The Big Read – Samuel (1-2 Samuel)

Powerpoint Pictures: Orion’s Belt; Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George; The Magi from Christmas Story; Film Poster for the Three Kings; 3 kings playing cards

1 and 2 Samuel originally was one book called Samuel.  What is Samuel all about?

To help us answer this question, I want you to think about what these things have got in common: Orion’s Belt; Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George; The Magi; the film – Three Kings; 3 Kings playing cards.

What have they all got in common? [Three Kings].

Three Kings is what Samuel is all about.  The book of Judges end with Israel needing a king to lead them and the book of Samuel is about how they got one.

Can you tell me the name of the first king of Israel? [Saul]

Saul was the king the people of Israel wanted.  He was a king like the kings of the other nations.  He looked like a great king.  He was tall, strong, and handsome.  Here was someone to lead the people into battle against their enemies.  But Saul wasn’t a great king because he did not love and obey God and lead the people to follow him.  The king the people wanted wasn’t the king the people needed.

Can you tell me the name of the second king of Israel? [David]

David was the king that God wanted.  David was a good king because not only did he lead the people to victory over their enemies so they could enjoy peace in the Promised Land.  He also loved God and led the people to worship Him.  But he wasn’t a perfect king.  He didn’t always do the right thing and so as good a king he was, he wasn’t the king the people needed.

A third king was needed.  Who is the third king in Samuel? [Jesus]

God made a wonderful promise to David.  “When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you… I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.” (2 Samuel 7:12, 13)

God promised that a perfect king would come who would reign forever.  He is the King they needed and we need.

As we read Samuel and see Saul and David, it should make us thankful for Jesus.