1 Minute, 1 Samuel: A Quick and Inspiring Bible Read
Summary of 1 Samuel
The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel’s transition from judges to monarchy. Samuel is born to Hannah, dedicated to God, and becomes a prophet and judge. Israel demands a king and Saul is chosen, but his disobedience leads to his downfall. David is anointed as king, but has to flee from Saul’s wrath before eventually becoming king over all of Israel.
Reading 1 Samuel in 60-Seconds
Chapter 1: Hannah prays for a son, Samuel is born and dedicated to God. "I have lent him to the Lord" (1:28)
Chapter 2: Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving. "For the Lord is a God of knowledge; and by him actions are weighed" (2:3)
Chapter 3: Samuel hears God’s voice for the first time. "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." (3:9)
Chapter 4: Israel is defeated by the Philistines and the ark of the covenant is captured. "The glory is departed from Israel" (4:22)
Chapter 5: The Philistines suffer from plagues and return the ark. "The hand of the Lord was against the city" (5:9)
Chapter 6: The ark is returned to Israel. "Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?" (6:20)
Chapter 7: Samuel judges Israel and they defeat the Philistines. "Thus far hath the Lord helped us." (7:12)
Chapter 8: Israel demands a king. "And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king." (8:18)
Chapter 9: Saul is chosen as king. "Behold the man whom the Lord hath chosen." (9:17)
Chapter 10: Saul is anointed as king and begins to prophesy. "Is Saul also among the prophets?" (10:11)
Chapter 11: Saul defeats the Ammonites and is confirmed as king. "Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us?" (11:12)
Chapter 12: Samuel gives his farewell speech and warns Israel to serve God. "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth." (12:24)
Chapter 13: Saul disobeys God and his dynasty is rejected. "But now thy kingdom shall not continue." (13:14)
Chapter 14: Jonathan defeats the Philistines and Saul’s power is restored. "And the Lord wrought a great salvation that day." (14:23)
Chapter 15: Saul disobeys God again and is rejected as king. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." (15:22)
Chapter 16: David is anointed as king. "Arise, anoint him: for this is he." (16:12)
Chapter 17: David defeats Goliath. "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts." (17:45)
Chapter 18: David becomes a successful military leader and Saul becomes jealous. "And Saul eyed David from that day forward." (18:9)
Chapter 19: Saul tries to kill David, but he escapes. "And Michal let David down through a window." (19:12)
Chapter 20: Jonathan and David make a covenant of friendship. "And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord." (20:42)
Chapter 21: David flees from Saul and seeks refuge with Ahimelech the priest. "Is there not here under thine hand spear or sword?" (21:8)
Chapter 22: Saul kills the priests who helped David. "Then the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests." (22:18)
Chapter 23: David saves the city of Keilah from the Philistines. "And David inquired of the Lord yet again." (23:4)
Chapter 24: David spares Saul’s life. "The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee." (24:12)
Chapter 25: Nabal insults David, but his wife Abigail saves the day. "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me." (25:32)
Chapter 26: David spares Saul’s life again. "The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness." (26:23)
Chapter 27: David lives among the Philistines. "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul." (27:1)
Chapter 28: Saul consults a medium and receives a message of doom. "And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me." (28:17)
Chapter 29: David is rejected by the Philistines and returns to Ziklag. "Whither have ye made a road to-day?" (29:4)
Chapter 30: David recovers his family and possessions from the Amalekites. "And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away." (30:19)
Chapter 31: Saul and his sons are killed in battle. "So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer." (31:6)
Conclusion
The book of 1 Samuel is a thrilling tale of faith, friendship, and betrayal. It shows us the dangers of disobedience and the blessings of obedience to God. We encourage you to read the entire book of 1 Samuel and see how God works in the lives of His people. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)