Title and Author: The book of 1 Samuel is named after the prophet Samuel, who is a central figure in the narrative. Traditionally, the authorship of 1 Samuel is attributed to the prophet Samuel himself, along with the prophets Nathan and Gad, as suggested by 1 Chronicles 29:29. However, the final composition likely involved multiple contributors and editors over time.

Historical Context: 1 Samuel is set during a transitional period in Israel's history, moving from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. This period is roughly dated to the 11th century BC. The book covers the life of Samuel, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing of David as Saul's successor.

Audience: The original audience of 1 Samuel was the Israelites, who were living in a time of political and social upheaval. The narrative served to remind them of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands.

Purpose: The purpose of 1 Samuel is to document the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, highlighting the roles of Samuel, Saul, and David. It underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, human leadership, and the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God.

Genre and Style: 1 Samuel is a historical narrative, combining elements of biography, theology, and political history. It uses a straightforward narrative style with vivid character portrayals.1. Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:1) - A man from the hill country of Ephraim, husband of Hannah and Peninnah, and father of Samuel.

2. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:2) - One of Elkanah's wives, initially barren, who prays earnestly for a child and becomes the mother of Samuel.

3. Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:2) - Elkanah's other wife, who has children and provokes Hannah because of her barrenness.

4. Eli (1 Samuel 1:3) - The high priest of Shiloh, who observes Hannah praying and later mentors Samuel.

5. Hophni (1 Samuel 1:3) - One of Eli's sons, known for their wickedness and corruption as priests.

6. Phinehas (1 Samuel 1:3) - Another son of Eli, also known for his corrupt behavior as a priest.

7. Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20) - The son of Hannah and Elkanah, dedicated to the Lord and becomes a prophet and judge over Israel.

8. Ichabod (1 Samuel 4:21) - The son of Phinehas, born on the day the Ark of God was captured, and his name means "The glory has departed from Israel."

9. Saul (1 Samuel 9:2) - A Benjamite, chosen by God to be the first king of Israel.

10. Jonathan (1 Samuel 13:2) - The son of Saul, known for his bravery and deep friendship with David.

11. David (1 Samuel 16:13) - The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel, known for defeating Goliath and his psalms.

12. Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1) - The father of David, from Bethlehem.

13. Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4) - A giant Philistine warrior defeated by David with a sling and a stone.

14. Michal (1 Samuel 14:49) - Saul's daughter, who becomes David's wife.

15. Abner (1 Samuel 14:50) - The commander of Saul's army and his cousin.

16. Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1) - A priest at Nob who helps David by giving him consecrated bread and Goliath's sword.

17. Doeg the Edomite (1 Samuel 21:7) - Saul's chief herdsman who reports Ahimelech's assistance to David, leading to the massacre of the priests at Nob.

18. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:3) - A wealthy but foolish man who refuses to help David, later dies after an encounter with him.

19. Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3) - Nabal's wise and beautiful wife, who later becomes David's wife after Nabal's death.

20. Achish (1 Samuel 21:10) - The king of Gath, a Philistine city, who David seeks refuge with when fleeing from Saul.1. Ramah (1 Samuel 1:1)
- Ramah is the hometown of Elkanah, Samuel's father. It is also where Samuel was born and where he later established his prophetic ministry.

2. Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3)
- Shiloh is the religious center where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. It is where Elkanah and his family go annually to worship and sacrifice to the LORD.

3. Ephraim (1 Samuel 1:1)
- The hill country of Ephraim is the region where Ramah is located. It is part of the tribal territory of Ephraim.

4. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 1:3)
- Although not a location, these are the names of Eli's sons who serve as priests at Shiloh.

5. Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:5)
- Mizpah is a gathering place for the Israelites where Samuel calls them to repent and seek the LORD's help against the Philistines.

6. Ebenezer (1 Samuel 4:1)
- Ebenezer is the site of a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, where the Israelites suffer a defeat.

7. Ashdod (1 Samuel 5:1)
- Ashdod is one of the Philistine cities where the captured Ark of the Covenant is taken and placed in the temple of Dagon.

8. Gath (1 Samuel 5:8)
- Gath is another Philistine city to which the Ark is moved after causing trouble in Ashdod.

9. Ekron (1 Samuel 5:10)
- Ekron is the third Philistine city that receives the Ark, leading to panic and a plea to send it back to Israel.

10. Beth-shemesh (1 Samuel 6:12)
- Beth-shemesh is the Israelite town where the Ark is returned by the Philistines, accompanied by offerings.

11. Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1)
- Kiriath-jearim is where the Ark is taken after its return to Israel and remains for many years.

12. Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:26)
- Gibeah is Saul's hometown and becomes his royal residence after he is anointed king.

13. Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:14)
- Gilgal is a significant site for Israelite gatherings and where Saul is confirmed as king.

14. Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:1)
- Jabesh-gilead is an Israelite city besieged by the Ammonites, leading to Saul's first military victory.

15. Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:1)
- Bethlehem is the hometown of David, whom Samuel anoints as the future king of Israel.

16. Nob (1 Samuel 21:1)
- Nob is a city of priests where David seeks refuge and receives consecrated bread from Ahimelech.

17. Gath (1 Samuel 21:10)
- David flees to Gath, a Philistine city, seeking asylum from King Achish.

18. Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1)
- The cave of Adullam becomes a refuge for David and his followers as he flees from Saul.

19. Moab (1 Samuel 22:3)
- David seeks protection for his parents in Moab, a neighboring kingdom.

20. Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1)
- Keilah is an Israelite town that David saves from a Philistine attack.

21. Ziph (1 Samuel 23:14)
- The wilderness of Ziph is where David hides from Saul, who is pursuing him.

22. Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29)
- Engedi is a desert oasis where David spares Saul's life in a cave.

23. Carmel (1 Samuel 25:2)
- Carmel is the location of Nabal's estate, where David seeks provisions.

24. Ziklag (1 Samuel 27:6)
- Ziklag is a Philistine town given to David by Achish, where he resides for a time.

25. Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4)
- Mount Gilboa is the site of the final battle between Saul's forces and the Philistines, where Saul meets his end.1. Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
- Hannah, who is barren, prays fervently for a child at the tabernacle in Shiloh. God answers her prayer, and she gives birth to Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord.

2. Hannah Dedicates Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:21-28)
- After Samuel is weaned, Hannah fulfills her vow by bringing him to Eli the priest at Shiloh to serve the Lord.

3. The Wickedness of Eli's Sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17)
- Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are described as corrupt priests who abuse their positions, leading to God's disfavor.

4. God's Call to Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
- The Lord calls Samuel while he is sleeping in the tabernacle. After initially mistaking the voice for Eli's, Samuel responds to God's call.

5. The Philistines Capture the Ark (1 Samuel 4:1-11)
- In a battle against the Philistines, Israel is defeated, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. Eli's sons are killed in the battle.

6. Death of Eli (1 Samuel 4:12-18)
- Upon hearing the news of the Ark's capture and the death of his sons, Eli falls backward, breaks his neck, and dies.

7. The Ark in Philistine Territory (1 Samuel 5:1-12)
- The Ark brings plagues and misfortune to the Philistines, prompting them to return it to Israel.

8. The Ark Returned to Israel (1 Samuel 6:1-15)
- The Philistines send the Ark back to Israel on a cart pulled by cows, and it arrives in Beth-shemesh.

9. Israel Demands a King (1 Samuel 8:1-22)
- The Israelites demand a king to lead them, rejecting Samuel's leadership. God instructs Samuel to warn them of the consequences but ultimately grants their request.

10. Saul Anointed as King (1 Samuel 9:1-10:1)
- Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel after God reveals Saul as His chosen leader.

11. Saul's Victory over the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1-11)
- Saul leads Israel to victory against the Ammonites, solidifying his position as king.

12. Samuel's Farewell Address (1 Samuel 12:1-25)
- Samuel delivers a farewell speech, reminding Israel of God's faithfulness and urging them to remain obedient to Him.

13. Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14)
- Impatient for Samuel's arrival, Saul offers a burnt sacrifice himself, disobeying God's command and leading to the prophecy of his kingdom's downfall.

14. Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:1-23)
- Jonathan, Saul's son, leads a successful attack against the Philistines, causing confusion and panic in their camp.

15. Saul's Disobedience and Rejection (1 Samuel 15:1-23)
- Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites, leading to God's rejection of him as king.

16. David Anointed as Future King (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
- God instructs Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel.

17. David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-50)
- David defeats the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, showcasing his faith and courage.

18. David and Jonathan's Friendship (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
- Jonathan, Saul's son, forms a deep friendship with David, recognizing his future as king.

19. Saul's Jealousy and Attempts on David's Life (1 Samuel 18:6-11)
- Saul becomes jealous of David's success and popularity, leading to multiple attempts on David's life.

20. David Flees from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1-18)
- David escapes Saul's attempts to kill him, beginning a period of life on the run.

21. David Spares Saul's Life (1 Samuel 24:1-22)
- David has an opportunity to kill Saul in a cave but spares his life, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king.

22. The Death of Samuel (1 Samuel 25:1)
- Samuel dies, and all Israel mourns for him.

23. David and Abigail (1 Samuel 25:2-42)
- David encounters Abigail, the wise and discerning wife of Nabal, who prevents David from taking vengeance on her household.

24. David Spares Saul Again (1 Samuel 26:1-25)
- David once more spares Saul's life, taking Saul's spear and water jug while he sleeps, proving his loyalty.

25. Saul and the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:3-25)
- Desperate for guidance, Saul consults a medium at Endor, who conjures the spirit of Samuel, foretelling Saul's defeat and death.

26. The Death of Saul and His Sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6)
- In a battle against the Philistines, Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, are killed, marking the end of Saul's reign.1. Leadership and Kingship (1 Samuel 8:5)
The theme of leadership is central in 1 Samuel, particularly the transition from theocratic judges to a monarchy. The Israelites demand a king to lead them, like other nations, which marks a significant shift in their governance. This theme explores the qualities of leadership through figures like Samuel, Saul, and David.

2. Divine Sovereignty and Providence (1 Samuel 2:6-7)
The book emphasizes God's control over the affairs of humans and nations. Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2 highlights God's power to give life, wealth, and status, setting the stage for His involvement in Israel's leadership and history.

3. Faithfulness and Obedience to God (1 Samuel 15:22)
The importance of obedience to God is a recurring theme, illustrated by Saul's failure to fully obey God's commands, leading to his rejection as king. Samuel's words, "To obey is better than sacrifice," underscore the value of faithfulness over ritual.

4. The Role of Prophets (1 Samuel 3:20)
Prophets play a crucial role as God's messengers and leaders. Samuel is established as a prophet, and his role in anointing kings and guiding Israel highlights the importance of prophetic leadership in conveying God's will.

5. Human Weakness and Sin (1 Samuel 13:13)
The book portrays human frailty and the consequences of sin, particularly through Saul's disobedience and impatience, which lead to his downfall. This theme underscores the need for reliance on God rather than human strength.

6. God's Choice and Anointing (1 Samuel 16:12-13)
God's selection of leaders is a key theme, as seen in the anointing of David, a man after God's own heart, despite his humble beginnings. This theme highlights God's criteria for leadership, which often differ from human expectations.

7. Friendship and Loyalty (1 Samuel 18:1)
The deep friendship between David and Jonathan exemplifies loyalty and covenantal love. Their relationship stands in contrast to the political intrigue and jealousy surrounding Saul's court.

8. Jealousy and Envy (1 Samuel 18:8-9)
Saul's jealousy of David's success and popularity leads to his irrational behavior and attempts to kill David. This theme explores the destructive nature of envy and its impact on relationships and leadership.

9. Courage and Faith in God (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
David's confrontation with Goliath is a powerful narrative of courage and faith. David's reliance on God rather than conventional weapons highlights the theme of trusting in divine power over human might.

10. Repentance and Forgiveness (1 Samuel 7:3-4)
The call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness are evident when Samuel urges Israel to return to the Lord and put away foreign gods. This theme underscores the possibility of restoration through genuine repentance.1. The Anointed One (Messiah)
- Description: The concept of an "anointed one" is central to the role of kingship in Israel. Samuel anoints Saul and later David as kings, prefiguring Jesus as the ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah.
- Reference: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" (1 Samuel 10:1).

2. The King
- Description: David, anointed as king, is a type of Christ as the King of Kings. His reign and heart for God foreshadow the perfect kingship of Jesus.
- Reference: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." (1 Samuel 16:13).

3. The Shepherd
- Description: David, initially a shepherd, symbolizes Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who cares for His flock.
- Reference: "But David said to Saul, 'Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep.'" (1 Samuel 17:34).

4. The Deliverer
- Description: David's victory over Goliath is a type of Christ's victory over sin and death. David acts as a deliverer for Israel, prefiguring Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer.
- Reference: "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'" (1 Samuel 17:45).

5. The Suffering Servant
- Description: David's experiences of suffering and persecution, especially from Saul, reflect the suffering that Jesus would endure.
- Reference: "Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul." (1 Samuel 18:12).

6. The Faithful Friend
- Description: Jonathan's covenant with David and his loyalty prefigure the faithfulness of Christ to His people.
- Reference: "And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:3).1. Prophecy of Eli's House
- Prophecy: A man of God prophesies the downfall of Eli's house due to the sins of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. (1 Samuel 2:27-36)
- Fulfillment: The prophecy is fulfilled when Hophni and Phinehas die in battle, and Eli dies upon hearing the news. (1 Samuel 4:11-18)

2. Prophecy of Samuel's Call
- Prophecy: The LORD calls Samuel and tells him that He will carry out against Eli everything He spoke concerning his house. (1 Samuel 3:11-14)
- Fulfillment: The prophecy is fulfilled with the deaths of Eli's sons and Eli himself, as well as the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. (1 Samuel 4:11-18)

3. Prophecy of Saul's Kingship
- Prophecy: Samuel anoints Saul as king and gives him specific signs that will confirm his kingship. (1 Samuel 10:1-7)
- Fulfillment: The signs come to pass, and Saul is publicly chosen as king by lot. (1 Samuel 10:9-24)

4. Prophecy of Saul's Rejection
- Prophecy: Samuel tells Saul that his kingdom will not endure because he disobeyed God's command. (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
- Fulfillment: Saul's rejection is confirmed when God instructs Samuel to anoint David as the future king. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

5. Prophecy of David's Kingship
- Prophecy: Samuel anoints David as king, indicating that God has chosen him to be the next ruler of Israel. (1 Samuel 16:12-13)
- Fulfillment: Although not fulfilled within the book of 1 Samuel, David eventually becomes king after Saul's death, as detailed in 2 Samuel.

6. Prophecy of Saul's Death
- Prophecy: Through the medium at Endor, Samuel's spirit tells Saul that he and his sons will die in battle the next day. (1 Samuel 28:19)
- Fulfillment: Saul and his sons die in battle against the Philistines. (1 Samuel 31:1-6)

1. Samuel, the Last Judge of Israel  ( 1:1⁠–⁠7:17 )

a. Samuel the Prophet  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3:21 )

i. The Birth of Samuel  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:10 )

1. Elkanah and His Wives  ( 1:1⁠–⁠8 )

2. Hannah Prays for a Son  ( 1:9⁠–⁠18 )

3. Hannah has a Son  ( 1:19⁠–⁠28 )

4. Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving  ( 2:1⁠–⁠11 )

ii. Eli the Priest  ( 2:12⁠–⁠3:21 )

1. Eli’s Wicked Sons  ( 2:12⁠–⁠26 )

2. A Prophecy against the House of Eli  ( 2:27⁠–⁠36 )

3. The LORD Calls Samuel  ( 3:1⁠–⁠14 )

4. Samuel Shares the Vision with Eli  ( 3:15⁠–⁠21 )

b. Philistines vs. Israel  ( 4:1⁠–⁠7:17 )

i. The Ark of the Covenant  ( 4:1⁠–⁠7:2 )

1. The Philistines Capture the Ark  ( 4:1⁠–⁠11 )

2. The Death of Eli  ( 4:12⁠–⁠22 )

3. The Ark Afflicts the Philistines  ( 5:1⁠–⁠12 )

4. The Ark Returned to Israel  ( 6:1⁠–⁠7:2 )

ii. Samuel Subdues the Philistines  ( 7:3⁠–⁠17 )

2. Saul, the First King of Israel  ( 8:1⁠–⁠15:35 )

a. A King Like the Other Nations  ( 8:1⁠–⁠22 )

i. Israel Demands a King  ( 8:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. Samuel’s Warning  ( 8:10⁠–⁠18 )

iii. God Grants the Request  ( 8:19⁠–⁠22 )

b. Saul Rises as King  ( 9:1⁠–⁠12:25 )

i. Saul Chosen as King  ( 9:1⁠–⁠27 )

ii. Samuel Anoints Saul  ( 10:1⁠–⁠16 )

iii. Saul Proclaimed King  ( 10:17⁠–⁠27 )

iv. Saul Defeats the Ammonites  ( 11:1⁠–⁠11 )

v. Saul Confirmed as King  ( 11:12⁠–⁠15 )

vi. Samuel’s Farewell Address  ( 12:1⁠–⁠25 )

c. Saul Fails as King  ( 13:1⁠–⁠15:35 )

i. Saul vs. the Philistines  ( 13:1⁠–⁠14:46 )

1. War with the Philistines  ( 13:1⁠–⁠7 )

2. Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice  ( 13:8⁠–⁠15 )

3. Israel without Weapons  ( 13:16⁠–⁠23 )

4. Jonathan, Saul’s Son  ( 14:1⁠–⁠46 )

a. Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines  ( 14:1⁠–⁠23 )

b. Jonathan Eats the Honey  ( 14:24⁠–⁠36 )

c. The People Save Jonathan  ( 14:37⁠–⁠46 )

ii. Saul’s Victories  ( 14:47⁠–⁠52 )

iii. Saul vs. the Amalekites  ( 15:1⁠–⁠35 )

1. Saul’s Disobedience  ( 15:1⁠–⁠9 )

2. Samuel Denounces Saul  ( 15:10⁠–⁠23 )

3. Saul’s Confession  ( 15:24⁠–⁠31 )

4. Samuel and Agag  ( 15:32⁠–⁠35 )

3. David, the Next King of Israel  ( 16:1⁠–⁠31:13 )

a. The Rise of David  ( 16:1⁠–⁠17:58 )

i. Samuel Anoints David  ( 16:1⁠–⁠13 )

ii. David Serves Saul  ( 16:14⁠–⁠23 )

iii. David and Goliath  ( 17:1⁠–⁠58 )

1. Goliath’s Challenge  ( 17:1⁠–⁠11 )

2. David Accepts the Challenge  ( 17:12⁠–⁠37 )

3. David Slays Goliath  ( 17:38⁠–⁠58 )

b. Saul’s Hatred of David  ( 18:1⁠–⁠20:42 )

i. Jonathan Befriends David  ( 18:1⁠–⁠4 )

ii. Saul Envies David  ( 18:5⁠–⁠16 )

iii. David Marries Michal  ( 18:17⁠–⁠30 )

iv. Saul Tries to Kill David  ( 19:1⁠–⁠24 )

v. David and Jonathan  ( 20:1⁠–⁠42 )

1. Jonathan Helps David  ( 20:1⁠–⁠9 )

2. Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant  ( 20:10⁠–⁠29 )

3. Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan  ( 20:30⁠–⁠42 )

c. Saul Hunts David  ( 21:1⁠–⁠27:12 )

i. David Takes the Consecrated Bread  ( 21:1⁠–⁠7 )

ii. David Flees to Gath  ( 21:8⁠–⁠15 )

iii. David Flees to Adullah and Mizpeh  ( 22:1⁠–⁠5 )

iv. Saul Slays the Priests of Nob  ( 22:6⁠–⁠23 )

v. David Delivers Keilah  ( 23:1⁠–⁠6 )

vi. Saul Pursues David  ( 23:7⁠–⁠29 )

vii. David Spares Saul  ( 24:1⁠–⁠15 )

viii. David’s Oath to Saul  ( 24:16⁠–⁠22 )

ix. The Death of Samuel  ( 25:1 )

x. David, Nabal, and Abigail  ( 25:2⁠–⁠44 )

1. Nabal Refuses David  ( 25:2⁠–⁠17 )

2. Abigail Intercedes for Nabal  ( 25:18⁠–⁠38 )

3. David Marries Abigail  ( 25:39⁠–⁠44 )

xi. David Again Spares Saul  ( 26:1⁠–⁠25 )

xii. David and the Philistines  ( 27:1⁠–⁠12 )

d. The End of Saul’s Kingship  ( 28:1⁠–⁠31:13 )

i. The Philistines Gather against Israel  ( 28:1⁠–⁠6 )

ii. Saul and the Medium of Endor  ( 28:7⁠–⁠25 )

iii. The Philistines Reject David  ( 29:1⁠–⁠11 )

iv. David Destroys the Amalekites at Ziklag  ( 30:1⁠–⁠31 )

v. Saul’s Overthrow and Death  ( 31:1⁠–⁠13 )