Outline: Part 1 (Chapters 1-7) give us an account of the life of SAMUEL – the last of the judges. Chapters 1-2 … Samuel’s background and childhood Chapter 3 … Samuel’s calling Chapters 4-7 … Samuel’s generation and work Part 2 (Chapters 8-15) are essentially about SAUL – the first king of Israel Chapters 8-10 … Saul’s appointment as king Chapters 11-12 … Saul’s successes Chapters 13-15 … Saul’s failures Part 3 (Chapters 16-31) focus on the early life of DAVID – ‘a man after God’s own heart’ Chapters 16:1-13 … David is anointed king by Samuel Chapters 16:14-20:42 … David serves King Saul Chapters 21-31 … David becomes a fugitive from Saul Theme: Obedience is better than sacrifice Key Verses: 1 Samuel 15:22-23