As I am reading the book of Samuel I am trying to understand why this leangthy narrative has been inspired by the Holy Spirit and what benefit we are supposed to derive from it. What would you say the purpose(s) of this narrative is, especially those stories whose application may be less obvious, or who are seemingly over-detailed? Do you have any go-to commentaries that are easily accessible?
I will list some of my preliminary thoughts here (mostly from the second half of 1st Samuel) so you all can give you're thoughts on those:
- at various points in the book, the law is illustrated through God's blessing on those who love him and curse on
sinners.
- David, Samuel, and various other characters act as types of Christ in their prophetic, priestly and royal offices
- David's struggle with Saul illustrates the struggle of the true king with the lord of this age: though David looks weak in the moment, through God's providence he is preserved and eventually takes his throne
- David's struggle with Saul also illustrates the struggle of Christ's people in this evil age. Though David is is walking in caves and deserts, in sheepskins and goatskins, persecuted by the temporal power, God is with him. And though Saul tries to kill him, he does not go on some crazy quest to conquer the kingdom, but waits on God's timing, refusing to touch the Lord's annointed in the meantime.
I will list some of my preliminary thoughts here (mostly from the second half of 1st Samuel) so you all can give you're thoughts on those:
- at various points in the book, the law is illustrated through God's blessing on those who love him and curse on
sinners.
- David, Samuel, and various other characters act as types of Christ in their prophetic, priestly and royal offices
- David's struggle with Saul illustrates the struggle of the true king with the lord of this age: though David looks weak in the moment, through God's providence he is preserved and eventually takes his throne
- David's struggle with Saul also illustrates the struggle of Christ's people in this evil age. Though David is is walking in caves and deserts, in sheepskins and goatskins, persecuted by the temporal power, God is with him. And though Saul tries to kill him, he does not go on some crazy quest to conquer the kingdom, but waits on God's timing, refusing to touch the Lord's annointed in the meantime.