The First Book of Samuel

Prophets or Kings?

The book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Samuel’s birth and contains an account of his ministry. The book describes the ministry of a prophet to the kings of Israel, so 1 Samuel is essentially the story of the nation of Israel as well. The Israelites rejected the Lord’s counsel to trust in Him and be ruled by judges and prophets and instead asked for a king. Notice that the title of this book in your Bible says it is “Otherwise Called the First Book of the Kings.”

Getting Ready to Study 1 Samuel

Samuel obviously did not write 1–2 Samuel, since we read of his death before the end of 1 Samuel. The book of 1 Samuel was written by someone in the time of King Solomon. For more information about 1 Samuel, see the Bible Dictionary, “Samuel, books of” (p. 769).

Important People in 1 Samuel

Important People in 1 Samuel

Eli and Samuel

Saul

Jonathan

David and Goliath

• 1 Samuel 1: “For This child I Prayed”

• 1 Samuel 2: Eli’s Sons

• 1 Samuel 3: Samuel Hears the Lord

• 1 Samuel 4–6: The Ark of the Covenant

• 1 Samuel 7: Repentance Brings the Victory

• 1 Samuel 8: “Give Us a King”

• 1 Samuel 9–10: Saul Anointed King

• 1 Samuel 11: Saul Leads Israel to Battle

• 1 Samuel 12: The Lord is Still King

• 1 Samuel 13: Saul Acts Foolishly

• 1 Samuel 14: A Foolish Oath

• 1 Samuel 15: The Importance of Obedience

• 1 Samuel 16: The Lord Chooses a New King

• 1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath

• 1 Samuel 18–23: Saul Seeks David’s Life

• 1 Samuel 24: Respect for the Lord’s Anointed

• 1 Samuel 25–26: Love Your Enemies

• 1 Samuel 27: David among the Philistines

• 1 Samuel 28: Saul’s Spiritual Darkness

• 1 Samuel 29–31: David’s Success and Saul’s Death