Bible Book Summaries › 1 Samuel
1 Samuel: Summary & Key Themes
The Book of 1 Samuel at a glance, before you read it.
| Written by | unknown (Samuel and others, traditional) |
|---|---|
| Written for | Israel |
| Type | History |
| Chapters | 31 |
| Position | Book 9 of 66 · book 9 of the Old Testament |
Summary
Samuel is born, called and becomes prophet and judge. Israel asks for a king; Saul is anointed but disobeys, and the shepherd David is anointed and flees from Saul.
Main themes
- obedience
- God looks on the heart
- kingship
Key verse
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
How to read 1 Samuel
Try one chapter a day: 31 days to finish. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?
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