What does the first book of Samuel in the bible talk about?

Answer 1

HIGHLIGHTS OF FIRST SAMUEL

Record of the beginning of kingship in Israel, emphasizing obedience to Jehovah

Written by Samuel, Nathan, and Gad; First Samuel covers the time from the birth of Samuel to the death of Israel's first king, Saul

Jehovah raises up Samuel as prophet in Israel (1:1--7:17)

Samuel is born as an answer to his mother Hannah's prayer; after he is weaned, he is presented for sanctuary service in fulfillment of Hannah's vow

Jehovah speaks to Samuel, pronouncing judgment against Eli's house because his sons Hophni and Phinehas act wickedly and Eli does not rebuke them

As Samuel grows up he is recognized as Jehovah's prophet

Jehovah's word against Eli begins to be fulfilled: Philistines capture the Ark and slay Eli's sons; Eli dies on hearing the news

Years later, Samuel urges the Israelites to abandon idolatry and serve Jehovah alone; Jehovah gives them victory over the Philistines

Saul becomes Israel's first king (8:1--15:35)

The Israelite elders approach aged Samuel, requesting a human king; Jehovah tells him to listen to their voice

Jehovah directs Samuel to anoint Saul, a Benjaminite, as king

Samuel presents Saul to an assembly of Israelites at Mizpah; not everyone accepts him

Saul defeats the Ammonites; his kingship is reconfirmed at Gilgal; Samuel admonishes the people to remain obedient to Jehovah

Faced with Philistine aggression, Saul fails to obey Jehovah and wait for Samuel's arrival, offering sacrifices himself; Samuel tells him that because of this his kingdom will not last

Saul defeats the Amalekites, but he disobediently preserves alive King Agag and the best of the animals; Samuel tells Saul he is rejected by Jehovah as king and that obedience is more important than sacrifice

David comes to prominence, and this angers Saul (16:1--20:42)

Samuel anoints David, and Jehovah's spirit leaves Saul; David becomes a harpist for Saul to soothe him when disturbed

David kills the Philistine champion Goliath, and a deep friendship develops between David and Saul's son Jonathan

Placed over Saul's warriors, David gains repeated victories and is celebrated in song more than Saul; Saul becomes jealous

Twice Saul's attempts to kill David fail, as does his scheme to have David die at the hands of the Philistines while procuring the bride-price for Saul's daughter Michal

Despite his promise to Jonathan, Saul for a third time tries to kill David, and David flees to Samuel at Ramah

Jonathan unsuccessfully tries to intercede for David with his father; he warns David, and he and David make a covenant

David's life as a fugitive (21:1--27:12)

At Nob, High Priest Ahimelech gives David food and Goliath's sword; David then flees to Gath, where he escapes harm by acting insane

He takes refuge in the cave of Adullam and then in the forest of Hereth; Saul has Ahimelech and everyone in Nob killed; Ahimelech's son Abiathar survives and comes to David

David saves Keilah from Philistines, but afterward he leaves the city to avoid being surrendered to Saul

The men of Ziph reveal David's whereabouts; he narrowly escapes capture

David has the opportunity to kill Saul but spares his life

Samuel dies

Abigail's wise intervention prevents David from shedding blood in the heat of anger

David spares Saul's life a second time and takes refuge in Philistine territory

The end of Saul's reign (28:1--31:13)

Saul assembles an army against Philistine invaders

Jehovah will not answer Saul's inquiries because of his disobedience, so Saul consults a spirit medium at En-dor

In battle with Philistines, Saul is severely wounded and commits suicide; his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua are slain