The Book of I Samuel.
By Darren Johnson
A Commentary on I Samuel Chapters 1-31.
Publisher’s Note:
The Scripture quotations found herein are from the text of the Old King James, 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible.
Any deviations there from are not intentional.
The publisher owns the copyright and hereby gives anyone permission to reproduce or transmit in any form and any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage, retrieval system, multimedia, or Internet system, any part or all of this publication. However, he may not sell any of it for profit.
Matt. 10:8 “…freely ye have received, freely give.
The Book of I Samuel. ©Darren Johnson 2016.
Table of Contents
Introduction …………..…..…………...... 4
I. I Samuel 1: …….…..…………...... 5-7
II I Samuel 2: …….…..…………...... 8-12
III. I Samuel 3: …..……….……...... 13-15
IV. I Samuel 4: …..…….………...... 16-18
V. I Samuel 5: ………...... ……...... 19-20
VI. I Samuel 6: …………………...... 21-23
VII. I Samuel 7: …….…………….....24-26
VIII. I Samuel 8: …...... …………….....27-29
IX. I Samuel 9: …….…………...... 30-32
X. I Samuel 10:....….……………...... 33-36
XI. I Samuel 11: ..….……………...... 37-38
XII. I Samuel 12: ..….….…………...... 39-41
XIII. I Samuel 13: . …….…..………....42-44
XIV. I Samuel 14: …...……….……....45-50
XV. I Samuel 15: …..…….…….….....51-54
XVI. I Samuel 16: ………...... ……...... 55-57
XVII. I Samuel 17: …….……...….…....58-64
XVIII. I Samuel 18: …….……………....65-68
XIX. I Samuel 19: …….…………...... 69-71
XX. I Samuel 20: ...….………….….....72-75
XXI. I Samuel 21: ..….………….….....76-77
XXII. I Samuel 22: ...….…………..…...78-80
XXIII. I Samuel 23: …...……....…...... 81-84
XXIV. I Samuel 24: …...…….….……....85-86
XXV. I Samuel 25: …..……...... ……...87-90
XXVI. I Samuel 26: ……………...... 91-93
XXVII. I Samuel 27: ……..…………...... 94-95
XXVIII. I Samuel 28: ……..………...... 96-98
XXIX. I Samuel 29: …….……………..99-100
XXX. I Samuel 30: ...….…….….…....101-104
XXXI. I Samuel 31: ..….…….….…....105-106
XXXII. Salvation Message ..……...... 107-108
Introduction:
The book of I Samuel begins with the mother of Samuel seeking a son. Eli is the high priest and judge of Israel(I Sam. 4:18, judged for forty years, 2985-3025 after the fall of man). Samuel is the next judge after Eli(3025-3065 and last judge of Israel, whereas Saul is the first king of Israel(I Sam. 8:-9:, 3065-3105, download The Bible Time Line at The book of Samuel marks the change of Israel as a nation from having a judge of God to get things spiritually right to a king that rules over them. Israel started as a nation with a leader of God(Moses, Joshua), to judges(Othniel through Samuel) and then a king in Saul. Because of Saul's sin, David was anointed king, but did not take over until after the death of Saul.
Had Israel served the Lord continually, they would have had elders, officers and judges for civil and military matters and a tabernacle(temple) for spiritual matters. They didn't need a king and only got a judge when they did evil against the Lord. By getting a king, they became like the rest of the nations around them. Hence it is told that Israel went from a theocracy(God was their king) to a monarchy(man was their king). The book of I Samuel ends with the death of king Saul in battle.
Remember that king Solomon in his fourth year as king(3148 years after the fall of Adam) began to build the temple(I King 6:1). This occurred 480 years after the Exodus. The time of the judges is around 336 years(given Joshua and the elders died within 15 years after the land of Canaan was subdued). There were a total of 450 years of each judge ruling with about a 114 year overlap(Acts 13:20). Saul(Acts 13:21, 3065-3105) and David(3105-3145) reigned 40 years each, so the beginning of the kings and the end of the judges under Samuel ended 397 years after the Exodus or 351 years after they subdued the land of Canaan(3065). The Exodus happens 430 years later after Jacob entered Egypt 2668(Ex. 12:40).
Now the material presented in this book is not exhaustive. It just provides the reader with a brief verse by verse commentary of the book of Judges. It explains what is going on in the Bible as well as making a few applications to Christian living today. I pray you will get a blessing out of it and it will encourage you to serve the Lord Jesus more.
I Samuel 1:1-7 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
:2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
:4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
:7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
Elkanah lived in Ramathaimzophim of mount Ephraim and he had two wives. Hannah had no children whereas Peninnah had children. He went up yearly to Shiloh where the Tabernacle was to worship and sacrifice. At this time Eli was the high priest and judge with his two sons as priests(Hophni and Phinehas) were priests.
Elkanah gave Peninnah his wife along with her sons and daughters(evidently had kids not by Elkanah) portions when he offered, but gave Hannah a worthy portion. Elkanah loved Hannah, but the LORD shut up her womb. As a result, Peninnah provoked her sore to make her fret(adversary) because the LORD had shut up her womb. Because of the provocation, Hannah wept sorely and didn't eat.
In the bible, it was always God's will that if a man got married, he would only have one wife. However, the people of Israel didn't follow the law of Moses and as a result, ended up with more than one wife. Multiple wives leads to serious problems as we have seen in the bible. Anyways, polygamy for any reason was allowed in Israel(like fornication and adultery in America for any reason). I Samuel is giving us the historical account of the events of the time, not necessarily endorsing their sinful behaviors(I Cor. 10:6, see comments there).
In the US, polygamy(more than one wife) was outlawed. Sadly to say, now that sodomite marriage(sic) is legal(2015), it won't be long before polygamy is legal. Remember Christian that under the new testament church covenant you can only marry one wife(Heb. 13:4).
I Samuel 1:8-11 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
Elkanah tried to comfort Hannah because she wept and would not eat. Elkanah loved Hannah (evidently didn't love Peninnah as much-like Jacob with Rachel and Leah(Gen. 29:30-31, see comments there). Hannah wouldn't be comforted and wanted a son more than anything.
After the others ate and drank in Shiloh, Hannah, who was in bitterness of soul, prayed to the LORD and wept sore for a son. She vowed a vow(Eccl. 5:4) that if she got a son she would give him to the Lord. He would serve the Lord all the days of his life and no razor would come upon his head(like with Samson, Numb. 6:1-21, see comments there).
I Samuel 1:12-17 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
:14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
When Hannah prayed, her lips moved but her voice was not heard. When Eli saw this, he thought that she was drunk with wine while praying. When Eli rebuked Hannah, she told him that she wasn't drunk but of a sorrowful spirit. She poured out her soul before the Lord and gave God her complaint and grief(I Pet. 5:7, see comments there). She denied being a daughter of Belial or false god. When Eli realized Hannah was telling the truth, he told her to go in peace and desired that God would grant her petition. : for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Afterward Hannah ate food and was no longer sad.
For the Christian, when he is right with God and prays for the right things, he can get his prayers answered(go to and download, How to Get your Prayers Answered, Part I & II). Hannah was praying like her life was on the line and gave it everything she had. Sadly to say for the carnal Christian, if he actual prays for 5 minutes a day, his intensity in prayer doesn't shine very bright(like it does at the ball game, I Jo. 2:15-17).
I Samuel 1:19-28 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.
:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
:22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
:25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
:26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
:28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
Before returning home to Ramah, they worshiped the LORD. Sometime afterward, the Lord remembered Hannah and she conceived a son by Elkanah, and called his name Samuel.
She called him Samuel because she asked him of the LORD. The following year, Hannah was evidently large with child from her pregnancy(or recently gave birth) and hence did not go up to Shiloh with Elkanah and all his house. Hannah stayed home until the child was weaned(no longer drinks only milk-breast feeding, usually 12-18 months).
After Samuel was weaned he was taken to the tabernacle along with three bullocks, one ephah of flour and a bottle of wine(most likely at age 2). There they slew a bullock and brought the child to Eli. Hannah reminded Eli that she was the woman that prayed for a son before him and that God had granted her petition. Hence, the child was lent to the Lord for life to serve Him and was left at the tabernacle. The chess board of God is set up for Samuel to be judge after Eli.
Worship is praising the Lord for his goodness as well as His power. Every saved person can worship the Lord for being eternally saved. However, the saved person living for God has much more to worship the Lord for. E.g. I have worshiped the Lord hours at a time. I could worship God all weekend for all the things He has done for me at work and ministry alone(let alone other stuff). Christian, you should worship the Lord every time he does some big thing in your life at the least(Phil. 4:4, see comments there).
I Samuel 2:1-5 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
:2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
Hannah's prayer rejoiced in the LORD(Phil. 4:4), thanked God for her horn(or strength through childbirth) being exalted in the LORD, she was enlarged over her enemies(especially Peninnah) and Hannah rejoiced in her salvation of her lineage(had a child). Hannah thanked God for His holiness(I Pet. 1:15-16), being the only God(Mic. 4:5) and being unique(Deut. 32:4).
Hannah's prayer rebukes the exceeding proud and arrogant, because God is a God of knowledge(Pr. 1:7) that weighs the actions of men(Ps. 7:11). God breaks the bows of the enemy army and girds(like a belt) those that stumble with strength(II Cor. 4:16, God's army). God makes the full of bread to work for bread and those that are hungry to be satisfied with bread(Mat.. 6:33). God makes the barren womb have seven kids and the woman of many children become weak.
I Samuel 2:6-10 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.
:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
:10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Hannah's prayer continues by proclaiming that the LORD kills, makes alive(Is. 42:5), He brings those down to the grave and those out of the womb. God is the author of live(Acts 3:15) and death. The Lord makes poor and rich(Job 1:21, Pr. 10:22) as well as exalts and humbles a person(Matt. 23:12). He raises the poor out of the dust and the beggar from the dunghill(low estate) to set them amongst princes and inherit the throne of glory(like king David, II Samuel). God made the pillars of the earth that the world is set on(Gen. 1:1, Job 9:6, see comments there).
God keeps the feet of his saints(keeps the saved people safe and protected, Ps. 121:) whereas the wicked will be silenced in their darkness(Is. 13:11). The strength of man won't prevail against God. God will break His adversaries to pieces, judge the ends of the earth(Rev. 20:12-15, II Cor. 5:10), give strength to His king(Jesus) and exalt the horn of His anointed(saved, priests, etc.).