Through the book we see a number of characters introduced and see their stories. The main ones, of course are Samuel and Saul, who are both introduced and die within this book, and David, to whom we are introduced and will see more of. While I think of it, I should mention that in the Hebrew Bible, the book of Samuel is not split-which explains why we have a second book named after Samuel where he does not appear.
We also have a number of other characters though, which should not escape our notice. Whether minor or major, most characters are seen tested on how they will respond to situations, and often the choice is between the easy road and the right road.
The book begins with a demonstration of a woman's faith in God. Though her prayer is misunderstood for drunkenness she respond respectfully, and when the answer to get prayer comes she follows through with her vow faithfully. Quiet and in the background, but she likely had a large influence on Samuel's life that we don't see.
We see Eli and his sons - his sons are disrespecting God and disgracing both the sacrifices and worship, as well as engaging in selfish sexual immorality. People warn Eli about them, but he makes little attempt to correct the situation, and is held judged by God along with them for his sons because he did not restrain them. It is a good reminder that we do bear some responsibility for the actions of those under us, whether children or students in other ways. The teaching of the next generation seems to be a bit of a theme throughout Samuel - Eli's sons, Samuel's sons, and many of David's sons all turn away from the Lord. In contrast Jonathan, Saul's son, follows God more than his father.
Samuel's first encounter with God is popular in Sunday schools and messages about listening to God - less so have I heard about the words that God speaks to Samuel. It is interesting that God's first message to him is about judging Eli and his sons - and it seems to typify Samuel's life in a way. He is the one who listens to God and acts for God, whether the news is good or bad - unlike Eli who listened by didn't really do anything, and Saul who listened to the message from God and decided to do his own thing.
The overall theme of this book (and the next) is the history of the first two kings in Israel - how the kingdom was established. The first king is chosen after a request from the people to be like the nations around them. They do have one good point about Samuel's sons being corrupt - like Eli, Samuel doesn't seem to restrain them, but this is not focused upon. Instead of requesting God (through Samuel maybe) stop the corruption of his sons and seeking another righteous judge, they want to throw the whole system in and ask for kingship - so if the kings sons are corrupt at least they are locked into serving them through inheritance (sarcastic). This part of their reasoning doesn't seem to make too much sense, so it really comes down to just wanting to be like other nations, and as God identifies, it is a rejection of Him and not Samuel.
So God gives them a king that they want. Initially humble and willing to fight Israel's enemies, Saul is a good warrior. His unwillingness to become king reminds me of Prince Caspian becoming king in Narnia - Aslan states that Caspian thinking he was not ready was an indication that he was ready. Unfortunately, that attitude is not a guarantee of continued humility once coming to power, and as seen with Saul, the people's king starts listening to the people rather than the God Who put him on the throne.
The characteristic of David's life on the other hand, is waiting on God. He is a man of action when something needs to be done, but where it is not his role to do something, he will wait for God to work it out in His time - showing in his sparing of Saul's life as much respect for God as mercy for Saul. Described as a man after God's heart, he shows strong confidence in God, and enquires from Him often. When he doesn't enquire, but acts in haste - such as concerning Nabal - he makes poor decisions, but fortunately God is gracious in this case sending Abigail to intercept him, and being caused to stop and think, he sees her wisdom and leaves the vengeance to the Lord. Unfortunately he then goes and takes her as his wife, along with another women - one is understandable, as Michal (Saul's daughter, his first wife) had been given by Saul to someone else, but two is disappointing, as it was against God's pattern for marriage, although tolerated in that society. Another questionable decision was the attempt to go and live with the Philistines - the first time pretending to become insane to get out of it, and later raiding the people raiding the Israelites and deceiving the Philistines as to whom he was attacking. Again, there seemed no consultation of God before these events, it is only afterward, when brought low by the capture of Ziklag that he again seeks the counsel of God. Sometimes God will use circumstance to bring us low in order to bring us back to Him - sometimes the consequences of our own actions, other times from unrelated events. It is when we are low that our 'true colours' are seen - when Saul was low and feared the people he took it upon himself to sacrifice to the Lord - i.e. find his own way to solve the problem - David when low turned to the Lord, and so should we, whether enjoying success or difficulty.
As to some of the other characters in the story, we see Jonathan, who is a loyal friend. Also a loyal son, but willing to stand against his father when his father is wrong. In classic storytelling you would expect the heir apparent to be the most antagonistic to the person anointed king in his place, but Jonathan is receptive to God's plan and encourages David. Jonathan is actually one of the few I can see no bad thing said about in the story. He is loyal, he relies on God to fight the Philistines, with that awesome confidence
We see Eli and his sons - his sons are disrespecting God and disgracing both the sacrifices and worship, as well as engaging in selfish sexual immorality. People warn Eli about them, but he makes little attempt to correct the situation, and is held judged by God along with them for his sons because he did not restrain them. It is a good reminder that we do bear some responsibility for the actions of those under us, whether children or students in other ways. The teaching of the next generation seems to be a bit of a theme throughout Samuel - Eli's sons, Samuel's sons, and many of David's sons all turn away from the Lord. In contrast Jonathan, Saul's son, follows God more than his father.
Samuel's first encounter with God is popular in Sunday schools and messages about listening to God - less so have I heard about the words that God speaks to Samuel. It is interesting that God's first message to him is about judging Eli and his sons - and it seems to typify Samuel's life in a way. He is the one who listens to God and acts for God, whether the news is good or bad - unlike Eli who listened by didn't really do anything, and Saul who listened to the message from God and decided to do his own thing.
The overall theme of this book (and the next) is the history of the first two kings in Israel - how the kingdom was established. The first king is chosen after a request from the people to be like the nations around them. They do have one good point about Samuel's sons being corrupt - like Eli, Samuel doesn't seem to restrain them, but this is not focused upon. Instead of requesting God (through Samuel maybe) stop the corruption of his sons and seeking another righteous judge, they want to throw the whole system in and ask for kingship - so if the kings sons are corrupt at least they are locked into serving them through inheritance (sarcastic). This part of their reasoning doesn't seem to make too much sense, so it really comes down to just wanting to be like other nations, and as God identifies, it is a rejection of Him and not Samuel.
So God gives them a king that they want. Initially humble and willing to fight Israel's enemies, Saul is a good warrior. His unwillingness to become king reminds me of Prince Caspian becoming king in Narnia - Aslan states that Caspian thinking he was not ready was an indication that he was ready. Unfortunately, that attitude is not a guarantee of continued humility once coming to power, and as seen with Saul, the people's king starts listening to the people rather than the God Who put him on the throne.
The characteristic of David's life on the other hand, is waiting on God. He is a man of action when something needs to be done, but where it is not his role to do something, he will wait for God to work it out in His time - showing in his sparing of Saul's life as much respect for God as mercy for Saul. Described as a man after God's heart, he shows strong confidence in God, and enquires from Him often. When he doesn't enquire, but acts in haste - such as concerning Nabal - he makes poor decisions, but fortunately God is gracious in this case sending Abigail to intercept him, and being caused to stop and think, he sees her wisdom and leaves the vengeance to the Lord. Unfortunately he then goes and takes her as his wife, along with another women - one is understandable, as Michal (Saul's daughter, his first wife) had been given by Saul to someone else, but two is disappointing, as it was against God's pattern for marriage, although tolerated in that society. Another questionable decision was the attempt to go and live with the Philistines - the first time pretending to become insane to get out of it, and later raiding the people raiding the Israelites and deceiving the Philistines as to whom he was attacking. Again, there seemed no consultation of God before these events, it is only afterward, when brought low by the capture of Ziklag that he again seeks the counsel of God. Sometimes God will use circumstance to bring us low in order to bring us back to Him - sometimes the consequences of our own actions, other times from unrelated events. It is when we are low that our 'true colours' are seen - when Saul was low and feared the people he took it upon himself to sacrifice to the Lord - i.e. find his own way to solve the problem - David when low turned to the Lord, and so should we, whether enjoying success or difficulty.
As to some of the other characters in the story, we see Jonathan, who is a loyal friend. Also a loyal son, but willing to stand against his father when his father is wrong. In classic storytelling you would expect the heir apparent to be the most antagonistic to the person anointed king in his place, but Jonathan is receptive to God's plan and encourages David. Jonathan is actually one of the few I can see no bad thing said about in the story. He is loyal, he relies on God to fight the Philistines, with that awesome confidence
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few."
(1Sa 14:6)
His amour-bearer also showed confidence in God, inspired by Jonathan. Jonathan and his amour-bearer then went on to slay twenty men by themselves - as evident a sign that the Lord was with him as David against Goliath. Later that same battle we see Jonathan expressing concern for the people when he hears of Saul's rash vow that no one should eat anything til the battle was over. He had broken it before he heard of it, and like Jephthah, Saul was willing to put his child to death for the sake of the vow. Fortunately in this case the vow was overturned by the people, who refused to allow it - no bad is recorded from this, another indication that making a rash vow is not good, but breaking a rash vow is better than carrying it out wrongly.
We also see others making small stands for the Lord, such as Ahimelech who gives him the sacred bread, recognising the need of David and his men. We see the guard of Saul refusing to kill the priests of the Lord - an indication that they still feared God more than the king. Unfortunately Doeg was callous enough to carry out the orders - a prophecy and judgement of God was fulfilled then, but that does not mean Doeg or Saul were right to do so.
Finally, we see Saul as a desperate man running out of options, but still trying to do things in his own strength and refusing to repent of the disobedience concerning the Amalekites and David (he did beg forgiveness at some points, but he showed no signs of actual repentance). Resorting to the occult, and finally going to the battle in despair, he cannot even face going down fighting but commits suicide before the Philistines get close. Though he didn't want the kingdom initially, he started out with God, but then become proud of his own success, tried to do things his own way, and had the kingdom torn away from him - he had thrown it away through his own foolishness, and refused to admit it or repent.
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