Although they are separate books in modern bibles, the books of 1 samuel and 2 samuel were originally one book. It is uncertain who the author was or when he wrote the book of 1 samuel. Included are the writings of moses, the apostles paul and john. However, samuel may have written, and he certainly supplied, the information for 1 samuel 1. The author or authors of 1 and 2 samuel are not known. There was originally only the book of samuel, but due to its length it was eventually split into two books, 1 samuel and 2 samuel. The title of the book has varied from time to time. These books recount the stories of samuel, saul, and david. Though named after its main character, the prophet samuel, the book does not claim an author.
Someone separated it into these two parts in order to make it more convenient to copy. The greek translation of the bible, the septuagint, was the first version to. During the second half of the third century bc, 70 scribes translated the hebrew old testament. The greek translation of the bible, the septuagint, was the first version to divide the material into two parts. It is also possible that samuel wrote chapters 125 and then gad. Books of the bible list with the name of each book, the writer, place written, and time covered. According to jewish tradition, the book was written by samuel, with additions by the prophets gad and nathan. Useful bible studies 1 samuel commentary study guide. So, these 4 books of the bible form a series that records the complete. The books of 1 samuel and 2 samuel were originally a single scroll, but were separated in the greek translation to the septuagint and were then treated as two books in the christian bible. Johnson writes, the books of samuel were composed after the death of david from court records, eyewitness accounts, and the writings of the prophets samuel, nathan and gad. It was divided into two parts by the translators of the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot a division subsequently followed by jerome in the latin vulgate, c. Other possible contributors to 1 samuel are the prophetshistorians nathan and gad 1 chronicles 29.
In the original hebrew composition, 1 and 2 samuel is one book. Some scholars assume that the books of samuel were composed from two or. Who wrote the books of 1 samuel and 2 samuel answers. The books of 1 kings and 2 kings continue the history at the place where 2 samuel ends. Together, 1 and 2 samuel form one book in the hebrew bible.
Books of samuel, two old testament books that, along with deuteronomy, joshua, judges, and 1 and 2 kings, belong to the tradition of deuteronomic history first committed to writing about 550 bc, during the babylonian exile. Nevertheless, there is also evidence that the books of samuel were written after the death of solomon cf. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of bible. The book of samuel, or 1 samuel and 2 samuel, form part of the narrative history of israel in. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. Book of first samuel overview insight for living ministries. The book of samuel, or 1 samuel and 2 samuel, form part of the narrative history of israel in the neviim or prophets section of the hebrew bibleold testament, called the deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the israelites and aim to explain gods law for israel under the guidance of the prophets.