These books are called Samuel, not because he’s the author, but because he’s the one that God directed to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. The books talk about who these two kings were, how they ended up on the throne, and how they did while leading. But in truth, the books are really about the Ultimate King. We see who God is, what He does, and what life is like with Him or without Him. These books are honest about sin and society, and full of hope and salvation.

One of the main points of the books is that the people of Israel wanted to be like the countries around them and have a King. They were convinced that all their problems would go away if only they had one. This did not sit well with God. It was a rejection of Him as the true King. It was something He had warned them about. The entirety of the Old Testament serves as a warning against the same thing; this is what happens when you reject God as your king. 1 Samuel 8:7 says “they have rejected me from being king over them.”

What does this have to do with us? God wants us to claim Him as King, to let Him rule over our lives. No imperfect human being is going to be able to rule us well. Even King David, who was about the best picture of Jesus among all the kings, still sinned and fell short. The OT makes it clear that no human is ever going to solve our problems, but Jesus obeyed God perfectly. He came to die for the very people who refused to receive God as their king.

Accept Jesus as King of Kings. Learn about Him, read about Him, seek Him, pray to Him, Confess to Him, and find strength in Him. Let Him save you by grace. And then FIGHT for Him! Stand in the gap for Him.