The First Book of Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel is found in the Old Testament. It tells the story of how Israel moved from being led by judges to being led by kings. It begins with the birth of the prophet Samuel and ends with the death of King Saul. Along the way, we meet many people who are important in God’s plan.

One of the main themes is leadership. The people of Israel wanted a king like the other nations. God allowed it, but He also warned them about what it would mean. The book shows the difference between good leaders and bad ones. It also reminds us that God is the true king of His people.

1 Samuel introduces us to David, who would later become king. At first, David is a shepherd. But God chooses him to lead Israel because of his heart and trust in God. His story begins here, but continues in later books. We also see how David’s life connects with God’s bigger plan.

This book shows how God works through people. Even when things seem broken, God still guides His people. He listens when they pray. He calls people to do hard things. And He is always working to bring His people back to Him. These stories help us see that God is still with us today.

1 Samuel takes place during a time when Israel was changing fast. For many years, Israel had no king. God raised up judges to lead the people. These leaders helped during times of trouble. But the people were tired of this way. They wanted a king to rule over them, just like other nations. This wish for a king changed everything.

The author of 1 Samuel is not known. Some parts may have come from the prophet Samuel himself. Other parts were likely written later by different people. These writers took stories passed down from generation to generation. They also added details to help explain what was happening at the time.

The book was written for the people of Israel to remember where they came from. It helped them see how God stayed with them. Even when leaders made mistakes, God did not walk away. He kept calling people back to Him.

This history matters because it shows that God is still at work. He speaks through the past. He calls leaders. He listens when people pray. 1 Samuel shows us that God’s people have always needed help—and God has always answered.

1 Samuel is written like a story. It has real people, real problems, and many ups and downs. The book follows a simple path. It starts with Samuel’s birth. Then it shows how he listens to God and helps the people. It goes on to tell about King Saul and his rise and fall. Finally, it introduces David, the future king.

The writing is clear and direct. It uses action and dialogue. We hear people speak. We see what they do. This makes the book easy to follow. It feels like you are watching the events happen, not just reading about them.

There are also moments of prayer and praise. Hannah’s prayer in the first chapter is a good example. These parts help us understand what the people were feeling. They show how faith was part of their daily lives.

This kind of writing helps us connect to the people in the book. They are not just names from the past. They trusted, struggled, and hoped—just like we do.

1 Samuel teaches many lessons that connect with Catholic beliefs. These themes help us grow in faith and trust in God.

Here are some important themes in the book:

• God chooses people to lead, even when they seem unlikely. Samuel was a child. David was a shepherd. This reminds us that God can use anyone for His work.
• Prayer matters. Hannah’s prayer shows us how to bring our needs to God. Her story reminds us to trust and wait on Him.
• God is the true King. Even when Israel wants a human king, God reminds them that He is the one who leads and protects them.
• Obedience is better than sacrifice. Saul learns this the hard way. God wants people to listen and follow His ways, not just offer gifts.
• God looks at the heart. When David is chosen, it is not because he is the strongest or oldest. God sees what is inside.

These themes are still important today. They help us live as faithful Catholics. We learn to trust God’s plan, listen to His call, and stay close to Him in prayer.

The book of 1 Samuel has 31 chapters. It can be divided into three main parts. Each part focuses on a different person and stage in Israel’s history.

1. The Life of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1–7:17)
   This part tells the story of Samuel’s birth and call. It shows how he becomes a prophet and leads the people. Samuel helps them turn back to God. He also warns them when they want a king.
2. The Rise and Fall of Saul (1 Samuel 8:1–15:35)
   This section shows how Saul becomes Israel’s first king. At first, he seems like a good leader. But over time, he turns away from God. Saul makes poor choices and does not listen to God’s commands.
3. The Rise of David (1 Samuel 16:1–31:13)
   David is chosen by God to be the next king. He is still young, but he trusts in God. He defeats Goliath and gains respect. Saul becomes jealous and tries to kill him. This section ends with Saul’s death.

Each part shows how God works in different people. The book moves from one leader to the next. Through it all, God stays with His people.

Even though 1 Samuel was written long ago, it still speaks to us today. The people in the book face struggles, make mistakes, and try to follow God. We do the same in our own lives.

Many of us want to be in control. Like the people who asked for a king, we forget to trust God. This book reminds us to listen to God and follow His ways, even when it’s hard.

1 Samuel also shows the power of prayer. Hannah’s story reminds us to bring our needs to God. Samuel’s story shows that God calls us, even when we are young. David reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just the outside.

This book is a good guide for youth, parents, leaders, and anyone trying to live their faith. It helps us see that God stays with us, calls us to serve, and wants us to trust Him each day.

Parts of 1 Samuel are included in the Roman Catholic lectionary. This means we hear these readings at Mass during the year. Some are used on weekdays, and others are part of special feasts or seasons.

One reading we hear often is 1 Samuel 3:1-10. This tells how God called young Samuel while he was sleeping. We hear it during Ordinary Time. It reminds us to listen for God’s voice and be ready to say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

Another well-known reading is 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This tells how David was chosen to be king. It shows that God sees the heart, not just what is on the outside. This reading is often used during Lent or other times of preparation.

Sometimes 1 Samuel is also used for the feasts of saints or special events. These readings help us understand how God works through people to carry out His plan. They remind us to stay close to God and be open to His call.

The Bible

Looking to learn more about the Bible? Check out this resource from Young Catholics. It walks you through how to read the Bible and why it matters. It breaks things down in a clear and easy way. It can help youth ministers, teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to grow in faith.

If you’re new to reading Scripture, this guide is a great place to start. It offers simple tips and helpful ways to pray with the Bible.

Who wrote 1 Samuel?

We don’t know the exact author. Some parts may have come from the prophet Samuel. Others were likely added later by different people. The Church teaches that God guided the writers through the Holy Spirit.

Why is this book important for Catholics?

It shows how God worked through leaders like Samuel, Saul, and David. It teaches us about prayer, trust, and listening to God. These are lessons we can still use today.

What are the main themes in 1 Samuel?

Some big themes are prayer, leadership, obedience, and trust in God. It also shows that God looks at the heart, not just the outside.

Is 1 Samuel used in Mass readings?

Yes. Some parts of 1 Samuel are used in the lectionary. You might hear about Samuel’s call or David being chosen as king during Mass.

How can I start reading 1 Samuel?

Begin with a short prayer. Read a few chapters at a time. Think about how the people in the story listened to God and what you can learn from them.

The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of big changes for the people of Israel. It begins with the birth of Samuel, a boy given to God through prayer. He grows up to be a prophet and leader. God speaks to him and sends him to guide the people.

As Israel asks for a king, God allows Saul to be chosen. At first, Saul does well. But he stops listening to God and begins to fall. Samuel warns him, but Saul does not change. This part of the book teaches that leaders must listen and obey.

Later, we meet David. He is a shepherd, but God sees his heart and chooses him. David faces many trials, including the jealousy of Saul. Through it all, he keeps trusting in God. The book ends with Saul’s death and prepares the way for David to become king.

1 Samuel shows that God works through people, even when things are messy. It teaches us to trust, pray, and follow God’s lead.

Try reading 1 Samuel on your own. Look for the parts where people trust in God, even when life is hard. Think about what their stories say to you. Are there parts that remind you of your own journey?

After you read, share your thoughts in the comment section. What part of the story stood out to you? Did a person or prayer speak to your heart? We’d love to hear how the book helped you grow in faith.