These books include independent blocks (e.g., the Ark Narrative, Saul’s rise to power, David’s ascendancy over Saul, the Succession Narrative ), which the editor shaped into three narrative cycles, the last two marked by transitional passages in 1 Sm 13:1 and 2 Sm 1:1. The author/editor developed a narrative timeline around freely composed speeches, delivered by prophets like Samuel (e.g., 1 Sm 15:10– 31 28:15– 19) and Nathan ( 2 Sm 12:1– 12), who endorse Deuteronomistic perspectives regarding the establishment of the monarchy, the relationship between worship and obedience, and the divine covenant established with the house of David. Samuel’s misgivings about abuse of royal power foreshadow the failures and misdeeds of Saul and David and the failures of subsequent Israelite kings.Īlthough the events described in 1 and 2 Samuel move from the last of the judges to the decline of David’s reign and the beginning of a legendary “Golden Age” under Solomon’s rule, this material does not present either a continuous history or a systematic account of this period. A Deuteronomistic editor presents both positive and negative traditions about the monarchy, portraying it both as evidence of Israel’s rejection of the Lord as their sovereign ( 1 Sm 8:6– 22 12:1– 25) and as part of God’s plan to deliver the people ( 1 Sm 9:16 10:17– 27 2 Sm 7:8– 17). He bridges the gap between the period of the Judges and the monarchy, and guides Israel’s transition to kingship. These books describe the rise and development of kingship in Israel.

Timeline of samuel in the bible