The events of this chapter occur in the Wilderness of Paran, particularly the in the vicinity of Carmel (the town not the mount). Looking at the map, this is located due west of En-Gedi and the Dead Sea.
When reading through this chapter, take note of the character traits presented. The main characters are Samuel (1), David, Abigail, and Nabal (2-42).
When we were last in 1 Samuel, we read that Saul acknowledged that David would be the next king. This chapter opens with the death of Samuel. Samuel’s death is recorded here after Saul’s pronouncement of David’s kingship. Its placement is carefully planned by the writer of 1 Samuel. Samuel was the last of the judges, the first of the prophets, and served as a priest. These are important. For our study, the last judge’s death gives way to the first true king of Israel’s reign.
Saul was respected by the nation. Samuel’s life is a testimony of his influence and reign as Judge over all Israel. God used this one man to change the face of the nation and to prepare that nation for their first king, David.
After Samuel’s death, David went to mourn in a deserted place.
Jesus is the one true King. He has been proclaimed the King of all kings (1 Timothy 6.11-16). Are we announcing that He is coming to reign over all (Revelation 19)? Are we heralding His reign in our hearts by the way we imitate His live, His love (1 John 4.7-21)? After you are gone, who will assemble and praise the life God lived through you?