In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua] was in the beginning with God.

FIRST SAMUEL

The First Book of Samuel (1105-1011 BC) is the fourth of the twelve books of history. It represents the transition of Israel from a theocracy of judges to a monarchy of kings and covers a period of approximately 94 years from the birth of Samuel to the death of King Saul. The Second Book of Samuel focuses primarily on the rule of King David while the two books of Kings give an accounting of the remaining monarchies including that of King Solomon. The kings and their kingdoms comprise a period of approximately 465 years and end with the fall of Israel to foreign invaders.

Like Jesus Christ, the Messiah, Samuel was a priest, judge and prophet; he was the last judge and the first prophet. His impeccable leadership and respect among the Israelites brought victories and blessings to Israel. However, his sons were unjust and Israel rejected them as Samuel’s successors. Israel demanded to have a king like other nations while at the same time rejecting God as their king. Consequently, Israel was doomed to eventual failure as a kingdom under men.

By rejecting Christ, the Son of God, the nations and kingdoms of this world are doomed to failure by following their own ways. At the end of this current age of grace, God will pour out His wrath upon the world during the seven-year tribulation. Israel also will suffer great loss. Those covered by the blood of Christ will be raptured to meet Christ in the air; they will not endure the tribulation. At the end of the tribulation, Christ will return to earth the second time to save a remnant of Israel and judge the nations who persecuted her. Christ will then rule the world for 1,000 years from the city of Jerusalem.

First Samuel 1-7: The Judges Eli and Samuel; the leadership and victories of Samuel

First Samuel 8-15: The transition to King Saul; the success and failure of King Saul’s reign

First Samuel 15-31: The anointed transition to King David: the rise of King David