Scripture Readings - I Samuel

First and Second Samuel (First and Second Kingdoms)

There is only one liturgical reading from First Samuel.

The First and Second Books of Samuel, known in the Orthodox Bible as First and Second Kingdoms, recount the history of Israel during the time of the Prophet Samuel, King Saul, and King David. Originally composed as a single work, the books were divided into two parts at an early date.

The books can be divided into six major sections:

1. Eli, Samuel, and the Philistine oppression (1 Samuel 1–7)
   The final days of the judge and priest Eli are described, leading to the calling and ministry of Samuel. Samuel becomes a prophet and judge of Israel during a period of conflict with the Philistines.
2. Samuel and Saul; the establishment of the monarchy (1 Samuel 8–15)
   Israel asks for a king, and Saul is chosen and anointed. The monarchy is established, but Saul eventually rejects God’s commandments and is himself rejected as king.
3. Saul and David (1 Samuel 16–31)
   David is anointed by Samuel and rises in prominence. Although Saul initially welcomes David, jealousy eventually leads him to persecute David. The section concludes with Saul’s death.
4. David becomes king over Judah (2 Samuel 1–4)
   Following Saul’s death, David becomes king over Judah, while the kingdom remains divided for a time.
5. David becomes king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5–20)
   David unites the tribes of Israel under his rule and establishes his kingdom. Jerusalem becomes the center of his reign, and David extends Israel’s influence over surrounding nations.
6. Appendices (2 Samuel 21–24)
   These final chapters contain several accounts, songs, and events from David’s reign that complete the narrative.

The central theme of the books is the establishment of the Israelite monarchy and the promise of the Davidic dynasty, through which God’s purposes for His people would continue. The promise given to David ultimately points forward to the coming of the Messiah, who would arise from his lineage.

Each principal figure plays an important role in advancing this story. Eli is described because the final period of his leadership introduces the rise of Samuel. Samuel is presented because, as God’s prophet, he anoints Israel’s first kings and establishes the monarchy. Saul demonstrates the consequences of a king who fails to remain obedient to God. David, despite his own sins and failures, becomes the model of the covenantal king and the ancestor of the Messiah.

Thus, First and Second Samuel trace Israel’s transition from the period of the Judges to the monarchy, while establishing the importance of the house of David in the unfolding history of salvation.