1 Samuel Summary: Kings, Giants, and the God Who Sees

1 Samuel Summary: Kings, Giants, and the God Who Sees

Intro for Beginners

1 Samuel is the turning point between tribal chaos and national monarchy.

Israel had no king—just judges and constant failure. But now they’re asking for a ruler like the nations around them. God gives them what they ask for, then shows them what they need.

This book introduces three key figures: Samuel, the last judge and a faithful prophet; Saul, Israel’s first king and a walking cautionary tale; and David, the shepherd boy who becomes the future king after God’s own heart. It’s a book of war, worship, jealousy, friendship, betrayal—and a reminder that God sees the heart, even when everyone else is watching the outside.

Etymology & Background

Hebrew Title: שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu’el) — “Name of God” or “Heard by God”

Greek (LXX): Βασιλειῶν Αʹ (Basileiōn A') — “First Book of Kingdoms”

In the Septuagint, 1 and 2 Samuel are combined with 1 and 2 Kings into four books called “Kingdoms”. What we call 1 Samuel, they called 1 Kingdoms.

1 Samuel spans roughly 100 years—from the birth of Samuel to the death of Saul. It bridges the age of the judges and the rise of the monarchy. Authorship is traditionally attributed to Samuel, with additional contributions from Nathan and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29).

Chapter Movements & Key Moments

Chapters 1–3: Hannah, Samuel, and God’s Voice

Hannah, barren and bitter, prays for a son—and promises to give him back to God.God answers with Samuel. She dedicates him to the Lord.

“I asked the Lord for him, and he has granted my request.” (1 Samuel 1:27, NLT)

God calls Samuel as a boy. He becomes a prophet when God’s Word was rare.

“Speak, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10, NLT)

Chapters 4–7: The Ark, Defeat, and Revival

Israel takes the Ark of the Covenant into battle like a lucky charm—but loses it. The Philistines capture it, but are cursed until they send it back.

Oddity: The ark brings tumors and panic to the Philistines—God doesn’t need an army to defend Himself.

Samuel calls Israel to repentance and leads a spiritual revival.

“Then Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’).” (1 Samuel 7:12, NLT)

Chapters 8–12: Israel Demands a King

Israel demands a king. God warns them through Samuel.

“They have rejected me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.” (1 Samuel 8:7, NLT)

Saul is chosen—tall, handsome, and hesitant. He’s anointed in private, chosen by lot in public, and crowned after a military victory.

“Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10:24, NLT)

Samuel gives a farewell speech, reminding them that obedience is still the point—even with a king.

Chapters 13–15: Saul’s Failure and Rejection

Saul disobeys twice:

1. He offers sacrifices without waiting for Samuel (ch. 13)

2. He spares King Agag and livestock from judgment (ch. 15)

“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?” (1 Samuel 15:22, NLT)

Because of this, God rejects Saul as king.

Chapters 16–17: David Anointed and Goliath Defeated

God sends Samuel to anoint David, a young shepherd from Bethlehem.

“People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)

David is brought into Saul’s court to play music—and soon ends up facing Goliath.

Septuagint Insight: Goliath's Height

• Masoretic Text: 6 cubits and a span = over 9 feet tall

• Septuagint (LXX): 4 cubits and a span = about 6’9” tall

• Dead Sea Scrolls: also support the shorter height

While still intimidating, Goliath was likely a huge warrior, not a mythical giant. David defeats him with a sling and a stone.

“This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47, NLT)

Oddity: Saul Doesn’t Recognize David?

After David defeats Goliath, Saul asks, “Who is that boy’s father?” (1 Samuel 17:55, NLT), which is odd—David had already been playing music for him in chapter 16. This confusion only appears in the Masoretic Text. The Septuagint (LXX) and the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) do not contain this narrative inconsistency, suggesting it was a later scribal addition or duplication unique to the Masoretic tradition. The more consistent and original reading is preserved in the Greek and earlier Hebrew manuscripts, which present David’s introduction to Saul as a single, coherent sequence—without the apparent memory lapse.

Chapters 18–20: Saul’s Jealousy and David’s Escape

Saul becomes jealous of David’s success and popularity.

“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” (1 Samuel 18:7, NLT)

David and Jonathan form a deep covenant friendship. Saul tries multiple times to kill David.

Chapters 21–26: David on the Run

David hides in caves, gathers followers, and spares Saul twice. Saul recognizes David’s righteousness but still won’t give up the throne.

Oddity: David pretends to be insane to escape a Philistine king (1 Samuel 21:13).

Chapters 27–30: Conflict, Collapse, and Rescue

David lives in Philistine territory for a time, pretending to be loyal. Meanwhile, Saul seeks answers from a medium after God goes silent.

“Why are you asking me, since the Lord has left you and has become your enemy?” (1 Samuel 28:16, NLT)

David returns to find his camp raided. He rescues his wives and defeats the Amalekites.

Chapter 31: Saul’s Death

The Philistines defeat Israel. Saul is wounded and falls on his sword.

“So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.” (1 Samuel 31:4, NLT)

Conclusion & Bridge to Jesus

1 Samuel shows that Israel wanted a king like the nations—and got what they asked for. Saul was the people's choice: impressive, charismatic, and ultimately disobedient. But God had His own plan—David. A humble shepherd. A man after His heart. A flawed but faithful leader. From David’s line would come Jesus, the King not just after God’s heart—but sharing God’s heart.

How 1 Samuel Points to Jesus (with New Testament Fulfillments)

1. David the Shepherd King → Jesus the Good Shepherd and King

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT)

David protected sheep. Jesus laid down His life for them.

2. Rejected King → Christ, Rejected and Vindicated

“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” (Matthew 21:42, NLT)

David was anointed before he was accepted. Jesus too.

3. Victory Over the Enemy → Christ and the Cross

David vs. Goliath isn’t about you defeating your giants—it’s about Christ defeating ours.

“He canceled the record of the charges against us… by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers…” (Colossians 2:14–15, NLT)

4. God Looks at the Heart → Jesus Reveals the Heart

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)

“Jesus knew what was in each person’s heart.” (John 2:25, NLT)

Application – What Should We Do With This?

1. Don’t Settle for Saul When God Has a David

Not every opportunity is from God. Wait for His choice—not just what looks good.

2. God Sees When No One Else Does

David was left in the field—but God saw him. Your obscurity is not invisibility to God.

3. Obedience Matters More Than Charisma

Saul had the looks, but not the loyalty. God values obedience over image.

4. Be Faithful Even When You're Not Yet King

David served Saul, dodged spears, and waited years. Don’t rush the calling—walk faithfully in preparation.

5. Trust the Better King

Every earthly king will fail. Jesus won’t. He doesn’t rule by fear or force—but with grace, truth, and resurrection power.