This book is named after the prophet who’s story begins the history and who’s appointees share most of the remaining attention. We read of the last two judges that Israel ever had, Eli and Samuel, and of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

In the first eight chapters, we are told of Eli’s fall and of Samuel’s rise to prominence and usefulness as a wise and godly judge over Israel. In chapters 9 through 15 we read of Saul’s being anointed king, following the foolish insistence of the Israelites who wanted a visible king like other nations had. How foolish to trade an invisible, all-wise King for a visible, fallible king! After Saul proves himself to be an impetuous and unfaithful ruler, chapters 16 through 31 tell of God’s commanding Samuel to anoint David, of David’s victory over Goliath and ensuing struggles with Saul, of Saul’s ultimate ruin, and of the way being opened for David to finally come to the throne.

This entire book is filled with one narrative after another of exciting events in the history of Israel. In the midst of so many action-filled stories, one must also be careful to learn more than just history; these stories are not shared for our idle curiosity, or even our historical education… they are for our learning, that we may know more about God and his dealings with his people.

In addition to noting the individual, and almost self-contained, stories that are found here, one should also make the effort to observe the bigger picture that unfolds over the entire course of the book — the unfolding of God’s providence. Observe, for example, how that every forecast of God comes to full fruition, how that every curse is made reality and every promise is fulfilled.