A Biblical Theology of 1 and 2 Samuel

1. Introduction to Samuel in Biblical Theology

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel (originally a single book in the Hebrew Bible) narrate Israel’s transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. They trace the rise of the prophet Samuel, the people’s demand for a king, the reign and rejection of Saul, and the rise and reign of David.

From a biblical-theological perspective, Samuel is not just history but a theological reflection on monarchy, covenant, and God’s sovereignty. David’s reign becomes a turning point, linking God’s promises to Abraham with the future hope of a king whose reign will never end (2 Sam. 7:16).

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel shows both the blessing and danger of kingship: kings can unite God’s people in faithfulness, but when they rebel, they bring judgment. This tension points forward to Christ, the perfect King who fulfills the promises given through Samuel and David.

2. Israel’s Disarray and God’s Sovereignty (1 Samuel 1–7)

The story begins in weakness. Israel is threatened by the Philistines and corrupted by the leadership of Eli’s sons. Yet God raises up Samuel through the prayers of Hannah, whose song (1 Sam. 2:1–10) declares that God brings down the proud and exalts the humble—a theme running throughout the book.

The ark narrative (1 Sam. 4–6) reveals God’s sovereignty. Israel loses the ark, but the Philistines discover they cannot control Him. When the ark is returned, Israel learns that God’s holiness requires obedience. Only when the people repent and put away their idols (1 Sam. 7:3–4) do they experience deliverance.

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel begins here: God is sovereign, His presence is holy, and His blessing depends on covenant faithfulness. This truth applies equally to kings as it does to priests and prophets.

3. Saul’s Kingship and Its Failure (1 Samuel 8–15)

Israel demands a king to be “like all the other nations” (1 Sam. 8:20). Though kingship had been foreseen in Genesis 17 and Deuteronomy 17, the people’s request is flawed. Instead of seeking God’s rule through His chosen king, they want security in human power.

Saul, Israel’s first king, achieves military victories but fails in obedience. Twice he disregards God’s word (1 Sam. 13; 15), and for this he is rejected. The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel insists that kings must be subject to God’s prophetic word. Kingship without obedience is worthless.

Saul embodies the danger of monarchy: a king who looks the part but disobeys the Lord brings ruin. This prepares the way for David, the man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14).

4. David’s Rise and the Spirit’s Anointing (1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 4)

David is anointed by Samuel, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him (1 Sam. 16:13). Unlike Saul, David shows zeal for God’s honor (1 Sam. 17:26), restraint in refusing to harm the Lord’s anointed (1 Sam. 24:6), and faith in God’s promises.

The long conflict between Saul and David highlights the difference between human kingship and God’s chosen king. David waits patiently for God’s timing, while Saul descends into paranoia and destruction.

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel here emphasizes the Spirit’s role in empowering God’s chosen king. This anticipates Christ, the anointed Son of God, upon whom the Spirit rests without measure (Luke 4:18; John 3:34).

5. David’s Achievements and God’s Covenant (2 Samuel 5–10)

David is established as king over all Israel, defeats the Philistines, and brings the ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5–6). God’s presence returns to the center of Israel’s life.

The high point is God’s covenant with David (2 Sam. 7). God promises to establish David’s house forever and to raise up a son who will build God’s temple and reign eternally. This “Davidic covenant” builds on the Abrahamic covenant, promising a name, offspring, and blessing to the nations.

Here the biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel reaches a climax. God’s kingdom is revealed in David’s reign, but the promise points beyond him to a greater Son, fulfilled in Christ (Rom. 1:3–4).

6. David’s Sin and Its Consequences (2 Samuel 11–20)

David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah marks a turning point. The prophet Nathan confronts him: “You are the man!” (2 Sam. 12:7). Though David repents, the consequences ripple through his family and nation. Violence, betrayal, and civil war mar the latter half of his reign.

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel is realistic: even God’s chosen king fails. Unlike Saul, David repents and seeks mercy (Ps. 51). Yet the shadow of sin underscores the need for a greater King—one who will not fall into corruption but will reign in perfect righteousness.

7. David’s Legacy and Hope for the Future (2 Samuel 21–24)

The closing chapters of Samuel present both David’s strength and his weakness. His psalm of thanksgiving (2 Sam. 22) and his last words (2 Sam. 23:1–7) portray him as the ideal ruler, upheld by God and ruling in justice. Yet the mention of Uriah (2 Sam. 23:39) reminds us of his failure.

The census in 2 Samuel 24 reveals the danger of royal pride. Still, God’s mercy prevails: David offers sacrifice on the threshing floor of Araunah, the site that will become the temple mount. The story ends with both judgment and hope, anticipating the coming of a future King who will bring final peace.

8. Samuel and the Rest of Scripture

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel reverberates through the rest of the Bible:

• Kings and Chronicles: The promise to David sustains Judah even through exile (2 Kgs. 25:27–30; 2 Chr. 13:4–5).

• Psalms: The Davidic king is God’s son (Ps. 2), ruling from Zion, suffering yet vindicated (Ps. 22).

• Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah foretell a future son of David who will rule with justice and bring peace (Isa. 9:6–7; Jer. 23:5–6; Mic. 5:2–5).

• New Testament: Jesus is proclaimed as Son of David, Christ, and King. He fulfills the covenant by reigning not through military might but through the cross and resurrection (Rom. 1:3–4; Rev. 5:5–6).

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel shows monarchy as both gift and danger, but ultimately points to Christ, the eternal King who brings God’s kingdom in fullness.

Conclusion

The biblical theology of 1 and 2 Samuel reveals God’s sovereignty, the seriousness of covenant obedience, and the hope of a perfect King. Samuel shows that human kings can bring blessing when they submit to God, but even the best king is flawed. David’s covenant points forward to Christ, the greater Son of David, who reigns in righteousness, fulfills God’s promises, and secures eternal peace for His people.