1 Samuel

To narrate the establishment of the Israelite monarchy, evaluate kingship by covenant standards, and introduce David as the man after God's own heart - whose throne God would establish forever.

Hannah's prayer for a son, Samuel's dedication to the Lord, and his calling as a prophet during Eli's declining priesthood

Israel's defeat and the capture of the ark by Philistines, followed by its miraculous return and Israel's spiritual renewal under Samuel

Israel's rejection of theocracy in favor of human monarchy, Saul's anointing as the first king despite God's warnings

Saul's initial success in delivering Jabesh-gilead and Samuel's farewell address establishing the terms of the new monarchy

Saul's presumptuous sacrifice, his rash oath, and his incomplete obedience in the Amalekite campaign leading to his rejection as king

David's secret anointing by Samuel and his dramatic victory over Goliath that brings him to national prominence

David's success in Saul's service, his friendship with Jonathan, marriage to Michal, and the beginning of Saul's jealous persecution

David's life as a fugitive, gathering a band of followers while repeatedly sparing Saul's life and maintaining his integrity

David's sojourn with the Philistines, his absence from the battle where Saul dies, and his victory over the Amalekites

The tragic end of Saul and his sons at Mount Gilboa, including Jonathan's death and the recovery of their bodies by men of Jabesh-gilead