1 Samuel 

The title “Samuel” refers to the prophet Samuel as the key figure in 1–2 Samuel, the one who established the monarchy in Israel by anointing first Saul and then David; Samuel was the kingmaker in the history of ancient Israel.

1 Samuel highlights two major events in the history of Israel: first, the establishment of the monarchy in Israel (chs. 8–12); and, the preparation of David to sit on the royal throne after Saul (chs. 16–31). Saul was rejected God in favor of David (chs. 15–16). In 2 Samuel 7, God promises David an eternal dynasty. In these two central events the role of Samuel was very important because he had anointed first Saul, then David, as king over the people. Continue reading →

Ruth

The book is named for its main character, Ruth, a Moabite widow who married the Bethlehemite Boaz. She became an ancestor of King David (4:17, 22) and thus an ancestor of the Messiah (Matt. 1:1, 5–6). This book highlights how God’s people experience his sovereignty, wisdom, and covenant kindness, often coming disguised in hard circumstances and are mediated through the kindness of others.

The story takes place in the time of the judges (after the conquest and before c. 1050 b.c.), before a king was in place to reign over a united kingdom. This book explains the providential ancestry of David, who would become such a king. Continue reading →