The time 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 decided they would do better under the leadership of a king, and they arrogantly demanded that God provide them with one. Samuel, God’s anointed prophet, warned they would be getting more than they bargained for—taxes, 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.

In this study, John MacArthur guides readers through an in-depth look at this 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-up examinations of Hannah, Eli, Saul, David, and Jonathan, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as “Slaying a Giant” and “Respecting God’s Anointed.”

The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.

This volume is available for purchase individually, or as part of the MacArthur Bible Studies Collection.

John MacArthur is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author and conference speaker. John graduated from Talbot Theological Seminar and came to Grace Community Church in 1969. In 1985, John became president of The Master’s University. In 1986, John founded The Master’s Seminary, a graduate school dedicated to training men for full-time pastoral and missionary work. John has written hundreds of study guides and books, including the MacArthur Study Bible and MacArthur New Testament Commentary. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children and fifteen grandchildren.