ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 1–2 Samuel

Bible #9-10

by Anonymous

ESV Illuminated Scripture Journals pair the entirety of individual books of the Bible with a lightly dotted blank page opposite each page of Bible text, providing space to creatively engage with and reflect on the Word of God. Hand-lettered, gold-ink illustrations by renowned artist Dana Tanamachi are interspersed throughout the blank pages, inviting readers to add their own artwork or reflections to each page. These thin, portable notebooks have unique covers stamped with gold-foil and are great for art journaling, personal Bible reading and prayer, small-group Bible study, or taking notes through a sermon series.

Single-column format Thick, opaque, cream-colored paper Lightly dotted grid on blank pages opposite each page of Bible text Gold-ink illustrations by artist Dana Tanamachi Wide margins Lay-flat binding Unique covers stamped with gold-foil Packaging: Backer O-wrap

Genres: Nonfiction, Old Testament, Religion, Christian

286 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 1999

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Ricky Bosso · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first and second books of Samuel, the first biblical kings of Israel are established after years of Judges. The stories of Saul’s downfall and David’s rise to power are in the first book, and the many tribulations of David’s kingship are told in the second. I should say, actually, for anyone reading Absalom, Absalom! (as I am now), the entire story of David’s son Absalom is probably pretty important reference material for understanding what Faulkner is trying to do in that novel. Well, at least I think it is. I’ll save what I’ll say when I finish Absalom, Absalom!.

The Books of Samuel are considered the first of the Historical Books of the Bible. Regardless of accuracy, the chronology is consistent and the central figures are clear. Gone, mostly, are the bizarre repetitions and tedious censuses written throughout portions of the Pentateuch, some seen in parts throughout Joshua and Judges.

For the time being, I think I’ll have more to say about Samuel once I get through Kings or maybe Chronicles.

[Lily Martinez-rios · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting a lot better. Actually stories.

[Joan Haughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Samuel a mighty prophet of God, not one of his words fall to the ground meaning everything he spoke came to pass. Samuel was also the last Judge over Israel, the people asked for a King to rule over them and fight for them like the other people when God was their King. Samuel anointed Saul the Benjamite to be the first King over Israel. Saul was disobedient and the kingdom was torn from him and David was anointed to be King. Saul was jealous of David when he killed Goliath and the women sang that Saul killed his thousands but David tens of thousands. David spend most of 1 Samuel running and hiding from Saul. On two occasions David had the chance to kill Saul but he did not because he would not touch the Lords's anointed. Although David was anointed he went through diverse trials and had to wait until the appointed time for him to be King, he was a mighty warrior who always inquired of the Lord before he went to battle.

The Second book of Samuel essentially chronicles David's reign as king in Israel. He made some crucial mistakes for example when he slept with Uriah's wife and then basically killed him. When the prophet Nathan confronted him, he repented and was filled with remorse, Psalm 51 documents his prayer for forgiveness for his trespass. He also made a vital error in judgement when he took up a census of the people in Israel, God was very angry because David should know that it is the Lord that gave him the victory not the number or strength of his army.

David was a man of praise, he sought God's council whenever he was to fight or make major decisions. Although he was not perfect, God refereed to him as a man after his own heart. It just goes to show that even if we make mistakes, we just need to repent and God will forgive our sins and we will be back in fellowship with Him.

Bless the name of Jesus!

[Joe Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

After "Cry the Beloved Country," I read 1st and 2nd Samuel in a Kindle copy of the ESV bible. The character of Absalom was my motivation, but I came to find that the character of David was much more interesting. This is really a great story, the presentation is sometimes lacking, but it is a great adventure.

The culture of that time and place is much different than 21st century America. The stories are mostly of war and sex, and women are very much second class citizens. The principle characters in these stories are not the greatest of folks either, trouble follows Saul and David the whole story.

This is the part of the Bible of which Thomas Paine said "Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the Bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we called it the word of a demon, than the word of God." I don't know about the word of god, but they are rollicking stories. I am going to see what Joseph Heller did with the stories in his novel, "God Knows," based on the life of David found here.

I have a nice New English Bible that I usually look stuff up in, and when I use my Kindle, and I have an ESV version on that. I was just poking around on Amazon and came across this thing for 4 bucks and free shipping so I bought it. An impulse purchase for sure. It has text on the left hand pages with the right hand side blank for note-taking. Unless your line of work is that of a clergyman or professional scholar, this is not really something you need. Still, a paper copy is something I prefer, call me old-fashioned. As far as what translation, I read this stuff for enjoyment, not salvation. Any recent translation is fine, readable. I wouldn't bother buying this though, you can get all sorts of bible translations on line for free.

[Hannah Lehfeldt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot take I’m not a huge fan of David. He had a strong start but I think it matters a lot how you finish and what kind of legacy you leave behind.

[Benjamin Bartels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently working on reading the Bible through in a year, and this book I remember being so great with the start of the kingship of Saul and David. I admire how David was a man after God’s own Heart, and you can see His desire to love the Lord’s anointed. There is a lot of death and betrayal. But at the end of the day, what I love about this book is that it shows the raw nature that no one is perfect, not even great leaders. Overall, a fantastic narrative!

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

1-2 Sameul are in one book. In a one volume Bible they are separate. Originally, they were not separate.
See my other reviews on this set. It is marvelous!
Note: if read as intended, the time will be longer than simply reading these out of a one volume Bible.
If you enjoy Bible reading and reflection, invest in these two beautiful sets, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

[David]

Read this for Dovid Melech Yisrael, found myself in Saul. One of the most tragic characters I’ve ever encountered in literature, a man who, for all he tries, cannot go beyond his limits. He is good and able, but David is better, and he will always be better. We can all relate, I think.

[Vicki Cottingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading these illuminated scripture journals and having space to make my own notes, writing prayers and also writing about how God speaks to me through them. A great aid to your devotional quiet time with God.

[Emmanuel Aquino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank my friends and family for enduring my David phase and my constant spear throwing at them, yelling at them that the kingdom had been taken from them, conducting seances, and cutting off bits of clothing at night.

[Bobbi Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my favorite books of the Old Testament. The same smitings and massacres and animal sacrifices, but they cover the life of the complex king David.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful for sermon notes and personal reflection/commentary.

[Alexis Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

David, in all his imperfections, is my favorite man in the Bible. Through trials, he never stopped praising the Lord. He was truly a man after God's heart.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great way to read through 1&2 Samuel. Love these collectibles!!