How to Read the Book of 1 Samuel (And What to Expect)
Matt · April 11, 2026
1 Samuel is a gripping story about Israel's transition from judges to kings, featuring some of the Bible's most memorable characters — Samuel, Saul, and a young shepherd named David. If you want to understand the heart of the Old Testament narrative, this is one of the most essential books to read.
What Is 1 Samuel About?
First Samuel covers roughly 100 years of Israel's history and can be broken into three main sections:
Samuel's story (chapters 1–7). The book opens with Hannah's prayer and the miraculous birth of Samuel. He grows up in the tabernacle under Eli the priest and eventually becomes one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. These early chapters show a nation spiritually drifting, and Samuel as the figure God raises up to call them back.
Saul's rise and fall (chapters 8–15). Israel demands a king "like the other nations." God grants their request and chooses Saul — tall, impressive, and initially humble. But Saul repeatedly disobeys God, and the kingship is taken from him. His story is a sobering portrait of how pride and partial obedience can unravel even the most promising start.
David's emergence (chapters 16–31). God sends Samuel to anoint a new king — the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy named David. From the moment he's anointed, the story shifts. You'll read about David and Goliath, his friendship with Jonathan, his years on the run from a jealous Saul, and the slow, painful collapse of Saul's reign. The book ends on a tragic note with Saul's death at Mount Gilboa.
How to Approach 1 Samuel as a Reader
Read it as a unified story. First Samuel isn't a collection of isolated moral tales — it's one continuous narrative with real tension, character development, and dramatic turns. Try reading larger chunks at a time (three to five chapters) rather than stopping after every chapter.
Pay attention to the contrasts. The whole book is built around contrasts: Hannah vs. Eli's sons, Samuel vs. Saul, Saul vs. David. These aren't accidents. The author is making a point about what faithfulness looks like versus what compromise looks like.
Don't skip the messy parts. Some of what happens in 1 Samuel is uncomfortable — Saul's erratic behavior, David's complicated choices, the brutality of war. Resist the urge to rush past these sections. They're honest portrayals of real human beings, and they make the theological message more credible, not less.
Look for the recurring question: "Who is fit to lead God's people?" Every major character arc in 1 Samuel is answering that question in some way.
If you're reading through the Bible in a year, 1 Samuel comes right after Judges and Ruth, which gives important context. Apps like Bible In A Year keep you in the larger narrative arc so you don't lose the thread as you move from book to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to read 1 Samuel?
First Samuel has 31 chapters. At a comfortable reading pace, you can finish it in about 2–3 hours total — or roughly 10–15 minutes per day if you spread it over a week or two.
Is 1 Samuel hard to understand?
It's one of the more accessible Old Testament books because it reads like a story. You don't need deep theological background to follow it. The main challenge is keeping track of names and places, but context fills in quickly as you read.
Should I read 1 Samuel before 2 Samuel?
Yes. First and Second Samuel were originally one book, and 1 Samuel ends mid-story. You'll want to continue into 2 Samuel to follow David's full reign and the consequences of the events set in motion here.