1 Samuel

1 Samuel, 1

28 verses ● 3 min

A barren woman named Hannah prays for a son and dedicates him to God's service when he is born. She gives birth to Samuel and raises him in the temple.

1 Samuel, 2

36 verses ● 4 min

Hannah sings a song of thanksgiving for God's blessing of a son, declaring that God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud.

1 Samuel, 3

21 verses ● 2 min

Samuel is called by God to be a prophet while he is serving in the temple. He initially mistakes God's voice for the voice of the priest Eli.

1 Samuel, 4

22 verses ● 2 min

The Israelites are defeated in battle against the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. This leads to a period of fear and repentance among the people.

1 Samuel, 5

12 verses ● 2 min

The Philistines experience various plagues and misfortunes after capturing the Ark, so they return it to the Israelites.

1 Samuel, 6

21 verses ● 2 min

The Ark is returned to the Israelites, and a sacrifice is made in gratitude.

1 Samuel, 7

17 verses ● 2 min

Samuel leads the Israelites in a period of victory and prosperity. He judges the people justly and serves as a mediator between God and the people.

1 Samuel, 8

22 verses ● 2 min

The people of Israel demand a king, even though God has been their king through the judges and prophets. Samuel warns them of the dangers of having a human king, but they persist in their demand.

1 Samuel, 9

27 verses ● 3 min

Saul is chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, and he is anointed by Samuel.

1 Samuel, 10

27 verses ● 3 min

Saul's reign as king begins, and he experiences military victories and the affirmation of the people.

1 Samuel, 11

15 verses ● 2 min

Saul disobeys God's commands, leading to his rejection as king. Samuel anoints David as the next king.

1 Samuel, 12

25 verses ● 3 min

David is anointed as the next king of Israel by Samuel.

1 Samuel, 13

23 verses ● 2 min

Saul becomes jealous of David's military victories and popularity, leading to a period of conflict between the two.

1 Samuel, 14

52 verses ● 5 min

David and Jonathan, Saul's son, form a close friendship despite Saul's attempts to harm David.

1 Samuel, 15

35 verses ● 3 min

Saul disobeys God's commands and is rejected as king for a second time.

1 Samuel, 16

23 verses ● 2 min

David is anointed as the next king of Israel for a second time by Samuel.

1 Samuel, 17

58 verses ● 5 min

David defeats the giant Philistine warrior Goliath, establishing himself as a great military leader.

1 Samuel, 18

30 verses ● 3 min

David continues to have success as a military leader, and Saul's jealousy intensifies.

1 Samuel, 19

24 verses ● 3 min

Saul tries to kill David, who flees and becomes a fugitive.

1 Samuel, 20

42 verses ● 4 min

David and Jonathan renew their friendship and make a covenant with each other.

1 Samuel, 21

15 verses ● 2 min

David escapes to the city of Nob, where he receives help from the priests.

1 Samuel, 22

23 verses ● 2 min

David lives in the wilderness and attracts a band of followers as he evades Saul's attempts to capture him.

1 Samuel, 23

29 verses ● 3 min

David rescues the city of Keilah from a Philistine invasion.

1 Samuel, 24

22 verses ● 2 min

Saul and David encounter each other at the Cave of Adullam, but David spares Saul's life.

1 Samuel, 25

44 verses ● 4 min

Samuel dies, and David mourns his loss.

1 Samuel, 26

25 verses ● 3 min

David encounters Saul again and spares his life for a second time.

1 Samuel, 27

12 verses ● 2 min

David joins forces with the Philistines, but is met with suspicion by their leaders.

1 Samuel, 28

25 verses ● 3 min

Saul consults with a medium to speak to the dead Samuel, who prophesies Saul's impending defeat and death.

1 Samuel, 29

11 verses ● 1 min

The Philistines reject David as an ally and send him back to the Israelites.

1 Samuel, 30

31 verses ● 3 min

David leads his men in a victorious battle against the Amalekites, rescuing their families and possessions.

1 Samuel, 31

13 verses ● 2 min

Saul and Jonathan die in battle against the Philistines. David mourns their loss and sings a lament for them.