While Jesus is not explicitly mentioned by name in the Old Testament, including in 1 Samuel, Christians believe that there are typologies, prophecies, and themes within the Old Testament that foreshadow or point towards Jesus.
Hebrews 11:13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
In essence, typology sees certain Old Testament occurrences as predictive prototypes of New Testament realities, especially in relation to the life, work, and mission of Jesus Christ.
Here are a few ways we see Jesus in the book of 1 Samuel:
The Anointing of David:
- In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel anoints David, the shepherd boy, to be the next king of Israel. David is from the tribe of Judah and the town of Bethlehem, and he becomes a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus. Jesus is often referred to as the “Son of David,” and His birth in Bethlehem and lineage from the tribe of Judah are significant in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
- Furthermore, the word “Christ” means “anointed one.” Just as David was anointed by Samuel to be king, Jesus is the Anointed One par excellence.
The Rejected Stone:
- When Samuel is led by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons, the youngest (David) is initially overlooked. Yet this overlooked shepherd boy becomes the most important, prefiguring Jesus’ teaching in Psalm 118:22 and reiterated in the New Testament: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Hannah’s Prayer:
- The book begins with Hannah’s heartfelt prayer for a child. When God blesses her with Samuel, her prayer of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:1-10) has thematic parallels with Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Both women praise God for looking upon their lowly state and for His mighty deeds that turn societal expectations upside down. Both prayers also speak of a King and the Lord’s Anointed.
Priesthood of Eli and Jesus:
- Eli’s priesthood was marked by compromise and corruption, especially with regard to his wayward sons. This can be contrasted with Jesus, our perfect high priest, who always did the will of His Father and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin.
David’s Persecution by Saul:
- David, despite being anointed as the next king, faced intense persecution from King Saul. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own persecution by the religious leaders and authorities of His time, despite being the Anointed One and the true King.
Note: It’s essential to approach typologies with caution, ensuring interpretations align with the broader biblical narrative.
The primary focus of 1 Samuel is on the history and events of Samuel, Saul, and David in the context of Israel’s story.
However, as with much of the Old Testament, the themes, patterns, and characters can often be seen to foreshadow or point towards the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ.