The Book of 1 Samuel
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
For the most part, the book of 1 Samuel covers the reigns of Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. However, the book starts off with the birth narrative of the prophet Samuel.
Samuel was born from an infertile woman named Hannah, who begged God for a son, promising to have him serve the Lord. Samuel eventually serves as a judge of Israel. Israel’s elders ask for a king and God tells Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king. Samuel eventually tells Saul that his successor will be shepherd named David because of a poor choice Saul made as king. The poor choice Saul made was that he failed to obey God by not totally destroying the Amalekites. He kept the king and choice livestock alive.
Saul dies battling the Philistines and makes way for David to become king.
Who wrote the book of 1 Samuel?
Who is the audience?
Timeframe 1 Samuel was written:
Sometime after Israel was divided into the northern and southern kingdoms in around 930 BC.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
Israel’s 12 tribes transition from being led by God through "judges" to being led by Him though Kings.
Fun facts about 1 Samuel/Did you know?
