1 Samuel: Summary & Overview
Overview
First Samuel bridges the era of judges to the monarchy. It tells the story of Samuel, Israel's last judge and first major prophet, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing of young David. The book explores themes of leadership, obedience, and what God truly looks for in a person — not outward appearance, but the heart.
Key Themes
- •God looks at the heart
- •The danger of demanding our own way
- •Obedience over sacrifice
- •Rise of the monarchy
- •Friendship and loyalty (David and Jonathan)
Famous Verses
“The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
— 1 Samuel 15:22
“The battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.”
— 1 Samuel 17:47
“Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”
— 1 Samuel 12:24
“There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”
— 1 Samuel 2:2
Key Facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Historical Narrative
- Author
- Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Date Written
- ~1050–930 BC
- Chapters
- 31
Related Books
Read 1 Samuel in Context
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