Publisher's Synopsis
The book of 1st Samuel introduces one of the most pivotal characters in Scripture- David, the son of Jesse, the man who had a heart like God. David is a man of faith and courage, seeking God's glory in his actions and defending God's reputation against those that speak against Him, though they be of great stature. David is set in contrast to King Saul, the man after the people's heart. Saul seeks his own good reputation, and fails to trust in God's saving hand. Meanwhile, these two men, while at odds themselves, are also pitted against the menacing power of the Philistines, a warlike people who have come from across the Mediterranean Sea with a desire to possess the land of Canaan.
The book of 1st Samuel reads like an epic in the same vein as The Lord of the Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkien and entertains like the Star Wars movie series: an evil nation seeks dominion through conquest and cruelty; a man of great wisdom calls out a heroic young warrior to lead his people to freedom; enemies and traitors arise and seem victorious, but good overcomes in the end. All the aspects of a great story are found in this book, including heroic action, drama, love, betrayal, intrigue, horrific loss and unmovable loyalty. The most amazing part to this incredible story is that it is all true. God's work of establishing His people in one land under one king, which had taken hundreds of years, finally comes to fulfillment under David. He, of course, points to the final fulfillment of one people under one King, the King of kings, Christ Himself. If ever someone complains that reading the Bible is boring or laborious, 1st Samuel is a book that can cure them of such ideas.
On top of all that, there are few biblical stories that can inspire such faith and courage- such trust in the Lord- as that of David and Goliath. David is just a teenager, and not a large one, with enough backbone to face off with a warrior larger than Andre the Giant. And this is no wrestling match, but a fight to certain death. The motive for this teenager to do this? The reputation of his God. How many of us would be willing to face death for God's reputation?
