Author
—
Written
c. 930–722 BC
Chapters
31
Audience
The nation of Israel
The birth, dedication, and calling of Samuel as prophet and judge in Israel.
Chapter 1 → Chapter 3Read in Bible
The capture and return of the ark of the covenant and Samuel's leadership over Israel.
Chapter 4 → Chapter 7Read in Bible
Israel demands a king and Saul is chosen and anointed by Samuel.
Chapter 8 → Chapter 10Read in Bible
Saul's early victories and his ultimate rejection by God due to repeated disobedience.
Chapter 11 → Chapter 15Read in Bible
David is anointed king in secret and defeats the Philistine giant Goliath.
Chapter 16 → Chapter 17Read in Bible
David rises in fame, provoking Saul's jealousy, and forms a covenant friendship with Jonathan.
Chapter 18 → Chapter 20Read in Bible
David flees Saul's murderous pursuit and twice spares Saul's life in the wilderness.
Chapter 21 → Chapter 26Read in Bible
David seeks refuge among the Philistines while Saul consults a medium and dies in battle on Mount Gilboa.
Chapter 27 → Chapter 31Read in Bible
"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'"
1 Samuel 16:7"But Samuel replied: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"
1 Samuel 15:22"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17:47"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."
1 Samuel 2:21 Samuel records the pivotal transition of Israel from a theocratic confederacy of tribes governed by judges to a united monarchy under its first kings, Saul and David. The book follows the prophet Samuel, who anoints both kings, and traces Saul's tragic decline due to disobedience while highlighting David's rise as a man after God's own heart. Theologically, the book emphasizes that true leadership requires faithfulness to God, and that human kingship must remain subordinate to divine authority.