1. Summary of the Book
1 Samuel marks a monumental transition in Israel’s history—from the era of judges to the establishment of monarchy. It tells the story of how God raises up new leaders in response to Israel’s spiritual decline and longing for stability. The narrative revolves around three central figures: Samuel the prophet, Saul the first king of Israel, and David the shepherd who becomes Saul’s chosen successor. The book reveals how God works through unexpected people and events to guide His people according to His divine plan.
The story begins with Hannah, a barren woman who prays fervently for a child. God answers her prayer with the birth of Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord. Samuel grows up serving in the sanctuary at Shiloh under the priest Eli. God calls Samuel as a young boy, marking him as a prophet who will guide Israel with wisdom and fidelity. Meanwhile, Eli’s sons, who corrupt the priesthood through sin, face judgment when the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. Yet even in exile, the Ark demonstrates God’s power, and it is soon returned to Israel.
As Samuel grows old, Israel demands a king “like the nations,” rejecting God’s kingship in favor of a human ruler. God gives them Saul, a tall and impressive man who at first shows humility and strength. Saul defeats the Ammonites, unites the tribes, and strengthens Israel’s defenses. But his failures in obedience—offering sacrifice unlawfully and sparing what God had cursed—lead to his rejection as king. His spiritual decline deepens as jealousy, fear, and rage take hold.
God then chooses David, the youngest son of Jesse, as Saul’s successor. David is anointed by Samuel, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him. David first enters the public scene by defeating Goliath, a giant warrior who terrifies Israel’s army. This victory reveals that God chooses the unlikely and delivers His people through faith, not human strength. David becomes a skilled soldier, winning the admiration of the people and the friendship of Jonathan, Saul’s son. Saul, however, becomes obsessed with destroying David, leading to years of conflict.
David flees into the wilderness, where he gathers followers and survives by trusting in God’s protection. He twice spares Saul’s life, demonstrating humility, restraint, and reverence for God’s anointed. Meanwhile, Saul descends further into fear and spiritual darkness, even consulting a medium at Endor when God no longer answers him. The Philistines eventually kill Saul and Jonathan in battle at Mount Gilboa, leaving Israel grieving but preparing for the rise of David.
1 Samuel reveals a profound contrast between two types of leaders: Saul, who lacks obedience and interior faith, and David, who although imperfect, is a man after God’s own heart. It highlights the sovereignty of God, the necessity of wholehearted obedience, and the rise of God’s chosen king who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
2. Author
Traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel for the early chapters, with additional inspired authors or editors (possibly including prophets like Nathan or Gad) completing the narrative after Samuel’s death.
3. Time of Composition
The events span the late 12th to early 10th centuries BC. The final written form likely dates to the early monarchy, before or during David’s reign.
4. Intended Audience
Israel living under the monarchy, to help them understand the origins of kingship, the importance of obedience, and God’s role in guiding national leadership.
5. Major Themes
God’s sovereignty in raising and removing leaders
The importance of obedience over sacrifice
The danger of pride, jealousy, and disobedience
The Spirit of the Lord empowering God’s chosen
Friendship, loyalty, and covenant (David and Jonathan)
True kingship rooted in humility
Transition from tribal confederation to monarchy
6. Section-Wise Division
A. Samuel’s Birth and Call (1 Sm 1–7)
Birth of Samuel and Hannah’s prayer (1 Sm 1–2)
Samuel’s call by God (1 Sm 3)
Judgment on Eli’s house (1 Sm 2:27–36; 4)
Capture and return of the Ark (1 Sm 4–6)
Samuel as judge and deliverer (1 Sm 7)
B. Israel Demands a King (1 Sm 8–12)
Request for a king (1 Sm 8)
Saul’s anointing and rise (1 Sm 9–11)
Samuel’s farewell address (1 Sm 12)
C. Saul’s Reign and Rejection (1 Sm 13–15)
Saul’s unlawful sacrifice (1 Sm 13)
Jonathan’s faith and victory (1 Sm 14)
Saul’s disobedience regarding Amalek (1 Sm 15)
D. David’s Rise (1 Sm 16–20)
David anointed by Samuel (1 Sm 16)
David and Goliath (1 Sm 17)
David’s service in Saul’s court (1 Sm 18–19)
Friendship with Jonathan (1 Sm 18–20)
E. David’s Wilderness Years (1 Sm 21–31)
David’s flight from Saul (1 Sm 21–23)
David spares Saul twice (1 Sm 24; 26)
Abigail’s intervention (1 Sm 25)
Saul’s visit to the medium at Endor (1 Sm 28)
David among the Philistines (1 Sm 27; 29–30)
Death of Saul and Jonathan (1 Sm 31)
7. Historical and Biblical Background
This period reflects Israel’s shift from a tribal society to centralized monarchy. The Philistine threat was a major factor pushing Israel toward kingship. Spirit-filled leaders like Samuel and David contrast with the more secularized kingship that Israel initially desires. The stories also reflect covenant structures—loyalty to God leads to blessing, while disobedience results in judgment. 1 Samuel stands at the heart of Israel’s theological identity as God forms a kingdom through His chosen servants.
8. Biblical Flow of Each Section
Samuel’s Call
God raises a prophet to restore spiritual leadership in Israel.
Israel Demands a King
The nation chooses kingship for the wrong reasons, yet God remains in control.
Saul’s Reign
Saul’s disobedience leads to his rejection, showing that leadership must be rooted in faith.
David’s Rise
A humble shepherd becomes God’s chosen future king.
David in the Wilderness
David learns trust, patience, restraint, and total dependence on God.
9. Orientation to Jesus Christ
1 Samuel contains rich foreshadowing of Christ.
Samuel prefigures Christ as prophet and priest.
David prefigures Jesus as the shepherd-king.
David’s anointing anticipates Christ’s messianic anointing.
David’s victory over Goliath prefigures Christ’s victory over sin and death.
God’s choice of David prepares for the Davidic covenant fulfilled in Jesus.
Hannah’s prayer anticipates Mary’s Magnificat.
10. Message for Us Today
1 Samuel teaches the importance of obedience, humility, and trust in God. It warns about the dangers of jealousy, insecurity, pride, and drifting from God’s will. It encourages believers to discern God’s voice, to wait patiently for His timing, and to embrace leadership rooted in faith. David’s life shows that God chooses the unlikely and works through the humble. The book invites us to place our hope in Christ, the true King.
11. Prayer
Lord God, who raised up Samuel, Saul, and David according to Your plan, teach me to listen to Your voice and obey Your will. Protect me from pride and selfish ambition. Give me a heart like David’s—humble, trusting, and open to Your Spirit. May the lessons of 1 Samuel lead me closer to Jesus, the true King and Shepherd of Your people. Amen.