WEBVTT

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Introduction to the First Book of Samuel,
otherwise called the First Book of the

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Kings.

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The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are named
after the prophet Samuel.

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God used Samuel to establish a kingship in
Israel.

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Up until this point, the nation of Israel
did not have a king.

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God had given them everything they needed
to function under His reign and rule

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without a king.

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If they followed His laws, He would
provide for them and protect them from the

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other nations.

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God would bless them and cause their crops
to grow in abundance.

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But the people rejected God's best and
wanted a king like the nations around

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them.

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He granted their demand.

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First Samuel records the story of Israel's
first king, Saul, and his tragic death due

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to his willful disobedience.

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In First Samuel, we also see the rise of
David, who would become Israel's second

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king.

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First Samuel was written around 930 BC.

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As you listen, compare the character of
Saul and David, noting that the success of

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each leader depended on his devotion to
God, not on his position or personal giftedness.