1 SAMUEL: STUDY OUTLINE
for BIBL 105 – Old Testament Survey
I. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
A. Title and Meaning
•Hebrew Title: “Shmuel” (Samuel - “Name of God” or “God has heard”)
•English Title: “1 Samuel” (originally one book with 2 Samuel)
•Genre: Theological history; prophetic narrative; royal biography
B. Authorship & Date
•Traditional View: Samuel and prophetic school (Nathan, Gad) (evangelical
position)
•Internal Evidence: “Until this day” formulas; prophetic perspective
•Sources: Court records, prophetic accounts (1 Chr 29:29)
•Composition Date: Early monarchy period (c. 950-900 BC)
•Historical Period: c. 1100-1010 BC (Late Judges to early United Monarchy)
C. Canonical Context
•Hebrew Bible: Former Prophets (historical books with prophetic interpretation)
•English Bible: Historical books between Ruth and 2 Samuel
•Deuteronomistic History: Part of unified historical theology (Joshua-Kings)
D. Historical Setting
•Political transition: From tribal confederation to monarchy
•Religious transition: From judges to prophetic monarchy
•Military pressures: Philistine domination threatens Israel’s existence
•Cultural crisis: Syncretism and moral decline continue from Judges period
E. Structure Overview
1. Samuel’s Rise and Ministry (1:1-7:17)
2. Transition to Monarchy (8:1-15:35)
3. David’s Rise and Saul’s Decline (16:1-31:13) F. Major
Characters
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•Samuel: Last judge, first prophet, kingmaker
•Saul: First king of Israel, tragic figure
David: Future king, man after God’s heart
•Jonathan: Saul’s son, David’s covenant friend
G. Theological Purposes
•Divine sovereignty: God rules through human institutions
•Prophetic authority: Word of God through His messengers
•Covenant kingship: Preparation for Davidic covenant
•Human failure: Even chosen leaders fail without divine grace
II. SAMUEL’S RISE AND MINISTRY (1:1-7:17)
A. Samuel’s Birth and Dedication (1:1-2:11)
1. Hannah’s Distress and Vow (1:1-18)
•Family situation: Elkanah, Hannah (barren), Peninnah (fertile)
•Annual pilgrimage: To Shiloh for worship and sacrifice
•Domestic tension: Peninnah provokes Hannah about barrenness
•Hannah’s grief: Wept and would not eat
•Elkanah’s comfort: “Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
•Prayer at temple: Pours out soul before YHWH
•Vow: “If You give me son, I will give him to YHWH all days of life”
•Nazirite commitment: “No razor shall come upon his head”
•Eli’s misunderstanding: Thinks she’s drunk
•Hannah’s explanation: “I am woman of sorrowful spirit”
•Eli’s blessing: “May God of Israel grant your petition”
•Changed demeanor: “Her face was no longer sad”
2. Samuel’s Birth and Dedication (1:19-28)
•Divine remembrance: “YHWH remembered Hannah”
•Conception and birth: Samuel born
•Name explanation: “Because I have asked for him from YHWH”
•Weaning: Stayed home until child weaned (age 3-5)
•Fulfillment of vow: Brought to Eli at Shiloh
•Permanent dedication: “As long as he lives, he is lent to YHWH”
•Worship: “They worshiped YHWH there”
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3. Hannah’s Prayer of Praise (2:1-11)
•Exaltation: “My heart rejoices in YHWH, my horn is exalted”
•Salvation: “I smile at my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation”
Divine uniqueness: “No one is holy like YHWH, no Rock like our God”
Warning: “Talk no more so very proudly”
Divine knowledge: “YHWH is God of knowledge, by Him actions are weighed”
•Reversal theme: Strong/weak, full/hungry, barren/fertile
•Social justice: “Raises poor from dust, lifts beggar from ash heap”
•Universal sovereignty: “Pillars of earth are YHWH’s”
•Eschatological vision: “He will give strength to His king, exalt horn of His
anointed”
B. Eli’s Sons and Samuel’s Growth (2:12-36)
1. Sons of Eli’s Wickedness (2:12-17)
•Character: “Sons of Belial, they knew not YHWH”
•Priestly corruption: Took meat before fat burned to God
•Contempt for offerings: “Men abhorred offering of YHWH”
•Abuse of power: Threatened violence if refused
2. Samuel’s Faithful Service (2:18-21)
•Ministering: “Boy Samuel ministered before YHWH”
•Priestly garment: “Girded with linen ephod”
•Annual visit: Hannah brings little coat each year
•Eli’s blessing: Blesses Elkanah and Hannah
•Prayer fulfillment: “YHWH visited Hannah”
•Additional children: Three sons and two daughters
•Growth: “Child Samuel grew before YHWH”
3. Eli’s Failed Discipline (2:22-26)
•Knowledge of sons’ sins: Heard about their behavior
•Weak rebuke: “Why do you do such things?”
•Warning ignored: “If man sins against man, God will judge him”
•Divine hardening: “They hearkened not to voice of father because YHWH would
slay them”
•Samuel’s contrast: “Grew in stature and favor with YHWH and men”
4. Prophecy Against Eli’s House (2:27-36)
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•Anonymous prophet: Man of God comes to Eli
•Historical reminder: “Did I plainly appear to house of your father in Egypt?”
•Priestly calling: Chosen from all tribes to serve
•Accusation: “Why do you kick at My sacrifice?”
•Honor misplaced: “Honor your sons above Me”
•Divine judgment: “I will cut off your arm and arm of father’s house”
•Sign: “Both your sons shall die in one day”
•Replacement: “I will raise up faithful priest”
Permanent priesthood: “I will build him sure house”
C. Samuel’s Call (3:1-21)
1. The Voice in the Night (3:1-14)
•Spiritual condition: “Word of YHWH was precious, no open vision”
•Setting: Samuel lying in temple where ark was
•Divine call: “Samuel! Samuel!”
•Confusion: Thinks Eli is calling
•Third time: Eli realizes YHWH is calling boy
•Instructions: “If He calls, say ‘Speak, YHWH, your servant hears’“
•Divine revelation: YHWH stands and calls as before
•Samuel’s response: “Speak, for your servant hears”
•Judgment message: Confirm all spoken against Eli’s house
•Irrevocable judgment: “I have sworn, iniquity shall not be purged”
2. Morning Revelation (3:15-21)
•Samuel’s fear: Afraid to tell Eli the vision
•Eli’s insistence: “Hide nothing from me”
•Complete revelation: Samuel told him every whit
•Eli’s submission: “It is YHWH; let Him do what seems good”
•Samuel’s growth: “YHWH was with him, let none of his words fall”
•Recognition: “All Israel knew Samuel established as prophet”
•Divine presence: “YHWH appeared again in Shiloh”
•Prophetic authority: “YHWH revealed Himself to Samuel by word of YHWH”
D. Ark Narrative and Philistine Crisis (4:1-7:1)
1. Battle and Ark Capture (4:1-11)
•Military defeat: Israel defeated at Aphek, 4,000 killed
•Elders’ decision: “Let us fetch ark from Shiloh”
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•False confidence: “It may save us from hand of enemies”
•Ark’s arrival: Great shout in camp
•Philistine fear: “God has come into camp”
•Historical memory: “Who shall deliver us from mighty gods?”
•Rallying cry: “Be strong and quit yourselves like men”
•Greater defeat: 30,000 killed, ark taken
•Eli’s sons: Hophni and Phinehas die (fulfilling prophecy)
2. Eli’s Death (4:12-22)
•Messenger: Benjamite with torn clothes and dirt
Eli’s concern: Sitting by wayside watching (heart trembled for ark)
City’s mourning: Cry throughout city
Report: Israel fled, great slaughter, sons dead, ark taken
•Eli’s death: Falls backward, breaks neck (judged Israel 40 years)
•Phinehas’ wife: Dies in childbirth
•Child’s name: Ichabod (“Where is the glory?”)
•Reason: “Glory has departed from Israel”
3. Ark Among Philistines (5:1-12)
•Dagon’s temple: Ark placed beside Dagon in Ashdod
•First morning: Dagon fallen on face before ark
•Second morning: Dagon fallen, head and hands cut off
•Divine judgment: “Hand of YHWH was heavy upon them of Ashdod”
•Plague: Emerods (tumors/hemorrhoids) strike city
•Recognition: “Ark of God of Israel shall not abide with us”
•Gath: Sent there, same plague strikes
•Ekron: Refuses ark, fears deadly destruction
•Seven months: Duration of ark among Philistines
4. Ark’s Return (6:1-7:1)
•Philistine consultation: Priests and diviners consulted
•Trespass offering: Five golden emerods and five golden mice
•Test: New cart, two milch cows never yoked
•Divine guidance: Cows take straight path to Beth-shemesh
•Joy: Men of Beth-shemesh rejoice to see ark
•Sacrifice: Cows offered as burnt offering
•Divine judgment: 70 men die for looking into ark
•Fear: “Who is able to stand before this holy YHWH God?”
•Kiriath-jearim: Ark taken there, remains 20 years
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E. Samuel’s Ministry and Victory (7:2-17)
1. Spiritual Revival (7:2-6)
•Twenty years: Ark remains at Kiriath-jearim
•Lamentation: “All house of Israel lamented after YHWH”
•Samuel’s conditions: “If you return to YHWH with all hearts”
•Requirements: “Put away strange gods and Ashtaroth”
•Promise: “He will deliver you from hand of Philistines”
•Response: Put away Baals and Ashtaroth
•Assembly: Gathered at Mizpah
•Confession: “We have sinned against YHWH”
•Samuel judges: Israel at Mizpah
2. Victory Over Philistines (7:7-14)
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Philistine threat: Hear of assembly, come against Israel
Fear: Children of Israel afraid
•Intercession: “Cease not to cry to YHWH for us”
•Sacrifice: Samuel offers sucking lamb as burnt offering
•Divine intervention: “YHWH thundered with great thunder”
•Philistine confusion: Discomfited before Israel
•Pursuit: Israel pursues and smites Philistines
•Memorial stone: “Ebenezer” (“Stone of Help”)
•Testimony: “Hitherto has YHWH helped us”
•Lasting victory: Philistines subdued, came no more into coasts
3. Samuel’s Judgeship (7:15-17)
•Lifetime service: Judged Israel all days of his life
•Circuit ministry: Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah annually
•Home base: Ramah, where he built altar
•Comprehensive leadership: Combined prophetic, judicial, priestly roles
III. TRANSITION TO MONARCHY (8:1-15:35)
A. Request for a King (8:1-22)
1. Samuel’s Sons as Judges (8:1-3)
•Succession plan: Made sons judges over Israel
•Joel and Abiah: First and second born
•Beersheba: Location of their judgment seat
•Moral failure: “Walked not in his ways”
•Corruption: “Turned aside after lucre, took bribes, perverted
judgment”
2. Elders’ Demand (8:4-9)
•Assembly: All elders of Israel gather at Ramah
•Request: “Make us a king to judge us like all nations”
•Samuel’s displeasure: “Thing displeased Samuel”
•Prayer: Samuel prayed to YHWH
•Divine perspective: “They have not rejected you, but rejected Me”
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•Historical pattern: “According to all works they have done since
Egypt”
•Command: “Hearken to their voice”
•Warning required: “Solemnly protest and show manner of king” 3.
Warning About Kingship (8:10-18)
Military service: “Will take your sons for his chariots and horsemen”
Forced labor: “Will appoint captains, make them ear his ground”
Economic burden: “Will take your daughters to be confectionaries, cooks,
bakers”
•Property seizure: “Will take your fields, vineyards, oliveyards”
•Heavy taxation: “Will take tenth of your seed and vineyards”
•Servant class: “Will take your menservants and maidservants”
•Military draft: “Will take your goodliest young men and asses”
•Livestock tax: “Will take tenth of your sheep”
•Personal slavery: “You shall be his servants”
•Future regret: “You shall cry out because of king you have chosen”
•Divine silence: “YHWH will not hear you in that day”
4. Persistent Demand (8:19-22)
•Refusal: “People refused to obey voice of Samuel”
•Insistence: “We will have a king over us”
•Motivation: “That we may be like all nations”
•Military expectation: “Our king may judge us and fight our battles”
•Samuel’s report: Rehearsed words in ears of YHWH
•Divine consent: “Hearken to their voice and make them a king”
•Dismissal: “Go every man to his city”
B. Saul’s Anointing and Early Reign (9:1-12:25)
1. Saul’s Search and Finding (9:1-27)
•Family background: Son of Kish, mighty man of power from Benjamin
•Physical description: “Choice young man and goodly”
•Impressive stature: “From shoulders upward higher than any people”
•Lost donkeys: Father’s asses go astray
•Search mission: Saul and servant seek donkeys
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•Servant’s suggestion: Consult man of God in nearby city
•Samuel’s preparation: YHWH told him yesterday about Benjamite
•Divine appointment: “Tomorrow I will send you man who shall save people”
•Meeting: Samuel encounters Saul at city gate
•Divine confirmation: “Behold the man of whom I spoke”
•Invitation: Samuel invites Saul to sacrificial meal
•Reassurance: “As for asses lost three days ago, set not mind on them”
•Prophecy: “On whom is all desire of Israel? Is it not on you?” Honor: Chief
place at feast, choicest portion served
•Private consultation: Samuel speaks with Saul on housetop
2. Secret Anointing (10:1-16)
•Anointing: Samuel pours oil on Saul’s head
•Kiss: Symbol of allegiance and affection
Declaration: “YHWH has anointed you to be captain over His inheritance”
Three signs:
1. Two men at Rachel’s sepulchre: “Donkeys are found, father worried
about you”
2. Three men at Bethel: Going to God, carrying bread and wine, will
give you bread
3. Hill of God: Meet company of prophets, will prophesy with them
•Transformation: “YHWH will give you another heart”
•Instructions: “Do as occasion serve, for God is with you”
•Gilgal appointment: Wait seven days for Samuel’s arrival
•Sign fulfillment: All signs came to pass that day
•Prophetic experience: Spirit of God came upon him, prophesied
•Recognition: “What is this that has come to son of Kish?”
•Proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
•Discretion: Told uncle about donkeys but not kingdom matter
3. Public Presentation (10:17-27)
•Assembly: People called together at Mizpah
•Divine rebuke: “You have rejected your God who saved you”
•Lot casting: By tribes, families, to identify king
•Selection: Lot falls on Saul son of Kish
•Hiding: Found hidden among stuff/baggage
•Presentation: Brought before people
•Samuel’s endorsement: “See him whom YHWH has chosen”
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•Popular acclaim: “God save the king”
•Constitutional document: Samuel declares “manner of kingdom”
•Written record: Laid up before YHWH
•Dismissal: People go home
•Support: Valiant men whose hearts God touched go with Saul
•Opposition: “Children of Belial” despise him, bring no presents
4. Confirmation at Jabesh-Gilead (11:1-15)
•Crisis: Nahash the Ammonite besieges Jabesh-gilead
•Humiliating terms: “Thrust out all right eyes”
•Reproach: “Lay it for reproach upon all Israel”
•Seven days: Elders request time to seek help
•Message: Messengers come to Gibeah of Saul
•People’s response: Lifted voice and wept
•Saul’s anger: Spirit of God came upon him mightily
•Call to arms: Cuts oxen in pieces, sends throughout Israel
•Threat: “Whoever comes not after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his
oxen”
Fear of YHWH: Falls on people
Large army: 330,000 men assemble
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Promise: “Tomorrow by time sun is hot, you shall have help”
Victory: Saul defeats Ammonites, slaughters them
•Kingship confirmed: “Who said Saul shall not reign over us?”
•Mercy: Saul refuses to execute opponents
•Renewal: “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew kingdom there”
•Coronation: Made Saul king before YHWH in Gilgal
5. Samuel’s Farewell Address (12:1-25)
•Integrity defense: “Whose ox have I taken? Whom have I defrauded?”
•People’s testimony: “You have not defrauded us”
•Historical recital: From Egypt through judges to present
•Pattern: Forgot YHWH, served Baals, cried out, YHWH sent deliverers
•Current situation: “You said ‘No, but a king shall reign over us’“
•Divine accommodation: “YHWH your God was your king”
•Conditional blessing: “If you fear YHWH and serve Him”
•Warning: “If you will not obey voice of YHWH”
•Miraculous sign: Thunder and rain in wheat harvest
•People’s fear: “We have added to our sins this evil, to ask a king”
•Encouragement: “Fear not, you have done all this wickedness”
•Promise: “YHWH will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake”
•Samuel’s commitment: “Far be it from me that I should sin in ceasing to pray”
•Final counsel: “Only fear YHWH and serve Him in truth”
C. Saul’s Failures and Rejection (13:1-15:35)
1. Unlawful Sacrifice (13:1-23)
•Reign begun: Saul reigned one year (text uncertain)
•Standing army: 3,000 men chosen
•Military action: Jonathan smites Philistine garrison
•Philistine response: Gather to fight Israel
•People’s fear: Hide in caves, thickets, rocks, high places, pits
•Saul’s dilemma: At Gilgal, people scattered from him
•Delayed arrival: Samuel tarries past seven days
•Unlawful sacrifice: Saul offers burnt offering
•Samuel’s arrival: Just as sacrifice finished
•Rebuke: “What have you done?”
•Saul’s excuses: People scattered, Samuel delayed, Philistines gathered
•Fear motivation: “I forced myself and offered burnt offering”
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•Divine judgment: “You have done foolishly”
•Broken commandment: “Have not kept commandment of YHWH”
•Lost dynasty: “Your kingdom shall not continue”
•Replacement promised: “YHWH has sought man after His own heart”
Military situation: Israel has no weapons (Philistine monopoly)
2. Jonathan’s Faith and Victory (14:1-52)
•Jonathan’s initiative: Goes secretly to Philistine garrison
•Faith challenge: “Perhaps YHWH will work for us”
•Divine sign: “If they say ‘Come up,’ then we will go”
•Climb: Creep up on hands and knees
•Victory: Jonathan and armor-bearer kill about twenty men
•Divine intervention: “Trembling in host, in field, and among people”
•Earthquake: “Earth quaked, so it was very great trembling”
•Confusion: Philistines fight each other
•Saul’s pursuit: Joins battle when sees victory
•Rash oath: “Cursed be man who eats food until evening”
•Jonathan’s ignorance: Eats honey, not hearing oath
•Consequences: People very faint, eat with blood
•Altar built: First altar Saul built to YHWH
•Inquiry blocked: God answers not Saul
•Lot reveals: Jonathan taken by lot
•Near execution: People rescue Jonathan from Saul’s vow
3. Amalekite War and Rejection (15:1-35)
•Divine command: “Go and attack Amalek, utterly destroy all”
•Historical reason: “What Amalek did to Israel coming from Egypt”
•Complete destruction: “Slay man, woman, infant, suckling, ox, sheep, camel,
ass”
•Large army: 200,000 footmen plus 10,000 from Judah
•Kenite warning: Spared for kindness to Israel in wilderness
•Victory: Defeats Amalekites from Havilah to Shur
•Partial obedience: Spares Agag and best livestock
•Divine regret: “I repent that I have set up Saul to be king”
•Samuel’s grief: Cried to YHWH all night
•Early meeting: Samuel rises early to meet Saul
•Saul’s claim: “I have performed commandment of YHWH”
•Evidence: “What means then this bleating of sheep?”
•Saul’s excuses: People spared best to sacrifice to YHWH
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•Samuel’s rebuke: “Has YHWH as great delight in burnt offerings as in obeying?”
•Famous principle: “To obey is better than sacrifice”
•Sin comparison: “Rebellion is as sin of witchcraft, stubbornness as iniquity and
idolatry”
•Final rejection: “Because you have rejected word of YHWH, He has rejected
you from being king”
•Confession and plea: Saul admits sin, asks forgiveness
•Irreversible decision: “YHWH has torn kingdom from you” Agag’s execution:
Samuel hews Agag in pieces
Final separation: “Samuel came no more to see Saul”
Divine grief: “YHWH repented that He had made Saul king over Israel”
IV. DAVID’S RISE AND SAUL’S DECLINE (16:1-31:13)
A. David’s Anointing and Introduction (16:1-23)
1. Secret Anointing (16:1-13)
•Divine command: “Fill horn with oil, go to Jesse the Bethlehemite” Samuel’s
fear: “How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me”
•Cover story: “Take heifer, say ‘I have come to sacrifice to YHWH’“
•Sanctification: Jesse and sons sanctified for sacrifice
•Wrong assumptions: Samuel looks on Eliab’s appearance
•Divine correction: “Look not on countenance or height of stature”
•Heart matters: “Man looks on outward appearance, YHWH looks on heart”
•Seven sons rejected: YHWH has not chosen these
•Youngest sought: David keeping sheep
•David’s description: “Ruddy, beautiful countenance, goodly to look upon”
•Divine choice: “Arise, anoint him, for this is he”
•Anointing: In midst of his brethren
•Spirit comes: “Spirit of YHWH came upon David from that day forward”
2. Saul’s Torment and David’s Service (16:14-23)
•Spirit departs: “Spirit of YHWH departed from Saul”
•Evil spirit: “Evil spirit from YHWH troubled him”
•Servants’ suggestion: “Let our lord command servants to seek man who is
cunning player on harp”
•Music therapy: “He shall play, and you shall be well”
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•David recommended: “I have seen son of Jesse, cunning in playing”
•Character description: “Mighty valiant man, man of war, prudent in matters,
comely person”
•Divine presence: “YHWH is with him”
•Invitation: Saul sends messengers to Jesse
•Gifts: Jesse sends ass laden with bread, bottle of wine, kid
•Court position: David came to Saul and stood before him
•Great love: “Saul loved him greatly”
•Armor bearer: Made his armor bearer
•Effective ministry: “David took harp and played, Saul was refreshed”
B. David and Goliath (17:1-58)
1. Philistine Challenge (17:1-11)
Battle lines: Armies gather, valley between them
Champion: Goliath of Gath
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Measurements: Height six cubits and span (over 9 feet)
Armor description: Helmet, coat of mail (5,000 shekels brass), greaves, target
Spear: Staff like weaver’s beam, head 600 shekels iron
Challenge: “Choose man for you, let him come down to me”
•Terms: Single combat to determine battle outcome
Intimidation: “I defy armies of Israel this day”
Fear: “Saul and all Israel were dismayed and greatly afraid”
•Duration: Forty days, morning and evening
2. David’s Arrival (17:12-30)
•Family background: Jesse had eight sons, three eldest followed Saul
•David’s duties: Went back and forth to feed father’s sheep
•Errand: Jesse sends David with provisions for brothers
•Army visit: David leaves sheep, comes to army
•Goliath’s challenge: Heard again while David present
•Men’s fear: “Have you seen this man that comes up?”
•Reward offered: King’s riches, daughter, father’s house free
•David’s questions: “What shall be done to man who kills this Philistine?”
•Religious perspective: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy
armies of living God?”
•Eliab’s anger: Accuses David of pride and naughtiness of heart
3. David Before Saul (17:31-39)
•Report: David’s words repeated to Saul, sent for him
•Volunteer: “Let no man’s heart fail, your servant will go fight”
•Saul’s objection: “You are not able, you are but youth”
•David’s testimony: Killed lion and bear protecting sheep
•Divine power: “YHWH delivered me out of paw of lion and bear”
•Confidence: “Will deliver me out of hand of this Philistine”
•Permission: “Go, and YHWH be with you”
•Saul’s armor: Puts his armor on David
•Rejection: “I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them”
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4. The Battle (17:40-54)
•Simple weapons: Staff, five smooth stones, sling, shepherd’s bag
•Goliath’s disdain: “Am I dog that you come to me with staves?”
•Curse: “Come to me, I will give your flesh to fowls and beasts”
•David’s declaration: “You come with sword, spear, shield”
•Divine battle: “I come to you in name of YHWH of hosts, God of armies of Israel”
•Prophecy: “This day will YHWH deliver you into mine hand” Purpose: “All
earth may know there is God in Israel”
Principle: “Battle is YHWH’s, He will give you into our hands”
Victory: Stone sinks into forehead, Goliath falls
Death: David runs, takes sword, cuts off head
Rout: Philistines flee when champion dies
5. Aftermath (17:55-58)
•Saul’s question: “Whose son is this youth?”
•Abner’s ignorance: “I cannot tell”
•Investigation: “Inquire whose son the stripling is”
•David’s answer: “I am son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite”
C. David in Saul’s Court (18:1-30)
1. Jonathan’s Covenant (18:1-4)
•Soul knit: “Soul of Jonathan was knit with soul of David”
•Covenant love: “Jonathan loved him as his own soul”
•Permanent residence: “Saul took him that day, let him go no more home”
•Covenant made: “Jonathan and David made covenant”
•Symbol exchange: Jonathan gives robe, garments, sword, bow, girdle
2. David’s Success and Saul’s Jealousy (18:5-16)
•Wise behavior: “David behaved himself wisely in all his ways”
•Promotion: “Saul set him over men of war”
•Acceptance: “Accepted in sight of all people and servants”
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•Victory celebration: Women come out singing and dancing
•Comparison: “Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands”
•Saul’s anger: “Very wroth, saying displeased him”
•Jealousy: “What can he have more but kingdom?”
•Suspicion: “Saul eyed David from that day forward”
•Evil spirit: Prophesied in house next day
•Murder attempt: Saul cast javelin, saying “I will smite David to wall”
•Escape: David avoided out of his presence twice
•Fear: “Saul was afraid of David because YHWH was with him”
•Promotion: Made captain over thousand
•Public success: “Behaved wisely in all his ways, YHWH was with him”
•Greater fear: “Saul was yet more afraid”
3. Marriage Schemes (18:17-30)
•Merab offered: “I will give her to you, only be valiant”
•Hidden motive: “Let not mine hand be upon him, but hand of Philistines”
•David’s humility: “Who am I, what is my life or father’s family?”
•Betrayal: Merab given to Adriel instead
Michal’s love: “Michal Saul’s daughter loved David”
Saul’s pleasure: “Pleased him, I will give her that she may be snare”
Servants’ encouragement: “King has delight in you”
David’s response: “Seems it to you light thing to be king’s son-in-law?”
Dowry demanded: “Hundred foreskins of Philistines”
Death trap: “Saul thought to make David fall by hand of Philistines”
•Overachievement: David and men kill 200 Philistines
Marriage: “Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife”
Saul’s realization: “YHWH was with David, Michal loved him”
•Increased fear: “Saul became David’s enemy continually”
•Military success: “David behaved more wisely than all servants of Saul”
D. David’s Flight and Exile (19:1-31:13)
1. Escape from Court (19:1-24)
•Murder order: “Saul spoke to Jonathan and servants to kill David”
•Jonathan’s warning: “Saul my father seeks to kill you”
•Hiding: “Hide yourself until morning”
•Intercession: Jonathan speaks good of David to his father
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•Oath: “As YHWH lives, he shall not be slain”
•Restoration: Jonathan brought David to Saul
•Javelin incident: During David’s music ministry
•Michal’s help: Lets David down through window
•Deception: Puts image in bed with goats’ hair
•Excuse: “He said, Let me go or I will kill you”
•Pursuit to Ramah: David flees to Samuel
•Prophetic power: Saul’s messengers prophesy
•Saul’s experience: Spirit of God upon him, prophesied
2. David and Jonathan’s Final Meeting (20:1-42)
•David’s appeal: “What have I done? What is my sin?”
•Jonathan’s denial: “You shall not die, my father will do nothing”
•David’s certainty: “There is but step between me and death”
•New moon test: Plan to test Saul’s intentions
•Covenant renewal: “If I live, show me kindness of YHWH”
•Future protection: “Cut not off your kindness from my house”
•Arrow signal: Jonathan will shoot arrows as sign
•Saul’s anger: “You son of perverse rebellious woman”
•Death threat: “As long as son of Jesse lives, you shall not be established”
•Javelin cast: Saul throws javelin at Jonathan
•Confirmation: Jonathan knows certainly his father will kill David
•Farewell: “YHWH be between me and you forever” 3. Flight to Nob and
Gath (21:1-15)
Ahimelech’s fear: Trembles at meeting David alone
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Deception: “King has commanded me business, told no man”
Holy bread: Requests hallowed bread
Condition: “If young men have kept themselves from women”
Goliath’s sword: Takes sword from behind ephod
•Doeg observes: Edomite sees David at Nob
•Flight to Gath: Seeks refuge with Achish king of Gath
•Recognition: “Is not this David the king of the land?”
•Feigned madness: Scrabbles on doors, lets spittle fall
•Escape: Achish dismisses him as madman
4. Cave of Adullam and Outlaw Years (22:1-26:25)
•Refuge: Goes to cave Adullam
•Followers gather: Brothers and father’s house come
•Recruits: Everyone in distress, debt, discontented
•Number: About 400 men
•Parents’ safety: Takes them to Moab for protection
•Prophet’s counsel: Gad tells him to return to Judah
•Massacre at Nob: Saul kills 85 priests for helping David
•Survivor: Abiathar escapes, tells David
•David’s remorse: “I have occasioned death of all persons of your father’s house”
•Protection offered: “He that seeks my life seeks your life”
•Keilah rescue: Delivers city from Philistines
•Oracle consultation: Uses ephod to inquire of YHWH
•Betrayal threat: Men of Keilah would deliver David to Saul
•Escape: David and men depart Keilah
•Wilderness hiding: In strongholds of En-gedi
•Jonathan’s visit: Strengthens David’s hand in God
•Covenant renewal: “You shall be king over Israel, I shall be next to you”
•Ziphite betrayal: Tell Saul of David’s hiding place
•Near capture: Saul almost catches David on mountain
•Philistine invasion: Saul called away to fight Philistines
5. Sparing Saul’s Life (Twice) (24:1-26:25)
First Incident - En-gedi Cave (24:1-22)
•Cave encounter: Saul enters cave where David hides
•Opportunity: Men urge David to kill Saul
•Restraint: David cuts off skirt of Saul’s robe instead
•Conscience: “My heart smote me because I cut off his skirt”
•Respect: “YHWH forbid I should do this thing to my master, YHWH’s anointed”
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•Revelation: David shows robe piece to prove he could have killed
•Declaration: “I will not put forth hand against my lord, he is YHWH’s anointed”
•Judgment: “YHWH judge between me and you, and YHWH avenge me”
Principle: “Wickedness proceeds from wicked, but mine hand shall not be upon
you”
Saul’s response: “Is this your voice, my son David?”
Admission: “You are more righteous than I, you have rewarded me good for
evil”
Recognition: “I know well that you shall surely be king”
Request: “Swear that you will not cut off my seed”
Second Incident - Hill of Hachilah (26:1-25)
•Ziphite betrayal: Again inform Saul of David’s location
•Night raid: David and Abishai sneak into Saul’s camp
•Deep sleep: “YHWH had cast deep sleep upon them”
•Abishai’s urge: “Let me smite him with spear to earth at once”
•David’s restraint: “Destroy him not, who can stretch forth hand against YHWH’s
anointed?”
•Natural death: “YHWH shall smite him, or his day shall come to die”
•Trophy taking: Takes spear and cruse of water from Saul’s bolster
•Public proof: Calls across valley to Abner and Saul
•Rebuke: “Are not you valiant man? Why have you not kept your lord?”
•Evidence: “See where king’s spear is and cruse of water”
•Saul’s recognition: “Is this your voice, my son David?”
•Confession: “I have sinned, I have played the fool, erred exceedingly”
•Promise: “I will no more do you harm because my soul was precious in your
eyes”
•Blessing: “Blessed be you, my son David, you shall both do great things and
prevail”
6. David Among the Philistines (27:1-28:2)
•Decision: “I shall now perish one day by hand of Saul”
•Escape: “Nothing better than that I should speedily escape into land of
Philistines”
•Gath refuge: Goes to Achish with 600 men
•Family: Takes two wives - Ahinoam and Abigail
•Saul’s abandonment: “Sought no more again for him”
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•Ziklag request: “Give me place in some town in country”
•Grant: Achish gives Ziklag
•Duration: One year and four months among Philistines
•Secret raids: Against Geshurites, Gezrites, Amalekites
•Deception: Tells Achish he raided Judah
•Complete destruction: Kills all in raided places (no witnesses)
•Achish’s trust: “He has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him”
•Military service: Called to fight against Israel
7. Saul’s Final Days (28:3-31:13)
Saul and the Witch of En-dor (28:3-25)
•Samuel’s death: Mourned by all Israel, buried at Ramah
•Saul’s reform: Put away mediums and wizards
•Philistine threat: Army gathers against Israel
•Saul’s fear: “His heart greatly trembled”
•Divine silence: YHWH answers not by dreams, Urim, or prophets
•Desperate measure: Seeks woman with familiar spirit
•En-dor: Location of medium
•Disguise: Saul changes clothes for secret visit
•Request: “Divine unto me by familiar spirit, bring up whom I shall name”
•Samuel appears: (Actual Samuel or demonic deception debated)
•Rebuke: “Why have you disquieted me to bring me up?”
•Reason: “YHWH is departed from me and answers me no more”
•Prophecy: “YHWH has rent kingdom out of your hand, given it to David”
•Tomorrow: “You and your sons shall be with me”
•Terror: Saul falls full length, strength gone
•Nourishment: Woman and servants urge food
Battle of Mount Gilboa (29:1-31:13)
•David’s dilemma: Marches with Philistines against Israel
•Philistine suspicion: Princes object to David’s presence
•Achish’s trust: “He has been with me these days and years”
•Dismissal: “Return, go in peace”
•David’s protest: (Probably relief disguised)
•Early departure: Rises early to return to Ziklag
•Battle begins: Philistines fight against Israel on Mount Gilboa
•Israeli defeat: Men flee, many slain on mount
•Royal casualties: Saul’s three sons killed (Jonathan, Abinadab, Malchishua)
•Saul wounded: Archers hit him, he is sore wounded
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•Suicide request: “Draw sword and thrust me through”
•Armor bearer’s refusal: “Would not, for he was sore afraid”
•Saul’s suicide: Fell upon his own sword
•Armor bearer’s death: Also fell upon sword and died
•Family destruction: Saul, three sons, armor bearer die same day
•Israeli abandonment: Men beyond valley and Jordan flee, forsake cities
•Philistine occupation: Come and dwell in abandoned cities
•Desecration: Strip slain, cut off Saul’s head, send throughout Philistia
•Temple display: Put armor in house of Ashtaroth, hang body on wall of
Bethshan
•Jabesh-gilead rescue: Valiant men retrieve bodies of Saul and sons
•Burial: Burn bodies, bury bones under tree at Jabesh
•Mourning: Fast seven days
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V. MAJOR THEOLOGICAL THEMES
A. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
•God’s ultimate rule: Works through human institutions and decisions
•Human choices matter: Characters face real moral decisions with
consequences
•Divine election: God chooses whom He will (Samuel, David)
•Providential guidance: God orchestrates events while preserving human
freedom
B. Prophetic Authority
•Word of God: Through Samuel establishes prophetic institution
•Divine messenger: Prophet speaks God’s word to kings and people
•Moral accountability: Even kings subject to divine word
•Predictive element: God reveals future through His messengers
C. Kingship and Covenant
•Theocratic ideal: YHWH as true King of Israel
•Human monarchy: Accommodation to people’s desire
•Conditional kingship: Royal authority subject to divine law
•Davidic preparation: Points toward ideal king
D. Obedience vs. Sacrifice
•Heart obedience: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22)
•External vs. internal: God desires heart commitment over ritual
•Partial obedience: Incomplete obedience is disobedience
•Divine evaluation: God judges motives, not just actions
E. Divine Election and Human Merit
•God’s choice: David chosen not for appearance but heart condition
•Contrast with human standards: Man looks on outward appearance
•Grace not works: Divine favor not based on human achievement Heart after
God: David described as man after God’s own heart
VI. CHRISTOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS (Evangelical Perspective)
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A. David as Type of Christ
•Anointed one: Messiah/Christ means “anointed”
Shepherd king: David’s background prefigures Good Shepherd
•Rejected ruler: Suffers before receiving kingdom
•Victory through weakness: Defeats enemies by faith, not strength
•Covenant king: Points to eternal Davidic covenant
B. Samuel as Prophet Figure
•Mediator: Between God and people, like Moses
•Kingmaker: Anoints both Saul and David
•Faithful messenger: Speaks God’s word regardless of consequences
•Intercessor: Prays for people even when they reject advice
C. Messianic Themes
•Son of David: Genealogical line established
•Eternal kingdom: David’s house, throne, kingdom forever (2 Sam 7)
•Suffering servant: David’s exile prefigures Christ’s rejection
•Divine son: Adoption formula applied to Davidic line
D. Spiritual Warfare
•Battle against evil: David’s conflicts prefigure spiritual warfare
•Divine victory: “Battle is YHWH’s” principle
•Faith over sight: David’s trust in God versus human resources
•Spiritual armor: Rejection of Saul’s armor for simple faith
VII. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. Dating and Chronology
•Traditional dating: c. 1050-1010 BC for events
•Archaeological correlation: Early Iron Age I period
•Philistine presence: Confirmed by archaeology
•Military technology: Iron weapons, chariots advantage
B. Cultural Background
•Transition period: Late Bronze Age collapse to Iron Age
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•Political vacuum: Egyptian withdrawal from Canaan
•Philistine pressure: Sea Peoples settlement threatens Israel
•Tribal confederation: Loose organization inadequate for defense
C. Historical Reliability
Contemporary sources: Court records, prophetic accounts
•Geographic accuracy: Specific place names and locations
•Cultural details: Accurate portrayal of customs and practices
•Archaeological confirmations: Sites and material culture match
VIII. LITERARY AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
A. Narrative Artistry
•Character development: Complex psychological portraits
•Dramatic tension: Rising action, climax, resolution patterns
•Irony: Saul’s tragic fall, David’s unexpected rise
•Dialogue: Reveals character and advances plot
B. Thematic Structure
•Transition theme: From theocracy to monarchy
•Reversal motif: Exaltation of humble, humbling of proud
•Covenant loyalty: Faithful love demonstrated and rewarded
•Divine faithfulness: God’s purposes accomplished despite human failure
C. Literary Techniques
•Repetition: Key phrases and themes reinforced
•Contrast: Characters and situations juxtaposed
•Foreshadowing: Events hint at future developments
•Symbolism: Objects and actions carry deeper meaning
IX. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
A. Leadership Principles
•Character over appearance: Internal qualities more important than external
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•Faithfulness in small things: David faithful as shepherd before king
•Accountability to God: All authority answerable to divine standard
•Servant leadership: Authority as service, not domination
B. Spiritual Warfare
•Faith over fear: Trust God’s power rather than human resources
•Proper weapons: Spiritual battles require spiritual armor
•Divine victory: Battle belongs to the Lord
Moral courage: Stand for right despite opposition
C. Relationships and Loyalty
•Covenant friendship: Jonathan and David’s bond
•Forgiveness: David’s treatment of Saul
•Family dynamics: Handling jealousy and competition
•Mentorship: Samuel’s guidance of David
D. Response to Authority
•Respect for position: David honors Saul despite persecution
•Civil disobedience: When human authority conflicts with divine
•Patient waiting: David waits for God’s timing for kingship
•Integrity under pressure: Maintaining character in difficult circumstances
X. KEY MEMORY PASSAGES
A. Character and Calling
•16:7: “Man looks on outward appearance, but YHWH looks on heart”
•13:14: “YHWH has sought man after His own heart”
•3:10: “Speak, for your servant hears”
•17:47: “Battle is YHWH’s, He will give you into our hands”
B. Obedience and Faith
•15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice, to hearken than fat of rams”
•15:23: “Rebellion is as sin of witchcraft, stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry”
•17:45: “I come to you in name of YHWH of hosts”
•24:10: “YHWH forbid that I should stretch forth hand against YHWH’s anointed”
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C. Divine Faithfulness
•7:12: “Hitherto has YHWH helped us”
•2:2: “There is none holy as YHWH, there is none besides You, neither is there
any rock like our God”
•12:24: “Only fear YHWH and serve Him in truth with all your heart”
•18:14: “David behaved wisely in all his ways, and YHWH was with him”
D. Prayer and Worship
•2:1: “My heart rejoices in YHWH, my horn is exalted in YHWH”
•1:27-28: “For this child I prayed, and YHWH has given me my petition”
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3:9: “Speak, YHWH, for your servant hears”
•26:24: “As your life was much set by this day in mine eyes”
XI. STUDY QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
A. Historical Questions
•How does 1 Samuel bridge the gap between Judges and the monarchy?
•What factors led to Israel’s request for a king?
•How do archaeological findings support the biblical narrative? What was the
significance of the Philistine threat to Israel?
B. Theological Questions
•How does God’s sovereignty work through human institutions?
•What is the relationship between divine election and human responsibility?
•How does the book demonstrate the importance of obedience over ritual?
What does David’s character reveal about being “after God’s own heart”?
C. Literary Questions
•How does the author use irony and reversal motifs?
•What is the significance of the repeated phrase “YHWH was with him”?
•How do the characters of Saul and David contrast with each other? What role
does dialogue play in character development?
D. Practical Questions
•What leadership principles can be learned from Samuel, Saul, and David?
•How should believers respond to unjust authority?
•What does David’s treatment of Saul teach about forgiveness?
•How can the book guide understanding of God’s calling and preparation?
XII. INTEGRATION WITH BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
A. Pentateuchal Connections
•Deuteronomy: Law of the king (Deut 17:14-20) referenced
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•Genesis: Promise to Judah (Gen 49:10) begins fulfillment
•Covenant themes: Divine faithfulness despite human failure
Leadership patterns: Moses-Joshua-Samuel succession
B. Historical Books Context
•Ruth: Provides David’s genealogical background
•2 Samuel: Continues David’s story and reign
•Chronicles: Theological interpretation of same events
•Kings: Davidic covenant establishes royal theology
C. Prophetic Literature
•Isaiah: Davidic Messiah prophecies
•Jeremiah: Righteous Branch from David’s line
•Ezekiel: David as shepherd prince
•Psalms: Many attributed to David’s experiences
D. New Testament Fulfillment
•Matthew: Jesus as Son of David
•Luke: Mary’s song echoes Hannah’s prayer
•Acts: David as type of Christ in apostolic preaching Hebrews: Christ as
better priest and king
XIII. 1 SAMUEL IN SALVATION HISTORY
A. Covenant Development
•Transition period: From tribal to monarchical organization
•Davidic preparation: Establishes foundation for messianic line
•Prophetic institution: Samuel begins classical prophetic tradition
•Royal theology: Divine kingship through human representatives
B. Messianic Significance
•Anointed one concept: Establishes messianic terminology
•Davidic typology: David prefigures greater Son of David
•Kingdom themes: Eternal kingdom through David’s line
•Shepherd imagery: King as shepherd of people
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C. Redemptive Themes
•Divine grace: God works through flawed human instruments
•Faith and obedience: Heart attitude more important than external performance
Divine faithfulness: God keeps promises despite human unfaithfulness
Victory through weakness: God’s strength perfected in human weakness
This comprehensive outline provides detailed analysis of 1 Samuel suitable for exam
preparation while maintaining evangelical theological perspectives and showing the
book’s crucial role in establishing the Davidic line that leads ultimately to Christ.
I. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
A. Title and Meaning
•Hebrew Title: “Ruth” (תור - meaning “friendship” or “companion”)
•English Title: “Ruth” (named after primary character)
•Genre: Historical narrative; covenant love story; theological novella
B. Authorship & Date
•Traditional View: Anonymous, possibly Samuel or contemporary (evangelical
position)
•Internal Evidence: “In the days when judges ruled” (1:1)
•Composition Date: Early monarchy period (c. 1000-900 BC)
•Historical Setting: Period of Judges (c. 1100-1050 BC)
C. Canonical Placement
•Hebrew Bible: Writings (Ketuvim) - read at Pentecost
•English Bible: Historical books - between Judges and Samuel
•Purpose of placement: Bridge between Judges chaos and Davidic monarchy
D. Historical Context
•Period: “When judges ruled” - time of moral/political chaos
•Contrast: Bright spot of covenant loyalty during dark period
•Famine: Agricultural crisis drives migration
•Moabite relations: Traditional enemies of Israel (Deut 23:3-6)
E. Structure Overview
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1. Departure and Loss (1:1-22)
2. Arrival and Provision (2:1-23)
3. Request and Promise (3:1-18)
4. Redemption and Restoration (4:1-22)
F. Theological Purposes
Divine providence: God’s hidden work in ordinary events
Covenant loyalty (hesed): Faithful love demonstrated
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Inclusion theme: Gentile incorporation into covenant people
•Messianic preparation: David’s genealogy established Redemption picture:
Kinsman-redeemer typology
II. DEPARTURE AND LOSS (1:1-22)
A. The Crisis in Bethlehem (1:1-5)
1. Setting and Circumstances (1:1-2)
•Time period: “In the days when judges ruled”
•Crisis: Famine in the land (Bethlehem = “house of bread”)
•Family: Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, Chilion
•Origin: Bethlehem of Judah (later David’s city)
•Destination: Country of Moab (east of Dead Sea)
•Intention: “Sojourn” (temporary stay)
2. Death and Marriages (1:3-5)
•First death: Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi widowed
•Moabite wives: Mahlon marries Ruth, Chilion marries Orpah
•Duration: Ten years in Moab
•Second tragedy: Both sons die childless
•Triple widowhood: Three women left without male protection
•Legal implications: No heir for family inheritance
B. The Decision to Return (1:6-18)
1. Naomi’s Plan (1:6-7)
•Good news: “YHWH had visited His people and given them food”
•Decision: Return to Judah from Moab
•Companions: Daughters-in-law accompany her initially
•Journey begins: From dwelling place in Moab
2. First Farewell Speech (1:8-10)
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•Blessing: “May YHWH deal kindly (hesed) with you”
•Recognition: “As you have dealt with dead and with me”
•Wish: “May YHWH grant you rest in house of husband” Kiss: Farewell gesture
Response: “We will return with you to your people”
3. Second Farewell Speech (1:11-13)
•Practical argument: “I have no more sons in my womb”
•Age factor: “Too old to have a husband”
•Hypothetical scenario: Even if married tonight and bore sons
•Waiting: “Would you wait until they were grown?”
•Bitterness: “Hand of YHWH has gone out against me”
4. Different Responses (1:14-18)
•Orpah’s choice: Kisses mother-in-law, returns to her people
•Ruth’s commitment: Clings to Naomi
•Naomi’s urging: “Your sister-in-law has gone back” Ruth’s famous
declaration (1:16-17): o “Where you go I will go” o “Where you lodge I will
lodge”
o“Your people shall be my people”
o“Your God my God”
o“Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried” o “May YHWH do so
to me and more if anything but death parts us”
•Naomi’s acceptance: Stops urging when sees Ruth’s determination
C. Arrival in Bethlehem (1:19-22)
1. Community Recognition (1:19-21)
•Stirred city: “All the city was stirred”
•Recognition: “Is this Naomi?”
•Name change: “Call me not Naomi (Pleasant), but Mara (Bitter)”
•Divine sovereignty: “Almighty has dealt bitterly with me”
•Contrast: “Went out full, returned empty”
•Testimony: “YHWH has testified against me, Almighty has afflicted me”
2. Narrative Summary (1:22)
•Companions: Naomi returned with Ruth the Moabitess
•Timing: “Beginning of barley harvest”
•Foreshadowing: Harvest time suggests hope and provision
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III. ARRIVAL AND PROVISION (2:1-23)
A. Introduction of Boaz (2:1)
Kinsman: Relative of Elimelech’s family
Character: “Mighty man of wealth/valor” (gibbor hayil)
•Name significance: “Boaz” possibly “in him is strength”
•Importance: Potential kinsman-redeemer
B. Ruth’s Initiative (2:2-3)
1. Ruth’s Request (2:2)
•Gleaning proposal: “Let me go to field and glean”
•Legal basis: Levitical law provided for poor (Lev 19:9-10; 23:22; Deut 24:19-
21)
•Condition: “Behind one in whose sight I shall find favor”
•Permission: Naomi agrees (“Go, my daughter”)
2. Divine Providence (2:3)
•“Happened to come”: Hebrew suggests divine orchestration
•Boaz’s field: Field belonging to kinsman
•Sovereignty: God guides Ruth’s steps
C. Meeting with Boaz (2:4-16)
1. Boaz’s Arrival and Inquiry (2:4-7)
•Greeting: “YHWH be with you” / “YHWH bless you”
•Godly character: Covenant language in daily life
•Question: “Whose young woman is this?”
•Servant’s report: Ruth the Moabitess, returned with Naomi
•Work ethic: Asked permission, worked steadily with little rest
2. Boaz’s Kindness to Ruth (2:8-16)
•Personal address: “Listen, my daughter”
•Protection: “Do not go to glean in another field”
•Provision: Stay close to my young women
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•Safety: Young men charged not to touch you
•Refreshment: Drink from water vessels
3. Ruth’s Response (2:10)
•Prostration: Falls on face before him
•Question: “Why have I found favor?”
•Status: “I am a foreigner”
4. Boaz’s Explanation (2:11-12)
Knowledge: “All that you have done for your mother-in-law”
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Sacrifice: Left father, mother, native land
•Commitment: Came to people you didn’t know before
•Blessing prayer: “May YHWH reward your work”
•Under His wings: “Under whose wings you have come to take refuge”
5. Further Provisions (2:13-16)
•Ruth’s gratitude: “You have comforted your servant”
•Mealtime invitation: Eat with reapers
•Roasted grain: Ate and was satisfied, had left over
•Special instructions: Let her glean among sheaves
•Extra provision: Pull out handfuls for her
D. Return to Naomi (2:17-23)
1. Abundant Harvest (2:17-18)
•Gleaning results: About an ephah of barley (½ bushel) Leftover food:
Brought what remained from meal Naomi’s amazement: Where did
you glean today?
2. Revelation of Benefactor (2:19-20)
•Blessing: “Blessed be the one who took notice of you”
•Name revealed: “The man’s name with whom I worked is Boaz”
•Naomi’s response: “Blessed be he by YHWH”
•Covenant loyalty: “Has not forsaken His kindness (hesed)”
•Kinsman identification: “The man is our relative, one of our
redeemers”
3. Continued Provision (2:21-23)
•Additional kindness: “Stay close to my young people”
•Naomi’s approval: Good to go with his young women
•Duration: Through barley and wheat harvests
•Living arrangement: Stayed with mother-in-law
IV. REQUEST AND PROMISE (3:1-18)
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A. Naomi’s Plan (3:1-5)
1. Naomi’s Concern (3:1)
Seeking rest: “Should I not seek rest for you?”
Welfare: “That it may be well with you”
Marriage goal: Security through marriage
2. The Strategy (3:2-4)
•Boaz identified: “Is not Boaz our kinsman?”
•Timing: “Tonight he winnows barley on threshing floor”
•Preparation: Wash, anoint, put on best clothes
•Approach: Go down to threshing floor
•Timing: Wait until he finishes eating and drinking
•Action: “Uncover his feet and lie down”
•Response: “He will tell you what to do”
3. Ruth’s Agreement (3:5)
•Complete compliance: “All that you say I will do”
B. The Midnight Encounter (3:6-15)
1. Ruth’s Approach (3:6-7)
•Obedience: Did according to all mother-in-law instructed
•Boaz’s condition: Heart merry, lay at end of grain heap
•Ruth’s action: Came softly, uncovered feet, lay down
2. The Discovery (3:8-9)
•Midnight: Startled awake
•Discovery: Woman lying at his feet
•Question: “Who are you?”
•Identity: “I am Ruth your servant”
•Request: “Spread your wing over your servant”
•Reason: “For you are a redeemer”
3. Boaz’s Response (3:10-13)
•Blessing: “Blessed are you by YHWH, my daughter”
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•Greater kindness: “Latter kindness better than former”
•Character praise: “Have not gone after young men”
•Assurance: “Do not fear, I will do all you ask”
•Community knowledge: “All my people know you are virtuous woman”
•Complication: “There is redeemer nearer than I”
•Plan: “If he will redeem, good; if not, I will”
•Oath: “As YHWH lives”
4. The Wait (3:14-15)
Propriety: Lay until morning but rose before recognition
•Discretion: “Do not let it be known woman came to threshing floor”
•Gift: Six measures of barley
•Reason: “Do not go empty to your mother-in-law”
C. Report to Naomi (3:16-18)
•Question: “How did it go, my daughter?”
•Full report: Told all that man had done
•Gift mentioned: Six measures of barley
•Boaz’s reasoning: “Do not go empty to mother-in-law”
•Naomi’s counsel: “Wait, my daughter”
•Confidence: “Man will not rest until he settles matter today”
V. REDEMPTION AND RESTORATION (4:1-22)
A. Legal Proceedings at the Gate (4:1-12)
1. Setting the Stage (4:1-2)
•Public venue: Gate of city (legal meeting place)
•Boaz’s wait: For the nearer kinsman
•Summons: “Turn aside, sit down here”
•Anonymous address: “Ho, such a one” (concealing identity)
•Witnesses: Ten elders of city as legal witnesses
2. The Land Transaction (4:3-6)
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•Property matter: “Naomi is selling parcel of land”
•Family inheritance: “Belonged to our brother Elimelech”
•First right: “If you will redeem, redeem”
•Public witness: “Before those sitting here and elders”
•Initial agreement: “I will redeem”
•Marriage obligation: “Must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess”
•Purpose: “To perpetuate name of dead on his inheritance”
•Withdrawal: “I cannot redeem for myself”
•Reason: “Lest I impair my own inheritance”
•Transfer: “You redeem my right of redemption”
3. Legal Formality (4:7-8)
•Custom: Remove sandal and give to another
Purpose: Confirm transaction in Israel
Action: Kinsman removes sandal
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4. Public Declaration (4:9-12)
•Witness call: “You are witnesses this day”
•Purchase: “All that was Elimelech’s, Chilion’s, Mahlon’s”
•Marriage: “Ruth the Moabitess, wife of Mahlon, I have acquired”
•Purpose: “Perpetuate name of dead on inheritance” Community response:
“We are witnesses” Blessing prayer:
o Like Rachel and Leah who built house of Israel
o Prosper in Ephrathah, famous in Bethlehem o
House like Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah o
Through offspring YHWH will give you
B. Marriage and Birth (4:13-17)
1. Marriage and Conception (4:13)
•Marriage: Boaz took Ruth as wife
•Divine blessing: “YHWH gave her conception”
•Birth: Bore a son
2. Women’s Blessing (4:14-15)
•Praise: “Blessed be YHWH who has not left you without redeemer”
•Fame: “Name be famous in Israel”
•Purpose: “Restorer of life, nourisher of old age”
•Ruth’s value: “Better to you than seven sons”
•Love: “Who loves you”
3. Naomi’s Joy (4:16-17)
•Nurse role: Took child, laid on her bosom
•Care: Became his nurse
•Naming: Women named him Obed
•Explanation: “Son has been born to Naomi”
•Identity: “He is father of Jesse, father of David”
C. Genealogical Conclusion (4:18-22)
1. Genealogy of Perez (4:18-22)
•Introduction: “These are generations of Perez” Line of descent:
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1. Perez begot Hezron
2. Hezron begot Ram
3. Ram begot Amminadab
4. Amminadab begot Nahshon
5. Nahshon begot Salmon
6. Salmon begot Boaz
7. Boaz begot Obed
8. Obed begot Jesse
9. Jesse begot David
2. Messianic Significance
•Davidic line: Direct ancestry of King David
•Covenant promise: Fulfills promise to Judah (Gen 49:8-12)
•Gentile inclusion: Moabite woman in messianic line
•Divine providence: God’s plan through ordinary events
VI. MAJOR THEOLOGICAL THEMES
A. Hesed (Covenant Loyalty/Faithful Love)
•Ruth to Naomi: Loyal commitment beyond duty
•Boaz to Ruth: Kindness beyond legal requirement
•God to His people: Faithful provision and care
•Reciprocal nature: Human hesed reflects divine hesed
•Covenant basis: Rooted in relationship obligations
B. Divine Providence
•Hidden sovereignty: God works through natural circumstances
•Timing: Ruth “happens” to glean in Boaz’s field
•Provision: From famine to fullness
•Protection: Safety and care for vulnerable women
•Purpose: Messianic line preserved and advanced
C. Redemption (Go’el - Kinsman-Redeemer)
•Legal concept: Family obligation to restore/redeem
•Requirements: Near kinsman, able, willing
•Land redemption: Restore family inheritance
•Marriage responsibility: Perpetuate family name
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•Christ typology: Ultimate kinsman-redeemer D. Inclusion of Gentiles
Ruth’s conversion: Genuine faith commitment
Community acceptance: Integrated into covenant people
•Messianic line: Gentile ancestry of David/Christ
•God’s grace: Salvation available to all nations
•Breaking barriers: Transcends ethnic boundaries
E. Divine Reversal
•From emptiness to fullness: Naomi’s transformation
•From famine to harvest: Community restoration
•From despair to hope: God’s gracious intervention
•From death to life: New generation born
•From outsider to insider: Ruth’s acceptance
VII. LITERARY AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
A. Chiastic Structure
•A: Naomi and Ruth travel to Bethlehem (1:1-22)
•B: Ruth works in Boaz’s field (2:1-23)
•B’: Ruth approaches Boaz at threshing floor (3:1-18)
•A’: Boaz and Ruth marry in Bethlehem (4:1-22)
B. Character Development
•Ruth: From outsider to insider, from gleaner to wife
•Naomi: From bitter to blessed, from empty to full Boaz: From kind employer
to kinsman-redeemer
•Community: From recognition to blessing
C. Dramatic Tension
•Crisis: Multiple deaths and destitution
•Conflict: Legal complications with nearer kinsman
•Climax: Redemption scene at city gate
•Resolution: Marriage, birth, restoration
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D. Theological Artistry
•Ordinary events: Divine purposes through normal circumstances
•Human initiative: Characters make choices within God’s plan
•Divine sovereignty: God’s purposes accomplished through human decisions
•Covenant love: Hesed demonstrated at human and divine levels
VIII. CHRISTOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS (Evangelical Perspective)
A. Kinsman-Redeemer Typology
•Boaz as type: Points to Christ as ultimate Redeemer
•Requirements fulfilled: Near kinsman (incarnation), able (divine power),
willing (love)
•Redemption price: Boaz pays cost, Christ pays sin’s penalty
•Marriage imagery: Church as bride of Christ
•Inheritance restoration: Eternal inheritance through Christ
B. Gentile Inclusion
•Ruth’s faith: Model of Gentile conversion to true God
•Covenant participation: Full inclusion in God’s people
•Messianic significance: Gentiles in Christ’s genealogy
•Church foreshadowing: All nations blessed in Christ
•Breaking barriers: No distinction in Christ
C. Divine Grace
•Unmerited favor: Ruth receives beyond what she deserves
•Sovereign choice: God’s electing grace demonstrated
•Faithful love: God’s hesed reflected in human relationships
•Restoration theme: From death to life, emptiness to fullness
•New creation: Transformation through divine intervention
D. New Testament Connections
•Matthew 1:5: Ruth in Christ’s genealogy
•Romans 11: Grafting in of Gentiles
•Ephesians 2: Breaking down dividing walls
•Hebrews 2: Christ as kinsman through incarnation
•Revelation 19: Marriage supper of the Lamb
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IX. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND
A. Legal Customs
•Levirate marriage: Brother’s duty to marry widow (Deut 25:5-10)
•Land redemption: Keep property in family (Lev 25:25-28)
•Gleaning rights: Provision for poor (Lev 19:9-10; Deut 24:19-21)
Gate proceedings: Legal transactions at city gate
Sandal ceremony: Confirm property transfer
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B. Social Conditions
•Widow vulnerability: No social safety net without male protection
•Foreign women: Moabites traditionally excluded (Deut 23:3-6)
•Harvest customs: Community gathering and celebration
•Threshing practices: Winnowing in evening winds
•Marriage customs: Arranged marriages, family negotiations
C. Religious Context
•Judges period: Moral and spiritual decline
•Covenant loyalty: Rare but celebrated when found
•Divine names: YHWH (covenant name) and Shaddai (Almighty)
•Blessing formulas: “YHWH be with you” common greeting Providence
belief: God works through natural events
X. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
A. Faithful Commitment
•Marriage loyalty: Ruth’s commitment to Naomi as model
•Family obligations: Care for extended family members
•Cross-cultural relationships: Breaking down ethnic barriers
•Covenant love: Faithful love beyond mere duty
B. Divine Providence
•Trust in circumstances: God works through ordinary events
•Open to opportunities: Ruth’s willingness to work and serve
•Long-term perspective: God’s plans unfold over time
•Community involvement: Engaging with local people and customs
C. Redemption Principles
•Costly love: True redemption requires sacrifice
•Willing service: Boaz’s voluntary kindness beyond requirement
•Inclusive grace: God’s love extends to all people
•Restoration hope: God specializes in making beauty from ashes
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D. Character Development
•Virtuous woman: Ruth as model of noble character
Generous leadership: Boaz as example of godly authority
Transforming relationships: How people can change each other
Community responsibility: How society should care for vulnerable
XI. KEY MEMORY PASSAGES
A. Ruth’s Commitment
•1:16-17: “Where you go I will go... your God my God”
•1:16: “Your people shall be my people”
•3:9: “I am Ruth your servant... you are a redeemer”
B. Covenant Loyalty (Hesed)
•1:8: “May YHWH deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead”
•2:12: “May YHWH reward your work... under whose wings you have come”
•2:20: “Blessed be he by YHWH, who has not forsaken His kindness”
C. Divine Providence
•2:3: “Her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging to Boaz”
•4:13: “YHWH gave her conception”
•4:14: “Blessed be YHWH, who has not left you this day without a
kinsmanredeemer”
D. Character Descriptions
•2:1: “Boaz... a mighty man of wealth”
•3:11: “All the city of my people knows that you are a virtuous woman”
•4:15: “Your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven
sons”
E. Messianic Significance
•4:17: “He is the father of Jesse, the father of David”
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•4:21-22: “Salmon begot Boaz... Boaz begot Obed... Obed begot Jesse... Jesse
begot David”
XII. STUDY QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
A. Historical Questions
How does Ruth fit into the period of the Judges?
What legal customs are demonstrated in the book?
How does Ruth’s Moabite background affect the story?
What is the significance of Bethlehem as the setting?
B. Theological Questions
•How does the book demonstrate God’s providence?
•What is the significance of hesed (covenant loyalty) in the narrative?
•How does the kinsman-redeemer concept point to Christ?
•What does Ruth’s inclusion teach about God’s grace to Gentiles?
C. Literary Questions
•How does the book’s structure contribute to its message?
•What is the significance of the genealogy at the end?
•How do the characters develop throughout the narrative? What role does
dialogue play in advancing the story?
D. Practical Questions
•What can modern readers learn about loyalty and commitment?
•How should believers understand God’s providence in daily life?
•What principles of care for the vulnerable are demonstrated? How does the
book address cross-cultural relationships?
XIII. INTEGRATION WITH BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
A. Pentateuchal Connections
•Genesis: Promise to Judah fulfilled (49:8-12)
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•Leviticus: Gleaning laws and kinsman-redeemer concept
•Deuteronomy: Levirate marriage and Moabite exclusion overcome by grace
•Covenant promises: Land, seed, blessing themes continued
B. Historical Books Context
•Judges: Bright contrast to moral darkness of period
•Samuel: Prepares for David’s rise to kingship
•Chronicles: David’s genealogy expanded
•Canonical purpose: Bridge from Judges chaos to monarchical stability
C. Wisdom Literature Parallels
Proverbs: Virtuous woman theme (Prov 31:10-31)
Psalms: Divine providence and protection themes
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Ecclesiastes: God’s timing in human affairs
Song of Songs: Love and loyalty between individuals
D. Prophetic Anticipation
•Isaiah: Inclusion of foreigners in God’s covenant (Isa 56:3-8)
•Jeremiah: New covenant promises (Jer 31:31-34)
•Zechariah: Many peoples joining YHWH (Zech 2:11)
•Malachi: Messenger preparing way for David’s greater Son
E. New Testament Fulfillment
•Matthew: Ruth in Christ’s genealogy (Matt 1:5)
•Luke: Universal scope of salvation
•Acts: Gospel to all nations
•Romans: Gentile inclusion in covenant people
•Ephesians: Unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ
•Revelation: People from every nation, tribe, tongue
XIV. RUTH IN REDEMPTIVE HISTORY
A. Covenant Development
•Abrahamic covenant: Blessing to all nations begins fulfillment
•Mosaic law: Legal framework provides redemption
mechanism
•Davidic covenant: Genealogical foundation established
•New covenant: Foreshadowed in inclusion of Gentiles
B. Messianic Preparation
•Genealogical necessity: David’s ancestry through Ruth
•Gentile inclusion: Breaking down ethnic barriers
•Redemption theme: Kinsman-redeemer typology
•Divine grace: Unmerited favor demonstrated
C. Canonical Function
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•Historical bridge: Links Judges period to monarchy
•Theological instruction: Demonstrates covenant principles
•Literary artistry: Shows God’s work through ordinary people
•Moral example: Character studies in faithfulness
D. Theological Contribution
Providence doctrine: God’s hidden but sovereign work
Grace theology: Divine favor beyond human merit
•Covenant love: Hesed as divine and human characteristic
•Inclusive salvation: God’s heart for all peoples
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