1. From Judgeship to Monarchy
1 SAMUEL
From Judgeship to Monarchy

2. 1 SAMUEL: The Book
Named for 1st Major Character, who marks the transition from era of Judges to Kings
In Hebrew Bible, “Samuel” = one book, containing 1 & 2 Samuel.
Book of Samuel classified as one of the “former prophets” (Joshua – 2 Kings)

3. 1 SAMUEL: Plot Samuel is Israel’s last great Judge
Samuel anoints Israel’s 1st two Kings
Saul is rejected
David leads Israel to fully possess their inherited land

4. 1 SAMUEL: Major Characters
Samuel – Last great Judge; anoints 1st two Kings
Saul – Israel’s 1st King. At first, humble, but then disobeys God
Jonathan – Saul’s son & David’s close friend
David – Israel’s 2nd & greatest King; mentioned 800 times in OT, 60 in NT

5. 1 SAMUEL: Major Events Samuel’s birth & career as Judge & Prophet
Downfall of Eli’s house; capture of the Ark by Philistines
Samuel anoints Saul as 1st King
Saul’s disobedience & rejection as King
David emerges as a hero in Israel
David becomes a fugitive
Saul & Jonathan’s death
David becomes 2nd King

6. 1 SAMUEL: Key Verse
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22

7. 1 SAMUEL: Lessons for Today
God is in control of His people’s _______________.
Disobedience costs a high __________, even for the king.
The “gods” of the nations are no ___________ for Israel’s God.
While we tend to judge people by their _________, God judges by looking at their ____________.