1 & 2 Samuel Annual Bible Study: Surviving the Tensions of Life Study Guide

It was the beginning of a long night of darkness, fear, and isolation for the Israelite people. The approximate date 586 BC marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The city of Jerusalem had fallen to Babylonian warriors. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. The sons and daughters of Abraham and Sarah were carried captive to a foreign land. The land promised to Abraham, approached by Moses, possessed by Joshua, ruled by judges, expanded by kings, and loved by all Israel was now miles and memories away. But deep within the memories of the Israelites was a library of stories and songs.

Our study guide is designed to enrich the learning of lay participants by serving three purposes: to educate the learner on major issues of appropriate interpretation, to offer an overview of theological themes, and to build the learner's Bible study skills by reviewing significant interpretations along with their themes.