Old Testament · Historical Books · World English Bible
1st Samuel
"The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD's anointed."
— 1 Samuel 24:6 
The Reading LensEvery verse pulled to the top of a book is chosen by three questions: Where is God’s heart here? Who is He protecting? Who is being saved by the action? It marks the place where those answers come into clearest focus — a “look at this, in this book.”
About the Book
1 Samuel is the hinge from judges to kings: the boy Samuel, the rise and ruin of Saul, and the anointing of David. It asks what kind of king God's people should have — and answers that God looks not at height or appearance but at the heart.
The hero verse is David in the cave, holding Saul's life in his hand and refusing to take it. The man with every reason and every opportunity for vengeance chooses restraint, and waits for God to act instead of seizing the throne by force.
31 Chapters
Hannah's Prayer
A barren woman's prayer, and the birth of Samuel.
Hannah's Song
She sings of God who lifts the lowly; Eli's sons are wicked.
The LORD Calls Samuel
“Speak, for your servant hears.”
The Ark Captured
Israel's defeat and the loss of the ark.
The Ark Torments the Philistines
Dagon falls; the cities are afflicted.
The Ark Returned
Sent home on a cart drawn by cows.
Samuel Judges Israel
Repentance and victory at Mizpah; the Ebenezer stone.
Israel Demands a King
“Give us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
Saul Meets Samuel
A search for lost donkeys leads to a throne.
Saul Anointed King
Anointed in secret, then chosen by lot.
Saul Rescues Jabesh-Gilead
His first victory unites the people.
Samuel's Farewell
“Fear the LORD and serve him faithfully.”
Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice
Impatience costs Saul his dynasty.
Jonathan's Bold Attack
Faith-fueled courage against the Philistine garrison.
Saul Rejected
Partial obedience with Amalek; “to obey is better than sacrifice.”
David Anointed
Samuel anoints the shepherd boy; “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
David and Goliath
A boy with a sling fells the giant in the name of the LORD.
Saul's Jealousy
“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
Saul Tries to Kill David
Spears, schemes, and David's escape.
David and Jonathan
A covenant of friendship sealed in danger.
David Flees
To Nob, then to Gath, a hunted man.
The Priests of Nob Slain
Saul's paranoia turns to massacre.
David Rescues Keilah
He saves a town, then flees Saul's pursuit.
David Spares Saul in the Cave
The Heart of ItWith Saul at his mercy, David refuses to harm “the LORD's anointed,” and leaves vengeance to God.
“The LORD forbid that I should... stretch out my hand against the LORD's anointed.” — v.6
Nabal and Abigail
A foolish man, a wise woman, and David's stayed hand.
David Spares Saul Again
He takes the spear and water jug, but not the life.
David Among the Philistines
Sheltering in enemy territory.
Saul and the Medium
On the eve of battle, Saul consults a witch at Endor.
Philistines Distrust David
He is sent away from the battle line.
David Recovers Ziklag
He pursues the raiders and rescues the families.
The Death of Saul
Saul falls on Mount Gilboa.