CHAPTER 1 – Hannah’s Prayer & Samuel’s Birth
Commentary
1 Samuel commentary: Hannah’s deep sorrow leads her to earnest prayer. She vows to dedicate her child to God. Eli misunderstands her, but God answers, and Samuel is born. This sets the stage for God raising a spiritual leader. Samuel lives well into the reign of Saul, and also sees. David rose to prominence, while Saul continued his reign until David was thirty years old.
Lessons
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God hears sincere, heartfelt prayers.
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Pain can draw us closer to God.
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Commit your blessings back to God.
CHAPTER 2 – Hannah’s Song & Eli’s Wicked Sons
Commentary
Hannah praises God, highlighting His sovereignty. Meanwhile, Eli’s sons misuse priestly duties. A prophet announces judgment on Eli’s house.
Lessons
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God humbles the proud and exalts the humble.
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Spiritual leaders must live holy lives.
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God will bring justice to corruption.
CHAPTER 3 – God Calls Samuel
Commentary
God breaks the silence of Israel’s spiritual drought by calling Samuel. Samuel listens, learns, and becomes God’s prophet.
Lessons
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God speaks to those who listen.
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Youth is no barrier to God’s calling.
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Obedience opens doors to future service.
CHAPTER 4 – The Ark Captured
Commentary
Israel treats the Ark like a magical charm rather than trusting God. The Philistines capture the Ark and Eli’s sons die. Eli also dies when he hears the news.
Lessons
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Religious objects cannot replace true faith.
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Disobedience brings defeat.
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God values obedience over ritual.
CHAPTER 5 – Dagon Falls Before the Ark
Commentary
The Ark humiliates Dagon, showing God’s superiority over idols. The Philistines suffer plagues wherever the Ark goes.
Lessons
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God will not share His glory with idols.
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God can defend His own honor.
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False gods always fall before the true God.
CHAPTER 6 – The Ark Returned
Commentary
The Philistines return the Ark with guilt offerings. Some Israelites look into the Ark and are judged, showing God’s holiness.
Lessons
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God is holy and must be approached respectfully.
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Acknowledging sin is the path to mercy.
CHAPTER 7 – Israel Repents Under Samuel
Commentary
Samuel calls Israel to repentance. They put away idols, and God gives them victory over the Philistines. Samuel leads Israel as judge.
Lessons
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True revival begins with repentance.
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God fights for those who return to Him.
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Leadership begins with spiritual commitment.
CHAPTER 8 – Israel Demands a King
Commentary
Israel wants to be like other nations. God allows a king but warns of the consequences.
Lessons
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Wanting to “fit in” can lead us out of God’s will.
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God sometimes gives what we ask for to teach us.
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Human kings fail, but God’s rule is perfect.
CHAPTER 9 – Samuel Meets Saul
Commentary
Saul, tall and impressive, searches for donkeys and ends up being chosen as king. God guides events behind the scenes.
Lessons
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God directs our steps even when we don’t realize it.
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Outer appearance doesn’t guarantee spiritual strength.
CHAPTER 10 – Saul Anointed King
Commentary
Samuel anoints Saul. Signs confirm God’s choice. Saul hides during his public selection, showing insecurity.
Lessons
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God equips those He calls.
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Insecurity can hinder God’s calling in our lives.
CHAPTER 11 – Saul Defeats the Ammonites
Commentary
Saul shows courage and leadership by rescuing Jabesh-Gilead. Israel confirms him as king.
Lessons
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God gives strength for leadership.
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Early victories don’t guarantee lifelong success.
CHAPTER 12 – Samuel’s Farewell Speech
Commentary
Samuel reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness and warns them against rebellion. A miracle thunderstorm confirms their sin of asking for a king.
Lessons
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God remains faithful even when we fail.
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Genuine repentance is always accepted.
CHAPTER 13 – Saul’s First Disobedience
Commentary
Saul panics during a battle and offers a sacrifice without Samuel. This disobedience costs him his dynasty.
Lessons
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Impatience leads to disobedience.
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Leadership requires waiting on God.
CHAPTER 14 – Jonathan’s Faith vs. Saul’s Rashness
Commentary
Jonathan’s bold faith brings victory. Saul makes a foolish oath that endangers Jonathan and the army.
Lessons
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God works through faith, not through numbers.
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Foolish leaders create burdens for their people.
CHAPTER 15 – Saul’s Final Rejection
Commentary
Saul disobeys by sparing Agag and the best animals. Samuel confronts him and declares God has rejected him as king.
Lessons
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Partial obedience is disobedience.
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God desires obedience more than sacrifices.
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Pride blinds us to our failures.
CHAPTER 16 – David Anointed
Commentary
God chooses David, a humble shepherd. Saul is tormented by an evil spirit and David becomes his harpist.
Lessons
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God looks at the heart, not appearance.
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God prepares us through small roles before big ones.
CHAPTER 17 – David & Goliath
Commentary
David defeats Goliath by trusting God. Saul and Israel fear, but David’s faith brings victory.
Lessons
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Faith in God conquers giants.
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Courage comes from trusting God, not personal strength.
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God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
CHAPTER 18 – Saul’s Jealousy
Commentary
David’s success fuels Saul’s jealousy. Jonathan and David form a covenant friendship.
Lessons
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Jealousy destroys relationships.
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True friendship is selfless and loyal.
CHAPTER 19 – Saul Tries to Kill David
Commentary
Saul repeatedly tries to kill David. God protects David through Jonathan, Michal, and the Holy Spirit.
Lessons
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God protects those following His plan.
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Evil intentions cannot stop God’s purposes.
CHAPTER 20 – David & Jonathan’s Covenant
Commentary
Jonathan warns David of Saul’s hatred. Their covenant reflects deep loyalty and mutual love.
Lessons
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Godly friendships are rare treasures.
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Loyalty sometimes requires sacrifice.
CHAPTER 21 – David Flees to Nob & Gath
Commentary
David receives holy bread and Goliath’s sword. He later pretends to be insane to escape danger.
Lessons
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God provides in unexpected ways.
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Even faithful people experience fear and weakness.
CHAPTER 22 – Saul Kills the Priests
Commentary
Saul massacres the priests of Nob, showing how far he has fallen. Abiathar escapes and joins David.
Lessons
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Jealousy grows into cruelty.
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Evil leadership harms the innocent.
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God raises survivors to continue His plan.
CHAPTER 23 – David Saves Keilah
Commentary
David seeks God’s guidance and rescues the city of Keilah. Saul pursues him, but God protects David.
Lessons
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Always seek God before making decisions.
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God is a refuge during persecution.
CHAPTER 24 – David Spares Saul (Cave)
Commentary
David has the opportunity to kill Saul but refuses, respecting God’s anointed king.
Lessons
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Leave vengeance to God.
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Character is revealed when we have the power to harm but choose mercy.
CHAPTER 25 – Abigail Prevents Bloodshed
Commentary
Nabal insults David. Abigail’s wisdom stops David from taking revenge. God strikes Nabal, and David marries Abigail.
Lessons
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Wise words can prevent great sin.
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God deals with wickedness in His own time.
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Wisdom and humility are virtues God honors.
CHAPTER 26 – David Spares Saul Again
Commentary
David takes Saul’s spear and jug but refuses to kill him. Saul temporarily repents.
Lessons
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Consistent righteousness shows true integrity.
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Forgiveness can soften even hard hearts.
CHAPTER 27 – David Lives in Philistia
Commentary
David seeks safety among the Philistines, revealing his fear. God still protects him from compromising situations.
Lessons
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Fear can lead believers into dangerous compromises.
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God’s grace keeps us even when our faith is weak.
CHAPTER 28 – Saul Consults the Witch of Endor
Commentary
God is silent, so Saul turns to forbidden practices. Samuel’s spirit announces Saul’s doom.
Lessons
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Disobedience leads to spiritual darkness.
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When God is silent, search your heart, not occult practices.
CHAPTER 29 – David Rejected by Philistine Commanders
Commentary
Philistine leaders distrust David and send him away, preventing him from fighting against Israel.
Lessons
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God blocks us from wrong paths.
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Closed doors can be divine protection.
CHAPTER 30 – Ziklag Burned & David Strengthened in God
Commentary
Amalekites raid Ziklag. David encourages himself in the Lord, pursues the raiders, and recovers everything.
Lessons
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When crushed, find strength in God.
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God restores what the enemy steals.
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Trust God in crisis; He brings victory.
CHAPTER 31 – Saul’s Death
Commentary
Saul dies in battle with the Philistines. His tragic end confirms Samuel’s prophecy. David prepares to become king.
Lessons
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Pride and disobedience lead to destruction.
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Leadership without God collapses.
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God’s purposes always prevail.