Opening Up 1 Samuel (Opening Up Commentary Series)

by Jim Newheiser

Publisher:

Day One

, 2011

Overview

The Opening Up series offers accessible and easy-to-read introductions to the books of the Bible. The commentaries tackle the key issues in each book by introducing the history and context and giving an overview of important themes and events. The authors wrestle with the hard questions with a keen eye toward application and relevance for today.

The book of 1 Samuel is the story of Israel seeking a leader. After the failures of Eli, Samuel, and Saul to properly guide the people, God raises up David, the man after his own heart. This commentary gives a brief explanation of the text and then shows how these events, which took place thousands of years ago, have direct and profound application to our lives today, having been recorded “for our instruction” (1 Cor. 10:11). It also reveals how every event pointed toward the coming of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27), the final and ultimate leader of the people of God.

Key Features

• Provides discussion questions for reflection
• Contains study guides, maps, and timelines
• Includes a list of resources for further study

Contents

• Hannah’s Hope
• Eli and Sons
• Israel’s Ark Is Raided and Lost
• Samuel Leads Israel in Repentance and Revival
• Israel Demands a King
• Saul, the People’s King
• Saul’s Failure and Folly
• The Lord Anoints David as His King
• David Defeats Goliath
• David and Jonathan
• Man on the Run
• David and Abigail
• The Fall of Saul

Top Highlights

“This passage is not primarily about how we can overcome our big problems in life with God’s help or how to deal with bullies. We are not to primarily identify with David; rather, we are like the army of Israel, which faces a terrifying enemy which it cannot defeat. We, like the Israelites, need a great champion, anointed by God, to fight our battle and gain the victory we could never achieve. Jesus is the Champion whom God promised would crush Satan (Gen. 3:15). Just as David won the victory over Goliath without the help of Israel’s fearful army, so Jesus Christ went to the cross alone and defeated Satan, sin, and death for us.” (Page 102)

“Goliath is much worse than a big bully. He is a blasphemer who curses the Lord and his people (vv. 10, 16, 26, 36, 45). The same Hebrew word used of Goliath taking his stand in verse 16 is used in Psalm 2 of the kings of the earth who take their stand against the Lord and his Anointed One (Ps. 2:2), making Goliath an antichrist figure.” (Page 98)

“We are not by nature like David, who bravely conquers his enemy. Rather, we are like the fearful people who desperately need a champion to defeat an enemy they are incapable of facing.” (Pages 96–97)

“The book of 1 Samuel is the story of Israel seeking a leader.” (Page 11)

“Israel’s great king and deliverer. Hannah’s story is also our story, because we too can cry out to God in our distress and receive deliverance through Christ.” (Page 16)

Praise for the Print Edition

There is no better brief and helpful introduction to the first book of Samuel . . . Devour it, and put its lessons into practice in your life and in the life of your church.

—Geoff Thomas, pastor, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

This book is an incredible asset for anyone wanting to know and apply God’s Word.

—Benjamin L. Merkle, professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Jim Newheiser has multiplied the pleasure of reading and studying 1 Samuel. His commentary is a . . . wonderful devotional supplement.

—Robbie Casas, pastor, Guiding Light Christian Church, Baguio City, Philippines

This is Old Testament exposition at its very best.

—Phil Johnson, executive director, Grace to You

Product Details

• Title: Opening Up 1 Samuel
• Author: Jim Newheiser
• Publisher: Day One
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 144

About Jim Newheiser

Jim Newheiser (DMin) earned an MA and DMin from Westminster Theological Seminary. Jim serves as Director of the Christian Counseling Program at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, and as the executive Director of Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship since 2006. He is also an ACBC Fellow and board member and a NANC Fellow. He has been practicing biblical counseling for over thirty years. In addition, Jim served in pastoral ministry at Grace Bible Church in Escondido, California. Jim is a founding member and an executive board member of the Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals. He is an international retreat and conference speaker, author of Opening Up Proverbs and co-author of When Good Kids Make Bad Choices and You Never Stop Being a Parent.

Sample Pages from Opening Up 1 Samuel (Opening Up Commentary Series)