1 SAMUEL Samuel, Saul, David - Free Bible Commentary
YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE!1 SAMUELSamuel, Saul, DavidBy Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation)STUDY GUIDE COMMENTARY SERIESOLD TESTAMENT, VOL. 5AISBN: 978-1-892691-33-0BIBLE LESSONS INTERNATIONALMARSHALL, entary.orgTABLE OF CONTENTSBrief Explanations of the Technical Resources used in This CommentaryBrief Definitions of Hebrew Verbal Forms that Impact ExegesisAbbreviations Used in This CommentaryA Word From the Author: How Can This Commentary Help You?A Guide to Good Bible Reading: A Personal Search for Verifiable TruthThe New American Standard Bible Update — 1995Commentary:
Introduction to 1 Samuel1 Samuel 11 Samuel 21 Samuel 31 Samuel 41 Samuel 51 Samuel 61 Samuel 71 Samuel 81 Samuel 91 Samuel 101 Samuel 111 Samuel 121 Samuel 131 Samuel 141 Samuel 151 Samuel 161 Samuel 171 Samuel 181 Samuel 191 Samuel 201 Samuel 211 Samuel 221 Samuel 231 Samuel 241 Samuel 251 Samuel 261 Samuel 271 Samuel 281 Samuel 291 Samuel 301 Samuel 31Appendices:OLD TESTAMENT AS HISTORYOT HISTORICAL NARRATIVEOT HISTORIOGRAPHY COMPARED TO NEAR EASTERN CULTURESSPECIAL TOPIC: SACRIFICIAL SYSTEMS OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EASTOld Testament TimelineDoctrinal StatementCopyright 2018 Bible Lessons International. All rights reserved. Any copiesor distribution of any part of this material must be made available at no cost.Such copies or distribution must give credit to Dr. Bob Utley and include areference to www.freebiblecommentary.orgThe primary biblical text used in this commentary is: New American StandardBible (Update, 1995) Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, P. O. Box 2279, La Habra,CA 90632-2279The paragraph divisions and summary captions as well as selected phrasesare from:1. The New King James Version, Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by ThomasNelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.2. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Copyright 1989 by theDivision of Christian Education of National Council of the Churches of Christ inthe U. S. A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.3. Today's English Version is used by permission of the copyright owner, TheAmerican Bible Society, 1966, 1971. Used by permission. All rightsreserved.4. The New Jerusalem Bible, copyright 1990 by Darton, Longman & Todd,Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION TO 1 AND 2 SAMUELI. THE NAME OF THE BOOKA. It was named after its first chief character, Samuel. His name means:1. "His Name is El," going back to Shem (lit. Shem-El, cf Gen. 4:32, BDB 1028)2. "Asked" of YHWH" (cf. 1 Sam. 1:20; BDB 981, KB 1371)B. He was:1. a judge ‒ 1 Sam. 7:6, 15-17a. military senseb. judicial sense2. a prophet ‒ 1 Sam. 3:20 (prophets were originally called "seers," 1 Sam. 9:9; 1 Chr.29:293. a priest ‒ 1 Sam. 7:9-10; 10:8; 13:8-15; 16:5II. CANONIZATIONA. This is part of the second division of the Hebrew canon called the Prophets. The section isdivided into two parts:1. the former prophets, which includes Joshua ‒ Kings (except Ruth)2. the latter prophets which includes Isaiah ‒ Malachi (except Daniel and Lamentations)B. Originally 1 & 2 Samuel were one book in the Hebrew canon:1. Baba Bathra 14b (the MT's closing note only occurs at the end of 2 Samuel)2. Eusebius Ecclesiastical History, VII:25:2C. The Septuagint (LXX) divided the book into two parts, probably because of length. It alsonamed the historical books as follows:1. 1 Samuel ‒ I Book of Kingdoms (in the Vulgate, I Kings)2. 2 Samuel ‒ II Book of Kingdoms (in the Vulgate, II Kings)3. 1 Kings ‒ III Book of Kingdoms (in the Vulgate, III Kings)4. 2 Kings ‒ IV Book of Kingdoms (in the Vulgate, IV Kings)III. GENREA. This is primarily biographically focused, historical narrative.B. This means it records historical customs and events that are not necessarily advocated to allbelievers (i.e., because the Bible records it, does not mean God advocates it)!C. This is not a modern western history but an ancient near eastern history. It focuses onselected events to communicate theological truths. Therefore, it is similar to the Gospelsand Acts of the NT. It must be interpreted in light of1. selection2. adaption3. arrangement4. under inspiration
However, it must also be stated that the Hebrews and the Hittites were the mostaccurate Ancient Near Eastern historians. Other ancient peoples tended to exaggeratevictories and leave out defeats.SPECIAL TOPIC: OT HISTORIOGRAPHY COMPARED TO NEAR EASTERNCULTURESPECIAL TOPIC: OT HISTORICAL NARRATIVED. The wealth of Near Eastern Literature now available to scholars through modernarchaeology has provided a possible insight into the genre of Samuel, particularly 1 Samuel15 - 2 Samuel 8. In particular the 1200's b.c. Hittite document called "Apology ofHallusitis" has many similarities with Samuel. It is basically a defense of a new dynasty, sothat the new ruler will not be charged with usurping the legitimate rule of another,(Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia, vol. 5 p. 259-260):1. stresses events that led up to the new king2. often contains summaries of events instead of strict chronologies3. clearly shows the disqualification of earlier rulers4. shows the military victories of the new ruler5. reveals the growing popularity of the new ruler6. documents important political marriages of the new ruler7. stresses the religious fervor and national consciousness of the new ruler8. summary of the reign of the new king with its divine blessings and administrativesuccessesIV. AUTHORSHIPA. Jewish tradition has always affirmed that Samuel was the author:1. Baba Bathra 14b says that Samuel wrote the book which bears his name and alsoJudges and Ruth.2. The book itself states that Samuel wrote it (cf. 1 Sam. 10:25 [this is usually thought ofas the first 12 through 15 chapters]).3. Later Jewish scholars also recognized that, like Deuteronomy and Joshua, this bookrecords the death of its chief character, 1 Sam. 25:1; 28:3, and also records eventslong after his death. Therefore, they suggest that:a. possibly Seraiah the scribe, 2 Sam. 8:17, finished the bookb. possibly Abiathar the priest finished the bookc. possibly Zabud, son of Nathan the prophet (NIV), compiled it (cf. 1 Kings 4:5)B. Modern Scholarship:1. It is recognized that the contents of the books are from eyewitnesses to the events(Bright).2. It is also recognized that sources were useda. "the book of Jashar," 2 Sam. 1:18b. the chronicles of Samuel, 1 Sam. 10:25; 1 Chr. 29:29c. the chronicles of the prophets Nathan and Gad, 1 Chr. 29:29d. other chronicles of the time, 1 Chr. 27:24e. many modern scholars like to suppose that Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (I Chr.29:29) were the authors of three narratives that were combined by Zabud,Nathan's son (I Kings 4:5), who also had access to court documents.3. There is also the evidence of later editors after Samuel's day exemplified in the phrase"until this day," (cf. 1 Sam. 5:5; 6:18; 27:6; 30:25; 2 Sam. 4:3; 6:8; 18:18).4. There is evidence that this editor or editors lived and worked after the UnitedMonarchy divided in 922 b.c. (Bright) or 930 b.c. (Harrison & NIV) or 933 b.c.
(Young) into the northern ten tribes called Israel, Ephraim or Samaria and thesouthern three called Judah (cf. 1 Sam. 11:8; 17:52; 18:16; 27:6; 2 Sam. 5:5; 24:1).5. Samuel is a good example of what modern critical scholars see as signs of compositeliterature (i.e., doublets):a. end of Eli's family as priests:(1) 1 Samuel 2:31ff(2) 1 Samuel 3:1ffb. the anointing of Saul:(1) secret, 1 Samuel 9:26-10:1(2) public (twice), 1 Samuel 13:14; 15:23c. introduction of David to Saul:(1) 1 Samuel 16:21(2) 1 Samuel 17:58d. David escapes from Saul's court:(1) 1 Samuel 24:3(2) 1 Samuel 26:5e. David and Jonathan's covenants:(1) 1 Samuel 18:3(2) 1 Samuel 20:16, 42(3) 1 Samuel 23:18f. David to Gath:(1) 1 Samuel 21:10(2) 1 Samuel 27:1g. slayer of Goliath:(1) David ‒ 1 Samuel 17:51(2) Elhanan ‒ 2 Samuel 21:19(3) 1 Chr. 20:5 seems to show that Goliath and his brother (Lahmi) were beingreferred to simultaneouslyh. the sparing of Saul:(1) 1 Samuel 24:3ff(2) 1 Samuel 26:5ffi. As to the supposed parallels and/or doublets R.K. Harrison says, "It must beremarked again that many of the alleged discrepancies in the biblical narrativesare the direct result of careless reading or sometimes of deliberatemisrepresentation of the Hebrew text. . .which in fact only exists in the criticalimagination," Introduction to the Old Testament, p.703.6. We must admit that the authorship is unknown (E. J. Young) and also the process ofcompilation of these OT books is unknown. However, we still assert that:a. the process was led by Godb. the events are truly historical and not fictionalc. the events have a theological thrustV. DATEA. When the events occurred1. 1 Samuel covers the period of time from the birth of Samuel, 1105 b.c. (NIV) to thedeath of Saul about (1011/10 Harrison& NIV; 1013 Young; 1000 Bright).2. 2 Samuel covers the period of time from the death of Saul about 1011 b.c. to the endof David's reign (971/70 Harrison; 973 Young; 961 Bright). Solomon began to reignabout 969 b.c.B. When the book was written1. 1 Samuel 11:8; 27:6 show that at least some of the book was written in its presentform after the United Monarchy split in 922 b.c. or 930 b.c.
2. The repeated phrase, "until this day," shows that:a. some of the book was written a long time after the events: 1 Sam. 5:5; 6:18;27:6; 30:25; 2 Sam. 4:3; 6:8; 18:18.b. the sources that were used already included this phrase.3. One of the dating problems for this period is the text of 1 Sam. 13:1, which gives thedates of Saul's reign but it has been damaged in transmission. A number is obviouslymissing.VI. HISTORICAL SETTINGA. 1 Samuel continues the history of the anarchy and moral depravity of the period of theJudges:1. sin, invasion, prayer for forgiveness, and God's deliverance characterize Judges 1-172. three examples of moral depravity are listed in Judges 18-21B. It was a time when the major empires of Mesopotamia and Egypt were not expansionistic:1. Egypt:a. last ethnic Egyptian king of the XX Dynasty (1180-1065 b.c., Bright) wasRameses XIb. the XXI Dynasty (non-Egyptian) called "Tanite" was about 1065 - 935 b.c.(Bright)2. Assyria was in decline after Tiglath-Pileser I (1118-1078 b.c., Bright)C. The Philistines, in large numbers (Aegean Sea Peoples), attempted to invade Egypt about1300 b.c. but were defeated. They settled in the southwest corner of Palestine about 1250b.c. They had developed iron age technology from the Hittites and were able to establishthemselves in a circle of five cities: Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath and Gaza. They wereorganized like Greek city-states, each with its own king. They became the major enemy ofthe Israelites in early kingdom times.VII. LITERARY UNITS (Contexts)A. Brief Outline by Main Characters:1. Eli and Samuel, 1 Samuel 1-72. Samuel and (young) Saul, 1 Samuel 8-153. Saul (old) and David, 1 Samuel 16 - 2 Samuel 14. (young vs. old) David's reign, 2 Samuel 2-125. David and Succession, 2 Samuel 13-206. Miscellaneous items about David and his reign, 2 Samuel 21-24B. 1 & 2 Samuel seem to be outlined by the author/editor by including summary statements:1. 1 Samuel 7:15-172. 1 Samuel 14:49-513. 2 Samuel 8:15-184. 2 Samuel 20:23-26C. Detailed Outline:1. see R. K. Harrison, Introduction to the Old Testament, p. 695-6962. see E. J. Young, An Introduction to the Old Testament, p. 180-1873. see NIV Study Bible, p. 373 and 422Dr. David King's Teaching Outline for 1 Samuel
I. Eli's ministry and Samuel's birth and childhood (1-3)1. The religious situation in Israel (1:9, 12-14,17; 2:12-17, 2225)2. The birth of SamuelHannah's unhappiness because she was barren (1:1-18)Her prayer (1:9-18)She conceives and Samuel is born. (1:19-20)She dedicates him to the Lord as a Nazarite. (1:11, 21-28)She praises God. (2:1-10)3. The spiritual failure of Eli's sons and his failure to correctthem (2:12-25)4. Samuel's childhood: he grows in stature and favor with Godand the people in contrast with Eli's sons. (2:26)5. The prophecy against Eli and his sons. (2:27-36)6. The Lord calls the boy, Samuel, and confirms the message ofjudgment on Eli and his sons (3)II. The Philistines capture and return the ark of the Lord (4-7)1. Israel's defeat (4:1b-3a)2. The Israelites decide to take the ark of the Lord with theminto battle to try to ensure victory. (4:3b-5)3. The disastrous results of trying to depend upon sacred objectsinstead of on the presence of God. (4:6-22)4. The effects of the ark's presence on the Philistines and itsreturn to Israel. (5-6)5. Samuel leads Israel in revival and the defeat of thePhilistines. (7)III. Israel asks for a king and Saul is chosen (8-10)1. Samuel's failure as a father (8:1-3)2. The elders request a king (8:4-6)3. Samuel's response (8:6-22)4. Samuel anoints Saul to be king (9:1-10:8)5. Saul is chosen publicly by the people. (10:17-27)IV. Saul's early reign and rejection for disobedience (11-15)1. Saul rescues Jabesh in Gilead and is reaffirmed as king. (11)2. In his farewell speech Samuel rebukes the people for askingfor a king. (12)3. Saul is rebuked and rejected as king because of hisdisobedience to God. (13:1-14)4. Saul and Jonathan defeat the Philistines. (13:15-14:52)5. Saul is again rebuked and rejected for his disobedienceconcerning the destruction of the Amalekites. (15)V. Saul's later reign and the rise of David (16-31)1. Samuel anoints David to be king in place of Saul. (16:1-13)2. Saul employs David to soothe his spirit with harp music.(16:14-23)3. David kills the giant, Goliath. (17)4. Saul becomes very jealous of David and tries several timesto kill him. (18 & 19)5. David is forced to leave Saul's court but he and Jonathanpledge love and loyalty to each other. (20)
6. David flees to Nob, to Ahimelech, the priest. Saul learns ofthis and kills Ahimelech and the other priests at Nob. (21:19; 22:6-23)7. David becomes a wandering fugitive. Saul chases him, butGod delivers him. (21:10-22:5, 23-27)8. Saul seeks advice from the witch of Endor. (28)9. David is refused permission to fight against Saul with thePhilistines; he returns to Ziklag to find it has been raided andall his family taken captive. He pursues and destroys theAmalekites. (29-30)10. Saul and his men are defeated; Saul's sons are killed and heis mortally wounded. (31)QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION FROM 1 SAMUEL1. What can we learn about parenting from the families of Eliand Samuel? (1-3; 8:1-5)2. What can we learn from the defeat of Israel when they carriedthe ark into battle? (4:1-11)3. What would be necessary for a people to allow God to betheir king? (8)4. If Saul was God's choice for king, why was he such a failure?(10-31)5. What was Saul's weakness? The reason for his failure? (13;15)6. What was the secret of Jonathan's success? (14)7. What was (were) the secret(s) of David's victory over Goliath?(17)8. If David was God's choice for king, why did it take him solong to become king? (16-31)9. Why was it BEST for David NOT to kill Saul? (24; 26)10. Why was it BEST for David NOT to kill Nabal? (25)11. What can we learn from the effect of prophecy on Saul?(10:9-11; 19:18-24)VIII. MAIN TRUTHSA. Samuel sets the stage for the forming of the monarchy as Moses set the stage for theforming of a nation:1. Moses predicted Israel would have a king in Deut. 17:14-20, where he describes whata righteous king should and should not do.2. There is a tension in 1 Samuel about the king:a. negative aspects:(1) they rejected YHWH as King, 1 Sam. 8:7; 10:19(2) they asked for a king "like the surrounding nations," 1 Sam. 8:5; 12:19-20(3) it displeased Samuel; he felt personally rejected, 1 Sam. 8:6b. positive aspects:(1) YHWH fulfilled His prophecy in Deuteronomy by giving them a king, 1Sam. 8:7,9,22, "listen to the voice of the people"(2) tell the new king the godly guidelines, 1 Sam. 8:9 (Deut. 17:14-20)(3) the king will deliver the people, 1 Sam. 9:16 (like the judges in response tothe peoples' prayer, cf. 1 Sam. 12:13)B. Samuel documents the transition of spiritual power from the High Priest and Tabernacle to
the emerging prophetic spokesman. This may be in response to:1. God's judgement on Eli and his family, 1 Sam. 2:22-3:182. the need for a balance between the form and ritual of the priests and the heartfeltpersonal faith focus of the prophets3. both priests and prophets are covenant mediators to the people as a whole4. Saul looked to Samuel while David looked to Nathan and Gad to ascertain God's willC. 2 Samuel documents:1. the goodness of God to David2. David's strengths and weaknesses3. God's judgement on David because of his sin and its effects on:a. the nationb. the family of Uriahc. the child of Bathshebad. the children of DavidD. 1 & 2 Samuel continue the history of God's people which began in Genesis.
1 SAMUEL 1PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS *NASBNKJVNRSVTEVNJB(MT VERSING)Elkanah and HisWifeThe Family ofElkanahThe Birth andConsecration ofSamuelElkanah and HisFamily at ShilohThe Pilgrimageto Shiloh1:1-21:1-71:1-21:1-81:1-31:3-81:3-8Hannah's Vow1:4-81:8-111:9-111:12-181:12-18Hannah and EliPrayer 5-161:171:18Samuel Is Bornto HannahSamuel is Bornand Dedicated1:19-201:19-231:21-28Samuel's Birthand DedicationBirth andConsecration 4-281:24-28b1:24-281:28c* Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following theoriginal author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Everyparagraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinctway. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject andverse divisions.In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), thencompare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author'sintent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the originalauthor is inspired - readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the
responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents:Hebrew Grammatical Tems, Textual Criticism, and Glossary.READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVELThis is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your owninterpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the HolySpirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the fivetranslations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent,which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.1. First paragraph2. Second paragraph3. Etc.WORD AND PHRASE STUDYNASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:1-21Nowthere was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, andhis name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph,an Ephraimite. 2He had two wives: the name of one was Hannah and the name of the otherPeninnah; and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.1:1 "Ramathaim-sophim" From vv. 19; 2:11; 7:17, we know this family was from "Ramah" (BDB 928II, which means "height" and , therefore, was a common name).1. ABD, vol. 5, p. 613, suggests the emendation to "from Ramah, a Zuphite from the hill countryof Ephraim" (i.e., central Palestine). Zuph was near the border of Benjamin but still associatedwith Ephraim's territory. The MT has literally, "the two heights."2. The UBS Text Project, p. 146, suggests "from Ramathaim of the Zuphites" (cf. 1 Chr. 6:35-36and LXX).3. The MT has "Ramathaim-Zophim." UBS Text Project gives "Zuphim" a "C" rating(considerable doubt)."Elkanah" See his lineage in 1 Chr. 6:22-28; see note online there. If this is the same Elkanah thenhe is a Levite, but this is uncertain. Nothing in the book of Samuel states he was of the tribe of Levi.Verse 1:1 implies he is of the tribe of1. Ephraim2. possibly Benjamin3. or even JudahSee Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, p. 361 and Hard Sayings of the Bible, p. 220.1:2 "he had two wives" This was allowed in the Mosaic Law (cf. Deut. 21:15-17; see full note onlineat Deut. 21:15).For a brief discussion on polygamy see Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, pp. 24-26."Hannah" The name (BDB 336) is a FEMININE form of the NOUN "favour," "grace," or "elegance."
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:3-83Now this man would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hostsin Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD there. 4Whenthe day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all hersons and her daughters; 5but to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah,but the LORD had closed her womb. 6Her rival, however, would provoke her bitterly to irritateher, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7It happened year after year, as often as she wentup to the house of the LORD , she would provoke her; so she wept and would not eat. 8ThenElkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and whyis your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"1:3 "go up from his city yearly" This is surprising because all male Israelites were to appear before theLord at the temple three times a year (cf. Exod. 34:23).SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FEASTS OF ISRAEL"worship" See SPECIAL TOPIC: WORSHIP."sacrifice" See SPECIAL TOPIC: SACRIFICIAL SYSTEMS OF THE ANE."LORD of hosts" See SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD OF HOSTS."Hophni and Phinehas" These were selfish, evil men but because of their tribal lineage, they werepriests.1:4 "he would give portions" This implies the sacrifice was a "Peace Offering," where the offerer gotsome of the meat back to eat.SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE OFFERING1:5NASB, NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta "a double portion"TEV, NJB, REB"only one share"JPSOA"one portion only"LXX"one portion"Targum"choice portion"The MT has "one portion" but with the added word "faces," which seems, in context, to imply adouble share (Aramaic usage)."a double portion" This was normally the way to distinguish the firstborn son who became theleader of the family, but here, it just denotes that Hannah was the favorite wife."but the LORD had closed her womb" The OT attributes all causality to YHWH. It was a way toassert His sovereignty (i.e., 2 Chr. 20:6; Eccl. 7:14; Isa. 14:24-27; 43:13; 45:7; 54:16; Jer. 18:11; Lam.3:33-38; Amos 3:6).Several times in Genesis the Patriarchs had many barren women. This allowed God to demonstrateHis power by "opening" their wombs.1. Sarai, Gen. 11:30; 16:12. Rebekah, Gen. 25:21
3.4.5.6.Leah, Gen. 29:31Rachel, Gen. 30:1Manoah's wife, Jdgs. 13:2,3generic, Ps. 113:91:6 Peninnah would make fun of Hannah's barrenness, possibly in ways similar to Job 24:21.1:7 "the house of the LORD " This refers to the tabernacle of the wilderness to which they had added atent for eating and fellowship.SPECIAL TOPIC: TABERNACLE OF THE WILDERNESS (chart)"LORD " See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.1:8 "weep. . .not eat" See SPECIAL TOPIC: GRIEVING RITES."heart" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART."better than ten sons" This was the symbolic number of "completeness."SPECIAL TOPIC: SYMBOLIC NUMBERS IN SCRIPTURE, #5NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:9-119ThenHannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seatby the doorpost of the temple of the LORD . 10She, greatly distressed, prayed to the LORD and weptbitterly. 11She made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction ofYour maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Yourmaidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and a razor shallnever come on his head."1:9 "was sitting on the seat by the doorpost" This seat was positioned on the wall between the holyplace and the tent of fellowship (cf. 1 Sam. 4:13,18).1:10 "greatly distressed" This is an INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE and an IMPERFECT VERB of the same root(BDB 113, KB 129), which was a grammatical way to denote intensity.1:11 "she made a vow" Vows were very binding in Israel because they involved the name of YHWH(cf. Leviticus 27).SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH (OT)"indeed look" This is another INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE and IMPERFECT VERB of the same root (BDB906, KB 1157)."then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life" This was the vow."a razor shall never come on his head" See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAZIRITE VOW.NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:12-1812Now it came about, as she continued praying before the LORD , that Eli was watching hermouth. 13As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice
was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. 14Then Eli said to her, "How long will you makeyourself drunk? Put away your wine from you." 15But Hannah replied, "No, my lord, I am awoman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured outmy soul before the LORD . 16Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I havespoken until now out of my great concern and provocation." 17Then Eli answered and said, "Goin peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him."18Shesaid,"Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and herface was no longer sad.1:12 Apparently this verse denotes two things.1. Most people prayed out loud in this period (v. 13).2. There was a lot of drunkenness connected to worship and sacrifice at the tabernacle (v. 14).1:14 "Put away your wine from you" This is a Hiphil IMPERATIVE (BDB 693, KB 747). It must beremembered that wine was a part of sacrifices and special dinners. It is not wine that is condemned butdrunkenness.SPECIAL TOPIC: WINE AND STRONG DRINK1:15NASB"oppressed in spirit"NKJV"of sorrowful spirit"NRSV"deeply troubled"TEV"I am desperate"NJB"in great trouble"REB"a heart-broken woman"JPSOA "a very unhappy woman"Peshitta "a woman full of grief"LXX"I am a woman for whom this is a hard day"The MT has an ADJECTIVE (BDB 904) and NOUN (BDB 924) CONSTRUCT which means "troubledin spirit."SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE1:16 "Do not consider" This is a Qal IMPERFECT (BDB 678, KB 733) used in a JUSSIVE sense."NASB, NRSV, TEV, NJB, JPSOA "worthless"NKJV, Peshitta, NET"wicked"REB"devoid of shame"LXX"pestilent"The MT has "a daughter of worthlessness" (BDB 815 CONSTRUCT BDB 123 I and BDB 116)."Worthlessness" is related to the false god Belial (cf. 1 Sam. 2:12; 10:27; 25:17; 30:22; 2 Cor. 6:14-18).1:17 Eli responds to her1. Go in peace, BDB 229, KB 246, Qal IMPERATIVE2. May the God of Israel grant your petition, BDB 678, KB 733, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE
sense.SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (OT)NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:19-2019Then they arose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD , and returned again totheir house in Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with Hannah his wife, and the LORDremembered her. 20It came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birthto a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked him of the LORD ."1:19 "had relations" This is literally "know."SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOWSPECIAL TOPIC: HUMAN SEXUALITY1:20 The one possible meaning of the name Samuel comes from this verse, "asked of El."NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:21-2821Then the man Elkanah went up with all his household to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrificeand pay his vow. 22But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "I will not go up untilthe child is weaned; then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD and stay thereforever." 23Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you. Remain until youhave weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word." So the woman remained and nursedher son until she weaned him. 24Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, witha three-year-old bull and one ephah of flour and a jug of wine, and brought him to the house ofthe LORD in Shiloh, although the child was young. 25Then they slaughtered the bull, and broughtthe boy to Eli. 26She said, "Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stoodhere beside you, praying to the LORD . 27For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has given me mypetition which I asked of Him.28SoI have also dedicated him to the LORD ; as long as he lives heis dedicated to the LORD ." And he worshiped the LORD there.1:22 "weaned" This weaning of children in the ANE was a long process, even up to four years of age(i.e., II Macc. 7:27). The ancients believed that a woman could not become pregnant as long as theywere nursing (i.e., a type of birth control mythology)."that he may appear before the LORD and stay there forever" The VERB "appear" (BDB 906, KB1157, Niphal PERFECT with waw) is literally "see," but in sacrificial context, it denotes the action of apriest approaching the altar of sacrifice or entering the holy place (i.e., Exod. 23:25,27).In some texts it refers to offering in general (i.e., Exod. 34:20,23,24; Deut. 16:16; 31:15).Notice the vow had a time element (cf. 1 Sam. 1:11,28). This was a permanent Nazirite Vow.For "forever" see SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam).1:23 "only may the LORD confirm His word" Samuel's father is asking for a sign from YHWH thatthe permanent gift of his son was accepted by Him.The LXX, NEB/REB and DSS have "your word." the UBS Te
a. "the book of Jashar," 2 Sam. 1:18 b. the chronicles of Samuel, 1 Sam. 10:25; 1 Chr. 29:29 c. the chronicles of the prophets Nathan and Gad, 1 Chr. 29:29 d. other chronicles of the time, 1 Chr. 27:24 e. many modern scholars like to suppose that Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (I Chr. 29:29) were
David was not strong enough reason for David to kill Saul. David was even ashamed that he secretly cut a corner from Saul's robe. In David's eyes, Saul was the man God had chosen and anointed king of Israel, and David was not going to be the one to take justice into his own hands if it meant killing God's anointed.
cute Christians, but has a con-version experience on the road to Damascus. Saul/Paul, now in Damascus, meets Ananias. Leaves for Antioch. Unit 1 3. Unit One- Discussion Questions About Saul/Paul Acts 7:58-60; 8:3; 9:1-2 1. Saul was a very religious person, so why did Saul hate Christians so much? 2. How could Saul stand by and watch the stoning .
David. Of course, the three accounts overlap. Samuel lives well on into the reign of Saul, and also sees David rise to prominence; while Saul continues his reign until David is thirty years old. Yet it is none the less true that 1 Samuel is grouped as we have just indicated. In the first seven chapters Samuel is the prominent figure.
wrath of King Saul. As David hid in a field, Jonathan went to the festival with his father, the king, and watched for signs of Saul's hatred toward David. Jonathan at first couldn't believe that his father wanted to harm David. When Jonathan discovered how fervently Saul wished for David's death, Jonathan was so troubled that he couldn .
King Saul took 3,000 men with him to track down and kill David. That’s how much he hated him! While King Saul and his army were marching through the land searching for David, the King went into a cave by himself to rest. It just happened to be the cave that David and his men were hiding in! David’s men could not believe their luck.
David and Jonathan Are Kind Bible Story 1 Samuel 16:15-23; 18:1-4; 19:1-7 Teacher Challenge King Saul was often troubled, but David's music calmed him. So David came to stay with the king. During this time, King Saul's son struck up a friendship with David that continued for years. David and Jonathan had a give and take relationship.
Bellamy Young Ben Feldman Ben McKenzie Ben Stiller Ben Whishaw Beth Grant Bethany Mota Betty White Bill Nighy Bill Pullman Billie Joe Armstrong Bingbing Li Blair Underwood . David Koechner David Kross David Letterman David Lyons David Mamet David Mazouz David Morrissey David Morse David Oyelowo David Schwimmer David Suchet David Tennant David .
Jan 01, 2018 · 19 Lord of All of or Not at All 1 Samuel 7:3-17 21 Be Careful What You Ask For 1 Samuel 8:1-22 23 Majesty in the Mundane 1 Samuel 9:1 - 10:27 25 The King and Kingmaker 1 Samuel 11:1-15 27 Samuel’s Coronation Address 1 Samuel 12:1-25 29 Saul’s Fear and Impatience
