A Narrative History

The book of First Samuel is a narrative history that begins where the book of Judges ended.

It starts with the story of Hannah, which includes the first significant and direct mention of prayer in the Bible, and continues through the life of Samuel, a prophet, and the last of the Judges. The Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant but eventually return it. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of a loose collection of tribes that will eventually unite under Israel’s second king, David.

After Saul’s disobedience to God, Samuel anoints a young David as God’s chosen king. During another Philistine conflict David defeats the giant, Goliath, and illustrates his faith in Yahweh. The changed Saul hunts David out of jealousy and fear. The book ends with Saul’s suicide on the battlefield against the Philistines.

  1. Do you identify more with Saul or David? Why?
  2. 1 Samuel begins with the first significant and direct mention of prayer in the Bible. What is the significance of prayer in your life?

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more from 1 Samuel // the complete #30SecondBible series

// CREDITS //
Written & spoken by Tara Owens
Music by Podington Bear
Footage by John Deuel, Lighstock, and Vidsplay
Edited by Jim Kast-Keat

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