Here you will find a commentary on the book of Samuel. Samuel was an 11th-century BC Hebrew prophet , spiritual leader and the last judge of Israel. He bridged the era of judges and the monarchy, before Samuel judges led Israel after Samuel Kings led Israel. He was born to Hannah in Ramathaim-Zophim (c. 1100s BC). He was raised in Shiloh by Eli, received his calling as a boy, led Israel to repentance at Mizpah, and anointed both Saul and David as kings. These 2 1 and 2 Samuel were once one single volume and record the details of Israels history and the events that unfolded during Samuels lifetime.
The Illegitimate Offering | 1 Samuel 13
1 Samuel 13 | The Illegitimate Offering The people of Israel were about to go into battle against an army much larger. They were waiting for Samual to arrive and make the offering, they wouldn’t go into battle without it. Saul wanted the battle to begin, Samuel was late. Saul decided to make the offering…
The Spirit: Gentle Breath or Violent Wind | 1 Samuel 10-11
There is an account on Mount Horeb where the prophet Elijah is afraid and hiding. The Lord approaches him and a there is a violent rushing wind passes that breaks the rocks, then there is earthquake and then a fire, God is in none of them. Then comes a gentle breeze, and in the still,…
King , Judge and Mediator | 1 Samuel 8 | Kim Blenkhorn
Israel asked for a king like all the other nations—for three reasons they said: to judge them, to go before them, and to fight their battles. The Judge They wanted someone to uphold justice and teach truth. someone who was an expert in the law of God—like Moses—who could punish the wicked and pardon the…
The Insecure King | I Samuel 9
We learn a lot about Saul in chapter 9—some clues about who he is, and subtle foreshadowing of what sort of leader he will become. Saul’s hidden insecurities are not neutral traits; they look for protection—either through control and anxiety, or through performance and pride and both exist in Saul at the same time in…
Return | 1 Samuel 6–7
What should have been a day of celebration turns into tragedy—the ark is returned to Israel but God strikes down fifty thousand of His own people at Beth Shemesh. Israel now seems caught on both sides: enemies on one side, God’s judgment on the other. Why would God strike His own people? And why are…
The Battle Is the Lord’s | 1 Samuel 4
Israel goes into battle against the Philistines—and they are defeated. Their first fatal flaw is revealed in a single question:“Why has the Lord defeated us today?” Within that question is a overwhelming truth—Israel sees God as an enemy fighting against them, rather than a Savior who loves them. It echoes the accusations of the Hebrews…
My Faith Place 