The Book of 1 Samuel is a testament to God’s unwavering guidance in Israel’s history, detailing the shift from the period of judges to the establishment of a monarchy. It introduces key figures such as Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, King Saul, Israel’s first king, and David, the future king chosen by God. Throughout the book, we see God’s hand guiding His people, revealing His authority over Israel, and highlighting the importance of obedience to His will. The events in 1 Samuel set the stage for the nation’s future and God’s unfolding plan for Israel’s redemption.

PURPOSE: 1 Samuel explores the complexities of human leadership and the moral dilemmas faced by Israel’s key figures, highlighting the virtues and flaws of leaders like Samuel, Saul, and David. It aims to show the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and reliance on God in guiding a nation.

AUTHOR: The author of 1 Samuel is not specifically named in the Bible. However, Jewish tradition and many scholars believe that the prophet Samuel wrote parts of the book, particularly the sections about his life and ministry. The remainder of 1 Samuel, which covers the reign of King Saul and the rise of David, was likely completed by other prophets such as Nathan and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29). Regardless of the specific human authors, the book is ultimately inspired by God, as all Scripture is (2 Timothy 3:16).

ADDRESSEE: 1 Samuel is written to the people of Israel, showing God’s guidance in their transition from judges to kings.

DATE: The writing of 1 Samuel was around 930-900 B.C. This is based on traditional views that it was written after the events it records, which take place between 1100 and 1000 B.C., covering the lives of Samuel, Saul, and the early reign of David.

SETTING: 1 Samuel is set during a critical period in Israel’s history, transitioning from the era of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. The nation is in spiritual and political disarray, with the people often turning away from God and suffering oppression from surrounding enemies, especially the Philistines. Leadership is weak, and the people cry out for a king to unify and lead them. The book highlights three main figures: Samuel, the last judge and a prophet; Saul, Israel’s first king; and David, who is anointed as the future king. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty in raising up leaders and Israel’s need to remain faithful to Him. The events occur in various regions of ancient Israel, including Shiloh, where the tabernacle is located, and later, in Jerusalem as David rises to power.

KEY VERSES:

  1. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 – Hannah’s prayer for a child and dedication of Samuel to the Lord.
    “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.”
  2. 1 Samuel 2:2 – A declaration of God’s holiness from Hannah’s prayer.
    “No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” 
  3. 1 Samuel 8:7 – God’s response when Israel demands a king.
    “And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.’”
  4. 1 Samuel 12:24 – Samuel’s charge to Israel to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully.
    “Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” 
  5. 1 Samuel 15:22 – Samuel’s rebuke of Saul for his disobedience, showing God’s preference for obedience over sacrifice.
    “So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.’” 
  6. 1 Samuel 16:7 – The Lord’s instruction to Samuel when choosing David as king.
    “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 
  7. 1 Samuel 17:45 – David’s declaration to Goliath, expressing his faith in God’s power.
    “Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”

BASIC STORYLINE: 

  1. Introduction to Samuel’s Birth and Early Life

    1. Hannah’s Prayer and Samuel’s Birth (1:1-20)

    2. Samuel’s Dedication to the Lord (1:21-28)

    3. Samuel’s Early Ministry (2:1-26)

  2. The Corruption of Eli’s Sons and the Call of Samuel

    1. Eli’s Sons’ Corruption (2:27-36)

    2. God’s Call to Samuel (3:1-21)

    3. Samuel’s Role as Prophet (4:1)

  3. The Ark of the Covenant and the Philistine Conflict

    1. The Capture of the Ark by the Philistines (4:2-22)

    2. The Ark’s Misfortune among the Philistines (5:1-12)

    3. The Return of the Ark to Israel (6:1-21)

  4. The Demand for a King

    1. The Israelites Demand a King (8:1-22)

    2. God’s Warning and Samuel’s Anointing of Saul (9:1-10:27)

  5. Saul’s Reign and Early Victories

    1. Saul’s Kingship Confirmed (11:1-15)

    2. Samuel’s Farewell Speech (12:1-25)

    3. Saul’s Military Campaigns and Successes (13:1-14:52)

  6. Saul’s Disobedience and Rejection

    1. Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice (13:1-14)

    2. Saul’s Disobedience in the Amalekite Campaign (15:1-35)

    3. God’s Rejection of Saul as King (15:36-16:13)

  7. David’s Rise and Saul’s Decline

    1. David Anointed as King (16:1-13)

    2. David and Goliath (17:1-58)

    3. Saul’s Jealousy and Pursuit of David (18:1-30)

  8. David’s Flight and Saul’s Pursuit

    1. David’s Escape from Saul (19:1-24)

    2. David’s Refuge with the Philistines (21:1-22:5)

    3. David’s Protection of the People (23:1-29)

  9. Saul’s Downfall and David’s Leadership

    1. Saul’s Final Battles and Death (28:1-31:13)

    2. David’s Ascension and Consolidation of Power (2 Samuel)

CHAPTER CONTENT:

1. Hannah’s prayer for a child.
2. Hannah’s song; Eli’s sons’ sins.
3. God calls Samuel; Eli’s prophecy.
4. Ark captured; Israel defeated.
5. Ark in Philistine cities.
6. Ark returned with offerings.
7. Samuel’s leadership; Israel repents.
8. Israel demands a king.
9. Saul meets Samuel; anointed king.
10. Saul’s anointing confirmed; signs.
11. Saul defeats the Ammonites; confirmed king.
12. Samuel’s farewell speech; covenant renewal.
13. Saul’s unlawful sacrifice; rejection.
14. Jonathan’s victory; Saul’s rash vow.
15. Saul’s disobedience; God’s rejection.
16. David anointed; Saul troubled.
17. David defeats Goliath.
18. David and Jonathan’s friendship; Saul’s jealousy.
19. Saul pursues David; Jonathan’s help.
20. David and Jonathan’s covenant.
21. David flees; eats consecrated bread.
22. Saul slaughters priests; David rescues.
23. David saves Keilah; flees.
24. David spares Saul’s life.
25. Nabal’s death; David marries Abigail.
26. David spares Saul again.
27. David seeks refuge with the Philistines.
28. Saul consults a medium.
29. Philistines reject David; return.
30. David recovers stolen families.
31. Saul’s death; Philistine victory.