1 Samuel — Chapters

Hannah, barren and scorned, fervently prays to God for a child; her son Samuel is born and dedicated to the Lord, marking the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic ministry.

Hannah’s prayer affirms God’s sovereignty, followed by a narrative of Eli’s corrupt household and the rise of Samuel, ending with God’s judgment on Eli’s sons and the promise of a faithful priest.

In 1 Samuel 3 Samuel hears the Lord’s call for the first time, learns his prophetic vocation, and Eli realizes God will judge his household.

The Israelites suffer a devastating defeat against the Philistines, lose the Ark of the Covenant and their priestly leaders, and a new child named Ichabod is born to mourn the loss.

The Philistines bring Israel’s Ark to Ashdod, and God’s wrath destroys the city, while the Ark’s relocation to Gath and Ekron continues the cycle of calamity.

The Ark of the LORD, after being held by the Philistines for seven months, is returned to Israel with a trespass offering of golden items; however, the Philistines are struck down when the Ark passes through Bethlehem.

After Israel’s repentance and Samuel’s intercession, the Lord delivers them from the Philistines, marked by the stone Ebenezer.

The Israelites, dissatisfied with Samuel’s sons, ask for a king like other nations; Samuel warns them of the costs, and God orders him to comply.

Saul, a Benjamite youth, travels to find his lost asses and encounters the prophet Samuel, who announces that Saul will be anointed king of Israel.

Saul is anointed by Samuel and receives prophetic signs that confirm his divine appointment as Israel’s first king, while the people react with both awe and uncertainty.

Saul, prompted by the plight of Jabesh-gilead and the threat of Ammonite aggression, mobilizes Israel to deliver them, leading to the Ammonites' defeat and the affirmation of Saul's kingship.

Samuel reminds Israel that God has heard their cries, announces a king, warns of judgment for disobedience, and urges obedience.

Saul attempts to lead Israel in worship amid a Philistine threat, offers a burnt offering himself, and is rebuked by Samuel for disobedience.

Jonathan leads a bold surprise attack on the Philistines, securing a victory that sparks Saul’s fearful oath and a subsequent divine judgment, ultimately culminating in Saul’s reign and ongoing conflict.

King Saul disobeys God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, sparing Agag and livestock, leading Samuel to reject him as king.

God directs Samuel to anoint a new king, revealing David as chosen, while Saul suffers from an evil spirit until David's music calms him.

David, a young shepherd, defeats the Philistine giant Goliath with faith and a sling, turning a dire battle into a decisive victory.

David’s growing favor with Saul, his covenant with Jonathan, and Saul’s increasing jealousy and attempts to undermine David are the central narrative of 1 Samuel 18.

Saul’s relentless attempts to kill David are thwarted through Jonathan’s loyalty, Michal’s deception, and the divine presence that empowers Samuel and the prophets, culminating in David’s safe refuge at Naioth.

Jonathan, Saul’s son, safeguards David from his father’s murderous intent, forging a covenant of friendship and planning a covert escape.

David goes to the priest Ahimelech at Nob to obtain holy bread and the sword of Goliath, then flees to Achish, the king of Gath, where he feigns madness to escape suspicion.

David flees to Adullam, gathers supporters, visits Moab, and receives prophetic instruction, while Saul plots against him, leading to the massacre at Nob.

David defeats the Philistines at Keilah, then flees from Saul while Jonathan safeguards him.

David spares King Saul in a cave, showing mercy that reflects divine justice and sets the stage for David’s future kingship.

David receives a hostile request from the wealthy but rude Nabal, but Abigail intervenes wisely, averting violence, causing Nabal's downfall, and ultimately leading to Abigail's marriage to David.

David confronts Saul after learning of his pursuit, refrains from killing him out of respect for the Lord’s anointed, and the two part peacefully.

David flees Saul to Philistine Gath, is granted the town of Ziklag, and spends a year raiding neighboring peoples before returning to Achish, who trusts him.

Saul, fearing the Philistines and lacking divine guidance, consults a witch at Endor, who summons the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel, who declares Saul's impending defeat and the rise of David.

David, once allied with Philistine King Achish, is reluctantly ordered to withdraw before the battle at Jezreel.

David, after a devastating defeat, gathers a remnant, recovers all captured people and spoils from the Amalekites, and establishes a rule of equal sharing for future gains.

Saul and his sons die in battle at Gilboa, Philistines seize their bodies, and the people of Jabesh‑Gilead later recover and bury them.