1 Samuel

A Study Guide for Trusting God in the Tension

1 Samuel begins at the end of the time of the judges—a spiritually dark period in Israel’s history.
It introduces three key figures: Samuel (prophet), Saul (first king), and David (future king).
The book shows the dangers of demanding your own way and the blessing of waiting on God’s.

Reflection: Just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean it’s God’s will. Be careful what you beg for.

Hannah, barren and broken, prays for a son—God gives her Samuel (1 Samuel 1–2).
Samuel is dedicated to the Lord and becomes a prophet who listens to God from a young age (1 Samuel 3).

Takeaway: God honors heartfelt, humble prayers—and He still calls people in unexpected places.

Israel demands a king to be like the other nations (1 Samuel 8).
God gives them Saul—a man who looks the part but doesn’t have a heart for obedience.
Saul starts well but quickly crumbles under pressure (1 Samuel 13–15).

Lesson: Leadership without obedience is dangerous. God values your heart more than your appearance or position.

David is anointed in secret (1 Samuel 16) and defeats Goliath in faith (1 Samuel 17).
Saul grows jealous and becomes obsessed with killing David, despite David’s loyalty.
David flees, hides, and waits—refusing to take the throne by force.

Encouragement: When you know God’s called you, trust His timing. The right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing.

David and Jonathan form a covenant friendship built on loyalty and truth (1 Samuel 18–20).
David shows mercy to Saul multiple times, choosing honor over revenge (1 Samuel 24, 26).
Even when in caves and danger, David seeks the Lord.

Truth: Godly friendships strengthen faith. And real integrity shows when no one would blame you for fighting back.

Saul grows increasingly paranoid and disconnected from God—consulting a medium instead of the Lord (1 Samuel 28).
David, though flawed, remains dependent on God and is spared from battle against Israel (1 Samuel 29–30).
Saul dies in battle, ending his tragic reign (1 Samuel 31).

Reminder: Finishing well matters. Even those who start strong can fall if pride replaces surrender.

1 Samuel 2:2 – “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
1 Samuel 12:24 – “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”
1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice…”
1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Samuel 17:47 – “The battle is the Lord’s…”