King James Version

Book of 1 Samuel

Author: Unknown. Date: Probably 10th century BC. Content: The books of First and Second Samuel comprise one book in the Hebrew Bible because they form one continuous history covering the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David. They were separated into two books for the convenience in reading. First Samuel deals with the Philistine wars and Saul's ultimate failure to deal with the enemy. The book opens with Israel's being oppressed by the Philistines (a war-like neighboring nation) and the emergence of the two leaders, Samuel and Saul. Samuel was the religious leader and Saul ultimately became the king. Saul's early victories are described, followed by his moral decline and tragic end.  Balancing the decline of Saul is the rise of the  youthful David who will assume leadership after the death of Saul. Theme: The basic idea that pervades this book is that God does not make his people immune to the changes of human life, but gives them grace to see things through to a satisfactory conclusion. The rise and fall of kings, times of peace and war---throughout it all God stays the same and controls human events in such a way that those who trust him will find comfort and the courage to endure.