Prophets, Priests, and Kings: The Lives of Samuel and Saul

MacArthur Old Testament Study Guide Series

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

The times of the judges were turbulent days in Israel's history, marked by a continuing cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In time, the people of Israel decided they would do better under the leadership of a king, and they arrogantly demanded God provide them with one. Samuel, God's anointed prophet and Israel's last judge, warned the people that they would be getting far more than they bargained for-taxes, forced military service, wars, and oppression-but they continued to insist. The Lord finally provided a king in the person of Saul, and Samuel's warnings came to pass. Prophets, Priests, and Kings takes an in-depth look at the historical period beginning with the miraculous birth of Samuel, continuing through Saul's crowning as Israel's first king, and concluding with his tragic death. Studies include close-ups of Hannah, David, Jonathan, and others, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes, such as "Respecting God's Anointed" and "Courage." This twelve-volume MacArthur Old Testament Study Guide series provides intriguing twelve-week examinations of the Old Testament. Each guide looks at a portion of Scripture from three perspectives-historical studies, character studies, and thematic studies-and incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Old Testament with guidance from John MacArthur.

Genres: Theology

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2009

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.