1 Samuel at a glance

1 SAMUEL

 

The 9^th book in the Bible whose author is probably Samuel, but also includes writings from two additional prophets, Nathan & Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29). Tradition tells us that it was written around 900 BC. The time period covered in this book is 1150 BC to 1000 BC. The book of 1^st Samuel contains the famous story of David killing Goliath. 

 

The Purpose of writing this book was to record the life of Samuel, Israel’s last judge; the reign & decline of Saul, the first king of Israel; and the choice and preparation of David, Israel’s greatest king.

 

The Setting of the book begins in the days of the judges & describes Israel’s transformation from a theocracy (led by God alone) to a monarchy (led by a king; mortal man).

 

Stories told ...

 

1) Samuel’s mother gives him to the priests to raise.

 

2) Samuel hears God’s voice as a boy.

 

3) Samuel anoints David as the future king.

 

4) David kills Goliath.

 

5) Saul calls on a witch to bring the prophet Samuel back to life & speak to him.

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) 1^st Samuel contains the stories of Samuel the prophet, King Saul, & David’s trials before he was king.

 

2) Prior to Samuel, the people of Israel had been in tribes, held loosely together, but God transformed them into a unified nation under one form of government in this part of their history. 1^st Samuel focuses on the establishment of Israel as a nation.

 

3) The people demanded a king because all the surrounding nations had one, & they were giving in to peer pressure.

 

4) The first king was Saul, and the second king was David. This book covers mostly the prophet Samuel growing up. King Saul’s good & bad adventures, & his chasing down David to try to kill him. The book ends with the death of Saul.

 

Key Verses:

“’Do everything they say to you’, the Lord replied, ‘for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer ... Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.’” - 1 Sam. 8:7, 9)

 

“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings & sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”- (1 Sam. 15:22)

 

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things human beings look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” - (1 Sam. 16:7)

 

Next time we’ll take a look at the book of 2 Samuel ... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018); The Life Application Study Bible.

Note: I took my information from this lengthy compilation of bible book information for all 66 books of the Holy Bible & the margin notes from the study bible.