# First Book of Samuel

> book of the Bible

**Wikidata**: [Q1975029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1975029)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Book_of_Samuel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/first-book-of-samuel

## Summary
The First Book of Samuel is a book of the Bible, part of the Old Testament in Christian tradition and the Nevi'im (Prophets) section in the Hebrew Bible. It is the first of two books originally combined as the Books of Samuel, detailing the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel.

## Key Facts
- The First Book of Samuel is also known by the alias "1 Samuel."
- It is preceded by the Book of Ruth and succeeded by the Second Book of Samuel in the biblical canon.
- The book is part of the Nevi'im, the second major division of the Hebrew Bible.
- It is classified under the Historical Books, one of the four divisions in the Christian Old Testament.
- The First Book of Samuel is part of the Books of Samuel, which are presented as two separate books in the Christian Old Testament but as a single book in the Hebrew Bible.
- It contains 31 chapters, with notable chapters including 1 Samuel 1 (first chapter), 1 Samuel 29, 1 Samuel 11, 1 Samuel 8, 1 Samuel 2, 1 Samuel 17, 1 Samuel 5, 1 Samuel 4, 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 6, 1 Samuel 10, 1 Samuel 3, 1 Samuel 7, 1 Samuel 27, and 1 Samuel 9.
- The book has a sitelink_count of 85, indicating its widespread recognition and documentation across various platforms.

## FAQs
**What is the First Book of Samuel?**
The First Book of Samuel is a biblical text that narrates the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel. It is part of the Old Testament in Christian tradition and the Nevi'im section in the Hebrew Bible.

**What are the neighboring books of the First Book of Samuel?**
The First Book of Samuel is preceded by the Book of Ruth and succeeded by the Second Book of Samuel in the biblical canon.

**What divisions of the Bible include the First Book of Samuel?**
The First Book of Samuel is part of the Nevi'im, the second major division of the Hebrew Bible, and is classified under the Historical Books, one of the four divisions in the Christian Old Testament.

**How many chapters does the First Book of Samuel contain?**
The First Book of Samuel contains 31 chapters, with notable chapters including 1 Samuel 1, 1 Samuel 29, 1 Samuel 11, 1 Samuel 8, 1 Samuel 2, 1 Samuel 17, 1 Samuel 5, 1 Samuel 4, 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 6, 1 Samuel 10, 1 Samuel 3, 1 Samuel 7, 1 Samuel 27, and 1 Samuel 9.

## Why It Matters
The First Book of Samuel is significant as it marks a pivotal period in biblical history, documenting the transition from the era of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel. It provides foundational narratives about key figures such as Samuel, Saul, and David, which have profound theological and historical implications. The book is essential for understanding the development of Israel's political and religious institutions and offers insights into the complexities of leadership, faith, and divine intervention.

## Notable For
- Being the first of two books originally combined as the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible.
- Detailing the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel.
- Containing narratives about key biblical figures such as Samuel, Saul, and David.
- Being part of the Nevi'im, the second major division of the Hebrew Bible.
- Being classified under the Historical Books in the Christian Old Testament.

## Body
### Overview
The First Book of Samuel, also known as 1 Samuel, is a book of the Bible that holds significant importance in both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is the first of two books originally combined as the Books of Samuel, which are presented as a single book in the Hebrew Bible but as two separate books in the Christian Old Testament.

### Position in the Biblical Canon
The First Book of Samuel is preceded by the Book of Ruth and succeeded by the Second Book of Samuel. This positioning highlights its role in the narrative flow of the biblical text, bridging the stories of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy.

### Divisions and Classifications
The First Book of Samuel is part of the Nevi'im, the second major division of the Hebrew Bible. In the Christian Old Testament, it is classified under the Historical Books, one of the four divisions. This classification underscores its historical and theological significance.

### Chapters and Content
The First Book of Samuel contains 31 chapters, each contributing to the overarching narrative of the transition from the period of the biblical judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Notable chapters include:
- 1 Samuel 1: The first chapter, introducing the story of Samuel's birth.
- 1 Samuel 29: A chapter detailing events involving David and the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 11: The eleventh chapter, narrating Saul's victory over the Ammonites.
- 1 Samuel 8: The eighth chapter, describing the Israelites' demand for a king.
- 1 Samuel 2: The second chapter, featuring Hannah's prayer and the corruption of Eli's sons.
- 1 Samuel 17: The famous account of David and Goliath.
- 1 Samuel 5: The fifth chapter, detailing the Ark of the Covenant's capture by the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 4: The fourth chapter, describing the battle where the Ark is captured.
- 1 Samuel 15: A chapter focusing on Saul's disobedience and rejection as king.
- 1 Samuel 6: The sixth chapter, narrating the return of the Ark to Israel.
- 1 Samuel 10: The tenth chapter, detailing Saul's anointing as king.
- 1 Samuel 3: The third chapter, featuring Samuel's call by God.
- 1 Samuel 7: The seventh chapter, describing the Israelites' victory over the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 27: A chapter detailing David's time among the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 9: The ninth chapter, introducing Saul and his search for his father's donkeys.

### Significance and Impact
The First Book of Samuel is notable for its detailed narratives about key biblical figures such as Samuel, Saul, and David. These stories provide foundational insights into the development of Israel's political and religious institutions. The book's themes of leadership, faith, and divine intervention continue to resonate with readers and scholars alike, making it a crucial text for understanding the biblical narrative and its historical context.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. MusicBrainz
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. FactGrid
5. [Source](https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/abbrevhelp)