This post is all about an introduction to 1 Samuel. It explores background and context and points you to more resources to help you study God’s word with confidence.

Introduction to 1 Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel is part two of the story started in Judges. After the Israelites had entered the Promised Land, God appointed Judges to guide them in His ways. From the time God set up His Theocracy (where God ruled over His people directly through leaders He chose), the Israelites rebelled. They refused to follow the laws set forth by God and were idolatrous. Their leaders were no better than the common Israelite, with corrupt priests and dishonest judges. Israel was truly at a low point spiritually.

This set the scene for the four main players in this book.

Eli, was a High priest who served God faithfully, but he failed to raise his sons to do the same. He got a second chance at shepherding the next generation when Hannah dedicated her son, Samuel, to serving the Lord.

“The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eil” (3:1). Samuel became Israel’s last great judge, as well as a prophet and priest. Before his death, he appointed Saul as Israel’s first king.

Saul had a quick rise to fame. But because of His pride, he would just as quickly meet destruction. He allowed his sinful nature to rule his actions instead of submitting to the authority of God. Because of his continued disobedience to God, Samuel informed Saul that God had rejected him as the rightful king of Israel.

David was “a man after God’s own heart” (15:14) and was selected by God to be king over Israel. Samuel appointed David when he was a young boy, but it wasn’t until many years later when David would slay the giant and become the leader of Saul’s armies. Because of Davids many great victories, Saul became afraid that David would steal the kingdom so he tried to have him killed. Although David had the opportunity to put an end to his mistreatment and kill Saul on two separate occasions, his fear of God was greater than his fear of man.

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Important themes in 1 Samuel

The most important theme is that of the Davidic Covenant, as referenced by the “anointed king” in Hannah’s prayer. Although this is ultimately a reference to the coming messiah (Jesus) as the King who will triumph over all, we see a foreshadow in the life of David. It is also through David’s bloodline that the Messiah will one day come.

The sovereignty of God is also seen throughout this book in the lives of the four main characters. God opened Hannah’s womb in response to her honest prayer and placed Samuel in the hands of Eli to be trained up in righteousness. David’s life shows that it is not mans’ appearance or achievement that marks one as useful to God, but rather a willingness of heart.

The W’s of 1 Samuel

Here is the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of this action-packed book.

Who Wrote 1 Samuel

The author is unknown. Some consider Samuel himself to have written parts of the book, perhaps up to his death in chapter 25. Nathan and Gad are thought to have written the rest. Their authorship is considered because of 1 Chronicles 29:29, however it is controversial and Biblical scholars do not all agree

What it’s about

The Book of 1 Samuel shows how Israel rejected God’s authority and chose an earthly king to rule over them.

When it was Written

Just as the authorship is unknown, the exact date 1 Samuel was written is also unknown, although it was likely written around 930 B.C.

When the story takes place

The book begins with the Birth of Samuel around 1020 B.C. and follows a period of about 100 years through the anointing and death of Saul.

Where the story takes place

The story takes place in the central highlands of Israel between the period of the Judges and the monarchy. The main locations include the tabernacle and residence of Eli at Shiloh. Samuel’s hometown was in Ramah, while Saul ruled in Gibeah. David was born in Bethlehem, and he ruled in Hebron and Jerusalem.

Why 1 Samuel is important to study today

This is an important book to study because it shows mans’ sinful desires to turn away from God and seek the things of this world. The Israelites wanted a king to be like the other nations. So God gave them their desires and from it they continued in a downward spiral, based on the kings’ whims.

How God demonstrates His character in 1 Samuel

God’s character is demonstrated in His continued faithfulness to his people by keeping his promises. He is faithful on an individual level when He gave Hannah a child, and God showed faithfulness to the nation by opening the way for the messiah to come.

Key verses in 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 1:27-28 reveals Hannah’s act of faith and gratitude: “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”

1 Samuel 10:25 depicts a pivotal point for the Israelites moving from a theorcracy to monarchy: “Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes.”

1 Samuel 15:22 expresses God’s desire for His people: “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'”

1 Samuel 16:7 reveals how God looks at us: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”

In 1 Samuel you will find {Reading Plan}

Additional resources

There are so many wonderful, free online resources for digging deeper into the Bible. My favorite for doing book studies include the Blue Letter Bible Introductions, and BibleHub’s Bible summary and Bible at a glance.

There are also some great video resources, such as the Bible from 30,000 feet by Skip Heitzig, and A Complete Animated Overview by the BibleProject.

My personal Bible that I use is the NIV Journal the Word Bible. I love that there is space to take notes directly in my Bible so I have the knowledge the next time I read through it. For Bible book introductions, I like reading the full book first before reading commentaries and researching specific topics, and finishing up by reading the full book again. This helps ensure that I am focusing on the Living Word of God.

A few of my go-to resources for studying any book of the Bible includes: How to read the Bible for all it’s worth, the Israel Bible, and Rose book of Bible Charts, maps, and Time-Lines.

Final thoughts

This book of transition implores us to see God’s heart in the messy, imperfect lives of His people. As you read through 1 Samuel, remember that every failure, every prayer, and every moment of waiting points to the faithfulness of a King far greater than any earthly ruler.

Let this introduction give you confidence—not just to read 1 Samuel—but to seek the God who still speaks through it today.