Samuel the Seer: The Last of the Judges, and the First of the Prophets after Moses

by Shepherd Campbell

The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel belongs to those books of the Hebrew Bible known as the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings). In the original Hebrew Bible, 1 & 2 Samuel are one book. This Old Testament biography peers into the life of Samuel the Seer, King Saul and King David and examines this ancient text in which lies the birth of the the state of Israel as it exists today—with Jerusalem as its capital, surrounded by enemies, and constantly fighting for its survival. The first book of Samuel is the story of Samuel, the last of the Judges and first of the prophets since Moses. Samuel anointed the first two kings of Israel—King Saul, and King David. It was David who was responsible for Israel’s Golden Era and the establishment of Jerusalem as its capital city. In this Old Testament Bible Study the reader is introduced to a perilous yet fascinating period in Israel’s history in which God’s people transitioned from a loose league of tribes, established by Moses at Mt. Sinai, into a Monarchy under Samuel and Israel's first king, King Saul. Samuel the Seer brings this narrative to life for the reader in an easy-to-read, yet insightful, Old Testament commentary on this very important Old Testament book. The lives and feats of King Saul and King David—including the dramatic and historic encounter between young David and the Philistine champion Goliath - are described in detail. The book dives into the founding of the monarchy in ancient Israel - which set the foundation for the nation of Israel today. Though ancient, 1 Samuel still holds relevance in today’s rapidly changing world.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2017

Reviews

[Lawrence A. Beer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather interesting commentary is used to take the reader through one of the most interesting periods in Jewish history and Torah writing, the reign of King Saul and the emergence of the next, King David. Readers, however, may be taken back by the author's reliance on asking the reader to consult actual portions of the Old and New Testament and continuously reflect on the lessons these specific portions of the scriptures offers on life.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading this book as a commentary while I was studying 1 Samuel. It added history and insight to my study. Although I did not look in depth at the passages it suggested looking deeper into in parallel to the text I was looking at, I was impressed. It would make a great personal or group Bible study.