The Book of 1 Samuel
The Book of 1 Samuel marks the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of kingship in Israel. It introduces key figures including Samuel, Saul, and David.
Samuel serves as a prophet, priest, and judge, calling the people to faithfulness. Despite God's leadership, Israel demands a king like other nations. God grants their request, and Saul is anointed as Israel's first king. Initially humble, Saul's reign deteriorates due to disobedience and rejection of God's commands.
God then chooses David, a shepherd boy, as Saul's successor. The book traces David's rise, highlighting his faith, courage, and trust in God, even while he faces persecution from Saul.
1 Samuel teaches:
- •Obedience matters more than appearance
- •God looks at the heart
- •Leadership requires humility and faithfulness.
Author
Samuel, Nathan, Gad
Written
1000-900 BC
Chapters
31
Characters in 1 Samuel
Key Themes in 1 Samuel
Verse Commentaries in 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 2:2
"There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither…"
1 Samuel 2:30
"Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, …"
1 Samuel 3:10
"And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Sa…"
1 Samuel 7:12
"Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and call…"
1 Samuel 12:24
"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for co…"
1 Samuel 15:22
"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and…"
1 Samuel 16:7
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the …"
1 Samuel 17:45
"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and…"
1 Samuel 17:47
"And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword a…"
1 Samuel 30:6
"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him,…"
Test your knowledge
Take the 1 Samuel Bible Quiz (KJV)
Ten KJV questions from the Book of 1 Samuel, with chapter and verse on every answer.
Structured Plans for 1 Samuel
Read through 1 Samuel with a guided daily plan.
Women of the Bible
Meet 14 remarkable women whose faith and courage shaped biblical history.
The Life of David
Follow David's journey from shepherd boy to king—a man after God's own heart.
Bible in a Year
Read through the entire Bible in one year with daily Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms/Proverbs readings.
14 Days for Parents (KJV)
Two weeks of scripture for moms and dads — wisdom, patience, prayer, and the long view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Miracles in the Book of 1 Samuel
Supernatural acts of God recorded in 1 Samuel:
Quiz yourself on 1 Samuel
Free KJV quizzes covering 1 Samuel — instant feedback, verse references on every answer.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Obedience Bible Quiz
To obey is better than sacrifice — walking in the ways of the LORD.
Start quiz - Easy · 10 Qs
Obedience Bible Quiz
Doing what God says, when He says it, because He says it.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
1 Samuel Quiz
A journey through the rise of the monarchy and the life of the prophet Samuel.
Start quiz
Related Reading from 1 Samuel
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
1 Samuel Quiz
A journey through the rise of the monarchy and the life of the prophet Samuel.
2 Samuel Quiz
A study of the reign of King David and the establishment of his kingdom.
Samuel in the Bible
The Last Judge
Judges 5:3 Commentary
In-depth study • Bold Worship
Numbers 6:25 Commentary
In-depth study • Old Testament Foundations
What Is the Difference Between the Old and New Testament?
History & Origins