Category: 1 Samuel

In this chapter Saul leads an army to rescue a besieged city in Israel, thus gaining him the allegiance of Israel, and he is officially crowned king. “Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead… And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled….

In this chapter Saul is anointed King, the Spirit of God comes upon Him, and he is proclaimed king before all of Israel. “Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. And he said to the people of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “I brought up Israel out…

This chapter introduces Saul and describes his initial calling to be king. “Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, ‘Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.’ …but they did not find them… But [Saul’s servant] said to…

This chapter contains Israel’s request (demand, really) for a king, and Samuel’s (God’s) warning against it. “But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, ‘No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and…

This chapter focuses on Samuel’s early “judging” of Israel. Like in the book of Judges, Samuel leads Israel by declaring the ways of the Lord, and they (thankfully) obey Samuel’s (God’s) leadership. “And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away…

This fascinating chapter details how the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel. “[The Philistine diviners] said, ‘If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his…

This chapter gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Philistines after they capture the Ark in battle. “When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it… into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the…

It is a dark day for Israel – they are defeated twice in battle against the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant is captured, and roughly 34000 Israelites perish including Eli and his two sons. “And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, ‘Why has the Lord defeated us today…

This chapter details God calling Samuel to be His prophet. We’re not told exactly how old Samuel is at this point, though the text indicates he is still growing, so he is likely under 18. “Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am,…

This chapter is filled with many details regarding Hannah, Samuel, Eli (the current high priest of the temple), and Eli’s family. There is too much going on to cover it all. I highly recommend you read v1-11 yourself, which contains Hannah’s prayer at the time she dedicated Samuel. “And there came a man of God…