1 Samuel is the 9th book of the Bible. It is the first of two books that originally constituted a single text known as the Book of Samuel. The Book of Samuel was likely composed between 931 and 721 BC, and its authorship is traditionally ascribed to the prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan.
The Bible records that Samuel authored a book in 1 Samuel 10:25, indicating that he likely authored at least a portion of the text that bears his name. However, since the book contains information from after his death, it is clear that other authors were also involved. The prophets Gad and Nathan are considered potential contributors, as 1 Chronicles 29:29 records that they each authored a historical account that included some of David’s activities. It is possible that these three accounts were eventually combined to create the Book of Samuel we know today.
1 Samuel primarily focuses on Samuel’s life and significant impact on the people of Israel during a pivotal transition period. This era saw Israel’s leadership shift from the rule of judges to the establishment of the monarchy.
The key figures featured in 1 Samuel include Samuel, Eli, Hannah, Saul, and David, each playing a crucial role in shaping the nation’s history and its transition to a monarchy.
Background of 1 Samuel
1 Samuel tells the story of the rise and fall of Israel’s first king, Saul, and the emergence of David as God’s chosen leader. The book explores themes of leadership, obedience, and God’s sovereignty. The historical and cultural context of the book lies in the late period of the judges when the Israelites were struggling to establish themselves as a unified nation and were seeking a strong central government.
Outline of 1 Samuel
- Hannah’s Prayer, and the Birth and Calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1-3:21)
- Elkanah and his wives, Hannah and Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1-8)
- Hannah’s prayer for a child (1 Samuel 1:9-18)
- The birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-28)
- Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:1-10)
- The wickedness of Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:11-26)
- The prophecy against Eli’s house (1 Samuel 2:27-36)
- The calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-21)
- Samuel’s Leadership and the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4:1-7:17)
- The battle against the Philistines and capture of the Ark (1 Samuel 4:1-22)
- The Philistines and the Ark: affliction and return (1 Samuel 5:1-6:12)
- The Ark at Kiriath-Jearim (1 Samuel 6:13-7:1)
- Samuel’s leadership and Israel’s repentance (1 Samuel 7:2-6)
- The defeat of the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:7-14)
- Samuel as judge over Israel (1 Samuel 7:15-17)
- Israel’s Demand for a King and the Anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 8:1-10:27)
- Israel’s request for a king (1 Samuel 8:1-9)
- Samuel’s warning about a king (1 Samuel 8:10-22)
- Saul’s introduction and anointing (1 Samuel 9:1-10:16)
- Saul’s public selection as king (1 Samuel 10:17-27)
- Saul’s Reign and Disobedience (1 Samuel 11:1-15:35)
- Saul’s victory over the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1-15)
- Samuel’s farewell address (1 Samuel 12:1-25)
- Saul’s disobedience in the battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:1-23)
- Jonathan’s bravery and victory (1 Samuel 14:1-23)
- Saul’s rash oath and Jonathan’s narrow escape (1 Samuel 14:24-46)
- Summary of Saul’s military exploits (1 Samuel 14:47-52)
- God’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-9)
- Saul’s incomplete obedience and God’s rejection (1 Samuel 15:10-35)
- The Rise of David and Saul’s Jealousy (1 Samuel 16:1-31:13)
- David’s anointing and introduction to Saul (1 Samuel 16:1-23)
- David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-58)
- David and Jonathan’s friendship (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
- Saul’s growing jealousy and fear of David (1 Samuel 18:5-30)
- Saul’s attempts to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1-24)
- David’s flight and alliance with the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:1-12)
- Saul’s consultation with the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:1-25)
- The battle of Gilboa and the death of Saul (31:1-13)
Biblical Timeline
The events in 1 Samuel take place over the years 1105–1010 BC.
- 1105 BC: The Birth of Samuel:
- 1075 BC: The Calling of Samuel
- 1050 BC: Israel demands a king
- 1050 BC: Saul becomes king
- 1040 BC: Birth of David
- 1025 BC: David anointed by Samuel
- 1020 BC: David and Goliath
- 1010 BC: Death of Saul
Practical Lessons from 1 Samuel
- Trust in God’s plan (1 Samuel 1:10-20) Hannah passionately prays to God for a child, providing an example of faith and demonstrating how God answers sincere prayer.
- Obedience to God’s call (1 Samuel 3:1-21) Samuel obeys God’s calling to be a prophet to Israel.
- The danger of pride and disobedience (1 Samuel 15:1-35) Saul’s disobedience leads to God rejecting him as the king of Israel.
- Courage and faith in the face of adversity (1 Samuel 17:32-50): David expresses faith and courage when Israel is faced with the threat of the giant, Goliath.
- The importance of humility and forgiveness (1 Samuel 24:1-22): David chooses to spare Saul’s life to respect God’s anointed.
Additional Notes
Extrabiblical Support for 1 Samuel
The Tel Dan Stele, an ancient inscription from the 9th century BC, provides indirect evidence for the existence of the House of David, which supports the biblical account of David’s reign. Additionally, the Moabite Stone mentions the House of David and Omri, king of Israel, providing further evidence for the historicity of the events recorded in 1 Samuel.