The Book of 1 Samuel
From judges to kings — Samuel, Saul, and the rise of David, the man after God's heart.
Overview
First Samuel charts Israel's move from judges to kings, through the lives of Samuel the prophet, Saul the first king, and David the shepherd who would replace him. It is a study in what God looks for in a leader — and it is not what people expect.
Its most famous scene, David and Goliath, is really about trusting a God for whom no battle is too big.
Key themes
God looks at the heart
God chooses David not for his appearance but for his heart.
Obedience over sacrifice
Saul's downfall teaches that God desires obedience more than ritual.
The battle is the Lord's
David faces Goliath in the confidence that victory belongs to God.
Key verses from 1 Samuel
for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
God's measure of a person is the heart.
to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
How to read 1 Samuel
Read David and Goliath as a lesson in trusting God, not in giant-slaying.
Compare Saul and David to see what God values in a leader.
Notice how God looks past appearances to the heart.