The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are named after the prophet and last judge to lead Israel, Samuel. As a young boy, Samuel was sent to serve the priest Eli, where the Lord called him and instructed him what he was to do.
Over the years, Samuel fought against Israel’s enemies and in his old age was asked to find a king to lead Israel’s armies. The Lord told him to anoint Saul, who with his son defeated the Ammonites and Philistines. But Saul did not obey the Lord, so the Lord told Samuel to anoint another young man named David to be king. David became a war hero when he killed the giant Philistine, Goliath.
As a result, Saul tried to kill David, who was married to his daughter, and a family friend. A blood bath ensued. Years of turmoil followed. Eventually, David became king and reigned for 40 years. He continued to have all manner of troubles, many caused by his own actions.
David was not perfect, but he was loyal to the Lord. The Lord kept the promise that David’s descendants would be kings forever, culminating in Jesus.
Thank you, Lord, that you can use imperfect people like David and me. Amen. —