1 Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Hannah, a childless woman who prayed to God for a son and vowed to dedicate him to God's service. God answered her prayer, and she bore a son named Samuel, who became a prophet and priest. As Samuel grew old, the Israelites asked for a king, despite God's warnings, and Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. However, Saul disobeyed God's commands and was eventually rejected as king. Meanwhile, David, a young shepherd, was anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel. David became a successful military leader under Saul, but Saul grew jealous of David's popularity and sought to kill him. David fled from Saul and eventually found refuge with the Philistines, but he continued to trust in God and ultimately defeated the Philistines. The book ends with the death of Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines, and the Israelites' recognition of David as their future king.