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Last Days Prophecy

HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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Gospel Briefs on 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings

1 SAMUEL
Date written – 930-722 B.C. Author – Samuel
Samuel was a prophet of GOD whose name means “God hears.” This refers to the prayers of his mother Hannah who prayed for a son even though she was barren (1:5). GOD saw how faithful she was and answered her prayer. She dedicated her son Samuel to the LORD and left him in the Temple to grow up there in service to GOD. Samuel becomes GOD’S spokesman through the appointing of Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Sam 9) and ushers in David as king (1 Sam 16). Samuel contains many stories of GOD’S people and their continued battle of people who still remain in the Promised Land.

Ark remains in Kiriath-jearim 20 years [Samson’s Judgeship, 1104–1084 B.C.] (7:1–2)
Samuel calls Israel to repent and return to the LORD (7:3–6)
Israel (GOD) defeats Philistines at Mizpeh [1084 B.C.] (7:7–12)
40-year Philistine oppression ends (7:13–14; cf. Jud. 13:1)
Samuel judges Israel [1084–1051 B.C.] (7:15–17)
Israel Demands a King (8)

Samuel appoints his sons as judges (8:1–2), but they are corrupt (8:3)
Elders of Israel request Samuel to appoint a king (8:4–5)
Samuel prays and the LORD answers (8:6–9)
Samuel warns of the outcome of kingship (8:10–18)
But, Israel insists on a king (8:19–20)
Samuel again talks with the LORD and concedes (8:21–22)
Conditions Moving Israel Toward Monarchy

Corruption of Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah
Tribal disunity, lack of national solidarity, displayed in Judges
Spiritual degeneration evidenced in Judges
Continuing threat from nearby nations: • Philistines (west) • Ammonites (east) • Arameans (north)
Previous expressions of desire for monarchy (Jud. 8:22; Jud. 9)

There is a big difference Between a “King” and a “Judge”
National leadership and identity, as opposed to tribal/regional leadership of judges
Undisputed and supreme authority (1 Sam. 8:11–14, 16, 17)
Ability to tax (8:15, 17)
Legislative ability
Hereditary succession

Factors in Israel’s Desire for a Monarchy

Recognition of Samuel’s stature and authority (8:4)
Realizing that Samuel would eventually departure (8:5)
Rejection of Samuel’s corrupt sons (8:5)
They request for him to be replaceed with “a king” (8:5, 20)
Desire to be “like all the nations” (8:5, 20)
Desire for military unity and security (8:20)
Unwillingness to heed GOD’S warning or to request/wait on GOD’S timing (8:19–20)

The Concept of a Jewish Monarchy
Monarchy was not anti-theocratic or non-theocratic. Theocracy is government by God.

When Israel insisted on a monarchy, Israel was trading a higher form of government (a theocracy) for a lower form of government (monarchy).
The theocracy of Israel was never a direct rule of GOD without a human intermediary. The theocracy has always been mediated through an appointed human agent: Moses, Joshua, and the judges, who were advised and supervised by the LORD God. The Theocratic judgeship prepared the people for theocratic monarchy. Monarchy was long anticipated and planned for by Almighty GOD Himself. Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. (KJV)

From the Promise that Abraham would father kings (Gen. 17:6, 16), to the reaffirmation of the same promise to Jacob (Gen. 35:11), to the prophetic reference to Judah’s scepter (Gen. 49:10), to the Mosaic regulations for kingship (Deut. 17:14–20), the progression of revelation up to this point in history indicates that monarchy was always a goal toward which God was moving His people. Even the prophetic prayer of Hannah after the birth and dedication of Samuel makes a clear reference to a coming monarchy. 1 Samuel 2:10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. (KJV)
God has never relinquished His right to rule over His people and He continues to choose and anoint, establish and remove Israel’s and the nation’s kings. Evidence of the ongoing theocracy permeates the records of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.

Conclusion: The wrongness of Israel’s demand for a king does not mean that monarchy itself was wrong or sinful, even for them. The Scripture itself reveals a clear undercurrent that GOD’S intent all along was to establish a monarchy. The wrongness of Israel’s demand was: (1). They demanded, they did not request. They refused to consider any alternative; (2). They wanted to be like the other nations, when it was their distinctiveness from the nations that GOD wanted,
(3). They refused to consider that timing is an integral a part of GOD’S will. (Only 10 years after Saul became king [1051 B.C.], David was born) Even though what we want or pursue may be reasonable and even, in the end, GOD’S will, we . . . like Israel rebel against GOD’S rule over our affairs and His right to choose the right time. When we do, we may get not only what we want, but something else we did not bargain for.

Prophesy: The prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 makes several prophetic references to Christ. She extols GOD as her Rock (v. 2), and we know from the Gospel accounts that Jesus is the Rock upon whom we should build our spiritual houses. Paul refers to Jesus as the “rock of offense” to the Jews (Rom.9:33). Christ is called the “spiritual Rock” who provided spiritual drink to the Israelites in the wilderness just as He provides “living water” to our souls (1 Cor.10:4; John 4:10). Hannah’s prayer also makes a reference to the LORD who will judge the ends of the Earth (v. 2:10), while Matthew 25:31-32 refers to Jesus as the Son of Man who will come in glory to judge everyone.

How can we apply this to us in today’s world? The tragic story of Saul is a study of wasted opportunity. He was a man who had it all, honor, authority, riches, good looks, etc. Yet he died in despair, terrified of his enemies and knowing he had failed his nation, his family, and his GOD.
We can never please GOD through disobedience. Like so many today, he thought that a right motive will make up for bad actions. It cannot be done! Maybe his power went to his head, and he thought he was above the rules, like so many in government today! He had a low opinion of GOD’S Commands and a high opinion of himself. When was confronted with his high-mindedness, he attempted to justify himself, and that is when GOD rejected him (15:16-28).
Dear one, Saul’s problem is one that each of us face . . . a problem of the heart. We must obey GOD’S will because it is necessary for our success . . . but when in pride rebel against Him, we are in for a bad fall.

In contrast, David did not seem like very much at first. Even Samuel was tempted to overlook him (16:6-7). But GOD sees the heart and saw in David a man after His own heart (13:14). The humility and integrity of David, coupled with his boldness for the LORD and his strong desire to pray to the LORD, sets a great example for all of us.

2 SAMUEL
Date written – 930-722 B.C. Author – Samuel
The first half of 2 Samuel deals with the life of David. In chapter 7 GOD makes a Promise to David that He will establish David’s throne forever (7:16). But a few chapters later, David’s affair with Bathsheba disrupts much of what God was trying to do (chapter 11). Much of the rest of 2 Samuel deals with Nathan’s prophesy in the calamity that shall fall on the house of David. 2 Samuel 12:11-12 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. (KJV)

Date of Writing: Originally, the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one Book. The translators of the Septuagint separated them, and we have retained that separation ever since. The events of 1 Samuel span approximately 100 years, from c. 1100 B.C. to c. 1000 B.C. The events of 2 Samuel cover another 40 years. The date of writing, then, would be sometime after 960 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: 2 Samuel is the record of King David’s reign. This Book places the Davidic Covenant in its historical context.

Brief Summary: The Book of 2 Samuel can be divided into two main sections: David’s triumphs (ch.1-10) and David’s troubles (ch.11-20). The last part of the Book (ch.21-24) is a non-chronological appendix which contains further details of David’s reign.

The Book begins with David receiving news of the death of Saul and his sons. He proclaims a time of mourning. Soon afterward, David is crowned king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, one of Saul’s surviving sons, is crowned king over Israel (ch. 2). A civil war follows, but Ish-bosheth is murdered, and the Israelites ask David to reign over them as well (ch.4-5).

David moves the country’s capital from Hebron to Jerusalem and later moves the Ark of the Covenant (ch.5-6). David’s plan to build a Temple in Jerusalem is prohibited by GOD, who then promises David the following things: (1). David would have a son to rule after him; (2). David’s son would build the Temple; (3). the throne occupied by David’s lineage would be established forever; and (4). God would never take His mercy from David’s house (2 Sam.7:4-16).

David leads Israel to victory over many of the enemy nations which surrounded them. He also shows kindness to the family of Jonathan by taking in Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son (ch.8-10).

Then comes David’s fall. He sees for a beautiful woman named Bathsheba, commits adultery with her, and then has her husband murdered (ch.11). When Nathan the prophet confronts David with his sin, David confesses, and GOD graciously forgives. However, the LORD tells David that trouble would arise from within his own household (2 Sam.12:11-12).

Trouble does come when David’s firstborn son, Amnon, rapes his half-sister, Tamar. In revenge, Tamar’s brother Absalom kills Amnon. Absalom then flees Jerusalem rather than face his father’s anger. Later, Absalom leads a revolt against David, and some of David’s former associates join the rebellion (ch.15-16). David is forced out of Jerusalem, and Absalom sets himself up as king for a short time. The usurper is overthrown, however, and—against David’s wishes—is killed. David mourns his fallen son.

A general feeling of unrest plagues the remainder of David’s reign. The men of Israel threaten to split from Judah, and David must suppress another uprising (ch.20).
The Book’s supplement includes information concerning a three-year famine in the land (ch.21), a song of David (ch.22), a record of the exploits of David’s bravest warriors (ch.23), and David’s sinful census and the ensuing plague (ch.24).

Prophesy: The LORD Jesus Christ is seen mainly in two parts of 2 Samuel. (1). The Davidic Covenant as outlined in: 2 Samuel 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. (KJV) And repeated in: Luke 1:31-33 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (KJV)
The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His Kingdom will never end. Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant; He is the Son of God in the line of David who will reign forever.

(2). Jesus is also seen in the song of David at the end of his life (2 Sam.22:2-51). He sings of his Rock, Fortress and Deliverer, his Refuge and Saviour. Jesus is our Rock! 1 Cor. 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (KJV)
Jesus is the Deliverer of Israel. 1 Peter 2:7-8 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (KJV)
Jesus is the Fortress to whom we have fled for refuge: Romans 11:25-27 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. (KJV)
Jesus is our ONLY Saviour. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
2 Tim. 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (KJV)
Heb. 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (KJV)

How can we apply this Book to us today? Anyone can fall, even the strongest of spiritual men like David, who truly desired to follow GOD and who was richly blessed by GOD . . . BUT he was vulnerable to temptation like any of us are. The devil is a threat to ALL people, even
those who take a firm stand for Jesus! The devil hates GOD and he hates GOD’S Son, Jesus, and he hates all who believe God and accept His Son to save us (1 John 5:10-13)!

David’s sin with Bathsheba should be a warning to us to guard our hearts, our eyes and our minds. To let our pride let us think that we are able to withstand temptation in our own strength is the first step to a downfall. 1 Cor. 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (KJV)

GOD can and will forgive even the most terrible sins when we sincerely repent . . . BUT . . . healing the wound caused by sin most often leaves a permanent scar, I know how true that is. Sin has natural consequences, and even AFTER GOD forgave him, David reaped what he had sown. His son from the illicit union with another man’s wife was taken from him (2 Sam.12:14-24) and David suffered the misery of a break in his loving relationship with his heavenly Father (Psalms 32 and 51). Let us learn from David . . . NOT to sin in the first place, instead of having to beg for forgiveness later!

1 KINGS
Author: The Book of 1 Kings does not name its author. The tradition is that it was written by the Prophet Jeremiah, but there is no proof. The Book of 1 Kings was likely written between 560 and 540 B.C.
1 Kings’ two most prominent figures are Solomon and Elijah. 1 Kings is about GOD’S Promises to Solomon, the building of the Temple and the start of other successors to the throne. 2 Kings gives a more extensive list of kings of Israel and if they followed GOD or not. Solomon started wise and strong, but in the end he did exactly what GOD warned him about . . . he worshiped false gods because of all the marriages he had with women from other countries. His rule in government got him in trouble with GOD.

Purpose of Writing: This book is the follows 1 and 2 Samuel and begins by tracing Solomon’s rise to kingship after the death of David. The story begins with a united kingdom, but ends in a nation divided into 2 kingdoms, known as Judah and Israel. 1 and 2 Kings are combined into one book in the Hebrew Bible.

Brief Summary: The Book of 1 Kings starts with Solomon and ends with Elijah. The difference between the two gives us an idea what lies between. Solomon was born after a palace scandal between David and Bathsheba. Like his father, he had a weakness for women that brought him down. Solomon did well at first, praying for wisdom and built a Temple to GOD that took seven years to construct. Then he spent thirteen years building a palace for himself. His accumulation of many wives led him to worship their idols and away from GOD. After Solomon’s death, Israel was ruled by a series of kings, most of whom were evil and idolatrous. The nation fell further away from GOD, and even the preaching of Elijah could not bring them back. Among the most evil kings were Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, who brought the worship of Baal to new heights in Israel. Elijah tried to turn the Israelites back to the worship of the LORD God, challenging the idolatrous priests of Baal to a showdown with GOD on Mount Carmel. Needless to say, GOD won, which greatly angered Queen Jezebel. She ordered Elijah’s death, so he ran and hid in the wilderness. Depressed and exhausted, he said, “Let me die,” but GOD sent food and encouraged the prophet when He spoke to him (1 Kings 19:9-13) and whispered to him in a “still small voice” saving his life for further work.

Prophesy: The Temple in Jerusalem, where GOD’S Spirit would dwell in the Holy of Holies, foreshadows believers in Christ in whom the Holy Spirit resides from the moment of our salvation. Just as the Israelites were to forsake idolatry, so are we to put away anything that separates us from GOD. We are His people, the very Temple of the living GOD. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (KJV)
2 Cor. 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, (KJV) Dear one, we are the temple of the living God.

Elijah the prophet was the forerunner of Christ and the Apostles of the New Testament. GOD empowered Elijah to do miracles to prove that he was a true a man of GOD. He raised from the dead the son of the widow of Zarephath, causing her to exclaim, “"Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth" (17:24). In the same way, men of GOD who spoke His words through His power are evident in the New Testament. Not only did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, but He also raised the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:14-15) and Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:52-56). The Apostle Peter raised Dorcas (Acts 9:40) and Paul raised Eutychus (Acts 20:9-12).

What can we, today, learn from the Book of 1 Kings? There is a warning about the company we keep, and specifically in regard to close associations and marriage. The kings of Israel who, like Solomon, married foreign women, showing themselves and the people that they ruled in wickedness. As believers in Christ, we must be very careful about WHO we choose as friends, business associates, and spouses. 1 Cor.15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (KJV)

Elijah’s experience in the wilderness can also teach us a treasured lesson. After his incredible victory over the 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, his joy turned to sorrow when he was pursued by Jezebel and fled for his life. Many times, depression and discouragement that can follow “mountaintop.” We must be on guard for this type of experience in the Christian life. But our GOD is faithful and will NEVER leave or forsake us. The still small voice that greatly encouraged Elijah will encourage us as well. Heb. 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)

2 KINGS
The Book of 2 Kings is Narrative History and Prophecy concerning the affairs of the divided kingdoms. The author is unidentified; but, some say it was the prophet Jeremiah. It was written about 560-538 B.C. Key personalities are many; they include Elijah, Elisha, the woman from Shunem, Naaman, Jezebel, Jehu, Joash, Hezekiah, Sennacherib, Isaiah, Manasseh, Josiah, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, and Nebuchadnezzar. The Book of 2 Kings concludes with the final overthrow and deportation of the people of Israel and Judah to Assyria and Babylon, correspondingly.

Brief Summary: Second Kings shows us the downfall of the divided kingdom. GOD’S prophets continue to warn the people that the judgment of GOD is at hand, but they will NOT repent. The Kingdom of Israel is continually ruled by wicked kings, and even though a few of Judah’s kings are good, the majority of them lead the people away from worship of the LORD. These few good rulers, along with GOD’S prophets, cannot stop the nation’s decline. The Northern Kingdom of Israel is eventually destroyed by the Assyrians, and about 136 years later the Southern Kingdom of Judah is destroyed by the Babylonians.

There are three prominent themes in the Book of 2 Kings. (1). The LORD will judge His people when they disobey and turn their backs on Him. The Israelites’ unfaithfulness was imitated in the evil idolatry of the kings and resulted in GOD exercising His righteous wrath against their rebellion. (2). The word of the true prophets of GOD always comes to pass. Because the LORD always keeps His Word, so too are the words of His prophets always true. (3). The LORD is faithful. He remembered His Promise to David (2 Sam.7:10-13), and in spite the disobedience of the people and the evil kings who ruled them, the LORD did not bring David’s family to an end.

Prophesy: Jesus uses the stories of the widow of Zarephath from 1 Kings and Naaman in 2 Kings to illustrate the great truth of GOD’S compassion toward those the Jews deemed unworthy of GOD’S grace: the poor, the weak, the oppressed, tax collectors, Samaritans, Gentiles. By citing the examples of a poor widow and a leper, Jesus showed Himself to be the Great Physician who heals and ministers to those in the greatest need of divine sovereign grace. This same truth was the basis of the mystery of the body of Christ, His Church, which would be drawn from all levels of society, male and female, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile. Ephesians 3:1-6 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV)
Many of the miracles of Elisha looked forward to those of Jesus Himself. Elisha raised the Shunammite woman’s son (2 Ki.4:34-35), healed Naaman of leprosy (2 Ki.5:1-19), and multiplied loaves of bread to feed a hundred people with some left over (2 Ki.4:42-44).

What can we, today, learn from the Book of 2 Kings? GOD hates sin and He will NOT allow it to continue indefinitely. If we are His children, we can expect Him to discipline us when we disobey Him. A loving Father corrects His children for their benefit and to prove that they indeed belong to Him. GOD may at times use unbelievers to bring correction to His people, and He gives us warning before delivering judgment. As Christians, we have His Word to guide us and warn us when we go astray from His path. Like the prophets of old, His Word is always trustworthy and always speaks truth. GOD’S faithfulness to His people will never fail, even when we do.

The stories of the widow and the leper are examples for us in regard to the Body of Christ. Just as Elisha had pity on these from the lowest levels of society, we are to welcome all who belong to Christ into our churches. GOD is no “respecter of persons” (Acts 19:34), so we should not be.

On the spiritual side, 2 Kings tells us much about Elisha the prophet. On the political side we get a list of kings and whether or not they served the LORD. One of the major turning points in 2 Kings is king Josiah’s discovery of the Book of the Law, which may have been a scroll of the Book of Deuteronomy. Grounded on that discovery, Josiah, a very good king, established a group of reforms to get the nation turned around. 2 Kings ends with the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian armies.

Is the Gospel in the Old Testament?

YES! It certainly is!

The GOSPEL is in the Old Testament

The Bible Helps us Better Understand GOD

Gospel Briefs in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers

Gospel Briefs in Deuteronomy and Joshua

Gospel Briefs in Judges and Ruth

Gospel Briefs in 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings

Gospel Briefs in 1&2 Chronicles and Ezra

Gospel Briefs in Nehemiah and Esther

Gospel Briefs in Job and Psalms

Gospel Briefs in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song