1 Samuel records the transition from judges to monarchy, including Samuel's ministry, Saul's rise and fall, and David's anointing.
31
Chapters
810
Total Verses
Samuel, Nathan, Gad
Author
1050-900 BC
Date Written
Last judge of Israel
First king of Israel
Anointed but pursued
Hannah prays for a son; Samuel is born
Hannah praises God; Eli's sons are corrupt
Samuel receives God's first prophetic call
Israel defeated; Ark taken by Philistines
Ark brings plagues on Philistine cities
Philistines return Ark to Israel
Samuel leads Israel to repentance and victory
Israel requests a king to rule over them
Saul chosen and anointed as Israel's king
Saul publicly declared king of Israel
Saul delivers Jabesh-gilead from Ammonites
Samuel's final address to Israel as judge
Saul disobeys God; Samuel rebukes him
Jonathan defeats Philistines; Saul's oath troubles
Saul disobeys God; Samuel rejects him as king
Samuel anoints David as future king
David defeats giant Goliath with sling
David gains favor; Saul grows jealous
Saul attempts to kill David; Jonathan protects him
Jonathan and David confirm covenant of friendship
David receives consecrated bread and Goliath's sword
Saul orders massacre of priests at Nob
David rescues Keilah; Saul pursues him
David spares Saul's life in cave
Abigail intercedes to prevent David's wrath
David takes Saul's spear but spares him
David seeks refuge with Philistines
Saul consults witch of Endor
Philistine leaders distrust David; send him away
David defeats Amalekites; recovers families
Saul and sons die in battle with Philistines
Now that you have read the overview, test your 1 Samuel knowledge.
“The LORD looketh on the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7
“To obey is better than sacrifice.”1 Samuel 15:22
“The battle is the LORD's.”1 Samuel 17:47