Main Questions & Answers About the Book of 1 Samuel
1. What is the Book of 1 Samuel about?
Answer:
1 Samuel describes Israel’s transition from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. It focuses on three major figures: Samuel (the last judge), Saul (the first king), and David (the future king chosen by God).
2. Who wrote 1 Samuel?
Answer:
Jewish tradition says Samuel wrote parts of it, but after his death, the remaining parts were probably written by Nathan, Gad, or other prophets. The exact authorship is unknown.
3. Who are the central characters of 1 Samuel?
Answer:
-
Samuel – Prophet, priest, last judge of Israel
-
Saul – Israel’s first king
-
David – Shepherd boy chosen to be king
-
Hannah – Samuel’s mother
-
Eli – Priest under whom Samuel grew
-
Jonathan – Saul’s son and David’s friend
4. Why did Israel want a king?
Answer:
Israel wanted to be “like other nations.” They believed a king would lead and protect them in battles. This request displeased God because Israel was supposed to recognize God as their King.
5. How did God respond to Israel’s request for a king?
Answer:
God allowed it but warned that a king would bring hardships — taxation, forced labor, military service, and loss of freedoms.
6. What were the major failures of King Saul?
Answer:
-
Offered a sacrifice illegally (instead of waiting for Samuel).
-
Disobeyed God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites.
-
Became jealous, fearful, and spiritually unstable.
Because of these, God rejected Saul as king.
7. Why was David chosen to replace Saul?
Answer:
David was chosen because of his heart for God, not his appearance. God told Samuel, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
8. What is the significance of David and Goliath?
Answer:
The story shows David’s faith and trust in God’s power. It also marks him as a divinely chosen leader who acts boldly while Saul hesitates.
9. What is the relationship between David and Jonathan?
Answer:
They formed a deep friendship based on loyalty, trust, and shared faith. Jonathan supported David even though David was destined to take his father Saul’s place as king.
10. Why did Saul try to kill David?
Answer:
Saul became jealous after David’s military successes and feared that David would take his throne. Saul’s insecurity and spiritual decline drove him to repeated attempts on David’s life.
11. How does 1 Samuel portray God?
Answer:
God is shown as:
-
Sovereign – He chooses leaders.
-
Just – He punishes disobedience.
-
Faithful – He keeps His promises.
-
Near – He guides and speaks through prophets.
12. What themes appear in the Book of 1 Samuel?
Answer:
-
Leadership and obedience
-
God’s sovereignty
-
Rise of the monarchy
-
Importance of a faithful heart
-
Consequences of disobedience
-
God’s guidance through prophets
13. How does 1 Samuel end?
Answer:
Saul dies in battle against the Philistines, fulfilling Samuel’s prophecy. David is positioned to become king in the next book (2 Samuel).
14. What lessons can we learn from 1 Samuel today?
Answer:
-
Obedience to God is more important than success.
-
A humble heart is valued more than outward strength.
-
Spiritual pride and jealousy can be destructive to a person.
-
True leadership comes from character, not appearance.
What are the main questions answered in the Book of Genesis?
