1 Samuel 1:1

First Samuel is a transition book where Israel goes from the rule of God, their invisible king who made them different and unique from the nations of the world, to the rule of man, a visible king, which made them like all the other nations. God’s people go from a theocracy to a monarchy.

The period of the Judges ends with 1 Samuel, Samuel being the last of the judges and it begins with the first of the kings. First Samuel reveals man’s choice for a king… Saul, and Second Samuel reveals God’s choice for a king… David. The events of this book cover a period of about 115 years.