As you may have picked up reading the blog, I’m currently teaching through 1 Samuel. And, I thought it might be profitable to point out how once I land on a book, I try to get a sense of that book.
- Read the Book — When I started leaning toward preaching through this, I began reading this book regularly. Using my Bible reading software, I’m able to generate custom plans and read through 1 and 2 Samuel weekly out of a different translation. This helps give you a lay of the land, hear repeated themes, and be thinking about what this book is saying.
- Use tools – the ESV Scripture Journal on 1/2 Samuel just came out. Had this been around in the Fall, I probably would have used it more. I simply gather notes on what I’m reading. Related to this, I find videos like the excellent help at the Bible Project:
Related to tools, I try to find some good resources that help me get a sense of the structure. So, I use notes from the Simeon Trust Course, notes from seminary courses, Bible handbooks, and Bible overviews. These are big picture things that help me be aware of some parts of the book to be aware of.
So, that’s it: lots of engagement, reading, listening, and trying to get a sense of what God’s up to in this part of the Bible. I hope this helps your study of the Bible as well.
