1 Samuel is an Old Testament book that provides an increased current of truth leading toward the Messiah. It opens with the people of Israel experiencing great spiritual failure: idolatry was rampant (7:3-4), the judges were perverting justice (8:2-3), the priesthood was corrupt (2:12-26) and "worthless" in the eyes of the Lord, and the surrounding nations were constantly harassing Israel. The cumulative affects of neglecting God and His Word are evident in the plight of Israel as a godly remnant struggled to maintain their hope in God's Promise. However, God's sovereign purpose and...