Introduction to the First Book of Samuel, otherwise called the First Book of the
Kings.
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are named after the prophet Samuel.
God used Samuel to establish a kingship in Israel.
Up until this point, the nation of Israel did not have a king.
God had given them everything they needed to function under His reign and rule
without a king.
If they followed His laws, He would provide for them and protect them from the
other nations.
God would bless them and cause their crops to grow in abundance.
But the people rejected God's best and wanted a king like the nations around
them.
He granted their demand.
First Samuel records the story of Israel's first king, Saul, and his tragic death due
to his willful disobedience.
In First Samuel, we also see the rise of David, who would become Israel's second
king.
First Samuel was written around 930 BC.
As you listen, compare the character of Saul and David, noting that the success of
each leader depended on his devotion to God, not on his position or personal giftedness.