The Expositor's Bible: The First Book of Samuel

In Short

This volume examines the turbulent transition of Israel from a loosely bound confederation of tribes governed by judges to a unified kingdom ruled by a monarch. Through detailed commentary on the biblical text, the work follows the rise of the prophet Samuel, the dramatic rise and moral collapse of King Saul, and the prolonged testing of young David in exile. It presents these historic events not merely as political shifts, but as profound lessons in spiritual obedience, divine providence, and human character. The commentary endures for its psychological depth, its clear moral reasoning, and its practical application of ancient scripture to personal conduct.

The Story

The narrative opens with the personal grief of Hannah, a childless woman whose passionate prayers at the sanctuary of Shiloh are answered with the birth of Samuel. Dedicated from infancy to the service of God, the young boy grows up under the care of the aging high priest Eli. While Eli's own sons bring shame upon the sanctuary through their profligacy, Samuel develops a quiet, reverent character and receives a solemn vision foretelling the ruin of Eli's house. That prophecy comes to pass when the Philistines defeat Israel, capture the sacred Ark, and kill Eli's sons, causing the old priest to collapse and die. Yet the Philistines soon find the Ark a dangerous trophy, as mysterious plagues force them to return it to Israel.

Under Samuel's spiritual leadership, Israel experiences revival and temporary deliverance from foreign enemies. As Samuel grows old, however, the people demand a king to rule over them like neighboring nations. Though warning them of the dangers of royal autocracy, Samuel yields to the divine instruction to anoint Saul, a tall and impressive young man from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul begins his reign with brilliant military success, rescuing the besieged city of Jabesh-Gilead and earning the enthusiastic devotion of the nation.

However, Saul's flawed character quickly manifests in willful disobedience. Impatient during a military crisis at Gilgal, he unlawfully assumes priestly duties, and later defies explicit commands during the campaign against Amalek. Because of this persistent self-will, Samuel solemnly announces that God has rejected Saul from being king. Samuel is secretly directed to Bethlehem to anoint young David, the shepherd son of Jesse, as the true chosen successor.

David enters public view when he slays the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone. His sudden fame earns him the deep love of Saul's son Jonathan, but it ignites a venomous, irrational jealousy in King Saul. Forced to flee for his life, David becomes a fugitive in the wilderness, gathering a band of outlaws while hunted relentlessly by the king. Throughout his exile, David refuses multiple opportunities to kill Saul, choosing instead to respect the sacred office of the king and leave vengeance to God. Saul's spiraling mental and spiritual decline reaches its nadir when, in desperation on the eve of battle, he consults a medium at Endor. The story ends in tragedy on Mount Gilboa, where Saul and Jonathan perish in battle against the Philistines, leaving the throne vacant for David's eventual ascension.

How It Unfolds

The sanctuary's quiet calling Hannah surrenders her young son Samuel to the service of the tabernacle at Shiloh in fulfillment of a vow. There, the boy develops an earnest, reverent nature that contrasts sharply with the corrupt priests around him.

The ark in enemy hands Israel suffers a crushing military defeat, the Ark of the Covenant is captured, and the house of Eli falls in a single day. God afflicts the Philistines with plagues until they are forced to restore the holy vessel to Israel.

A monarchy demanded Dissatisfied with the misconduct of Samuel's sons and longing for national prestige, the elders of Israel demand an earthly king. Samuel warns them of the burdens of royal tyranny but proceeds to guide the transition.

The rise and failure of Saul Saul displays early courage and humility, relieving the siege of Jabesh-Gilead to national acclaim. Yet repeated acts of wilful self-assertion lead to his formal rejection by God and the secret anointing of young David.

The shepherd and the fugitive David slays Goliath and wins the hearts of the people, sparking King Saul's consumed, murderous envy. David flees into the wild country, where he repeatedly spares Saul's life out of reverence for the Lord's anointed.

Tragedy on Mount Gilboa Desperate and abandoned by divine counsel, Saul seeks out the witch of Endor on the eve of battle. The next day, Israel is routed, Saul and his sons die on the battlefield, and the path opens for David's kingdom.

The People

• Samuel wants only to serve God and guide Israel in faithful obedience. Stood between an ancient order and a new monarchy, he yields his personal authority gracefully, remaining a steadfast intercessor even when his warnings are brushed aside by the people.
• Saul wants the glory of kingship and the approval of his subjects, but he lacks deep spiritual root and self-control. His path is blocked by his own fragile ego and stubborn self-will, leading him from initial humility into paranoid madness and ultimate downfall.
• David wants to fulfill his duty to God and his country, whether tending sheep, fighting giants, or leading men. Blocked by Saul's relentless persecution and the hardships of outlaw exile, he matures into a patient leader who trusts God's timing rather than taking power by force.
• Jonathan wants to honor God and remain loyal both to his royal father and to his dearest friend. Standing between Saul's murderous jealousy and David's divine destiny, he selflessly waives his own claim to the throne, ending his life honorably on the battlefield.

In Its Own Voice

"He was manifestly one of those who are sanctified from infancy, and whose hearts go from the first with sacred duties." Samuel's early childhood reveals an innate reverence for sacred responsibilities, establishing the foundation of his lifelong integrity.

"The intense and consistent godliness of Samuel was probably the quality that was not popular among the people." Israel's preference for superficial, impressive leadership leads them to choose a king based on external appearances rather than spiritual depth.

"There has seldom, if ever, been exhibited a finer instance of triumphant faith, than when the prince, with all the resources of the kingdom at his beck, made this request of the helpless outlaw." Jonathan's selfless loyalty to David demonstrates a profound trust in God's ultimate plan, transcending personal ambition and political advantage.

What It's Really About

At its core, the work explores the tension between human self-will and divine authority. It argues that physical strength, external charm, and worldly prestige are entirely insufficient for true leadership without an underlying obedience to God. The narrative contrasts two distinct responses to authority: Saul's instinct to bend divine commands to his own convenience, and David's willingness to endure suffering rather than usurp God's timing. Through these historic figures, the text asks whether individuals and nations will choose the visible, superficial power of the world or place their ultimate trust in an unseen, righteous Providence.

Why Read It Today

This commentary appeals directly to readers interested in biblical exposition, ancient history, and character studies grounded in classic moral thought. Reading it feels like sitting with a thoughtful, measured mentor who examines human motives with extraordinary clarity and care. The prose moves at a deliberate, nineteenth-century pace, unhurried and rich with ethical reflections.

While modern readers may find the lengthy theological digressions and formal tone somewhat distant, the book rewards patience. It does not hide the harsh realities of the ancient world—such as bloody battles, political betrayal, and personal tragedy—but interprets them with steady moral conviction. What stays with the reader is the poignant contrast between Saul's tragic descent into isolation and David's growth through adversity. It serves as an enduring study of how trials refine human character, making it a valuable companion for anyone seeking depth in narrative analysis.

<ElicitationsGroup message="Explore this commentary further:"> <Elicitation label="Examine David and Jonathan's friendship" query="Analyze how the text portrays the friendship between David and Jonathan, focusing on the psychological and spiritual dynamics highlighted by Blaikie."/> <Elicitation label="Compare Saul and David's leadership styles" query="Compare the leadership traits of Saul and David as described in Blaikie's commentary on 1 Samuel."/> </ElicitationsGroup>