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Ever wonder how God could use you in His plan or bring good from your situation? The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are filled with people who felt the same. These books, originally one story, recount Israel’s shift from judges to kings over a pivotal 130 years. They reveal our need for a Savior and point to Jesus, deepening your understanding of God’s character, redemption plan, and the life He designed for you.
In part one of this epic six-part saga through 1 and 2 Samuel, we’ll read through chapters 1-7 and explore the birth of Samuel, his rise to becoming the last judge and first prophet of Israel, the early battles between Israel and the Philistines, and why passing on your faith to the next generation is so important.
In part two of this six-part saga through 1 and 2 Samuel, we’ll make our way through chapters 8-15 as we see the rise and fall of Israel’s first human king: Saul. Discover the dangers of following the crowd, the importance of obedience and faithfulness with the things God has given you, how power and the pressure it comes with can lead to compromise when we’re not walking in step with the Spirit, and what true spiritual leadership in the lives of others looks like.
In part three of this six-part saga through 1 and 2 Samuel, we’ll explore chapters 16-31 as we meet a young shepherd boy named David. A man after God’s heart, watch David be chosen by God to become the next king of Israel, defeat a giant, and be relentlessly pursued by the jealous, mad king David would succeed. Learn about friendship, faith, and faithfulness. Discover how to resist the temptation for vengeance against someone who has wronged you, and how to find strength in the Lord even in the lowest moments in life.
Hannah was one of the most important characters in the Books of Samuel. Deeply grieved by her barrenness and taunted by her husband Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, she cried out to God in prayer, vowing to dedicate a son to Him if her prayer was answered. Mistaken for drunk by Eli, the priest, she explained her anguish, and Eli blessed her. God answered, giving her a son, Samuel. True to her promise, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service, offering a prayer of praise that later inspired Mary’s song in the New Testament.
Learn about Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.
Samuel, meaning “heard of God,” was a pivotal leader in Israel’s history for 40 years, serving as priest, prophet, and the last judge. Dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, he grew up in the Tabernacle under Eli. Samuel faithfully delivered God’s messages, from his first prophecy of judgment to Eli to anoint Israel’s first kings, Saul and later David. Though Samuel died before David’s reign, his life demonstrated God’s sovereignty and the power of faithful obedience in His plan.
Learn about Samuel in 1 Samuel 1-25
Eli, a priest serving at the Tabernacle in Shiloh for 40 years, played a significant role in God’s plan despite the challenges in his life. Known for blessing Hannah, Samuel’s mother, and guiding Samuel in his early years, Eli also served as a cautionary example. His failure to restrain his wicked sons, Hophni and Phineas, led to consequences that reshaped Israel’s priesthood. Through Eli’s story, God demonstrated His commitment to raising faithful leaders who align with His will, paving the way for His greater purposes to unfold.
Learn about Eli in 1 Samuel 1-25
Saul, a tall and striking man from the tribe of Benjamin, became Israel’s first king at God’s direction, despite the people’s misguided desire to be like other nations. Initially a capable military leader, Saul’s reign reflected both the potential and the peril of human leadership apart from complete obedience and dependence on God. Though God used him to defend Israel and establish the monarchy, Saul’s disobedience led to the loss of his 40-year dynasty, paving the way for David and God’s greater redemptive plan.
Learn about Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 8-30
David, a shepherd from Bethlehem and the youngest son of Jesse, was chosen by God to lead Israel after Saul’s disobedience. Anointed by Samuel, David rose from humble beginnings to prominence, demonstrating courage, faith, and reliance on God—most famously in his defeat of Goliath. Though he endured jealousy, betrayal, and personal failure, David remained devoted to God, seeking repentance when confronted with his sins. As king, David established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and desired to build a temple for the Lord. Instead, God promised to establish David’s dynasty forever, pointing to the coming Messiah, Jesus, the Son of David, who would reign eternally. Through David’s life, God revealed His power to use flawed yet faithful individuals to fulfill His redemptive plan.
Learn about David’s life starting in 1 Samuel 16
Goliath, the towering champion of the Philistines, struck fear into the hearts of Israel with his size, strength, and arrogance. Though his exact height is debated—ranging from seven to nine feet—his imposing presence made him a seemingly unbeatable foe. God used an unlikely hero, a young shepherd named David, armed with a sling, a few stones, and unwavering faith in the Lord, to defeat the giant. Through Goliath’s defeat, God demonstrated His power to deliver His people and exalt those who trust in Him.
Learn about Goliath in 1 Samuel 17
Jonathan, Saul’s son, was a man of faith and loyalty who stood with David, God’s chosen king, despite his father’s jealousy and opposition. He made a covenant with David, honoring God’s plan for the kingdom. Though Jonathan died in battle alongside Saul, his family name lived on as David later honored him by taking in his son Mephibosheth for the sake of their enduring friendship. And in this very thing we see the great legacy of Jonathan… much like Jesus, who said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NIV), Jonathan showed us what true Christian love, service, and friendship looks like!
Learn about Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14-30
Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and daughter of Eliam, was thrust into a key role in God’s plan, despite the tragic and unwanted circumstances surrounding her story. When King David, in a moment of lust, took Bathsheba from her home and she became pregnant, it set off a series of events that included Uriah’s death in battle, orchestrated by David to conceal his sin. After Uriah’s death, Bathsheba became David’s wife, but their first child died as a consequence of David’s sin. Despite this heartbreak, Bathsheba’s story didn’t end there. She gave birth to Solomon, whom God loved and chose to become the next king of Israel. Bathsheba later played a significant role in ensuring Solomon’s ascension to the throne, fulfilling God’s promise to establish David’s line. She is also part of the genealogy of Jesus, the promised Messiah, showing how God used even the most painful circumstances to bring about His greater redemptive plan.
Learn about Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11
Nathan, a prophet during King David’s reign, served as God’s messenger during key moments in David’s life. As one of David’s closest advisers, Nathan relayed God’s promise to establish David’s dynasty forever, pointing to Solomon and, ultimately Jesus, the Messiah. Nathan famously confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, leading to David’s repentance. Later, Nathan declared God’s favor on Solomon, ensuring his succession to the throne. Through Nathan, God shaped Israel’s future, including the lineage of the promised Messiah.
Learn about Nathan in 2 Samuel 12
Absalom, King David’s third son, is remembered for his tragic and rebellious life. His story begins with the violent act against his sister Tamar, which sparked a deep hatred for his half-brother Amnon. Absalom’s revenge led to Amnon’s murder, after which he fled and lived in exile for three years. Though eventually reconciled with David, Absalom’s resentment grew, and he began undermining his father’s rule, eventually leading a rebellion to take the throne. Absalom’s claim to the throne led to a civil war, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. Despite his pursuit of power and his betrayal, Absalom’s reign was short-lived. His life ended when he was killed in battle by Joab, David’s commander after his hair became tangled in a tree. Despite the betrayal, David mourned deeply for his son, highlighting the complex nature of family and leadership. Absalom’s story shows how, even in rebellion, God’s plan for David’s kingdom moved forward.
Learn about Absalom starting in 2 Samuel 13-24