Book of 1 Samuel — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 31 · Written by: Samuel / Nathan / Gad · Approximate date: c. 1000 BC · Theme: The Monarchy Established

Summary of the Book of 1 Samuel

First Samuel covers the transition from judges to kings — the ministry of Samuel, Saul's unfaithful reign, and the rise of David as Jehovah's chosen king, showing that Jehovah looks at the heart.

The book of 1 Samuel is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 31 chapters. It was written by Samuel / Nathan / Gad approximately c. 1000 BC. The central theme running throughout 1 Samuel is the monarchy established — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in 1 Samuel

  • 1 Sam 16:7
  • 1 Sam 17:47

Notable Passages in 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 16:7

Jehovah's declaration 'Jehovah sees into the heart' establishes that he evaluates people on the basis of inner qualities, not outward appearances.

1 Samuel 17:47

David's proclamation that 'the battle belongs to Jehovah' before defeating Goliath affirms that true victory always comes through reliance on Jehovah's power.

1 Samuel 2:2

Hannah's song affirming that 'there is no one like Jehovah' celebrates his incomparable holiness and power, foreshadowing Mary's Magnificat.

Study Questions for 1 Samuel

As you read the book of 1 Samuel, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Hannah's prayer and the birth of Samuel teach about persistent, heartfelt prayer to Jehovah?
  2. Why was Eli's failure as a father (chapters 2–3) so serious, and what lessons does it teach about raising children to love Jehovah?
  3. How did David's defeat of Goliath (chapter 17) demonstrate that battles belong to Jehovah and are not determined by human strength or appearance?
  4. What does Saul's repeated failure to fully obey Jehovah teach about the importance of complete, not partial, obedience?
  5. How did David's treatment of Saul (chapters 24; 26) — refusing to harm 'Jehovah's anointed' — show deep respect for Jehovah's arrangements?

How to Study 1 Samuel with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 31 chapters of 1 Samuel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading 1 Samuel as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include 1 Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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