9) The Book of 1st Samuel

FIRST SAMUEL is the first book in a series of six books that deal with kings and kingdoms. This book records the degeneration of the commonwealth of Israel from a theocratic republic to a monarchy. Samuel protested the sinful decision to establish a monarchy, but God allowed the foolish decision of the people to stand (1 Sam. 8; Jer. 11:6-10).

The Bible records much information regarding governments. There are two basic types of governments. One is a government that controls the people, and the other is the people who control the government and its officials. The latter was established by the law ofMoses in the book of Deuteronomy. The proper purpose of human government is limited to inhibiting and penalizing the destructive acts of criminals (Rom. 13:1-7).

Unjust governments of tyrants are social evils controlled by Satan (Matt. 4:8-9). Governments are meant to protect the good and punish the evil. All creative acts of liberty are to be retained by the people who act freely, voluntarily, and privately without hindrance, interference, or limitations from governmental regulations. Government officials are the servants of the people (Esther 10:3; Prov. 29:2).

King Saul demonstrated the actions ofa tyrant who had absolute power. Saul is a doctrinal picture of the Antichrist who precedes the kingdom of Jesus Christ. The main doctrine of the Bible is the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ on David's throne (Isa. 2:1-5; Luke This book contains 31 chapters and 810 verses.

King James Bible.