Old Testament
Book of 1 Samuel
Samuel is born, serves as prophet and anoints Saul as Israel's first king. When Saul fails, God chooses David, the shepherd who defeats Goliath and then runs from Saul's jealousy.
At a glance
1 Samuel key facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Chapters
- 31
- Author
- Not named in the text; traditionally linked to Samuel, Nathan and Gad
- When it was written
- Probably between about 1000 and 900 BC
- Main theme
- From judges to kings, and the heart God looks for
- Key verse
- 1 Samuel 16:7
Summary
What is 1 Samuel about?
Samuel is born, serves as prophet and anoints Saul as Israel's first king. When Saul fails, God chooses David, the shepherd who defeats Goliath and then runs from Saul's jealousy.
Key verse
A key verse in 1 Samuel
“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 sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
31 chapters
1 Samuel chapters
Read any chapter of 1 Samuel in full, with verse-by-verse links.
Questions
1 Samuel: common questions
Who wrote the book of 1 Samuel?
Not named in the text; traditionally linked to Samuel, Nathan and Gad.
When was 1 Samuel written?
Probably between about 1000 and 900 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
Samuel is born, serves as prophet and anoints Saul as Israel's first king. When Saul fails, God chooses David, the shepherd who defeats Goliath and then runs from Saul's jealousy.
How many chapters are in 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel has 31 chapters, in the Old Testament.
What is a key verse in 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel 16:7: “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 sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (KJV).
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