Old Testament · History
1 Samuel
Written by Samuel, with later prophets adding the rest of the story. Written for Israel as they ask for a king.
Big picture in three sentences
First Samuel begins with Hannah's prayer and the boy Samuel learning to hear God.
Saul becomes king and then turns away, while a shepherd named David is anointed.
David trusts God against Goliath and learns to wait for the throne without grabbing it.
God tells Samuel that people look at the outside, but God looks at the heart.
Key verse · 1 Samuel 16:7
“But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.””
Stories families know from this book
- Hannah's prayer
- Samuel listens
- Saul the king
- David and Goliath