First Samuel records the establishment of Israel’s monarchy, about 1050 B.C. Samuel led Israel for many years in the combined roles of prophet, priest, and judge. After the people demanded a king like those of the other nations (ch. 8), God directed Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king. When Saul turned from God, David was anointed by Samuel to succeed him. After David killed the giant Goliath, he was brought to Saul’s court, eventually becoming the leader of Saul’s armies. Saul’s subsequent violent jealousy forced David to flee. The book closes with Saul’s death in battle, and looks forward to David’s reign. First Samuel’s author is unknown, but Samuel himself may have written portions of the book (see 1 Chron. 29:29). (1 Sam, 2001. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.)
1 Sam 1.1-20; Story; The Birth of Samuel. Eli and Hannah.
1 Sam 1.21-28; Story; Samuel Given to the LORD
1 Sam 2.1-11; Prayer; Hannah’s Prayer
1 Sam 2.12-21; Story; Eli’s Worthless Sons
1 Sam 2.22-26; Story; Eli Rebukes His Sons
1 Sam 2.27-36; Story; The LORD Rejects Eli’s Household
1 Sam 3.1-21; Story; The LORD Calls Samuel
1 Sam 4.1-11; Story; The Philistines Capture the Ark
1 Sam 4.12-22; Story; The Death of Eli
1 Sam 5.1-12; Story; The Philistines and the Ark
1 Sam 6.1-7.2; Story; The Ark Returned to Israel
1 Sam 7.3-17; Story; Samuel Judges Israel
1 Sam 8.1-9; Story; Israel Demands a King
1 Sam 8.10-18; Story; Samuel’s Warning Against Kings
1 Sam 8.19-22; Story; The LORD Grants Israel’s Request
1 Sam 9.1-27; Story; Saul Chosen to Be King
1 Sam 10.1-16; Story; Saul Anointed King
1 Sam 10.17-27; Story; Saul Proclaimed King
1 Sam 11.1-11; Story; Saul Defeats the Ammonites
1 Sam 11.12-15; Story; The Kingdom Is Renewed
1 Sam 12.1-25; Story; Samuel’s Farewell Address
1 Sam 13.1-7; Story; Saul Fights the Philistines
1 Sam 13.8-23; Story; Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice
1 Sam 14.1-23; Story; Jonathan Defeats the Philistines
1 Sam 14.24-46; Story; Saul’s Rash Vow
1 Sam 14.47-52; Story; Saul Fights Israel’s Enemies
1 Sam 15.1-35; Story; The LORD Rejects Saul
1 Sam 16.1-13; Story; David Anointed King
1 Sam 16.14-23; Story; David in Saul’s Service
1 Sam 17.1-58; Story; David and Goliath
1 Sam 18.1-5; Story; David and Jonathan’s Friendship
1 Sam 18.6-16; Story; Saul’s Jealousy of David
1 Sam 18.17-30; Story; David Marries Michal
1 Sam 19.1-24; Story; Saul Tries to Kill David
1 Sam 20.1-42; Story; Jonathan Warns David
1 Sam 21.1-9; Story; David and the Holy Bread
1 Sam 21.10-15; Story; David Flees to Gath
1 Sam 22.1-5; Story; David at the Cave of Adullam
1 Sam 22.6-23; Story; Saul Kills the Priests at Nob
1 Sam 23.1-14; Story; David Saves the City of Keilah
1 Sam 23.15-29; Story; Saul Pursues David
1 Sam 24.1-22; Story; David Spares Saul’s Life
1 Sam 25.1; Story; The Death of Samuel
1 Sam 25.2-44; Story; David and Abigail
1 Sam 26.1-25; Story; David Spares Saul Again
1 Sam 27.1-12; Story; David Flees to the Philistines
1 Sam 28.1-25; Story; Saul and the Medium of Endor
1 Sam 29.1-11; Story; The Philistines Reject David
1 Sam 30.1-15; Story; David’s Wives Are Captured
1 Sam 30.16-31; Story; David Defeats the Amalekites
1 Sam 31.1-13; Story; The Death of Saul