I
Samuel for You by Tim Chester
This new commentary and guide to 1 Samuel written by
Tim Chester is an accessible and pastoral volume devoted to the message and
theology of 1 Samuel. Tim Chester is
very familiar with the good book company as he provided the volume on Titus in
the For You Series. What can at times be
a daunting task to comment on such a large book in the Old Testament, Tim gives
the reader an in-depth look at the issues that are most important in the book
such as kingship. With insight,
application, and a trenchant analysis toward the major themes of the book, Tim
does an excellent job at acquainting the reader with the terrain of 1 Samuel.
In the opening few pages of the book, Tim alerts our
attention to the theme of kingship in 1 Samuel.
After looking at 1 Samuel 1.1-2.11, Tim writes, “It is worth it, because
God’s King is coming, and when he comes he will turn the world upside down…Hannah
sings: “He humbles and he exalts. He raises
the poor from the dust…and makes them inherit a throne of honor” (1 Samuel
2:7-8) (25).” There are two sides of
history to choose from; the kingdom of God’s King or the kingdom of this world
(24). Israel as a nation didn’t know
what exactly to expect from a king because many times they wanted a king they
could choose from their own devices and likings. Yet, as 1 Samuel indicates, God is King over
all the earth and does as he pleases yet has our best interests in mind, from
the beginning to end. At the end of the
chapter Tim points us to Jesus’ Kingship as one who was humbled to the point of
death but was then exalted to the highest place. He ends the chapter, “In the ascension of
Jesus, God has taken the first step in turning the world upside down (26).”
Another section that is very illuminating is 1
Samuel 16.1-23. We find the shepherd
David in this text tending his sheep. We
find the connection between Jesus clear here between him and David as Tim
writes, “David proved he was a good shepherd because he was willing to risk his
life for the sheep. Jesus proves he is
the Ultimate Shepherd because he gives his life for the sheep: (110).” A humble king is what the nation needed and
not one who was controlled by Israel’s whims.
David was willing to go the extra mile and risk his life for the
people. Jesus didn’t risk his life for
sheep but gave his life willingly on the cross for his sheep. Also, although David did risk his life for
his sheep, his life wasn’t completely devoted to serving Yahweh, for he
stumbled many times. Whereas Jesus,
being in full submission to the Father, carried out his role as Shepherd King
without fault.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The gray sections on the side of the pages
provide a good encapsulation of some of the major points Tim is trying to make.
Thanks to the good book company and Cross Focused
Reviews for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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