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The Books of Samuel begin not with a throne, but with a barren woman praying. In this Week 1 study, we explore 1 Samuel 1–15 and the rise of Samuel, the corruption of Eli’s priesthood, the Ark narrative, Israel’s demand for a king, and Saul’s tragic collapse.

This session examines:

* Hannah’s theology of reversal
* The return of prophetic authority
* Why Israel wanted a king “like the nations”
* Saul’s rise and failure
* Covenant obedience vs outward religion
* Ancient Near Eastern kingship background
* Hebrew word studies including Mashiach, Hesed, and Shama
* How Samuel points forward to Jesus as the true King

Samuel is not merely political history. It is a theological warning about power, covenant loyalty, pride, and human kingship apart from God.

This teaching integrates:

* Hebrew language insights
* Historical context
* Literary structure
* Scholarly analysis
* Christ-centered interpretation
* Connections between Old and New Testament themes

Key Texts:

* 1 Samuel 1–15
* Hannah’s Song
* Saul’s rejection
* “Obedience is better than sacrifice”

Walk the Way — Modern Mind, Ancient Book.

#Samuel #BibleStudy #1Samuel #OldTestament #Jesus #HebrewBible #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalHistory #AncientIsrael #Faith

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Open-access or university-based starting points:

* Yale University
Hebrew Bible lectures (Christine Hayes)
* Harvard University
Hebrew Bible resources
* University of Notre Dame
Samuel and Deuteronomistic History materials
* Princeton Theological Seminary
* The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Recommended scholarly commentaries:

* McCarter — Anchor Yale Samuel
* Alter — The David Story
* Brueggemann — First and Second Samuel
* Bergen — NAC Samuel
* Gordon — Word Biblical Commentary