Scofield Reference Bible Notes/1 Kings (1 Samuel)

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - 1 Samuel

Read first chapter of 1 Samuel
This book represents the personal history of Samuel, last of the Judges. It records the moral failure of the priesthood under Eli, and of the Judges in Samuel's attempt to make the office hereditary (1 Samuel 8:1). In his prophetic office Samuel was faithful, and in him begins the line of writing prophets. Henceforth the prophet, not the priest, is conspicuous in Israel. In this book the theocracy, as exercised through judges, ends (1 Samuel 8:7), and the line of kings begins with Saul.
The book is in four parts:

• The story of Samuel to the death of Eli, 1:1-4:22.
• From the taking of the ark to the demand for a king, 5:1-8:22.
• The reign of Saul to the call of David, 9:1-15:35.
• From the call of David to the death of Saul, 16:1-31:13.

The events recorded in First Samuel cover a period of 115 years (Ussher).

CHAPTER 1

Verse 3

Lord of hosts
Jehovah (Lord) of Hosts, Heb. Jehovah Sabaoth. For the distinctive meanings of Jehovah, (See Scofield "Genesis 2:4"). Sabaoth means simply host or hosts, but with especial reference to warfare or service. In use the two ideas are united; Jehovah is LORD of (warrior) hosts. It is the name, therefore, of Jehovah in manifestation of power. "The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory" Psalms 24:10 and accordingly in the Old Testament Scripture this name is revealed in the time of Israel's need. It is never found in the Pentateuch, nor directly in Joshua or Judges, and occurs but rarely in the Psalms; but Jeremiah, the prophet of approaching national judgment, uses the name about eighty times. Haggai in two chapters uses the name fourteen times, Zechariah in fourteen chapters calls upon the Lord of hosts about fifty times. In Malachi the name occurs about twenty five times. In the utmost extremity, the Psalmist twice comforts his heart with the assurance "the Lord of hosts is with us." Psalms 46:7,11.
The meanings and uses of this name may thus be summarized:

• (1) The "hosts" are heavenly. Primarily the angels are meant, but the name gathers into itself the idea of all divine or heavenly power as available for the need of God's people Genesis 32:1,2; Isaiah 6:1-5; 1 Kings 22:19; Luke 2:13-15.
• (2) In use this is the distinctive name of Deity for Israel's help and comfort in the time of her division and failure 1 Kings 18:15; 19:14; Isaiah 1:9; 8:11-14; 9:13-19 ; 10:24-27; 31:4,5; Haggai 2:4; Malachi 3:16,17; James 5:4.

See other names of Deity, (See Scofield "Genesis 1:1") See Scofield "Genesis 2:4" Genesis 2:7 See Scofield "Genesis 14:18" See Scofield "Genesis 15:2" See Scofield "Genesis 17:1" See Scofield "Genesis 21:33"

CHAPTER 2

Verse 6

grave
Heb. "Sheol," (See Scofield "Habakkuk 2:5").

Verse 10

anointed
A prophecy of Christ as King. Cf. Psalms 2:1-9.

CHAPTER 3

Verse 1

the word
Or, a word from the LORD was unusual in those days; there was no public vision.

CHAPTER 6

Verse 3

then ye
Contra. Hebrews 9:22.

CHAPTER 7

Verse 3

Ashtaroth
(See Scofield "Judges 2:13").

Verse 12

Ebenezer
i.e. The stone of help.

CHAPTER 12

Verse 14

fear
(See Scofield "Psalms 19:9").

Verse 24

fear
(See Scofield "Psalms 19:9").

CHAPTER 13

\v 14

Verse 3

Ahiah
Called Ahimelech, 1 Samuel 22:9,11,20.

CHAPTER 15

Verse 11

repenteth
(See Scofield "Zechariah 8:14").

CHAPTER 16

Verse 21

And David Cf. 1 Samuel 17:55,56. The order of events is:

• (1) David, whose skill on the harp, and valour in the combat with the lion and bear 1 Samuel 17:34,36 were known to "one of the servants" of Saul, was brought to play before the king 1 Samuel 16:17,18.
• (2) David returns to Bethlehem 1 Samuel 17:15.
• (3) David is sent to Saul's camp 1 Samuel 17:17,18 and performs his great exploit.
• (4) Saul's question 1 Samuel 17:55,56 implies only that he had forgotten the name of David's father --not remarkable certainly in an oriental king.

CHAPTER 17

Verse 56

son
Cf. (See Scofield "1 Samuel 16:21").

CHAPTER 21

Verse 1

Ahimelech
called Ahiah, also Abiathar. 1 Samuel 14:3.

Verse 6

shewbread
(See Scofield "Exodus 25:30").

CHAPTER 23

Verse 28

Selahammahlekoth
i.e. The Crag (or Cliff) of Divisions.

CHAPTER 28

Verse 6

Urim
(See Scofield "Exodus 28:30").

CHAPTER 29

Verse 4

reconcile Or, make himself pleasing. (See Scofield "Daniel 9:24").

Verse 9

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

CHAPTER 31

Verse 3

hit him
Cf. 2 Samuel 1:10; 21:12. The order is:

• (1) Saul is "hit"--wounded mortally, potentially "slain," by the Philistines;
• (2) either to escape agony, or insult by the enemy, he falls upon his sword, and his armour-bearer, supposing him to be dead, slew himself;
• (3) but Saul was not dead; raising himself upon his spear, he besought the Amalekite to put him to death. 2 Samuel 1:10; 21:12.

Verse 12

burnt Contra. 2 Chronicles 16:14.