1 Samuel (KJV)
31 chapters · 810 verses. Choose a chapter to read it in the King James Version.
About the Book of 1 Samuel
First Samuel narrates Israel's transition from the judges to the monarchy through Samuel, Saul, and the rise of David. It examines what it means to have a king while the LORD remains Israel's true sovereign.
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Author
- Anonymous; traditionally associated with Samuel and other prophets
- First audience
- Israel reflecting on the rise of the monarchy
How to read it: Read narrative for what it reveals about God's purposes; observe characters' choices and consequences without assuming approval of every act.
It opens: “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:” (1 Samuel 1:1)
Chapters
Key verses in 1 Samuel
The verses of 1 Samuel that the rest of Scripture cross-references most often.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams.
Read 1 Samuel with a guide
- Samuel: Speak, Lord7 days with the boy who learned to listenAll 7 days in 1 Samuel
- Hannah: Praying Through Barrenness7 days with the woman who poured out her soul5 of 7 days in 1 Samuel
- David: A Heart After God7 days with the shepherd king3 of 7 days in 1 Samuel
- Women of the Bible14 days with women whose stories reveal God's faithfulness2 of 14 days in 1 Samuel
- 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting21 days on humility, prayer and seeking God1 of 21 days in 1 Samuel
- Crossover: Ending the Year with God7 days on crossing into the new year with God1 of 7 days in 1 Samuel