This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of Dr. Wellum’s overview of the book of Samuel given on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

With the Psalter now in our rearview mirror, we come to study the book of Samuel. In approaching any book in the Bible we must recall the best way to approach our reading of a particular book. Therefore, we must take the text for what it is, God’s Word through human authors delivered over a specific period of time (cf. Heb. 1:1-2). This presents us with three questions: What is God saying in this book? What is the author communicating to their particular audience? And where does this fit canonically? These questions help to frame how we view Samuel textually, epochally, and canonically. Samuel is framed by two prayers, the prayer of Hannah and the prayer of David, both of which take aim at highlighting its grand subject—king David.

Originally in the Hebrew canon the book of Samuel is placed in the former prophets, which provide a history of Israel. It is significant that we look at the shape of the Hebrew Old Testament to see the flow of how the story of Israel was presented. By following this particular ordering we are able to see the Israel’s history and the progression that ultimately leads us to Christ. There are five sections of the Hebrew Bible:

1. Pentateuch: Genesis-Deuteronomy
2. Former Prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings
3. Later Prophets: Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, the Minor Prophets
4. Writings: Ruth, Psalms, Job, Song of Songs, Lamentations, & Wisdom Literature
5. Prophets: Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Chronicles

Ultimately, in light of these considerations, we must always ask: how does this contribute to God’s unfolding plan, and what is this teaching us today? Using this overview will help us prepare for YHWH’s unfolding kingdom in our two month study of Samuel. Let me encourage you to begin reading through the first seven chapters of the book with your family this week, and to consider the wisdom of God in this royal book.

Listen to this week’s lesson: Samuel

~ds