Dawn of a Kingdom: The Message of 1 Samuel
Overview
The absolute sovereignty of God and the triumph of his righteousness are the principal themes of 1 Samuel. In tracing the development of Israel from the anarchy of the period of the Judges, from Samuel the prophet and kingmaker through Saul, the people's choice, to David, God's chosen king—the hand of God is seen at work.
The true consequences of rebellion against the Lord are shown. There is no glamour in the Bible's representation of sin. Saul clings to his sins and perishes. But the Gospel shines through, too. Samuel and David cleave to the Lord and are clothed with the robes of redemption. The reader is pointed to the victory of Christ, the true King of whom David is only a picture, who is saving his people from their sins this very day.
Top Highlights
“For sixteen months, David pretended to be a mercenary in the service of the Philistines. But he was a fake mercenary!” (Page 251)
“Nothing demonstrates David’s fearful confusion more than his flight to Gath.” (Page 197)
“The act of anointing was associated in the Near East with vassalage.2 Vassal kings were anointed to signify that their authority was derivative from the king to whom they owed allegiance, such as the Egyptian Pharaoh. When God anointed Saul to be king, the act itself defined the limits of his monarchical authority. God was the true King, while Saul was his earthly vicegerent.” (Pages 105–106)
“The best answer would seem to be that it was a real appearance of the glorified spirit of Samuel. There is no evidence of either satanic trickery or a mere vision in Saul’s mind.” (Page 271)
“Part of the burden of leadership, particularly in the aftermath of a set-back, is to face the criticism of people whose frustration has overwhelmed their rationality.” (Page 260)
- Title: Dawn of a Kingdom: The Message of 1 Samuel
- Author: Gordon Keddie
- Publisher: Evangelical Press
- Series: Welwyn Commentary Series
- Publication Date: 1988
- Pages: 274
