Guide to 1 Samuel
Summary
The books of Samuel reflect a shift in the polity of Israel and the institution of a monarchy in the land. Although divided into two books by tradition, both 1 and 2 Samuel are a continuous narrative and are best read as one whole. Some scholars have identified five narrative sections in 1 and 2 Samuel, three of which being specific to 1 Samuel: (1) the story of the prophet Samuel and the shift to a monarchy in Israel in 1 Samuel 1–7, (2) the rise of Saul to kingship and the beginning of his downfall in 1 Samuel 8:1–15:34, and (3) the rise of David to power in 1 Samuel 8:35–2 Samuel 5:10. While dealing extensively with the themes of kingship, 1 and 2 Samuel reflect attitudes of suspicion towards the monarchy. Despite having been chosen by the Lord to be the king for his obedience, Saul disobeys the prophet and is condemned for his actions, ultimately resulting in his rejection by the Lord and his death in battle at the end of 1 Samuel. David, who was chosen to succeed Saul, will face a similar rise and fall in power throughout the books of Samuel.
Videos
Watch selected videos on this book of the Bible to enhance your study. Note: Not all videos included come from a Latter-day Saint perspective. Inclusion on this list should not imply endorsement for all content.
Historical Settings
Time
*All Dates Are Approximate, according to the narrative of the Bible. These dates may reflect literary significance as opposed to the precise dates of history.
See Biblical Chronology- 1100–1010 B.C.*
Further Reading
Norman J. Barlow, “David, King,” in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., ed. Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: MacMillan Publishing, 1992), 1:359–360.
R. Scott Burton, “Saul and the Institution of Kingship in Israel (1 Samuel),” in Studies in Scripture, vol. 3: Genesis to 2 Samuel, ed. Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1989), 281–292.
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Dana M. Pike, and David Rolph Seely, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament: An Illustrated Reference for Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 2009), 190–227.
David R. Seely, “An Introduction to 1 and 2 Samuel,” in Studies in Scripture, vol. 3: Genesis to 2 Samuel, ed. Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1989), 259–270.
David R. Seely, “Samuel: Prophet, Priest, Judge, and Anointer of Kings (1 Samuel),” in Studies in Scripture, vol. 3: Genesis to 2 Samuel, ed. Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1989), 271–280.