Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
1 Samuel
The Book of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel’s history—from tribal leadership under judges to monarchy under kings. Centered on the ministries and reigns of Samuel, Saul, and David, the book explores leadership, obedience, and God’s sovereignty in choosing and shaping rulers.
The book opens with the birth of Samuel, a child of promise dedicated to the LORD by his mother, Hannah. Samuel grows to become a prophet and judge during a spiritually unsettled period. His calling restores the voice of God to Israel at a time when revelation was rare, signaling renewal amid decline.
As Israel faces pressure from surrounding nations, the people demand a king “like all the nations.” God grants their request, not as an endorsement of their motive, but as part of His unfolding plan. Saul is anointed as Israel’s first king—impressive in stature and initially humble. Early victories bring hope, but Saul’s reign quickly reveals a pattern of partial obedience and growing insecurity.
A defining theme of 1 Samuel is that obedience matters more than appearance or position. Saul’s failure to trust and obey God leads to his rejection as king. In contrast, God chooses David—not for his outward strength, but for his heart. David’s anointing marks a shift from human expectation to divine selection.
The latter portion of the book follows the tension between Saul and David. David’s rise in favor, courage, and leadership intensifies Saul’s jealousy, leading to pursuit and persecution. Despite opportunities to retaliate, David repeatedly refuses to harm Saul, demonstrating restraint, faith, and trust in God’s timing.
Throughout the narrative, God is shown as the true king of Israel. Victory and defeat hinge not on military power, but on reliance upon the LORD. Prophets speak truth to power, and leadership is measured by submission to God’s word.
The Book of 1 Samuel ends in tragedy with Saul’s death, leaving the kingdom poised for transition. The story remains unfinished, pointing forward to David’s reign and the continuing development of God’s redemptive plan.
1 Samuel teaches that leadership without obedience leads to ruin, while faithfulness—often forged through hardship—prepares the way for lasting purpose. It calls readers to trust God’s authority, wait for His timing, and value character over control.
1 Samuel 1:10
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there […]
1 Samuel 1:12
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
1 Samuel 1:13
Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
1 Samuel 1:14
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
1 Samuel 1:15
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:16
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
1 Samuel 1:17
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
1 Samuel 1:18
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
1 Samuel 1:19
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
1 Samuel 1:2
And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
1 Samuel 1:20
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:21
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
1 Samuel 1:22
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
1 Samuel 1:23
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
1 Samuel 1:24
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
1 Samuel 1:25
And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
1 Samuel 1:26
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:27
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
1 Samuel 1:28
Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
1 Samuel 1:3
And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
1 Samuel 1:4
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
1 Samuel 1:5
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
1 Samuel 1:6
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
1 Samuel 1:7
And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
1 Samuel 1:8
Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
1 Samuel 1:9
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
1 Samuel 10:10
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.