Old Testament

1 Samuel

Author Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad

Date Written ~930 BC

Chapters 31

Theme Transition from judges to monarchy

Summary

1 Samuel traces Israel's transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. It follows three central figures — Samuel the last judge, Saul the first king who fails, and David the shepherd chosen by God to replace him.

Outline

Samuel's Birth and Ministry (1–7)
Saul's Rise and Reign (8–15)
David's Anointing and Rise (16–20)
David as a Fugitive (21–31)

Key Verses

1 Samuel 2:2

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."

1 Samuel 15:22

"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

1 Samuel 16:7

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Christ in 1 Samuel

David as the anointed king, a type of Christ; Samuel as prophet, priest, and judge prefiguring Christ's threefold office

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