalekite claiming to have killed Saul, David covering up sin, and problems to which wrong choices can lead (2 Sam. 13ff). Overall the work is a good catalyst for speakers, surveying students, and lay readers.
• Bergen, Robert D. 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary). (Borrow this commentary - 1, 2 Samuel) Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996.   The commentator is a professor at Hannibal-La Grange College, Hannibal, MO. He argues for the accurate, reliable, relevant Word of God. His excellent work reflects wide knowledge of biblical literature in the text and in footnotes. The writing flows with lucid vitality, and Bergen invests much from word study, grammar, customs, geographical details, etc. His appraisal of Eli is arresting (69), as are comments on Saul’s excuses of I Sam. 15 and David’s fight with Goliath. Bergen’s careful weighing of views about how Saul died ends with his harmonizing view that Saul fell on his sword (I Sam. 31), but in his final moments the Amalekite hastened his death (2 Sam. 1). This is a fine grappling with main details in the two books.
• Evans, Mary J. 1 and 2 Samuel (New International Critical Commentary). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2000.   A lecturer in OT at London Bible College did well-studied, lucid comments on verses, with added notes on certain details after each section. She covers most bases, resolves many problems, and elucidates customs, word meanings, and the like. She has no firm solution on some verses, such as the number left out in I Sam. 13:1. She believes that the Amalekite found Saul dead, and took advantage, supposing that David would reward him (2 Sam. 1). She shows richness from wide reading awareness on many points.
• Gordon, R. P. 1 and 2 Samuel: A Commentary. - borrow Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986. 375 pp.   This generally highly-regarded work offers much assistance verse by verse, using the RSV. The author comments a lot on the Hebrew text as to exegesis, word study, dealing with problems, etc.
• Klein, Ralph W. I Samuel (Word Bible Commentary) - can be borrowed. Waco, TX: Word, 1983. 307 pp.   A detailed work that often assumes liberal, hard-to-follow ideas positing literary strands from various sources in the book. Klein feels that some accounts cannot be harmonized. Theories of textual criticism will be a frequent problem for many evangelicals, and much is unclear except to specialists. Still, a lot in the general summary explanations of passages is helpful for the patient and shows how things fit. For more advanced scholarly use the many lists of literature on sections can offer aid, and notes on technical matters in verses specify word meanings, readings, etc. The reader, however, will meet with many liberal perspectives. For the most part the helpful flow of I Samuel bogs down even for serious students in the mixture of explanation and heavy material or theory from Klein’s critical system.
• Laney, J. Carl. First and Second Samuel - can be borrowed. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1982. 132 pp.  Laney, an assistant professor of Biblical literature at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary and more widely known for his volume The Divorce Myth, traces the lives of Samuel, Saul and David. This 1982 update for Moody Press’s Everyman’s Bible Commentary Series is a surprisingly resourceful paperback. Laney argues tersely for a 722 B. C. date for the Fall of Samaria. Thus, he prefers a time of writing for I & II Samuel sometime during or immediately following David’s lifetime. He dates the dividing of the kingdom as 931 B. C. Regarding textual matters, Laney does not overlook the lacuna of I Samuel 13:1 as he states that great benefit can be gleaned from the LXX in a study of these two books. One interesting sidelight is his citation of the “dynastic defense” motif evident in I Samuel 15 and II Samuel 8, a setting apparently not unlike 13th Century Hittite tradition. Laney’s discussion of God’s will in I Samuel 8:21, 22 is quite helpful. In I Samuel 28 the treatment of the Witch of Endor is thorough. He concludes that God caused Samuel himself to appear. In II Samuel 7, Laney sheds light on the covenant by picturing its threefold nature. Laney’s maps and graphics are well-placed and worthwhile. His treatment in 2 Samuel 24 of the two-sided nature of David numbering God’s people is also worthy of attention. This is a well researched and supported volume. There are few volumes on I and II Samuel which could rightly claim to be more helpful on expositional matters.—Jan Sattem
• McCarter, P. Kyle Jr. I Samuel: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Bible). NY: Doubleday, 1980. 475 pp.   McCarter writes this liberal work out of an immensely broad awareness of scholarly literature (cf. his 14-pp. bibliography, textual notes and informed way of handling many of the problem texts). He goes after the meaning of a passage, seeks to reach defensible conclusions, provides one of the best recent, up-to-date commentaries for more advanced students needing technical help on I Samuel, and is conversant with critical studies. Cf. also his work II Samuel in the Anchor Bible (553 pp.). He was at the time Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia.
• Merrill, Eugene. “I and II Samuel,” Bible Knowledge Commentary, ed. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. Volume I. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1983.  Professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary surveys both books with conservative expertise, dealing with Hebrew meaning, problems, customs, etc. He has a high view of inspiration and a good use of literature relevant in the area.
• Meyer, F. B. (1847–1929)  Choice Notes on Joshua–2 Kings.  published this originally in 1895. He left a big witness as a Christian, husband and expositor on the spiritual life. Here he is clear, simple, to the point, and practical in application. The book is especially suited for pastors, Sunday School teachers and laypersons. Sometimes he overdoes things, as in seeing Hittites and confederates as depicting “The evil habits of the old past” (p. 12). Yet in many cases he is apt, as using Gideon to show the need to look to God for adequacy. He sees Saul as unsaved, having the Spirit on him but not in him (103).
• Vos, Howard F. 1, 2 Samuel (Bible Study Commentary). (Borrow 1, 2 Samuel : Bible study commentary) Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983. 166 pp.   Vos was Professor of History and Archaeology, King’s College, Briarcliff Manor, New York, In this conservative work he gives a long outline at the outset, then incorporates this in his survey of I and 2 Samuel. For many Bible teachers, preachers, and lay people the exposition helpfully sums up what is said and some implications. It offers brief explanation of some main problems, such as the number judged at Beth Shemesh in I Samuel 6:19ff. and how to fill in the number of Saul’s years in 13:1.

ART

• Multiple Pictures related to 1 Samuel
• Multiple Pictures related to 2 Samuel
• Multiple Pictures related to 1 Kings
• Multiple Pictures related to 2 Kings
• Multiple Pictures related to 1 Chronicles
• Multiple Pictures related to 2 Chronicles

CHRIS BENFIELD

• 1 Samuel 1:10-11ff The Journey from Barren to Blessed
• 1 Samuel 7:1-13 Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us
• 1 Samuel 8:1-9 The Cry for a King
• 1 Samuel 17:17-29 Is There not a Cause?
• 1 Samuel 18:5, 14-15, 30 Behaving Ourselves Wisely 

CHRIS CASTALDO

• 1 Samuel 15 - The Irrepressible Force of Secret Sin

CENTURY BIBLE COMMENTARY

• First Samuel

DALE RALPH DAVIS - These are mp3's but his commentary on 1 Samuel is #1 rated by Tim Challies

• Grey Days in God's Kingdom (MP3)| 1 Samuel 2:11-26
• Rage for Royalty (MP3)| 1 Samuel 8:1-22
• The Great Donkey Cover-Up (MP3)| 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16
• Running the Royal Regime (MP3)| 1 Samuel 10:17-11:15
• Seeing the Signs (MP3)| 1 Samuel 13
• A Swell and Lousy Day (MP3)| 1 Samuel 14:1-46
• The God Who Remembers, Repents, and Rejects (MP3)| 1 Samuel 15
• Starting Again (MP3)| 1 Samuel 16
• Should We Slay Our Goliaths? (MP3)| 1 Samuel 17:1-58
• Under the Shadow of the Almighty (MP3)| 1 Samuel 18:1-30; 1 Samuel 19:1-24
• Anchor in Trouble (MP3)| 1 Samuel 20
• A Geography of Despair (MP3)| 1 Samuel 21:1-22:5
• Antichrist Appears (MP3)| 1 Samuel 22:6-23
• A Man of Sorrows (MP3)| 1 Samuel 23
• Opportunity or Temptation? (MP3)| 1 Samuel 24
• A Beautiful Woman Can Make a Big Difference (MP3)| A Study of 1 Samuel
• Night Light (MP3)| 1 Samuel 26
• Trouble Turns Thicker (MP3)| 1 Samuel 27-29
• When the Bottom Drops Out (MP3)| 1 Samuel 30:1-9
• How Shall We Then Live? (MP3)| 1 Samuel 30:10-31
• If It's Broken, Can You Fix It? (MP3)| 1 Samuel 31

DAVID COLBURN

A Chronological Daily Bible Study of the Old Testament- 7-Day Sections with a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and a Practical Daily Application

• 1 Samuel 1 – 15 (Samuel and Saul)
• 1 Samuel 16 – 24, Psalms 11 and 59 (David and Escape from Saul)
• 1 Samuel 25-31, 2 Samuel 1-4, 1 Chronicles 1-10, and Various Psalms (Transition from Saul to David)

W A CRISWELL

• 1 Samuel 1-3  FOR THIS CHILD I PRAYED
• 1 Samuel 1 THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL
• 1 Samuel 1:1-10 GOD’S CALL TO LITTLE CHILDREN
• 1 Samuel 1:1-28 FOR THIS CHILD I PRAYED
• 1 Samuel 1:28 A CHILD LENT TO THE LORD
• 1 Samuel 1:28 THE CHILD WE LEND TO THE LORD
• 1 Samuel 2:1-36 MOTHER AND SON
• 1 Samuel 2:12-17 ELI: TROUBLE IN THE HOME
• 1 Samuel 3:1-10 GOD CALLS LITTLE CHILDREN
• 1 Samuel 3-4 THE BEGINNING MINISTRY
• 1 Samuel 1-3  FOR THIS CHILD I PRAYED
• 1 Samuel 3:1-10  WHEN CAN A CHILD BE SAVED?
• 1 Samuel 4:1-22 THE TWENTY YEARS SILENCE
• 1 Samuel 6-7 REVIVAL IN DAYS OF SAMUEL
• 1 Samuel 7:12 HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US
• 1 Samuel 7:12-17 THESE TWENTY YEARS
• 1 Samuel 8:1-6 THE REJECTION OF SAMUEL
• 1 Samuel 9 SAMUEL’S SUCCESSOR
• 1 Samuel 9:22-27 THE TRAGIC STORY OF SAUL 
• 1 Samuel 10-12 SAMUEL’S RESIGNATION
• 1 Samuel 10:26 THE POWER IS MANPOWER
• 1 Samuel 10 THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS, PART 1
• 1 Samuel 13-15 SAMUEL’S LAST ACTIVITIES
• 1 Samuel 16 SAMUEL’S LAST AND GREATEST ACT
• 1 Samuel 16:1-13 THE ANOINTING OF DAVID
• 1 Samuel 16:14-23 THE HARP AND PSALMS OF DAVID
• 1 Samuel 17:1-50 THE ARMOR OF GOD
• 1 Samuel 18:5 DAVID AND SAUL
• 1 Samuel 21:1 RIZPAH MOTHERHOOD
• 1 Samuel 22-23 WAITING UPON GOD

DEREK THOMAS - sermons 

• 1 Samuel 1:1-28  Lord: Give to Me So That I Can Give Back to You
• 1 Samuel 2:1-11 Rejoicing in the Lord 
• 1 Samuel 2:12-36 When Children Let You Down
• 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Here I Am, Lord
• 1 Samuel 4:1b-22  Boxed-up Theology
• 1 Samuel 5:1-12 Is God Safe? 
• 1 Samuel 6:1-7:2 Do Not Touch!
• 1 Samuel 7:3-17  Here I Raise My Ebenezer
• 1 Samuel 8:1-22  We Want to Be Like Everyone Else 
• 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16  You Never Know What You Might Find When You Go Off Looking for Your Lost Donkey 
• 1 Samuel 10:17-27  Long Live the King
• 1 Samuel 11:1-15 Battle Stations
• 1 Samuel 13:1-23 The Fool
• 1 Samuel 14:1-23 Jonathan- a Portrait of a Godly Man
• 1 Samuel 14:24-46 Hasty Oath of No Tasty Food

EXPLORE THE BIBLE - 

•  When Leaders Fail  1 Sa 2:22-25; 3:11-21 
• Called - 1 Sam. 3:1-10, 17-21
• When Religion Fails  1 Sam. 4:3-5, 10, 20-22; 5:1-4; 6:19-21
• Worthy- 1 Samuel 5:1-6; 6:11-16
• Kings- 1 Sam. 8:4-9, 9-22
• God Is Still In Control When I Make Poor Choices  1 Sam 8:6-9; 1 Sam. 12:13-19, 1 Sam. 12:20-25, June 27, 2010
• Feared -1 Sam. 12:12-22
• The Power Of Choice 1 Sam. 13:8-14; 1 Sam. 16:6-10, 16:11-13 
• Judged- 1 Sam. 15:7-15, 22-23
• Anointed -1 Sam. 16:4-13
• The Power Of Courage 1 Sam.17:8-11, 17: 32-39, 17:45-47 July 11, 2010
• Delivered- 1 Sam. 17:32-37, 42-50
• Faithful - 1 Sam. 18:1-5, 20:35-42
• Blinded -1 Sam.22:6-17
• The Power Of Loyalty 1 Sa 24:20-22; 26:1-2, 7-12, 21-25 July 25, 2010
• Abigail Protected - 1 Sa 25:14-17,  32-38
• Respect - 1 Sa 26:7-12, 21-25
• Victory - 1 Sa 30:6-8, 18-25

MICHAEL ANDRUS, et al - nice transcripts

•  Samuel 1-3 The Difference a Godly Home Makes"  (Andrus)
• 1 Samuel 4-7 A Boy Named Ichabod, A Stone Named Ebenezer"  (Andrus)
• 1 Samuel 8 "How to Handle Rejection"   (Andrus)
• 1 Samuel 21-23 The Wilderness: A Strange but Wonderful Place (Andrus)
• 1 Samuel 25 - How to Lead When you are not the Leader (Andrus)
• 1 Samuel 24, 26 - Godly Leaders Leave Vengeance with God (Dick High)
• 1 Samuel 28 - The Tragedy of Misplaced Confidence - (Dick High)
• 1 Samuel 29-31 - Leadership in Hard Times (Andrus)
• 2 Samuel 7 When God Says "No" (Andrus)
• 2 Samuel 6 You Cannot Keep God in a Box (Andrus)
• 2 Samuel 4, 5 Growing into a Person After God’s Heart (Andrus)
• 2 Samuel 2-4 Dealing With Boneheads (Andrus)
• 2  Samuel 1, 1 Samuel 31 How the Mighty Have Fallen  (Thengvall)

GARY BYERS

• To Sling or Not to Sling — That Was Never The Question - Bible and Spade 11:1, Winter, 1998

MARK DEVER - audios

• The Message of 1 Samuel
• The Message of 2 Samuel

KEVIN DEYOUNG

• 1 Samuel 15 - Does God Have Regret?

 DICTIONARY ARTICLES RELATED TO 1-2 SAMUEL

• Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Theology of 1 & 2 Samuel - Excellent overview
• Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology  Life of David - Theological Perspective
• 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
• Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Saul
• Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Saul
• People's Dictionary of the Bible Saul
• Smith Bible Dictionary Saul
• Whyte's Bible Characters Saul
• Watson's Theological Dictionary Saul
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Saul
• Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Saul
• McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Saul
• The Nuttall Encyclopedia Saul
• 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 David - in his races David - in his vices David - in His Virtues
• Wilson's Bible Types David
• Watson's Theological Dictionary David
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia  David
• Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia David
• McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia  David
• Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Samuel, books of
• Easton's Bible Dictionary Samuel, Books of
• Fausset Bible Dictionary Samuel, the Books of
• Holman Bible Dictionary Samuel, Books of
• Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Samuel, Books of
• Smith Bible Dictionary Samuel, Books of
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Samuel, Books of
• McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Samuel, First and Second Books Of.
• The Nuttall Encyclopedia Samuel, Books of
• The Jewish Encyclopedia Samuel, Books of

JAMES GRAY

• Lesson - First Samuel

EASY ENGLISH

• 1 Samuel- Israel's First King

GOSPEL COALITION

• 1 Samuel Resources (most are Mp3) - Mark Dever, Tim Keller - (I especially recommend sermons by Gary Inrig - click)

JAMES FREEMAN - HANDBOOK OF BIBLE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS

GENE GETZ - short videos emphasizing application

• David: God's man in faith and failure by Getz, Gene A - Borrow this book
• When you feel like a failure : take a lesson from David by Getz, Gene - Borrow this book
• 1 Samuel; Principle #1; 1 Sam. 1:1-8; Marital Relationships: To experience marital fulfillment as God intended, we must practice the one man-one woman plan instituted in the Garden of Eden. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #2; 1 Sam. 1:9-18; Sincere Commitments: We should feel free to make personal commitments to God that are based on God's future provisions.Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #3; 1 Sam. 1:19-28; Child Dedication: Parents are to dedicate their children to the Lord and commit to teaching them to do God's will. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #4; 1 Sam. 2:1-11; Prayers of Praise: We should always praise and thank God for his blessings, especially when we have experienced specific answers to prayer. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #5; 1 Sam. 2:12-26; A Biblical Profile: When we select and appoint spiritual leaders, we are to use a biblical profile of maturity. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #6; 1 Sam. 2:27-36;A Well-Managed Family: Fathers are to lead their children to grow and mature spiritually, morally, and ethically.Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #7; 1 Sam. 3:1-18; Human Responsibility: We are to take full responsibility for our failures, never blaming God or anyone else. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #8; 1 Sam. 3:19-4:2; Discerning the Truth: We should consult the Holy Scriptures as well as mature Christians to help us discern truth from error. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #9; 1 Sam. 4:3-11; Misplaced Faith: We must put our faith in the eternal, all-powerful God rather than in external symbols Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #10; 1 Sam. 4:12-22; The Impact of Sin: To avoid causing others to stumble and fall into sin, we should live consistent godly lives. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #11; 1 Sam. 5:1-7:1; Our Eternal God: Though many of the values in our culture are out of harmony with the biblical values, we are to continue to reflect God's eternal power and glory in all that we do. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #12; 1 Sam. 7:2-6;Lukewarm Christianity: To experience God's presence and power, we must serve Him wholeheartedly. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #13; 1 Sam. 7:7-14; The Power of Prayer: To be able to serve God wholeheartedly and be victorious over Satan, we must seek His help through prayer. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #14; 1 Sam. 7:15-8:3; Parental Dissapointments: Parents must not ignore the power of a worldly environment to lead their children astray. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #15; 1 Sam. 8:4-9; Handling Rejection: When we experience rejection for doing what is right, we should remember it is God Himself who is ultimately being rejected. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #16; 1 Sam. 8:10-22; God-Centered Decisions: In using the freedom God has given us, we should always make decisions that are within His will. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #17; 1 Sam. 9:1-17; God's Faithfulness: In terms of our eternal life in Christ, we must depend on God's faithfulness, not ours. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #18; 1 Sam. 9:18-10:10; God's Empathy: When we are overwhelmed with our weaknesses, we are to seek God's help, being assured that God empathizes with our humanness and desires to help us. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #19; 1 Sam. 10:17-27;Hero Worship: In our hearts, we are never to allow spiritual leaders to take precedence over God. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #20; 1 Sam. 11:14-12:5; Modeling Godly Character: To earn the right to be heard, we must consistently model godly character that refl ects the life of Jesus Christ. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #21; 1 Sam. 12:6-22; A Second Chance: Even though we walk out of God?s will, we are to take comfort that He always desires to give us another opportunity to follow Him fully. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #22; 1 Sam. 12:23-25; A Shepherds Heart: We are to develop a heart of love and concern even for those who may reject our ministry. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #23; 1 Sam. 13:1-14;  Self-Justification: We are to take full responsibility for our sinful actions and avoid making excuses to protect ourselves. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #24; 1 Sam. 13:15-14:46; Being Teachable: All adults should be open to what God may want to teach them through the younger generation. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #25; 1 Sam. 15:1-35; Prideful Behavior: We must be on guard against prideful behavior, which Satan wants to use to lead us into rebellion against God. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #26; 1 Sam. 16:1-13; Determining Heart Attitudes: When we select leaders, we are to use biblical criteria that measure internal Christlike qualities. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #27; 1 Sam. 16:14-23; Security in Christ: Though God will discipline us when we persistently sin, we are to take comfort in the fact that it is for our own good and we are secure in His eternal love. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #28; 1 Sam. 17:12-28; Jealous Reactions: When we have feelings of anger and jealousy, we must be on guard since these normal emotions can become very sinful. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #29; 1 Sam. 17:31-37; Youthful Service: We should encourage young people to be bold and courageous in their service for God. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #30; 1 Sam. 17:38-47;  Honoring God: When Satan and his evil forces a ack us, one of our major goals should be to uphold God's reputation. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #31; 1 Sam. 17:48-18:4; True Friendship: We are to honor one another, be devoted to one another, and even be willing to lay down our lives for one another. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #32; 1 Sam. 18:5-20:42; Self-destructive Behavior: We must never allow jealousy and anger to go unchecked since both emotions can lead to very sinful and destructive behavior. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #33; 1 Sam. 21:1-15; The Power of Fear: When we become fearful, we must be on guard against the temptation to regress to a itudes and actions that are self focused. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #34; 1 Sam. 22:1-2; Regaining Spiritual Focus: When we feel alone and isolated, we should refocus our thoughts on who God is and what He wants to do for us when we trust Him. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #35; 1 Sam. 22:3-4; Honoring Parents: Adult children are to honor and care for their parents. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #36; 1 Sam. 22:5-23;Making No Excuses: When we violate God?s will and in the process hurt others, we are to take full responsibility for our actions. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #37; 1 Sam. 23:1-6; Seeking God's Wisdom: When we have to make strategic decisions, we are to pray and seek wisdom from God and His Word. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #38; 1 Sam. 23:7-24; Selfish Motives: We must resist the temptation to convince ourselves that God approves of our actions when, in actuality, we are driven by selfish motives. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #39; 1 Sam. 24:1-22; False Repentance: Even though we may be overcome with guilt and remorse, we must not automatically conclude that we have experienced true repentance. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #40; 1 Sam. 25:1-44; Personal Confrontation: When we see a fellow Christian about to walk out of the will of God, we should be willing to confront that person humbly and sensitively. Video
•  1 Samuel; Principle #41; 1 Sam. 26:1-25; Respect Plus Accountability: We are to respect those who have spiritual leadership roles in the church, but they must still be held accountable for irresponsible and sinful actions. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #42; 1 Sam. 27:1-12; Spiritual Regression: We must be on guard against regressing to self-centered patterns of behavior. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #43; 1 Sam. 28:1-25; Finishing Well: As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, our goal should always be to conclude our lives on earth fulfilling God's will. Video
• 1 Samuel; Principle #44; 1 Sam. 29:1-30:31; Sincere Prayer: We should remember that God, as our heavenly Father, is always available when we sincerely seek His help. Video

BELIEVER'S CHAPEL

• 1 Samuel - Believers Chapel Dallas - Matt Heidelburg
• 1 Samuel - Believers Chapel Dallas- Geoff Brown

DAVID HOCKING - 62 page study "Learning to Trust God" in 1 Samuel (outline format)

• 1 Samuel (outline format) - Lot's of alliteration -  Check it out

HOLMAN CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING

• HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

DAVID HOLWICK

• 1 Samuel 1:10-28 The Godly Mother, Hannah
• 1 Samuel 2:22-34 Is Your Family Dysfunctional?
• 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Does God Still Speak?
• 1 Samuel 5:1-12 Let It Go
• 1 Samuel 6:1-12 Coincidence or Providence?
• 1 Samuel 13:13-14 A Person After God's Own Heart
• 1 Samuel 13:7 How God Looks at a Person
• 1 Samuel 16:14-23 When God Is Out To Get You
• 1 Samuel 17 How to Kill Your Giant
• 1 Samuel 17 Giant Killing 101
• 1 Samuel 17:40-50 David and the Dwarf
• 1 Samuel 18,19,20 Every Crutch Kicked
• 1 Samuel 20:12-17 Bosom Buddies
• 1 Samuel 21:1-7 Sometimes You Have To Break the Rules
• 1 Samuel 21:10-22:5 How Low Can You Go?
• 1 Samuel 24:8-19 The Most Subtle Temptation
• 1 Samuel 25:2-3 You Need a Strong Woman
• 1 Samuel 25:2-3,23f Dealing With Difficult People
• 1 Samuel 27,29,30 Days of Deception
• 1 Samuel 28:5-18 Fire Burn and Caldron Bubble
• 1 Samuel 30:1-6 Seeing God in the Dark
• 1 Samuel 30:1-6 Out of the Frying Pan

JOHN KITTO - PICTORIAL BIBLE WITH NOTES

Spurgeon's Comments: "Then, of course, gentlemen, you will economize rigidly until you have accumulated funds to purchase Kitto’s Pictorial Bible. You mean to take that goodly freight on board before you launch upon the sea of married life. As you cannot visit the Holy Land, it is well for you that there is a work like the Pictorial Bible, in which the notes of the most observant travellers are arranged under the texts which they illustrate. For the geography, zoology, botany, and manners and customs of Palestine, this will be your counselor and guide....A work of art as well as learning."

JOHN KITTO

Spurgeon comments: "Exceeding meritorious. Refer to it frequently....They are not exactly a commentary, but what marvelous expositions you have there! You have reading more interesting than any novel that was ever written, and as instructive as the heaviest theology. The matter is quite attractive and fascinating, and yet so weighty, that the man who shall study these volumes thoroughly, will not fail to read his Bible intelligently and with growing interest."

DAVID LEGGE

LIFEWAY - sermons

• 1 Samuel 1:10-13; 12:23-24 Hannah: A Mother Who Gave
• 1 Samuel 13:14 Following the Heart of God
• 1 Samuel 4:10-22 Parenting Is Not for Chickens
• 1 Samuel 16 This Is the One!
• 1 Samuel 16:6-7 God Gives Us the King We Need
• 1 Samuel 16:7 Developing a Heart for God
• 1 Samuel 24:1-22 It's Not About Me
• 1 Samuel 25:14-35 An Unlikely Advocate

BRYN MACPHAIL - sermons

• 1Samuel 17 When Armour Is Not Enough
• 1Samuel 17 In Defense Of God's Honour
• 1Samuel 17 Defend God's Honour

ROBERT MORGAN - sermon

• 1 Samuel: Saul The Leader Who Blew It

HENRY MORRIS - conservative, literal study notes from a leading creationist commentator

MAPS -

• ESV Global Study Bible shows the 18 places David fled
• Click excellent map with DAVID'S FLIGHT FROM SAUL with Numbered Movements of David - Copyright Faithlife / Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com).
• Map of 1 Samuel in ESV Global Study Bible

Click here for links to the following maps

The Kingdom of David and Solomon

David's Rise to Power — David in Conquest of Canaan — David's Wars of Conquest — Kingdom of David and Solomon — The United Monarchy under Solomon (1) — The United Monarchy under Solomon (2) — Solomon's Economic Enterprises — Solomon's Building Activities — Solomon's Temple — Jerusalem in the Time of David and Solomon

The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (1) — The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (2) — The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (3) — The Campaign of Shishak — Conflicts between Israel and Aram-Damascus — The Omride Dynasty — The Golden Ages of the 9th & 8th centuries BCE — Phoenician Trade and Civilization — Trade Routes throughout the Middle East — Travel Routes throughout Palestine — Elijah and Elisha — The Revolt of Jehu — The Rise of Assyria — Israel & Judah in the days of Jeroboam II and Uzziah — The Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III — The Syro-Ephraimite War — Tiglath-Pileser III's Campaigns — Fall of Samaria and Deportation of Israelites — The Fall of the Kingdom of Israel — Assyrian Districts after the Fall of Samaria — Prophets of the 8th Century BCE

Judah Alone amid International Powers

Hezekiah's Preparation for Revolt — Judah under King Hezekiah — Hezekiah's Jerusalem — Sennacherib's Campaign against Judah — Assyria in the 7th century BCE — The Rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire — The Reign of Josiah — The Districts of Judah under King Josiah — The Golden Age of King Josiah; Nebuchadnezzar's Campaigns against Judah

P G MATHEW - sermons

• 1 Samuel 1:9-20 The Effectual Prayer
• 1 Samuel 3:1-21 God’s Family Values
• 1 Samuel 7:2-13 The Way Back to God, Part One
• 1 Samuel 7:2-12 The Way Back to God, Part Two
• 1 Samuel 9-31 A Call to Obedience
• 1 Samuel 15:1-11 A Good and Faithful Servant
• 1 Samuel 31:1-6 Love Yourself to Death

MONERGISM

• MP3s by Chapter - 1 Samuel

JAMES MCCULLEN - sermons and study notes

• 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 6-7, 12-18, 20, 24-28 Declaring The Lord's Grace
• 1 Samuel 1:8-22 Did A Mother Name Her Son Samuel?
• 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21 When Leaders Fail
• 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 15-4:1a Serving The Lord Faithfully
• 1 Samuel 4:3-5, 10, 20-22; 5:1-4; 6:19-21 When Religion Fails 
• 1 Samuel 7:2-14 Trusting In The Lord Alone
• 1 Samuel 8:4-6; 10:20-24; 12:13-15,20-23 Seek God's Guidance
• 1 Samuel 8:6-9; 12:13-19, 12:20-25 God Is Still In Control When I Make Poor Choices 
• 1 Samuel 12:22-23 Do Babies Go To Heaven
• 1 Samuel 13:5,7b-13b;15:7-11,22-23 Carry Out Given Instructions
• 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 16:6-10, 16:11-13 The Power Of Choice 
• 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Embrace God's Perspective
• 1 Samuel 17:8-11, 17: 32-39, 17:45-47 The Power Of Courage 
• 1 Samuel 17:17-20, 28-2, 33-39, 45-47, 49-51 Lessons from David's Experience with Goliath #1
• 1 Samuel 17:17-20 , 28-29, 33-39, 45-47, 49-51 Lessons from David's Experience with Goliath #2
• 1 Samuel 18; 19; 2 Cultivate Godly Friendships
• 1 Samuel 24:1-7a, 11-12, 16-22 Conform To God's Agenda
• 1 Samuel 24:20-22; 26:1-2, 7-12, 21-25 The Power Of Loyalty 

G CAMPBELL MORGAN - short summaries of each chapter

• 1 Samuel - links to each chapter

TOMMY NELSON

WILLIAM NEWELL

• 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings - Old Testament Studies- Being the Lessons Given at Various Union Bible
• The Book of First Samuel - The Divine Kingdom in Human Hands
• 1 Samuel 16-31 God King Chosen, Anointed, and Victorious; but Rejected and Exiled

DAVID F PAYNE 

• Kingdoms of the Lord. A History of the Hebrew Kingdoms  - 304 pages - below is a sample of articles (there are 27 total articles)

1.Israel before the Monarchy

2.Prelude to Monarchy

3.The First King: Saul

4.David's Rise to Power

5.David's Later Years

6.The Reign of Solomon

7.The Early Divided Monarchy

8.Syria Rampant

ROBERT RAYBURN

• Samuel, Introduction
• 1 Samuel 1:1-28
• 1 Samuel 2:1-11
• 1 Samuel 2:12-36
• 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1a
• 1 Samuel 4:1-22
• 1 Samuel 5:1-12
• 1 Samuel 6:1-7:1
• 1 Samuel 7:2-17
• 1 Samuel 8:1-22
• 1 Samuel 9:1-27
• 1 Samuel 10:1-27
• 1 Samuel 11:1-15
• 1 Samuel 12:1-25
• 1 Samuel 13:1-22
• 1 Samuel 14:1-23
• 1 Samuel 14:24-52
• 1 Samuel 15:1-23
• 1 Samuel 15:24-35
• 1 Samuel 16:1-13

ALAN REDPATH - excellent insights and application based on his expository studies

• The Making of a Man of God (Life of David) - 137 PDF book

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE

BOB ROE

• Summary: The Life of David - 34 sermons

HENRI ROSSIER

• 1 Samuel - Meditations

RAYMOND SAXE 

• 1 Samuel 1:1-8 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 1:9-19 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 2:1-7 portion (remainder lost) (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 2:4-8 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 2:11-26 (pdf)
• Eli (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 5-6 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 7:1-17 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 8:1-8 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 8:1-22 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 10:1-7 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 12:1-25 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 12:1-25, rev. 2 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 13:1-14 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 15:1-35 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 16:1-23 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 17:1-58 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 18:1-30 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 19:1-24 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 21-22 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 21:1-15 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 23:1-29 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 24:1-22 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 25:1-44 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 26:1-27:4 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 27:1-12 (pdf)
• 1 Samuel 28:3-25 (pdf)

SERMON CENTRAL

• 1 Samuel Sermons (Be a Berean!)
• Sermon Index resources

JAMES SMITH - rich teachings which includes many related cross references

• 1 Samuel 1. HANNAH; OR, THE TRIUMPH OF A SORROWFUL SPIRIT.
• 1 Samuel 3. THE CALL OF SAMUEL.
• 1 Samuel 4:1-11.  THE LOSS OF THE ARK OF GOD.
• 1 Samuel 5:6. THE ARK OF GOD IN THE HANDS OF THE PHILISTINES
• 1 Samuel 7. EBENEZER.
• 1 Samuel 9. SAUL, THE CHOICE YOUNG MAN.
• 1 Samuel 10. SAUL, THE ANOINTED.
• 1 Samuel 11. SAUL, THE COURAGEOUS.
• 1 Samuel 13:1-14. SAUL, THE DISOBEDIENT. 
• 1 Samuel 15. SAUL, THE CASTAWAY.
• 1 Samuel 18:29. SAUL, THE ENEMY. 
• 1 Samuel 28, 31. SAUL, THE SUICIDE.
• 1 Samuel 16:1-13. DAVID'S CALL. 
• 1 Samuel 17. DAVID'S VICTORY.
• 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 2 Samuel 1:26. DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
• 1 Samuel 22:1, 2; 23. DAVID IN ADULLAM. THE INFALLIBLE SAFEGUARD. 
• 1 Samuel 25. DAVID AND ABIGAIL.
• 1 Samuel 27-29. DAVID AMONG THE PHILISTINES.
• 1 Samuel 30. DAVID RECOVERING ALL. 

RUSSELL SMITH - downloads Microsoft Word document

• 1 Samuel 1:1-20  God is For Little People
• 1 Samuel 1:21-2:11  When God Blesses You
• 1 Samuel 2:11-36  Seeds of Hope
• 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1  Hope Rising
• 1 Samuel 4:1-7:1  Raiders of the Lost Ark
• 1 Samuel 7:2-17  Hope Renewed
• 1 Samuel 8  The Once, Not Future, King
• 1 Samuel 9-10  Behold the King
• 1 Samuel 11:1-12:23  Work with What You Have (downloads Word Doc)
• 1 Samuel 14  A Father and a Son
• 1 Samuel 16:1-12  Appearances Are Deceiving
• 1 Samuel 17  Giant Killing Faith
• 1 Samuel 18:1-5  A True and Never Failing Friend
• 1 Samuel 18 Evil Plots
• 1 Samuel 19 Fighting God

JOHN SCHULTZ - 150 page commentary - Well done

• 1 Samuel Commentary

R C SPROUL - devotional thoughts

• 1 Samuel 1:19b–20 Knowing Each Other
• 1 Samuel 2:1–11 Selfless Prayer
• 1 Samuel 8 Bow to the King
• 1 Samuel 13:16-23 A Helpless People
• 1 Samuel 13:9-15 Acting Without God
• 1 Samuel 14:47–52 Saul’s Successes
• 1 Samuel 14:36–46 Exposing the Sin
• 1 Samuel 14:31-35 The Sin of the Famished
• 1 Samuel 14:24-30 Saul “Troubles the Land”
• 1 Samuel 14:16-23 The Lord Saves Israel
• 1 Samuel 14:1–15 The Faith of Jonathan
• 1 Samuel 15:30-35 The Abandoned King
• 1 Samuel 15:24-29 A False Repentance
• 1 Samuel 15:17-23 The Good and the Better
• 1 Samuel 15:10-16 The Grief of God
• 1 Samuel 15:1-9 Vengeance on Amalek
• 1 Samuel 16 David’s Anointing
• 1 Samuel 16:1–13 God Chooses Israel’s King
• 1 Samuel 16:1-13 The Heart of the Man
• 1 Samuel 16:14–23 The Influence of Music
• 1 Samuel 16:14-23 Spiritual Transformations
• 1 Samuel 17 David and Goliath
• 1 Samuel 17 David’s Emergence
• 1 Samuel 18:6-16 The Price of Fame
• 1 Samuel 20 David’s Great Friendship
• 1 Samuel 21:1–9 David and Ahimelech
• 1 Samuel 22 David Hood
• 1 Samuel 22 David Hood - different
• 1 Samuel 25 When Anger Destroys
• 1 Samuel 25 David’s Restraint
• 1 Samuel 25 When Anger Destroys

PENINSULA BIBLE CHURCH

• 1 Samuel - A King Crowned - False King - Steve Zeisler
• 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Luke 1:46-55 Hannah and Mary Scott Grant 
• 1 Samuel 15:1-35 A Failed Hero Paul Taylor
• 1 Samuel 16:1-23 Times of Transition Andy Burnham 
• 1 Samuel 17:1-58 Defeating the Giant Paul Taylor 
• 1 Samuel 18:1-30 Soul to Soul Scott Grant 
• 1 Samuel 19:1-24 Great Escapes Scott Grant 
• 1 Samuel 20:1-42 Loyalty of a Traitor Paul Taylor
• 1 Samuel 21:1-15 No Ordinary Journey Scott Grant
• 1 Samuel 22:1-23 Inside the Cave Scott Grant 
• 1 Samuel 23:1-29, 1 Samuel 24:1-22 Into Whose Hands Paul Taylor 
• 1 Samuel 25:1-44 Almost Foolish Paul Taylor
• 1 Samuel 26:1-25 Night Mission Scott Grant
• 1 Samuel 27:1-12 Can You Trust Your Heart? Scott Grant 
• 1 Samuel 28:1-25 Anatomy of a Storm Andy Burnham
• 1 Samuel 29:1-11 Undercover Dilemma Paul Taylor 
• 1 Samuel 30:1-31 The King's Symphony Scott Grant
• 1 Samuel 31:1-13 A Wasted Life Scott Grant 

JOHN STARKE

• 1 Samuel 3 -  “Let Him Do What Seems Good to Him”

RAY STEDMAN

• 1 Samuel - The Death of the Flesh
• 1 Samuel - The Flesh and the Spirit: First Samuel

JOHN STEVENSON

• 1 Samuel - Sermons

CHUCK SWINDOLL

• David : a man of passion & destiny : Bible study guide - 213 pages -  Borrow
• David : a man of passion & destiny : profiles in character - 304 pages (Different from resource above) - Borrow 

DEREK THOMAS - sermons 

• 1 Samuel 1:1-28  Lord: Give to Me So That I Can Give Back to You
• 1 Samuel 2:1-11 Rejoicing in the Lord  Derek W. H. Thomas
• 1 Samuel 2:12-36 When Children Let You Down
• 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Here I Am, Lord Derek W. H. Thomas
• 1 Samuel 4:1b-22  Boxed-up Theology
• 1 Samuel 5:1-12 Is God Safe? 
• 1 Samuel 6:1-7:2 Do Not Touch!
• 1 Samuel 7:3-17  Here I Raise My Ebenezer
• 1 Samuel 8:1-22  We Want to Be Like Everyone Else 
• 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16  You Never Know What You Might Find When You Go Off Looking for Your Lost Donkey 
• 1 Samuel 10:17-27  Long Live the King
• 1 Samuel 11:1-15 Battle Stations
• 1 Samuel 13:1-23 The Fool
• 1 Samuel 14:1-23 Jonathan- a Portrait of a Godly Man
• 1 Samuel 14:24-46 Hasty Oath of No Tasty Food

J ROBERT VANNOY

• Scroll down to 1 Samuel - Vannoy has 4 Transcribed Lectures 4

ALEXANDER WHYTE'S Dictionary of Bible Characters in First Samuel

• Eli
• Hannah
• Samuel
• Saul
• Michal, Saul's Daughter
• Nabal 
• Jonathan

JOHN C J WAITE

• Introduction to 1 Samuel - 11 pages

JOHN WHITCOMB AND JOHN J. DAVIS  - Borrow - well done chapter summaries

• Israel: from conquest to exile : a commentary on Joshua-2 Kings - Saul: A Rejected King - see pages 212-222

WILLARD W WINTER - Church of Christ

• Studies in 1 & 2 Samuel - over 600 pages - brief chapter summaries with questions

VERSE BY VERSE
RESOURCES ON FIRST SAMUEL

STEVE ZEISLER

• 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10 I Asked The Lord For Him

IVOR POWELL

• 1 Samuel 1:12-14 When You Are Misjudged or Falsely Accused, Remember 1 Samuel

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 1:27

JAMES SMITH

• 1 Samuel 1:27 Hannah or the Power of Prayer

J R MILLER

• 1 Samuel 1:21-23 Christian Motherhood

RAY STEDMAN

• 1 Samuel 1 Prayer's Fruitfulness

J. HAMPTON KEATHLEY, III

• 1 Samuel 1 A Woman's Supplication Brings Blessing to a Nation

JOHN MACARTHUR

• See this link for all offerings on 1 Samuel (including blogs)
• 1 Samuel 1-2 How to be a Godly Mother
• 1 Samuel 1-2 Profile of a Godly Mother
• 1 Samuel - Casting Your Cares on God
• 1 Samuel 1:11, 2:1-10, Lk 1:41-55 Mary's Magnificat
• 1 Samuel 2:22-29 Eli and Passive Parenting
• 1 Samuel Hannah: A Godly Mother

GENE BROOKS

• 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 A Mother Named Hannah
• 1 Samuel 2:12-17 Eli: The Father Who Would not say no
• 1 Samuel 3 Raising Young Samuels

C H SPURGEON

ROBERT MORGAN

• 1 Samuel 3 Vacuums: The First Principle of Leadership
• 1 Samuel 3 If God Can Use This Boy, He Can Use You!

WIL POUNDS

• 1 Samuel 3:10 Speak Lord, for Your Servant Listen

OSWALD CHAMBERS

• 1 Samuel 3:10 The Devotion of Hearing

JAMES HASTINGS

• 1 Samuel 3:10 The Call of Samuel (24 pages)

IVOR POWELL

• 1 Samuel 3:10 When You Can't Sleep, Remember Samuel
• 1 Samuel 3:8-10 Samuel the Boy Who Saved a Nation

OSWALD CHAMBERS

• 1 Samuel 3:15 The Dilemma of Obedience

JOHN MACDUFF

• 1 Samuel 4:12-18 A Troubled Sunset

ROBERT MORGAN

• 1 Samuel 7: Glancing Backward, Facing Forward

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 7:12

JAMES HASTINGS

• 1 Samuel 7:12 The Stone of Help (Ebenezer) (16 pages)

GENE BROOKS

• 1 Samuel 7:2-14 Ebenezer

See Also

• American Tract Society Ebenezer
• Holman Bible Dictionary Ebenezer
• Morrish Bible Dictionary Ebenezer
• Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Ebenezer
• Watson's Theological Dictionary Ebenezer

DAVID ROPER

• 1 Samuel 8-12 Saul: His Election To The Throne

JAMES SMITH

• 1 Samuel 9:7 Saul's Question Improved

DON FORTNER

• 1 Samuel 9:27 Christ Our Great Savior and King

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 9 Exposition
• 1 Samuel 10 Exposition
• 1 Samuel 12 Exposition
• 1 Samuel 10:6
• 1 Samuel 13:20
• 1 Samuel 14:27
• 1 Samuel 15:22

J ROBERT VANNOY

• 1 Samuel 11:14-12:25 Covenant Renewal at Gilgal - this is a massive work (very technical and probably not that practical) - 279 page Pdf!

JOHN PIPER

• 1 Samuel 12:1-25 The Sinful Origin of the Son of David
• 1 Samuel 12:22 The Pleasure of God in His Name

JAMES SMITH

• 1 Samuel 14:6 Probability

OCTAVIUS WINSLOW

• 1 Samuel 14:26, 27 Honey in the Wilderness

DAVID ROPER

• 1 Sam 13-15 Saul: His Deflection From The Course

JOHN PIPER

• 1 Samuel 15:22-23 The Pleasure of God in Obedience

JEREMIAH JOHNSON

• 1 Samuel 15 - Hacking Agag to Pieces

ROBERT MORGAN

• 1 Samuel 15:22-23 The Peril Of Incomplete Obedience

KEITH GREEN - his pithy song on this famous verse

• 1 Samuel 15:23 - To Obey is Better than Sacrifice - Listen to this one dear follower of Christ! And then obey in the power of the Spirit (Ro 8:13).

ROBERT CHISHOLM

• 1 Samuel 15:28 Does God Change His Mind?

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

• 1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 10 David Becomes Israel’s King

JOHN MACARTHUR

• 1 Samuel 16:7 Leadership 101
• 1 Samuel 16:7 Nothing Safe About Secret Sin
• 1 Samuel 16:7 Counterfeit Sanctification
• 1 Samuel 16:7 The Heart of True Ethics
• 1 Samuel 16:7 Appearance is Everything
• Matthew 7:13-14; 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 18:15-20 How should we act toward those who profess to be Christians but seem indifferent to spiritual things?

GRACE GEMS

• 1 Samuel 16:23 Human Remedies

DAVID ROPER

• 1 Samuel 17:1-49 David and Goliath

ROBERT MORGAN

• 1 Samuel 17:38-39 Verses That Have Helped Me In Preaching

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 17:47 The Battle is the Lord's - Sermon Notes
• 1 Samuel 17:37
• 1 Samuel 18:17
• 1 Samuel 18 Exposition
• 1 Samuel 18:3, 20:17 Love Plighting Troth - Sermon Notes

J R MILLER

• 1 Samuel 17:50-51 We must hew our Agags to pieces!

COVENANT STUDY

• 1 Samuel 17-18 Covenant: Exchanging of Robes - Symbolism of the Covenant Between Jonathan and David
• 1 Samuel 18 Covenant: Withholding Nothing - Symbolism of the Covenant Between Jonathan and David
• 1 Samuel 19 Covenant: Exchange of Armor- Symbolism of the Covenant Between Jonathan and David

DAVID ROPER

• 1 Samuel 18-20, 23 - Jonathan and David

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 20 Exposition

ROGER ELLSWORTH

• 1 Samuel 20 When God's Arrows Fall Beyond Us: God's Strange Providence

ROBERT MORGAN

• 1 Samuel 21 What Time I Am Afraid

JOHN PIPER

• 1 Samuel 23:15-18 Strengthen Each Other's Hands in God

ADRIAN ROGERS

• 1 Samuel 24 How to Behave in a Cave

CAMERON BUETTEL

• 1 Samuel 24:10 Ps 105:15 Frequently Abused Verses: Did God Forbid us to Critique or Criticize Church Leaders?

ROBERT GORDON

• 1 Samuel 24-26 David's Rise and Saul's Demise

DAVID ROPER

• 1 Samuel 25 David And Abigail

JAMES SMITH

• 1 Samuel 25:32-33 Abigail or the Power of Prudence
• 1 Samuel 27:6 David Recovered All

JOHN MACDUFF

• 1 Samuel 25:1 Sunset on Ramah

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 27:1

STEPHEN DEMPSTER

• 1 Samuel 28 What’s Up with the Witch of Endor?

ROBERT MORGAN

• 1 Samuel 28 The Witch Of Endor
• 1 Samuel 30 The ABCs of Leadership

GRACE GEMS

• 1 Samuel 28:5-7 Divine Silence and Human Despair

C H SPURGEON

• 1 Samuel 30 Exposition
• 1 Samuel 30:20 David's Spoil - Sermon Notes
• 1 Samuel 30:13

JOHN MACARTHUR

• 1 Samuel 31:8-13 What does the Bible say about cremation?
• Related Resource from Gotquestions - What does the Bible say about cremation? Should Christians be cremated?
• Related Resource from Gotquestions - Is burial the only option a Christian can consider?

NET BIBLE NOTES
1 Samuel

Synchronizes with Thomas Constable's Notes

ROBERT NEIGHBOUR
1 Samuel

PHIL NEWTON
Sermons on 1 Samuel
South Woods Baptist Church

JAMES NISBET
Church Pulpit Commentary
1 Samuel

OUR DAILY BREAD
Devotional Illustrations

Updated August 1, 2017

• See Also On Site 1 Samuel Devotionals - Our Daily Bread

JOSEPH PARKER
1 Samuel

• Index
• Handfuls of Purpose
• Selected Notes

Joseph Parker - People's Bible - Rosscup: This work, later called Preaching Through the Bible (Baker Book House), is rich in its applications and exhortations, though often not particularly helpful for the reader who is looking for exposition that stays right with the text. Treatment of the texts is sermonic. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)

PASTOR LIFE
Sermons
Book of 1 Samuel

Title	Book/Chapter/Verse	Subject	Author
Standing Tall, Falling Hard	1 Samuel	Saul; Patience; Humility; Obedience	Mark Adams
Mother's Helper - Mother's Day	1 Samuel 1	Mother; Mother's Day; Faith; Prayer; Hope	J. Mike Minnix
A Tribute To Mothers	1 Samuel 1	Mother; Mother's Day	J. Gerald Harris
A Fresh Look at Hannah's Gift	1 Samuel 1:26-28	Mother's Day; Family; Mother	Bobby F. Atkins
Marriage and Mentoring	1 Samuel 2:22-25	Children; Parenting	Ernest L. Easley
How Will The Church Survive: A Call To Christian Parenting	1 Samuel 3:1-10	Parenting; Church Life; Families; Home; Children	Gary Barber
Here I Raise My Ebenezer	1 Samuel 7:1-12	Memory; Remembering; Memorial Day	David E. Owen
The Danger of Disobedience	1 Samuel 15	Disobedience; Judgment; Pride; Repentance; Confession	J. Mike Minnix
Facing The Giants In Your Life	1 Samuel 17	New Year; Courage; Giants, Facing	Sammy Burgess
David and Goliath	1 Samuel 17	Victory; Faith; Giants, Overcoming	Paul E. Brown
In the Land of Giants	1 Samuel 17	Problems; Goliath; Giants	Jerry N. Watts
The Power of One	1 Samuel 17:33	Significance; Dedication	J. Mike Minnix
Thy Love To Me Is Wonderful	1 Samuel 18:1-4	Love, God's	Donnie L. Martin
Playing The Fool (See Sermon by same title by G C Morgan)	1 Samuel 26:21	Fool; Foolish	Paul E. Brown
Staying By The Stuff	1 Samuel 30:24	Faithfulness	David E. Owen

ROD MATTOON
1 SAMUEL COMMENTARY

• 1 Samuel Commentary - RECOMMENDED - 616 pages - Go to page for list of multiple illustrations on page 596

PETER PETT
1 Samuel Commentary

A W PINK
The Life of David
(critique)

MATTHEW POOLE
1 Samuel Commentary

PREACHER'S COMPLETE HOMILETICAL
Commentary
2 Samuel

Various Authors (1884)

RAY PRITCHARD
Sermons on 1 Samuel

PULPIT COMMENTARY
1 Samuel

• Introduction (Archive Book Reader)

BOB ROE
Studies on the Life of David
Peninsula Bible Church

• Click Bob Roe's Studies on Life of David in 2 Samuel

ROB SALVATO
Sermon Notes 1 Samuel

Calvary Chapel, Vista, California

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY
1 Samuel

CHARLES SIMEON
Sermons 1 Samuel

John Piper says that Horae Homileticae "is the best place to go for researching Simeon's theology. You can find his views on almost every key text in the Bible. He did not want to be labeled a Calvinist or an Arminian. He wanted to be Biblical through and through and give every text its due proportion, whether it sounded Arminian as it stands or Calvinistic. But he was known as an evangelical Calvinist, and rightly so. As I have read portions of his sermons on texts concerning election and effectual calling and perseverance he is uninhibited in his affirmation of what we would call the doctrines of grace....What Simeon experienced in the word was remarkable. And it is so utterly different from the counsel that we receive today that it is worth looking at." (Brothers, We Must Not Mind a Little Suffering) (Bolding added)

• Click for sermons below all on one page

CHUCK SMITH
1 Samuel Sermon Notes
Calvary Chapel

• 1 Samuel 1:15 Pouring Out Your Soul -- Click 1 Samuel 1:15
• 1 Samuel 1:17-19 When God's Delays to Answer -- Click 1 Samuel 1:17-19
• 1 Samuel 2:9 Hannah Barren, Prays, Vows, Answered -- Click 1 Samuel 2:9-10
• 1 Samuel 4:3 The Folly of Religion -- Click 1 Samuel 4:3
• 1 Samuel 4:21 Ichabod -- Click 1 Samuel 4:21
• 1 Samuel 7:12 Facing the New Year -- Click 1 Samuel 7:12
• 1 Samuel 7:12 The Ebenezer Stone -- Click 1 Samuel 7:12
• 1 Samuel 7:12c The Ebenezer Stone -- Click 1 Samuel 7:12
• 1 Samuel 10:6-7 The Spirit Filled Life -- Click 1 Samuel 10:6-7
• 1 Samuel 10:26 Hearts Touched by God -- Click 1 Samuel 10:26
• 1 Samuel 12:13 Thou Art the Man -- Click 1 Samuel 12:13
• 1 Samuel 12:22-23 The Sin of Prayerlessness -- Click 1 Samuel 12:22-23
• 1 Samuel 12:23 The Sin of Not Praying -- Click 1 Samuel 12:23
• 1 Samuel 13:14 God's Search -- Click 1 Samuel 13:14
• 1 Samuel 13:14 The Man God Seeks -- Click 1 Samuel 13:14
• 1 Samuel 15:1-3 Utterly Destroyed -- Click 1 Samuel 15:1-3
• 1 Samuel 17:3-37 The Giant Killer -- Click 1 Samuel 17:36-37
• 1 Samuel 17:45-47 God's Salvation -- Click 1 Samuel 17:45-47
• 1 Samuel 20:3 One Step from Eternity -- Click 1 Samuel 20:3
• 1 Samuel 20:7 Turned Into Another Man -- Click 1 Samuel 20:6-7
• 1 Samuel 21:10-12 Trapped by Fear -- Click 1 Samuel 21:10-12
• 1 Samuel 26:21 Playing the Fool -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21 (See Sermon by same title by G C Morgan)
• 1 Samuel 26:21 I Have Played the Fool -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21
• 1 Samuel 26:21b I Have Played the Fool -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21
• 1 Samuel 26:21c I Have Played the Fool -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21
• 1 Samuel 26:21 -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21
• 1 Samuel 26:21 Playing the Fool -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21 (See Sermon by same title by G C Morgan)
• 1 Samuel 26:21g Then Saul Said -- Click 1 Samuel 26:21
• 1 Samuel 28:1ff When God Stops Speaking -- Click 1 Samuel 28:6
• 1 Samuel 30:6 Encourage Yourself in the Lord -- Click 1 Samuel 30:6
• 1 Samuel 30:6b David Encouraged Himself -- Click 1 Samuel 30:6
• 1 Samuel 30:20 David's Spoil -- Click 1 Samuel 30:20

1 Samuel

• C2000 Series on 1 Samuel 1-10
• C2000 Series on 1 Samuel 11-16
• C2000 Series on 1 Samuel 17-25
• C2000 Series on 1 Samuel 26-31

Notes below similar to C2000 Series

C. H. SPURGEON
All of Spurgeon's
Sermons on 1 Samuel

C H SPURGEON
1 Samuel Devotionals

Morning and Evening, Faith's Checkbook

JOHN STEVENSON
Studies in 1 Samuel

SERMONS ON 1 SAMUEL
OLDER EXPOSITIONS

Only Chapter 1 Complete Click For Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:1ff

A Hebrew Family	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:1-8
Anomalies of Providence	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:2-7
Childless Parents	A. Whyte, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:2-7
Hannah the Matron	T. Guthrie, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:2-7
Polygamy not Primeval	Argyll, Unity of Nature.	1 Samuel 1:2-7
The Folly of Polygamy	T. E. Redwar, M. A.	1 Samuel 1:2-7
The Lord of Hosts	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:3, 11
A Religious Use of Annoyance	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:7
Hannah	W. Jay.	1 Samuel 1:7
Provocations in Domestic Life	H. W. Beecher.	1 Samuel 1:7
The House of God	Helen Plumptre.	1 Samuel 1:7
Womanly Endurance	F. W. Robertson.	1 Samuel 1:7
The Temple of the Lord	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:9
The Lord of Hosts	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:3, 11
Effectual Prayer	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:9-13
God Sought in Trouble	Helen Plumptre.	1 Samuel 1:10-11
Prayer At the Point of Agony	Joseph Parker, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:10-11
The Success of Hannah's Prayer, and the Reasons for It	Dean Goulburn.	1 Samuel 1:10-11
About Setting Our Hearts Upon Things	Dean Goulburn.	1 Samuel 1:11
Vows	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:11
Hannah as a Worshipper	J. S. Exell, M. A.	1 Samuel 1:13
Prayer in the Heart	The Quiver.	1 Samuel 1:13
Effectual Prayer	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:9-13
Christian Charity in Estimating Others	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	1 Samuel 1:13-17
Hannah	W. Jay.	1 Samuel 1:13-17
Mistaken Judgment	Helen Plumptre.	1 Samuel 1:13-17
Of the Sinfulness of Rash Judgments	Dean Goulburn.	1 Samuel 1:13-17
On Judging Others	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:13-17
Harsh Judgment Meekly Answered	D. Fraser	1 Samuel 1:13-18
Undeserved Rebuke	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:13-18
A Woman of a Sorrowful Spirit	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	1 Samuel 1:15-16
Hannah's Gracious Disposition	C. Ness.	1 Samuel 1:15-16
Specific Objects in Prayer	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	1 Samuel 1:17
Early Morning Prayer		1 Samuel 1:19
Samuel's Birth and Infancy	B. Dale	1 Samuel 1:19-28
Early Training of Children	G. B. Ryley.	1 Samuel 1:23
The Father Must Take His Part in the Spiritual Culture of Children	G. B. Ryley.	1 Samuel 1:23
Of Infant Baptism and of Childlike Children	Dean Goulburn.	1 Samuel 1:24-28
The Duty of Presenting Children to God in the Way of Religious Education	D. Wilson.	1 Samuel 1:24-28
A Prayer and its Issue	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
A Praying Mother	R. R. Booth, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
A Praying Mother	Monday Club Sermons	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Asked and Heard of the Lord	G. B. Ryley.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Children and Cheapness	J. H. Hollowell.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Hannah	W. Jay.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Obtaining the Greatly Desired	H. O. Mackey.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Parentage and Piety	R. Steele.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Prayer Answered	Helen Plumptre.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Prayer Answered	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Prayer Exemplified in the Case of Hannah	T. E. Hankinson, M. A.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
Spiritual Transmutations	J. P. Gledstone.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
The Duty of Intercessory Prayer	H. Richard.	1 Samuel 1:27-28
A Mother's Formative Influence on the Characters of Her Children	Footsteps of Truth.	1 Samuel 1:28
Samuel, the Child-Christian	C. H. Parkhurst, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:28
The Connection Between God and Children to be Cultivated	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:28
The Dedication of Samuel	T. Guthrie, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:28
Vows Fulfilled	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	1 Samuel 1:28

THIRD MILLENNIUM
STUDY NOTES
1 SAMUEL

These are the old notes and may load slowly so be patient...

Outline & References

• Structural Outline
• References and Related Resources

Notes on the Text

Chapter 1

• Eli and Samuel: God's Preparations for Kingship - 1 Samuel 1:1-7:17
• Samuel's Miraculous Birth - 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10
• Hannah's Predicament - 1 Samuel 1:1-20
• Hannah's Promise - 1 Samuel 1:21-28

Chapter 2

• Hannah's Praise - 1 Samuel 2:1-10
• Samuel Rises as Eli and His Sons Fall - 1 Samuel 2:11-7:17
• Divine Presence at Shiloh - 1 Samuel 2:11-21
• Evil at Shiloh: Eli's Sons - 1 Samuel 2:11-17
• Blessings at Shiloh: Samuel - 1 Samuel 2:18-21
• In Disapproval and Approval - 1 Samuel 2:22-26
• Disapproval of Eli's Sons - 1 Samuel 2:22-25
• Approval of Samuel - 1 Samuel 2:26
• Divine Judgment and Blessing - 1 Samuel 2:27-4:1
• Eli and His Sons are Judged - 1 Samuel 2:27-36

Chapter 3

• Samuel is Called and Blessed - 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1

Chapter 4

• In Conflict With the Philistines - 1 Samuel 4:1-7:17
• The Ark: Its Loss - 1 Samuel 4:1-22

Chapter 5

• The Ark: Its Curses on the Philistines - 1 Samuel 5:1-12

Chapter 6

• The Ark: Its Return - 1 Samuel 6:1-7:1

Chapter 7

• Samuel Leads to Victory - 1 Samuel 7:2-17

Chapter 8

• Samuel and Saul: Saul's Rise and His Failed Kingship - 1 Samuel 8:1-15:35
• Saul's Rise to King - 1 Samuel 8:1-12:25
• God's Granting of a King - 1 Samuel 8:1-22
• Human Kingship: Was it wrong to have a human king?

Chapter 9

• Saul Becomes King - 1 Samuel 9:1-11:15
• Saul's Private Anointing - 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16

Chapter 10

• Saul's Public Selection by Lot - 1 Samuel 10:17-27

Chapter 11

• Saul's Rescue of Jabesh Gilead - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

Chapter 12

• Samuel Warns and Encourages Israel - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

Chapter 13

• Saul's Failure as King - 1 Samuel 13:1-15:35
• Rejection: Saul Offers Sacrifices - 1 Samuel 13:1-22

Chapter 14

• Saul: His Deficient Character - 1 Samuel 14:1-46
• Saul: His Deficient Military Accomplishments - 1 Samuel 14:47-52

Chapter 15

• Rejection: Saul Did Not Destroy the Amalekites - 1 Samuel 15:1-35

Chapter 16

• Saul and David: David's Rise and Saul's Fall - 1 Samuel 16:1-2 Samuel 1:27
• David's Success and Troubles in Saul's Service - 1 Samuel 16:1-18:30
• David's Anointing - 1 Samuel 16:1-23

Chapter 17

• David Defeats Goliath - 1 Samuel 17:1-18:5

Chapter 18

• David and His Tens of Thousands - 1 Samuel 18:6-16
• David, the Lord is With Him - 1 Samuel 18:17-30

Chapter 19

• David Flees From Saul - 1 Samuel 19:1-22:5
• David's Initial Flight - 1 Sam. 19:1-10
• David Aided by Michal - 1 Samuel 19:11-17
• David Aided by Samuel - 1 Samuel 19:18-24

Chapter 20

• David Aided by Jonathan - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

Chapter 21

• David Aided by Ahimelech - 1 Samuel 21:1-9
• David Aided by Achish - 1 Samuel 21:10-15

Chapter 22

• David Aided by the King of Moab and by Gad - 1 Samuel 22:1-5
• David's Innocence and Saul's Guilt - 1 Samuel 22:6-2 Samuel 1:27
• Toward Other Israelites - 1 Samuel 22:6-23:6
• Saul Kills the Priests at Nob - 1 Samuel 22:6-23

Chapter 23

• David Protects Keila - 1 Samuel 23:1-6
• Toward Each Other - 1 Samuel 23:7-26:25
• David Barely Escapes Saul - 1 Samuel 23:7-29

Chapter 24

• David Spares Saul for the First Time - 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Chapter 25

• David Kept From Bloodguilt - 1 Samuel 25:1-44

Chapter 26

• David Spares Saul a Second Time - 1 Samuel 26:1-25

Chapter 27

• Toward the Philistines - 1 Samuel 27:1-2 Samuel 1:27
• David Fools the Philistines - 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2

Chapter 28

• Saul's Fear of the Philistines - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Chapter 29

• David Is Feared and Victorious - 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31
• Achish Sends David Back to Ziklag - 1 Samuel 29:1-11

Chapter 30

• David Destroys the Amalekites - 1 Samuel 30:1-31

Chapter 31

• Saul and His Sons Die - 1 Samuel 31:1-13

DAVID THOMPSON
1 SAMUEL
SERMONS

These are Pdf's about 5-6 pages each - 391 pages for 1 Samuel 1-31 - on last page of each Pdf are application points to ponder -- for audio click here - 

TODAY IN THE WORD
1 Samuel Devotionals
Devotionals on Every Chapter

JOHN TRAPP
1 Samuel Commentary

BOB UTLEY
1 Samuel Commentary

DANIEL WHEDON
1 Samuel Commentary

CLASSIC COMMENTARIES
ISRAEL'S THEOCRACY
SAMUEL-CHRONICLES

• Be a Berean with these older works - Acts 17:11+

The Books of Chronicles by James G. Murphy Publication Date: 1880 Pages: 164

Expositionally examining the books of Chronicles as a prelude to the New Testament, James G. Murphy provides comprehensive studies on the scope of the text and its relationship to the Pentateuch under the law. Murphy offers thorough analysis of the literary composition and distinguishing characteristics of the text—while relying on extra-biblical sources for clarification on events.

Far beyond anything indicated by the small price of this work is its exceeding value for thoroughness of verbal exposition, exegetical criticism, and homiletic suggestiveness.—Baptist magazine

. . . it contains a vast amount of information, which ministers, Sunday-school teachers, and Bible classes may turn to good account.—Christian World

James G. Murphy was professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Assembly’s College and the author of numerous books, including The Elements of Hebrew Grammar, The Human Mind, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Genesis, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Exodus, with a New Translation, and A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Leviticus.

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The Books of Chronicles in Relation to the Pentateuch and the “Higher Criticism” by A. C. Hervey Publication Date: 1892 Pages: 184

Originally delivered as a series of five lectures before the Society for Promoting Higher Education, A. C. Hervey provides concise commentary covering authenticity, scope, and application of the text. Hervey seeks to relay the inherent connection between Chronicles and the Pentateuch with regard for the law and redemption. The author emphasizes the reoccurring themes of apostasy and reconciliation throughout the text.

A. C. Hervey (1808–1894) was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge before being ordained. Hervey went on to become bishop of Bath and Wells during his life of clerical work.

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The Chronicles by Richard G. Moulton Publication Date: 1901 Pages: 300

Covering in detail the genealogy and history covered in the books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, Richard G. Moulton’s exposition emphasizes on the restoration of Israel. Moulton expresses the importance of the Chronicles in understanding Israel’s historical relationship with Yahweh under the law.

In view of the significance and possible results of Professor Moulton’s undertaking, it is not too much to pronounce it one of the most important spiritual and literary events of the times.—The Outlook

Unquestionable here is a task worth carrying out: and it is to be said at once that Dr. Moulton has carried it out with great skill and helpfulness. Both the introduction and the notes are distinct contributions to the better understanding and higher appreciation of the literary character, features, and beauties of the Biblical books treated. —The Presbyterians and Reformed Review

Richard G. Moulton (1849–1924) was professor of English literature at the University of Chicago. Moulton was born in England and educated as a lawyer before immigrating to America.

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An Apparatus Criticus to Chronicles in the Peshitta Version with a Discussion of the Value of the Codex Ambrosianus by W. E. Barnes Publication Date: 1897 Pages: 104

Concisely examining the Peshitta (Syriac Vulgate) with regard for semantic variation and omission, W. E. Barnes provides verse-by-verse elucidation of the text. Barnes seeks to convey the inherent purpose of the text—while noting several instances of textual substitution and mistranslation. The author draws upon the Jacobite MS, Florentine MS, Peshitta, Septuagint, and Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for semantic comparison.

W. E. Barnes (1859–1939) was fellow and chaplain of Peterhouse, Hulsean Professor of divinity, and examining chaplain to the bishop of London. His other works include The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: The Two Books of the Kings.

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The Books of the Chronicles by R. Kittel Publication Date: 1895 Pages: 90

Examining the composition of the English translation based on the reconstruction of the original Hebrew, R. Kittel provides critical examination of the text with regard for semantic interpretation and historical context. Kittel draws upon the Masoretic Text, LXX, Targum manuscripts, Peshita, and Latin Vulgate in order to draw conclusions on semantic variation and omission. He incorporates views from the early Church Fathers in order to provide further clarification on key topics.

. . . it is not only valuable, but indispensable.—The London Quarterly Review

R. Kittel (1853–1929) was educated at Tübingen University before becoming professor of Old Testament at the University of Leipzeig.

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The First and Second Books of Chronicles by A. Hughes-Games Publication Date: 1902 Pages: 240

Viewing the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles as an aggregate of compiled history, A. Hughes-Games offers in-depth exposition of the text from historical context—while looking at the original compilation of the books in the Septuagint. Following an extensive introduction to the text covering literary composition, canonical positioning, semantic variations, and questions of authenticity, A. Hughes-Games moves verse-by-verse while offering clarification of critical points.

A. Hughes-Games was venerable archdeacon of Holy Trinity Church, Hull.

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The Chronicle of Man, or, The Genealogies in the Book of Chronicles Viewed as Foreshadowing the Purpose of the Ages by F. M. Fearnley Publication Date: 1875 Pages: 288

F. M. Fearnley’s The Chronicle of Man, or The Genealogies in the Book of Chronicles Viewed as Foreshadowing the Purpose of the Ages provides exegesis on the genealogies found in 1 Chronicles within historical context. Fearnley critically examines the lineage as a key part of understanding biblical history.

F. M. Fearnley is also the author of The Bread of God, This Life and the Life to Come, and Elijah and Elisha.

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The Parallel Histories of Judah and Israel, vol. 1 & 2 Author: Maximilian Geneste Publication Date: 1843 (654 pages)

Volume 1 - Examining the intimated relationship and history between Israel and Judah, Maximilian Geneste provides extensive commentary on the composition and arrangement of the text, historical context, and elucidation of reiterated motifs. Offering direct interpretation through semantics, Geneste seeks to convey the spiritual state of Israel and Judah during this period of time. Volume one covers the text from the reign of Rehoboam until the fall of Jerusalem.

Volume 2 - Examining the intimated relationship and history between Israel and Judah, Maximilian Geneste provides extensive commentary on the composition and arrangement of the text, historical context, and elucidation of reiterated motifs. Offering direct interpretation through semantics, Geneste seeks to convey the spiritual state of Israel and Judah during this period of time. Volume two covers the fall of Jerusalem until the Lamentations of Jeremiah.

Maximilian Geneste was the minister of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Isle of Wight. Geneste is the author of several titles including A Glance into the Kingdom of Grace and Christ in the Wilderness. Geneste died on July 27, 1860. (All notes from Logos.com)

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Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Books of Kings by C. F. Burney Publication Date: 1903 (444 pages)

Focusing on providing exegetical commentary on the books of Kings, C. F. Burney's Notes on the Hebrew Test of the Books of Kings offers textual criticism, hermeneutic and presuppositional interpretation, and semantic analysis of the text. Looking at the Old Testament parallels throughout the text, Burney delineates the importance of idiomatic and colloquial use of language throughout the books.

C. F. Burney (1868–1925) was educated at Merchant Taylors' School and at St. John's College, Oxford. Burney went on to become Oriel Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at Oxford. He was also Canon of Rochester and Fellow of St. John Baptist's College in Oxford. He was the author of several titles including Outlines of Old Testament Theology, Israel's Settlement in Canaan, The Aramaic Origin of the Fourth Gospel, and The Poetry of Our Lord.

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Expository Readings on the Books of Kings by John Cumming Publication Date: 1859

Fully illustrating the books of Kings, John Cumming's Expository Readings on the Books of Kings offers easy to understand commentary within an exegetical framework. Cumming provides textual criticism, hermeneutics, and exposition of the text, while focusing on practical application of key themes.

Comment - Interesting - seems to have a devotional quality.

John Cumming (1807–1881) was an influential and renowned preacher of the National Scottish Church in Covent Garden. He published approximately 180 books in his lifetime. In 1832, Cumming was appointed to the Crown Court Church in Covent Garden, London, a Church of Scotland congregation that catered for Scots living in London. At the time, the congregation had approximately 80 members, but Cumming was able to grow his congregation to around 900, and he regularly preached to congregations of 500-600 on Sundays. Some of his views on eschatology are questionable at best. 

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The Mystery of the Kingdom: Traced Through the Four Books of Kings by  Andrew J. Jukes Publication Date: 1884

Originally delivered as a series of lectures on the books of Samuel and Kings, Andrew J. Jukes offers valuable exegesis, while focusing on the difficult transition from theocracy to monarchy. Jukes distinguishes between use of literal and figurative language within the text, and seeks to elucidate the inherent meaning within the passages.

The book is remarkable as an effort to substantiate the fact of a developmental process in prophecy and revelation, the principle laid down being that God invariably adapts Himself to the condition of those whom He addresses; and the point is aptly and ingeniously illustrated in many ways . . . we have found it to be effective and interesting.—The British Quarterly Review

This classic on 1 Kings is organized as follows:

Introduction. On the Existence and Principle of a Mystic Sense.
I. The General Character of the Books of Kings
II. The Steps Which Led to a King
III. The Steps Which Led to a King (continued)
IV. The Respective Characters of the First Two Kings
V. The Causes of God’s Rejection of the First King
VI. The Relative Position of the First Two Kings, From the Rejection Until the Death of Saul
VII. Various Estimates of David, During the Reign of Saul

Andrew J. Jukes (1815–1901) was a prolific author and clergyman educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was an English minister and theologian, who left the Anglican church to join the Plymouth Brethren, and finally to found an independent chapel in Hull.His other major works include The Law of the Offerings, The Restitution of All Things, Four Views of Christ, and The Differences of the Four Gospels. Among those influenced by Jukes was Hudson Taylor

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The Kings by Richard G. Moulton Publication Date: 1896 (308 pages)

The Kings contains succinct explanation and clarification on textual arrangement, parallel motifs and figurative language, chronological sequence, and the scope of the text. Intended as an aid for historical interpretation, Richard G. Moulton's commentary provides useful clarity for clergy and laymen alike.

The volume contains a valuable introduction to the book as a piece of literature, and notes are added when necessary. Professor Moulton brings to this work unusual gifts and experience as scholar, teacher, and writer; genuine literary feeling which has been cultivated by close study. Here is not only a "well of English undefiled," but books written in such strong and simple language that a child can understand them. A copy of this edition should be in every family, and we are persuaded it would not remain unread.—The Protestant Episcopal Review

Richard G. Moulton (1849–1924) was Professor of English Literature at the University of Chicago. Moulton was born in England and educated at Cambridge as a lawyer before immigrating to America—later receiving a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of over 30 titles including Shakespeare as a Dramatic Artist, The Literary Study of the Bible, World Literature and Its Place in General Culture, and The Ancient Classical Drama.

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Notes on 1 Kings: James Davies Publication Date: 1872

Stating that the books of First and Second Kings were originally compiled together and should be viewed as a single narrative, James Davies' Notes on 1 Kings provides explication of the purpose, composition, authorship, and the reiteration of theocratic themes throughout the text. Davies utilizes the Septuagint, Latin Vulgate, and Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for clarification on textual arrangement, semantic variation, and historical context.

James Davies is also author of St. Matthew's Gospel, Acts of the Apostles, Book of Common Prayer, and History and Literature of the Tudor and Stuart Periods. Davies was educated at the University of London.

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Notes on 2 Kings  James Davies Publication Date: 1873 Pages: 209 Pages: 161

Stating that the books of First and Second Kings were originally compiled together and should be viewed as a single narrative, James Davies' Notes on 2 Kings provides explication of the purpose, composition, authorship, and the reiteration of theocratic themes throughout the text. Davies utilizes the Septuagint, Latin Vulgate, and Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for clarification on textual arrangement, semantic variation, and historical context.

James Davies is also author of St. Matthew's Gospel, Acts of the Apostles, Book of Common Prayer, and History and Literature of the Tudor and Stuart Periods. Davies was educated at the University of London.

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The First and Second Books of Kings: James Robertson Publication Date: 1902 Pages: 273

Looking at purpose, authorship, date of composition, and chronology of the text, James Robertson offers practical explication of the text, while giving special regard to the didactic themes. Robertson provides extensive notes for clarification of key parts of the text, as well as further reading.

Dr. Robertson is the editor of the volume which contains The First and Second Books of Kings, and his name is a guarantee for thorough and judicious work. We have not been a better introduction . . . [its] framework is clearly brought out.—The London Quarterly Review

James Robertson (1839–1902) was educated at the parish school of Drull, the University of Toronto, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary. Robertson went on to become the minister of Knox Church in Winnipeg and a missionary in New York. He played a large part in founding the University of Manitoba, as well as hundreds of churches. The Toronto Globe noted at the time of Robertson's death: “No man living knows more about the Canadian Northwest, its resources, its development, its social, moral and religious conditions and necessities.”

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The Books of the Kings of Judah and Israel: A Harmony of the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles by William Day Crockett Publication Date: 1897 Pages: 364

Chronologically moving through the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, William Day Crockett provides thorough exegesis that is systematically divided between the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Discoursing on Israel's want for a monarchy, Crockett inculcates the reoccurring sin and redemption cycles that Israel initiates—regardless of admonition and warning.

His work is in line with the revival of interest in the Bible as literature. There is an analytical outline, and a full appendix and index. Mr. Crockett has shown skill and judgment that will commend his work to the great mass of students.—Public Opinion

Mr. Crockett's work is an honest, laborious and successful piece of this study of the Old Testament as it is, that is to be so highly commended both a piece of work and as an aid to others in the study of the central section of the history of the Old Testament as it lies in the documents. It ought to have a 'wide acceptance and usefulness.'—The Presbyterian and Reformed Review

William Day Crockett (1869–1930) was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Canton, Pennsylvania. Crockett is the author of several titles including A Harmony of the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles and A Satchel Guide to Europe

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Saul, the First King of Israel: A Scripture Study  - Joseph Augustus Miller Publication Date: 1853 Pages: 318

Eminently thoughtful, useful, practical sermons.  We do not see how Saul’s life-failure could be more profitably set forth.’ – Spurgeon

Covering in detail the text of First and Second Samuel, Joseph August Miller explicates the text with the purpose of practical application of critical themes—exempli gratia: exemplification of faith, humility, repentance, and obedience. Drawing attention to the intent of the heart rather than the profession of religion and mores, Miller offers insightful and exegetical commentary on the moral state of Israel in the time of Saul.

This is the most interesting and instructive volume. The character and the history of Saul form a striking and affecting study; although, as our author remarks, 'in comparison with the other scripture memoirs, but little has been written on this piece of biography.' With great minuteness, and force, and beauty, he brings out the chief points in the career of the first monarch of Israel; and at the same time makes the narrative of outward events serve as a key to unlock the chambers of his inner being. —The Eclectic Review

Joseph Augustus Miller was educated at Highbury College before being ordained minister of Queen-Street Chapel in Sheffield.

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Samuel the Prophet - F. B. Meyer Pages: 280

In Samuel the Prophet, F. B. Meyer discusses the critical themes embedded in the text of First Samuel—in context of Israel's transition to a central government. Meyer's commentary conveys the ramifications of Israel's partiality to obedience of the Lord, and explicitly views this as a period of dispensation for Israel.

He left a big witness as a Christian, husband and expositor on the spiritual life. Here he is clear, simple, to the point, and practical in application. The book is especially suited for pastors, Sunday School teachers and laypersons. Sometimes he overdoes things, as in seeing Hittites and confederates as depicting “The evil habits of the old past” (p. 12). Yet in many cases he is apt, as using Gideon to show the need to look to God for adequacy. He sees Saul as unsaved, having the Spirit on him but not in him (103).- Rosscup

F. B. Meyer (1847—1929) was educated at Brighton College, University of London, and Regent's Park College. Meyer was well known for his friendship with Dwight L. Moody, as well as authoring over forty titles.

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David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King  - F. B. Meyer Pages: 200

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Life and Reign of David by W G Blaikie, 1880 (Only 32 pages)

Cyril J. Barber - One of the finest devotional commentaries ever produced. (This comment is related to Blaikie's Expositor's Bible Commentary entry of 1 Samuel)

Spurgeon - ‘Dr. Blaikie is a good writer.  This Life of David has supplied a great lack.’ – Spurgeon

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Samuel and Saul: Their Lives and Times  (Or Here) - William Deane Publication Date: 1889 230 pp.

Cyril Barber “A pleasing exposition of the Biblical text.” – In this treatment of the lives of Samuel and Saul, Samuel is shown to possess an inner Godward orientation that motivated all he did. Saul is revealed as being motivated by external considerations. These two men-contemporaries for a time-explain for us the dynamics of success from God's perspective. In explaining 1 Samuel, Deane and Kirk provide the kind of practical application that will delight every devout Bible student. Recommended.

Examining the roles of Samuel and Saul in Israel, William J. Deane offers comprehensive exposition of the text with regard for key themes and events. Moving chapter-by-chapter the author provides historical context of key events, analysis of Israel's propensity to fall away from the law, and the transition into monarchical rule.

The whole style of treatment is careful and suggestive. The writer avails himself of the labors of English and Continental commentators, so that the reader of this book will have the fullest lights that modern research has thrown on the subject. Such a book will be a distinct acquisition . . .—The London Quarterly and Holborn Review

William J. Deane was Rector of Ashan, Essex.

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David: his Life and Times  William J. Deane  240 pp.

“A rewarding devotional work.” – Cyril J. Barber

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Promise and Deliverance, Volume 2 The failure of Israel's Theocracy by S G De Graaf - 1905

Scroll to Page 67-399 for The History of Israel under a Theocracy - goes from Saul to the Captivity to Babylon (1 Samuel - 2 Chronicles)

It can be difficult to find a quality narrative Bible curriculum for teens and adults. The four volume Promise and Deliverance series by S.G. De Graaf, first published years ago, is still among the best. Many years ago Christianity Today called it “A landmark in interpreting the simple stories of the Bible” and that assessment is as valid as ever.

For years the author, Reverend De Graaf, led a weekly class for those who taught Bible to children, both at Sunday schools and at day schools. This book is the fruit of repeatedly answering the question, “How do we tell this Bible story?” and is helpful for teachers of little ones, for teens to study on their own, and also for anyone else who wishes to study the Bible.

So what is so special about the Promise and Deliverance series?  It focuses on the meaning of each story and on how to understand and share it.  In the introduction to the first volume, the author reminds us that the purpose of telling a story is to make it come alive for the hearer, but also warns us about letting the main point get lost in details. Since God wrote the Bible in order that we might believe, not merely to entertain us, this should never be forgotten.

In each story God reveals himself in a particular way, and the important thing is to try to understand what God intends to reveal to us in that specific story. And, no, it is usually not a moral lesson.  Instead, it is usually something about who God is and about how he makes and keeps his covenant with us.  He is the main character, says De Graaf, and we must not make the mistake of focusing on human actions instead of on God.

These concepts are fundamental to each of the more than 200 Bible narratives. Each narrative, based on a specific Bible passage, is prefaced with a short section that outlines the main goals of the story.  The main thought is summarized in a single sentence, and the actual story follows.  Each narrative not only describes the Bible events but also interprets them, applying them to our lives today.  Thus Promise and Deliverance can also serve as a devotional. (Description by Annie Kate at The Curriculum Choice)

All 4 Volumes of De Graaf's in Promise and Deliverance:

1. Promise and Deliverance I: From Creation To The Conquest Of Canaan
2. Promise and Deliverance II: The failure of Israel's Theocracy
3. Promise and Deliverance III: Christ's Ministry and Death
4. Promise and Deliverance IV (Christ and the Church)

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Lights and Shadows in the Life of King David by Charles Vince 1871  250 pp.

Spurgeon - ‘Baptist minister of Birmingham [England]’  ‘Sermons of the highest order upon a few incidents in David’s life.  They are models of chaste, subdued, but powerful preaching.’

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A Critical History of the Life of David  by Samuel Chandler, 1853

Spurgeon - This is a masterpiece as a critical history, and the best of Chandler’s productions.  Many of the Psalms are explained with commendable learning, but the spiritual element is absent.

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The Life and Reign of David  by George Smith, 1867

Spurgeon - David’s life is here concisely written, with such of the Psalms interwoven as can be referred to special periods.  It cannot be read without ministering instruction.

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Hannah the Matron and   David the Afflicted Man in Studies of Character from the Old Testament  by Thomas Guthrie, 1872  Free Church of Scotland

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King Saul the man after the flesh - Samuel Ridout 

First published in 1900, this practical work is still a blessing to many.

• Prefatory Note and Introductory
• Chapter 1. — The State of the People
• Chapter 2. — The Captivity in the Philistines' Land
• Chapter 3. — God's Care for His own Honor
• Chapter 4. — God's Mercy to His Humbled People 
• Chapter 5. — The People's Desire for a King 
• Chapter 6. — The Call of the King
• Chapter 7. — The New King 
• Chapter 8. — Tested and Found Wanting
• Chapter 9. — Saul and Jonathan Contrasted 
• Chapter 10. — Saul's Foolish Oath
• Chapter 11. — Saul's Kingdom Established
• Chapter 12. — Amalek Spared
• Chapter 13. — The Man after God's own Heart
• Chapter 14. — The Breach between Saul and David
• Chapter 15. — David and Jonathan
• Chapter 16. — The Priesthood in Connection with David and with Saul 
• Chapter 17. — Saul's Pursuit of David 
• Chapter 18. — The Triumph of Magnanimity 
• Chapter 19. — David and Abigail 
• Chapter 20. — Contrasts of Faith and Failure 
• Chapter 21. — Saul and the Witch of Endor 
• Chapter 22. — David with the Philistines
• Chapter 23. — David's Chastening and Recovery
• Chapter 24. — The Death of Saul and Jonathan
• Chapter 25. — David's Lament over Saul and Jonathan 

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The First Book of Samuel W. O. E. Oesterley Publication Date: 1913 Pages: 192

Concisely examining the authorship, composition, canonization, and original text of First Samuel, W. O. E. Oesterly provides thorough exposition of the text. Systematically conveying the spiritual and moral state of Israel in the text, Oesterley utilizes the Septuagint, Peshitta, Latin Vulgate, and Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for semantic and philological comparison. The author provides extensive notes for critical explanation and analysis of key topics.

W. O. E. Oesterley (1866–1950) was educated at Brighton College, Jesus College, and West Theological College. Oesterley went on to become Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Studies at King's College, London. He is the author of many titles including: The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, The Epistle to Philemon, and The Doctrine of the Last Things: Jewish and Christian.

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Saul: the First King of Israel  by Thomas Kirk 1896

“Postmortem of a dead king.  Devotional and perceptive.” – Cyril J. Barber

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The Second Book of Samuel with Notes and Introduction. A.F. Kirkpatrick Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1919. 247 pages

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The First Book of Samuel - Frank Marshall [1848-1906]17th edn., 1932. London: George Gill & Sons, Ltd., 1894. pp.136. 

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A Critical and Exegetical Commentary of the Books of Samuel. The International Critical Commentary. Henry Preserved Smith [1847-1927] Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1899. Hbk. pp.421. 

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Samuel the Prophet, and the Lessons of His Life and Times by Robert Steel, 1860

In this study of the character of Samuel, Robert Steel examines how the narratives and characters of the Old Testament, as opposed to the New, present an opportunity to learn from the lives of “men like ourselves,” with “peculiar temptations as well as privileges, and revealed infirmities and well as virtues.” Steel works through the books of Samuel in 24 lessons, from his intriguing calling and the labor of his old age. Drawing out lessons for every-day Christian living, Steel examines the life of Solomon, which touches on “all classes and conditions,” as “one of the brightest examples of holy living and useful labor.”

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 Samuel, Saul and David and  Samuel the Ruler  in Daily Bible Illustrations by John Kitto

Spurgeon - ‘Should always be consulted’  ‘They are not exactly a commentary, but what marvelous expositions you have there!  You have reading more interesting than any novel that was ever written, and as instructive as the heaviest theology.  The matter is quite attractive and fascinating, and yet so weighty, that the man who shall study those eight volumes thoroughly, will not fail to read his Bible intelligently and with growing interest.’ 

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David, King of Israel His Life and Lessons - William Taylor

“Devotional expositions manifesting a depth seldom attained by preachers today.” – Cyril J. Barber

‘A grand work which should be in every library.’

The gentle but compelling style adopted by the author takes each event in David’s life, together with the psalms thought to be written at the time, and makes applications helpful to all Christians. Delightful to read devotionally but will also furnish the preacher with much to help in sermon preparation. Taylor is unafraid to make gospel applications when appropriate and this aspect will be appreciated too. 

A biography told through a Christian lens. Taylor moves through the chronology of David's life, conveying the events and also giving an objective Christian commentary.

William Taylor (1829-1895), originally from Scotland, was pastor of Broadway Tabernacle, New York for twenty years. This work on the life of David began life as evening messages delivered to his congregation.

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Samuel and his Age: a Study in the Constitutional History of Israel - George Douglas 1901  330 pp.

Douglas (1826-1904) was a Hebraist in the Free Church of Scotland, having studied under Thomas Chalmers and came to be a Principle of the Free Church College.  “He was a scholarly conservative, skeptical of higher critical views.” – DoSCH&T

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The Books of the Kings of Judah and Israel: A Harmony of the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles by William Day Crockett Publication Date: 1897 Pages: 364

Chronologically moving through the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, William Day Crockett provides thorough exegesis that is systematically divided between the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Discoursing on Israel's want for a monarchy, Crockett inculcates the reoccurring sin and redemption cycles that Israel initiates—regardless of admonition and warning.

His work is in line with the revival of interest in the Bible as literature. There is an analytical outline, and a full appendix and index. Mr. Crockett has shown skill and judgment that will commend his work to the great mass of students.—Public Opinion

‘An attempt to reconcile and correlate the history of the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles into chronological sequence.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Mr. Crockett's work is an honest, laborious and successful piece of this study of the Old Testament as it is, that is to be so highly commended both a piece of work and as an aid to others in the study of the central section of the history of the Old Testament as it lies in the documents. It ought to have a 'wide acceptance and usefulness.'—The Presbyterian and Reformed Review

William Day Crockett (1869–1930) was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Canton, Pennsylvania. Crockett is the author of several titles including A Harmony of the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles and A Satchel Guide to Europe

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Israel’s Golden Age: The Story of the United Kingdom - John D Fleming - 1907

Fleming has some liberal tendencies and his exposition is not spiritual.

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Scripture Questions Designed Principally for Adult Bible Classes - 1 Samuel - George Bush

Bush was a Biblical scholar, a professor of oriental literature in New York City University, and initially a presbyterian minister.

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A Commentary upon the Two Books of Samuel by Patrick Simon, 1703

Combining a pious voice with the objective tone of the Age of Reason, this volume presents the critical commentary of Anglican minister Patrick Simon on the books of Samuel. Recognized as some of the most enduring English Bible commentary, Simon’s critical work addresses challenges the church faced during the beginning of the Enlightenment.

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Discourses on the History of David; and On the Introduction of Christianity into Britain by George Lawson, 1833

This volume from Presbyterian minister George Lawson includes two works. In the first, he works through the biblical portrait of King David, addressing his obedience and disobedience, faith and fears, and triumph and trials. He provides exegesis from Chronicles, the Psalms, and Samuel. The second work presents a history of Christianity in Britain from pre-Christian times to the beginning of the Reformation.

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A Commentary on the First Book of Samuel by Loring W. Batten Publication Date: 1919 Pages: 236

Loring W. Batten's A Commentary on the First Book of Samuel provides critical exegesis on the book of First Samuel that combines thorough exposition, semantic evaluation and pragmatics, and explanatory notes. Batten covers the scope and composition of the text within historical context.

This is a worthy addition to the Bible for Home and School. The notes are always to the point . . . and the composite character of the book is clearly brought out both in the commentary proper and in the brief but well-written Introduction. —The Homiletic Review

Loring W. Batten (1859—1946) was Professor of the Literature and Interpretation of the Old Testament, General Theological Seminary in New York and a former chairman of the Society for Biblical Scholarship (1928).

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Analysis of the First Book of Samuel by Lewis Hughes Publication Date: 1885 Pages: 160

Expositionally moving through the book of First Samuel, Lewis Hughes provides comprehensive commentary that elucidates semantic meaning, colloquial language, textual composition, and the scope of biblical history covered. Hughes conveys the text in such a way as to combine succinct clarification and a forbearance of pedantic language.

Unlike many 'Manuals,' the present book will prove a good help . . . it is conceived in a teacher's spirit. —The Schoolmaster

Lewis Hughes was Professor at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge.

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Studies in the First Book of Samuel by Herbert Lockwood Willett Publication Date: 1909 Pages: 356

Originally intended as a textbook for the study of First Samuel, Hebert Lockwood Willett offers sound exegesis coupled with end-of-chapter questions for critical application and reflection. Willett's commentary is structured to provide exhortation of the text, familiarization with the original language, and an overview of key events found in First Samuel.

A double purpose is however served by Dr. Willett's book on Samuel; the pupil not only has a fascinating introduction to this book and to its many exciting events, but he is brought face to face with many of his own ethical and religious problems . . .—Book Review Digest

Herbert Lockwood Willett (1864—1944) was educated at Bethany College, Yale University, University of Berlin, and the University of Chicago. Willett went on to become Professor of Semitic Languages and Literature at the University of Chicago and Minister of Memorial Church of Christ, Chicago.

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Analysis of the Second Book of Samuel by T. Boston Johnstone Publication Date: 1885 Pages: 220

Focused on connecting the narrative portions of Second Samuel together—chronologically and historically—T. Boston Johnstone provides exposition of the text. Johnstone also includes relevant map sets and examination questions for further clarification and study.

T. Boston Johnstone was Professor at St. Andrews in Scotland. He is also the author of a number of commentaries on Old Testament books.

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A Key to the Books of Samuel by R. O. Thomas Publication Date: 1881 Pages: 96

Originally compiled as a study-guide for University examinations, A Key to the Books of Samuel provides concise exposition that explicates authorship, historical context, semantic meaning, and parallel structure across books. R. O. Thomas draws upon extra-biblical sources such as Jospehus to further clarify key events.

Invaluable to students . . .—Educational Guide

The style is clear, and the explanations full and judicious.—Schoolmaster

R. O. Thomas is the author of many titles including A Synopsis of [J.] Butler's Analogy of Religion, An Outline of Paley's Evidences of Christianity, England under the Normans, and England Under the Tudors.

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Sabbath Morning Readings on the Old Testament: The First and Second Books of Samuel by John Cumming Publication Date: 1859 Pages: 465

Written as a collection of studies to be read on Sunday mornings, John Cumming offers extensive commentary on books of Samuel with regard for Israel's covenant. Moving chapter-to-chapter, Cumming seeks to elucidate the key principles, truths, and lessons found in the books of Samuel.

The expositions are clear, vigorous, and strongly evangelical. There is little to which the critic can take exceptional there is much, very much, to edify and instruct the candid reader. We are very glad to give these expositions very sincere commendation and to wish for them an extended circulation.—The Baptist Magazine

On his work on Deuteronomy:  “And to show that the Old Testament can be preached and is relevant to our lives today, John Cumming (1807-1881), Scottish born preacher and, for many years minister of the National Scottish Church, London, expounds Moses’ last treatises with an unction that was characteristic of all that was best in the era in which he lived.” – Cyril J. Barber

John Cumming was Minister of the Scottish National Church at Crown Court.

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From Samuel to Solomon by Charles S. Robinson, 1889

The narratives of 1 and 2 Samuel are some of the most exciting and personal narratives of the Old Testament. In this volume, Presbyterian minister Charles S. Robinson draws out 29 lessons from the two books that follow the lives of Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon–four leaders “whose lives were so individual and yet in many respects so alike.” According to Robinson, “whoever understands those men will have attained a knowledge of human nature which will prove valuable to him as a citizen and a Christian.”

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Lectures on the Life of Samuel: Preached in the Parish of Warminster, Wilts, during Lent, A.D. 1834 by William Dalby

In these eight lectures, William Dalby examines the biblical account of Samuel, aiming to “exhibit its truths practically,” believing that teaching practical application to be both the most difficult and most important labor of a preacher. Dalby’s applications of Scripture to everyday life are eminently readable and enduringly valuable for those seeking to live under the authority of Scripture.

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Samuel and His Age: A Study in the Constitutional History of Israel by George C. M. Douglas, 1901

This fascinating volume examines the governmental structure of Israel as it developed in 1 and 2 Samuel. Throughout his analysis of these books, George C. M. Douglas pays particular attention to Samuel, as Israel’s second grandest leader after Moses, analyzing how he stewarded and passed off the three offices of prophet, priest, and supreme ruler through his life and the reigns of Saul and David.