What Is the Purpose of the Books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel?

These books were written to encourage people living in Judah at the time of the divided kingdom to walk with the Lord in bold faith and to honor Him in all circumstances. The narrator’s objective was to see them shun and reject evil choices, the choices of unbelief and disobedience, bad choices that leave devastating consequences in their wake. To see this purpose achieved, the narrator regarded the lives of people such as Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David, and others.

His purpose however, was not merely to share information but to see more Samuels, Davids, Hannahs, Abigails, and mighty men and women raised up in Israel as a result of their faith. Laney says: “The biblical record of Israel’s beginnings as a political nation are masterfully recorded to give us not only an accurate historical document, but also to present significant spiritual lessons concerning the effects of sin, the workings of the Holy Spirit, and the sovereignty of God” (Laney, First and Second Samuel, 7).

The most significant purpose of 1 and 2 Samuel is to point to the ultimate Son of David, the Messiah, using David as the central character. The story of Samuel was included since he was the prophet who anointed kings. Saul’s story was included as a foil, an example of a king not after the heart of God, unlike David. David’s story is central to both books, showing him develop from shepherd boy, to warrior, to fugitive, to king, to failure, to exile, to restoration as king. He is depicted as the ideal king. Central to his entire story is that God promised to give Him a descendant with an eternal house, kingdom, and throne (2Sm 7:12-16). This promise, called the Davidic covenant, is essential to the book, because it is the Messiah who will reign as the eternal king.