First Book of Samuel
First Book of Samuel is a book of the historical books centered on Samuel's prophetic ministry, Israel's demand for a king, Saul's failure, and the rise of David.[1]
Place in the Catholic canon
First Book of Samuel is received by the Catholic Church as inspired and canonical Sacred Scripture.
Within the canon, the book belongs to the historical books. Its proper meaning is read within the unity of the whole Bible, the Church's living Tradition, and the coherence of revealed truth.
Content and theology
The book principally treats Samuel's prophetic ministry, Israel's demand for a king, Saul's failure, and the rise of David. Its historical setting, literary forms, and compositional history are proper subjects of disciplined scholarship; no disputed modern authorship theory is itself an article of Catholic faith.
Catholic reading
The Church receives the book as the word of God in human words. Its literal sense grounds authentic spiritual and typological readings, and its fullest Christian interpretation is governed by the revelation of the Father in Jesus Christ without erasing Israel, the human author's meaning, or salvation history.[2]
References
- Back to citation USCCB Bible: First Book of Samuel — Approved biblical text, introduction, and study notes.
- Back to citation Dei Verbum — Dogmatic constitution on revelation, inspiration, and interpretation.