Historical Summary
The book of 1 Samuel, with 31 chapters, records Israel’s shift from a theocracy, where God ruled through judges and prophets, to a monarchy established at the people’s request. The opening chapters (1–7) highlight Samuel, the prophet raised up through answered prayer, who led the nation in revival and deliverance from their enemies.
Chapters 8–15 center on Saul, Israel’s first king, whose reign began with promise but collapsed through disobedience. The final section, chapters 16–31, focuses on David—anointed as Saul’s successor, tested through battles and exile, and shaped into a man after God’s own heart. Historically, 1 Samuel shows how God guided Israel through their demand for a king, turning human failure into the preparation for His chosen ruler.
Chapters
Samuel’s Time
1 Samuel 1: Give Unto Thy Handmaid a Manchild
1 Samuel 2: There is None Holy as the Lord (upon request)
1 Samuel 3: Speak, Lord; For Thy Servant Heareth (upon request)
1 Samuel 4: Ichabod: The Glory if Departed from Israel (upon request)
1 Samuel 5: Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face (upon request)
1 Samuel 6: What Shall We Do to the Ark of the Lord (upon request)
1 Samuel 7: Samuel Cried Unto the Lord for Israel (upon request)
Saul’s Reign
1 Samuel 8: Make Us a King to Judge Us Like All the Nations
1Samuel 9: On Whom is All the Desire of Israel
1 Samuel 10: Is it Not Because the Lord Hath Anointed Thee to be Captain Over His Inheritance? (upon request)
1 Samuel 11: By That Time the Sun be Hot, Ye Shall Have Help (upon request)
1 Samuel 12: the Lord Sent Thunder and Rain That Day (upon request)
1 Samuel 13: What Hast Thou Done? (upon request)
1 Samuel 14: Mine Eyes Have Been Enlightened, Because I Tasted a Little of This Honey (upon request)
1 Samuel 15: The Lord Hath Rejected Thee From Being King Over Israel (upon request)
David’s Rise
1 Samuel 16: The Lord Looketh on the Heart
1 Samuel 17: The Battle is the Lord's
1 Samuel 18: David Behaved Himself Wisely (upon request)
1 Samuel 19: Michal Took an Image, and Laid it in the Bed (upon request)