What is 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel moves from the period of the judges to Israel’s monarchy. Samuel’s birth and prophetic ministry, the ark narratives, the people’s request for a king, Saul’s rise and decline, and David’s emergence form a sustained account of changing leadership.
A three-part reading map
- 1 Samuel 1–7 — Samuel and the ark: Hannah, Samuel’s call, Eli’s household, capture and return of the ark, and victory at Mizpah.
- 1 Samuel 8–15 — Saul becomes king: the request for monarchy, Saul’s anointing, early victories and Samuel’s confrontations with him.
- 1 Samuel 16–31 — David and Saul: David’s anointing, Goliath, Jonathan’s friendship, Saul’s pursuit and the final battle.
Sample questions and answers
Use the references to keep Samuel, Saul and David within the correct phase of the leadership transition.
Who was Israel’s first anointed king?
Reference: 1 Samuel 10:1, 20–24
Samuel anointed Saul, who was then publicly selected and presented as king over Israel.
Who was Samuel’s mother?
Reference: 1 Samuel 1:9–28
Hannah prayed for a son and dedicated Samuel to God.
Who defeated Goliath?
Reference: 1 Samuel 17:45–50
David defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone.
Who was the priest under whom young Samuel served?
Reference: 1 Samuel 2:11; 3:1
Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli.
Who was Israel’s first king?
Reference: 1 Samuel 10:20–24
Saul was chosen and publicly presented as Israel’s first king.
Who anointed David as king while Saul was still reigning?
Reference: 1 Samuel 16:1–13
Samuel anointed David in the presence of his brothers.
What weapon did David use to strike Goliath?
Reference: 1 Samuel 17:40–50
David struck Goliath in the forehead with a stone from his sling.
Who was David’s close friend and Saul’s son?
Reference: 1 Samuel 18:1–4
Jonathan formed a covenant friendship with David.
What did Samuel answer when God called him?
Reference: 1 Samuel 3:9–10
Eli instructed Samuel how to respond to God’s call.
Who spared Saul’s life in a cave?
Reference: 1 Samuel 24:1–12
David cut off a corner of Saul’s robe but refused to kill him.
Which wise woman prevented David from taking revenge on Nabal’s household?
Reference: 1 Samuel 25:18–35
Abigail’s wise intervention restrained David from bloodshed.
Who captured the ark of God during Eli’s lifetime?
Reference: 1 Samuel 4:1–11
The Philistines captured the ark after defeating Israel.
How did Saul die according to 1 Samuel 31?
Reference: 1 Samuel 31:1–6; compare 2 Samuel 1:1–16
After his armour-bearer refused to kill him, Saul fell on his own sword. This wording distinguishes the account from the Amalekite’s later claim in 2 Samuel 1.
Which Philistine god’s statue fell before the Ark of the Covenant?
Reference: 1 Samuel 5:1–5
Dagon’s image fell face down before the ark.
How to study 1 Samuel
Create parallel timelines for Samuel, Saul and David. Note each anointing, public confirmation, act of obedience or refusal, and change in relationship. Pay special attention to speeches and songs: Hannah’s prayer, Samuel’s warnings, Saul’s explanations and David’s appeals reveal how the narrative evaluates leadership.
Translation and interpretation note
English editions may number a few verses differently and vary in names or military terminology. Ancient manuscript traditions also preserve notable differences in parts of the David and Goliath narrative. Questions focus on details clearly represented in commonly used editions and avoid reducing the book’s complex portrayal of kingship to slogans.