Introduction to 1 Samuel
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel used to be one book. The writer wrote the book in the Hebrew language. Many years later, men divided one book into two parts.
Samuel is not the author of 1 and 2 Samuel. The name of the book comes from the first important person in this book. He was Samuel the prophet. Not only did the book start before Samuel was born, but he also died before the book ended.
The writer of the book is unknown. What we do know is that he lived after King Solomon had died in about 930 years before Christ. After Solomon died, the country of Israel divided into two countries, Israel and Judah. The country of Judah included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Israel comprised the other tribes.
The book of 1 Samuel records major changes from the time of the judges to Israel’s first king. The judges had led the Israelites for about 350 years after the death of Joshua. During this time, the Israelites called their leaders "judges." Samuel was the last of the judges. He was also a prophet and a priest. Samuel anointed Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul did not obey God. So, God chose another king, David, who would obey him. 1 Samuel ends with the death of Saul.
The events that happen in 1 Samuel took place over a period of about 110 years, going from the closing days of the judges when Samuel was born through the death of Saul. The major events in 1 Samuel include the birth of Samuel, his call from God and his prophetic ministry, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing of young David even though it was many years before David actually reigned.
First Samuel focuses on the establishment of that monarchy. The people demanded a king, similar to the kings of the surrounding nations (1 Samuel 8:5). Saul, the first king, though “head and shoulders above the rest” did not have a righteous heart, and his line was destined never to inherit the crown (9:1–15:35). God instructed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem, as the next king (16:1–13).
Much of 1 Samuel follows David’s exploits as a young musician, shepherd, and warrior. David was victorious over Goliath (17:1–58), his deep friendship with Jonathan (18:1–4), and his growing military prowess (18:5–30). He waited patiently for the throne, often pursued and driven into hiding by Saul. First Samuel ends with Saul’s death (31:1–13), which serves as a transition into 2 Samuel.
As you study, remember the book of 1 Samuel records the reign of Saul, Israel's first king. The book of 2 Samuel records the life of David as king.
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