Macro-Structure of 1 Samuel
Audience
First Samuel follows the transition from the judges to kingship and the rise of David during Saul's reign. It records Samuel's death before the book ends; attributing every line to Samuel would therefore exceed the narrative's evidence.
Key References
Explore the Structure
Explore the structure of each book.
| Section | Focus | Connection to the whole |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel and the word of the LORD 1 Samuel 1:1–7:17 Interpretation | Leadership, the ark, and return | Samuel's upbringing and calling stand beside the failures of Eli's house and the ark narrative, leading to Israel's return to the LORD. |
| Saul's kingship 1 Samuel 8:1–15:35 Interpretation | Appointment and disobedience | The establishment of kingship is followed by Saul's failures, and the LORD's rejection of his kingship prepares the choice of David. |
| David rises and Saul resists 1 Samuel 16:1–20:42 Interpretation | Anointing, service, and hostility | David's public emergence and relationships develop alongside Saul's growing hostility. |
| David pursued and Saul's end 1 Samuel 21:1–31:13 Interpretation | Restraint, refuge, and collapse | David's movements as a fugitive contrast with Saul's decline, and the book ends with Saul's death in battle. |
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.