1 Samuel (Bible in 90 Days)

First Samuel is like reading an epic adventure story. It records the life of Samuel, a prophet and the last judge; the rise and fall of Saul; the first king; and sets up David, the greatest King. Through First Samuel we see the transition of the nation being run by God (theocracy) and being run by a king (monarchy.)

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The Lord says to Samuel:
"Do everything they say to you," the Lord replied, "For it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer...Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them." 1 Samuel 8:7,9

Hannah has faith in pregnancy (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
This is an encouraging story for those seeking to conceive. Hannah was barren, but was loved by her husband. She cried out to God and had a son.
"So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, Because I asked the Lord for him." 1 Samuel 1:20

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Samuel was a prophet.
"The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many vision." 1 Samuel 3:1

It seems like we are once again in days where visions are rare, but by keeping our eyes on God miracles (and visions) are still possible. It was the case with Samuel. Even though times were becoming a struggle and God was getting pushed out of the leadership of the people, there were still Men of God who followed Him, trusted him and proclaimed His love to others.

Saul was a great ruler--for a while. He was chosen by God and Samuel, but he became jealous and his reign as the first king and his life fell downward after disobeying God. He even tried to kill David, but ultimately committed suicide on the battlefield.

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First Samuel holds one of the most iconic stories of the bible--David and Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:1-58.

"David replied to the Philistine [Goliath], "You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies--the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45.

Goliath was giant and a fierce warrior. David was small, but not weak. He knew he had the power of the Lord on his side and that trumps any opponent.

David goes on to be a great fighter, leader and king, but most importantly a faithful Man of God.