Book of 1 Samuel — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: 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.
Why the Book of 1 Samuel Matters Today
First Samuel introduces the principle that 'Jehovah sees into the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7) — a foundational truth for how Witnesses understand worship and accountability today. The contrast between Saul (outward conformity, hidden disobedience) and David (genuine inner devotion despite flaws) gives every reader a model for honest self-examination. David's defeat of Goliath remains one of the most cited accounts in JW literature for facing seemingly impossible opposition with trust in Jehovah. For young people facing peer pressure and adults navigating spiritually difficult environments, 1 Samuel is a steady source of conviction and courage.
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:
- What does Hannah's prayer and the birth of Samuel teach about persistent, heartfelt prayer to Jehovah?
- 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?
- How did David's defeat of Goliath (chapter 17) demonstrate that battles belong to Jehovah and are not determined by human strength or appearance?
- What does Saul's repeated failure to fully obey Jehovah teach about the importance of complete, not partial, obedience?
- How did David's treatment of Saul (chapters 24; 26) — refusing to harm 'Jehovah's anointed' — show deep respect for Jehovah's arrangements?
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel
- Who wrote the book of 1 Samuel?
- Samuel wrote the early portions; the prophets Nathan and Gad completed the book after Samuel's death, finishing it around 1078 BCE.
- When was the book of 1 Samuel written?
- First Samuel was completed approximately 1078 BCE, recording about 102 years of Israel's history from Samuel's birth around 1180 BCE through the death of Saul.
- What is the main theme of 1 Samuel?
- First Samuel covers the transition from the period of the Judges to the monarchy, showing that Jehovah evaluates the inner person rather than outward appearance. It contrasts Saul's failure with David's heart of devotion.
How to Study 1 Samuel with JW Study
Track your progress through all 31 chapters of 1 Samuel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, 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.
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 — Read 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 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (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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