1 Samuel study section

1 Samuel chapter summaries

A one-line summary of every chapter, with the period it covers. Open any chapter for the full study.

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Chapter list

Chapters 1–7

Samuel

The birth and call of Samuel, the last judge, and the ark among the Philistines.

  • Chapter 1 (c. 1105 BC): Hannah, barren and grieved, prays for a son and vows to give him to the LORD, and Samuel is born.
  • Chapter 2 (c. 1105 BC): Hannah’s song exalts the God who reverses fortunes; Eli’s wicked sons profane the sanctuary, and judgment is foretold.
  • Chapter 3 (c. 1100 BC): The LORD calls the boy Samuel and reveals the coming judgment on the house of Eli.
  • Chapter 4 (c. 1080 BC): The Philistines defeat Israel and capture the ark; Eli and his sons die, and the glory departs (Ichabod).
  • Chapter 5 (c. 1080 BC): The captured ark brings plague on the Philistines and topples the idol Dagon.
  • Chapter 6 (c. 1080 BC): The Philistines send the ark back to Israel on a cart with guilt offerings.
  • Chapter 7 (c. 1063 BC): Samuel leads Israel to repentance at Mizpah, and the LORD routs the Philistines; Samuel raises the Ebenezer stone.

Chapters 8–15

Saul

Israel demands a king; Saul is anointed and reigns, then is rejected for disobedience.

  • Chapter 8 (c. 1050 BC): Israel demands a king “like the nations”; Samuel warns of a king’s ways, but the LORD grants their request.
  • Chapter 9 (c. 1050 BC): Saul, searching for lost donkeys, is brought to Samuel, whom the LORD has told that Saul will be prince.
  • Chapter 10 (c. 1050 BC): Samuel anoints Saul, the Spirit comes upon him, and he is chosen by lot, though some despise him.
  • Chapter 11 (c. 1050 BC): Saul rescues Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites, and his kingship is renewed at Gilgal.
  • Chapter 12 (c. 1050 BC): Samuel’s farewell address calls Israel to fear and serve the LORD despite the sin of asking for a king.
  • Chapter 13 (c. 1048 BC): Saul presumptuously offers sacrifice at Gilgal, and Samuel foretells that his kingdom will not endure.
  • Chapter 14 (c. 1048 BC): Jonathan’s bold faith routs the Philistines, but Saul’s rash oath nearly costs Jonathan his life.
  • Chapter 15 (c. 1030 BC): Saul spares Agag and the best spoil, and the LORD rejects him as king: “to obey is better than sacrifice.”

Chapters 16–31

David’s Rise

David anointed, Goliath defeated, and David’s long flight from the jealous Saul.

  • Chapter 16 (c. 1025 BC): Samuel anoints David, Jesse’s youngest son, the Spirit rushes upon him, and David plays the lyre for troubled Saul.
  • Chapter 17 (c. 1025 BC): David kills the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone in the name of the LORD.
  • Chapter 18 (c. 1020 BC): Jonathan loves David as his own soul, but Saul, jealous of David’s success, begins to fear and hate him.
  • Chapter 19 (c. 1019 BC): Saul repeatedly tries to kill David, who escapes with the help of Jonathan, Michal, and Samuel.
  • Chapter 20 (c. 1019 BC): Jonathan confirms Saul’s murderous intent and renews his covenant of loyal friendship with David.
  • Chapter 21 (c. 1018 BC): Fleeing, David eats the holy bread at Nob and then feigns madness before the king of Gath.
  • Chapter 22 (c. 1018 BC): Saul massacres the priests of Nob; David gathers a band of followers and is joined by the prophet Gad.
  • Chapter 23 (c. 1018 BC): David rescues Keilah and narrowly escapes Saul in the wilderness of Ziph.
  • Chapter 24 (c. 1017 BC): David spares Saul’s life in the cave at En-gedi, cutting only the corner of his robe.
  • Chapter 25 (c. 1017 BC): Nabal insults David; Abigail’s wisdom averts bloodshed, and she later becomes David’s wife.
  • Chapter 26 (c. 1016 BC): David again spares Saul, taking his spear and water jar as the king sleeps.
  • Chapter 27 (c. 1013 BC): David takes refuge among the Philistines at Ziklag, secretly raiding Israel’s enemies.
  • Chapter 28 (c. 1011 BC): Facing the Philistines, terrified Saul consults a medium at Endor, and Samuel’s spirit foretells his doom.
  • Chapter 29 (c. 1011 BC): The Philistine commanders distrust David and send him away before the battle.
  • Chapter 30 (c. 1011 BC): David recovers everyone and everything the Amalekites raided from Ziklag and shares the spoil fairly.
  • Chapter 31 (c. 1010 BC): Saul and his sons fall at Mount Gilboa; wounded, Saul takes his own life, and Israel is defeated.

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