Book of 1 Samuel
Old TestamentHistorical

Book of 1 Samuel

31

Chapters

810

Verses

Samuel, Nathan, Gad

Author

1050-900 BC

Date Written

Overview

1 Samuel records the transition from judges to monarchy, including Samuel's ministry, Saul's rise and fall, and David's anointing.

Purpose

To record the establishment of the monarchy and show that God desires obedience over outward religious observance.

Historical Context

Covers the period from Samuel's birth to Saul's death, approximately 1100-1010 BC.

Name Origins

Hebrew

שׁמוּאל א

Shmuel Aleph

Heard by God - One

Greek

Βασιλειῶν Αʹ[b]

1 Basileiōn

1 Kings [1 Samuel]

Key Themes

TransitionKingshipObedienceRejectionGod's SovereigntyHeart

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Key themes to look for:

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Book Outline

Samuel

1:1-7:17

Last judge of Israel

Saul

8:1-15:35

First king of Israel

David's Rise

16:1-31:13

Anointed but pursued

Key Verses

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

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