The Book of 1 Samuel
1 Samuel charts Israel's move from judges to kings — the birth and ministry of Samuel the prophet, the rise and fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of young David, the shepherd who slew Goliath.
- Testament
- Old (31 chapters)
- Type
- History
- Author
- Traditionally Samuel for the early chapters, with Nathan and Gad completing the work (1 Chronicles 29:29); compiled in final form during the exile.
- Date
- Events span roughly 1100-1010 BC.
The LORD looks on the heart
When Samuel anoints David, God tells him 'the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart' (16:7). The line summarises the whole book — Saul looks every inch a king but his heart is wrong; David is overlooked but his heart is right.
Kingship under God
Israel demands a king 'like all the nations' (8:5) and God grants the request as a warning. The book wrestles honestly with the costs of power — Saul's jealousy, David's growing stature, Jonathan's astonishing loyalty even when his own father turns murderous.
Key verses (KJV)
“Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” — 1 Samuel 3:9 (KJV)
“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
“Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts.” — 1 Samuel 17:45 (KJV)
How to read 1 Samuel
Read straight through — 1 Samuel is one of the best narratives in the Old Testament. Chapters 16-17 (David and Goliath) and 18-24 (David and Saul) are the heart. Save 1 Samuel 25 (Abigail) for when you've underestimated a woman in Scripture.
Read 1 Samuel on your iPhone
Read the full book of 1 Samuel in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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