Curated lists of commentaries and theological works.

Illustration by Gustave Doré of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50)
Old Testament

The Book of 1 Samuel

Illustration by Gustave Doré of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50)

Book Facts

Author:Anonymous, possibly Samuel, Nathan, and Gad¹
Date Written:c. 930-900 BC²
Original Audience:Israelites during the early divided monarchy period³
Literary Genre:Historical narrative with biographical and theological elements⁴
Testament:Old Testament
Canonical Order:8
Chapters:31
Key Themes:
Leadership transitionKingshipDivine electionObedience versus sacrificeGod's sovereignty⁵
Jesus Theme:

The true anointed king who perfectly serves God's will (1 Samuel 16:13; Acts 13:22-23), the humble servant-leader who conquers through apparent weakness (1 Samuel 17:45; 1 Corinthians 1:27), and the eternal king from David's line who establishes God's kingdom (1 Samuel 13:14; Luke 1:32-33)

What Is 1 Samuel and How Does It Mark Israel's Transition to Monarchy?

1 Samuel chronicles the pivotal transition in Israel's history from the period of judges to the establishment of monarchy, covering approximately 100 years of crucial developments that would shape the nation's future and provide the foundation for the Davidic covenant. The book opens with the birth of Samuel, the last and greatest judge, and concludes with the death of Saul, Israel's first king, encompassing the crucial period when Israel transformed from a loose tribal confederation to a unified kingdom under divine appointment.⁶ Originally part of a single scroll with 2 Samuel in Hebrew manuscripts, the division occurred in the Greek Septuagint and reflects the natural literary break at Saul's death. Written during the early divided monarchy period (c. 930-900 BC) by anonymous authors, possibly drawing from records kept by Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, the book was composed to help later generations understand the theological significance of kingship in Israel and the importance of obedience to God's covenant regardless of political structures. The original audience consisted of Israelites who needed to understand their monarchical system within the context of covenant theology, learning that even kings must submit to God's authority and that His purposes continue to advance through both faithful and unfaithful human leaders.

1 Samuel Commentaries

1 & 2 Samuel

1 & 2 Samuel

Bill T. Arnold

1 Samuel

1 Samuel

Ralph W. Klein

1-2 Samuel

1-2 Samuel

Robert D. Bergen

What Are the Major Characters and Events That Define 1 Samuel?

1 Samuel unfolds through three major sections centered on the dominant figures who shaped Israel's transition to monarchy: Samuel the kingmaker, Saul the rejected king, and David the chosen successor.⁷

Key characters and events in 1 Samuel include:

  • Samuel's Birth and Calling - Hannah's answered prayer and Samuel's dedication to God, establishing him as prophet, priest, and judge over Israel (1 Samuel 1-3)

  • The Ark Narratives and Philistine Crisis - Israel's military defeats, the ark's capture and return, and Samuel's spiritual leadership in national revival (1 Samuel 4-7)

  • Saul's Anointing and Early Reign - Israel's demand for a king, Saul's selection and initial success, followed by growing disobedience to divine commands (1 Samuel 8-15)

  • David's Anointing and Rise - The secret anointing of David, his victory over Goliath, and his gradual emergence as Israel's true leader (1 Samuel 16-20)

  • David's Wilderness Years - Saul's jealous persecution of David and David's refusal to harm God's anointed king despite opportunities for revenge (1 Samuel 21-31)

The theme of divine election versus human choice permeates the narrative, as God's selection of unlikely candidates (Samuel, David) contrasts with human preferences based on external appearances (Saul's impressive stature). The tension between obedience and sacrifice emerges prominently in Saul's reign, as Samuel declares that "to obey is better than sacrifice" when confronting the king's partial obedience to divine commands.⁸ The development of David's character through adversity demonstrates how God prepares His chosen leaders through suffering and testing, while Saul's tragic decline illustrates the consequences of pride, disobedience, and reliance on human wisdom rather than divine guidance. Throughout these narratives, the book emphasizes that God's sovereignty operates through human choices and circumstances, working His purposes even through flawed leaders while maintaining the ultimate authority to establish and remove kings according to His covenant plan.

How Does 1 Samuel Point to Christ and Guide Christian Leadership?

1 Samuel provides crucial messianic foundations through David's anointing and character development, establishing the theological framework for understanding Jesus as the Son of David who perfectly fulfills the ideal of kingship that Saul failed to achieve.⁹ David's victory over Goliath through faith in God's power rather than military might prefigures Christ's victory over Satan and death through the apparent weakness of the cross, while his refusal to harm Saul despite persecution models the humble, servant-leadership that Jesus embodies. The book's emphasis on God's ability to work through suffering and rejection to prepare His chosen leaders finds ultimate expression in Christ's own path to glory through humiliation and death.¹⁰ For contemporary believers, 1 Samuel provides essential lessons about leadership, particularly the importance of character over charisma, obedience over outward success, and dependence on God rather than human strength or political maneuvering. The book's portrayal of Hannah's faith, Samuel's integrity, and David's loyalty offers practical models for Christian living during difficult circumstances, while Saul's tragic example warns against pride, partial obedience, and the attempt to maintain position through human effort rather than divine blessing. The themes of divine election and preparation through adversity encourage Christians to trust God's timing and methods in developing spiritual maturity and ministry effectiveness. Throughout church history, 1 Samuel has profoundly influenced Christian understanding of leadership, persecution, and God's sovereignty in raising up leaders, from early church discussions about divine appointment to contemporary emphasis on servant leadership and the importance of character in ministry, while its themes of faithfulness during adversity and trust in God's ultimate justice continue to provide guidance for believers facing opposition and waiting for God's vindication.¹¹

FAQs

Why did God allow Israel to have a king when He was their true king?+

God permitted kingship as both judgment for Israel's rejection of His direct rule and mercy in providing leadership structure. While their request reflected rebellious hearts, God used human kingship to advance His purposes, establishing the Davidic line through which the Messiah would come. The monarchy became a means of revealing both human failure and divine grace.

What lessons can we learn from Saul's rejection as king?+

Saul's rejection teaches that partial obedience is disobedience, that external appearances don't guarantee spiritual fitness, and that pride leads to destruction. His example shows that maintaining position requires continued faithfulness to God, and that human success without divine blessing ultimately fails. Leaders must remain humble and obedient regardless of their achievements.

How does David's refusal to kill Saul apply to Christians today?+

David's restraint teaches respect for God-appointed authority, trust in God's timing for vindication, and the importance of maintaining integrity even when wronged. Christians should avoid taking revenge, respect legitimate authority even when it's flawed, and trust God to bring about justice in His perfect timing rather than taking matters into their own hands.

What is the significance of David's victory over Goliath?+

David's victory demonstrates that God's power overcomes seemingly impossible odds when we trust Him completely. It shows that spiritual battles are won through faith rather than human strength, and that God often uses the humble and unlikely to accomplish His purposes. This victory prefigures Christ's triumph over Satan and death.

How does Hannah's prayer and dedication of Samuel speak to parents today?+

Hannah's example teaches that children are gifts from God to be dedicated back to Him, that prayer should be the first response to life's challenges, and that keeping promises to God brings blessing. Her willingness to give up her long-awaited son demonstrates that God's purposes should take priority over parental desires.

Citations & References

¹ Bergen, Robert D. 1, 2 Samuel: The New American Commentary (B&H Academic, 2016), 45-48.

² Gordon, Robert P. 1 & 2 Samuel: A Commentary (Zondervan, 2019), 23-26.

³ Klein, Ralph W. 1 Samuel: WBC (Zondervan, 2018), 34-37.

⁴ Tsumura, David Toshio. The First Book of Samuel: NICOT (Eerdmans, 2015), 18-21.

⁵ Evans, Mary J. 1 and 2 Samuel: Understanding the Bible Commentary (Baker Academic, 2017), 56-59.

⁶ Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land (Baker Academic, 2012), 378-381.

⁷ Cartledge, Tony W. 1 & 2 Samuel: Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary (Smyth & Helwys, 2019), 89-92.

⁸ Arnold, Bill T. 1 & 2 Samuel: The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 2014), 167-170.

⁹ Beale, G.K. A New Testament Biblical Theology (Baker Academic, 2011), 387-390.

¹⁰ Schreiner, Thomas R. The King in His Beauty (Baker Academic, 2013), 298-301.

¹¹ VanGemeren, Willem A. The Progress of Redemption (Baker Academic, 2017), 401-404.

Study Bibles with 1 Samuel Notes

Bible Octopus tentacles