Key Verse: I Samuel Chapter 8 verses 7 and 9
"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."
Purpose: To record the life of Samuel, Israel's last judge; the reign and decline of Saul, the first king; and the choice and preparation of David; Israel's greatest king.
Author: Possibly Samuel, but also includes writings from the prophets Nathan and Gad (Chronicles 29:29)
Original Audience:
The people of Israel.
Setting:
The book begins in the days of the judges and describes Israel's transition from a theocracy (led by God) to a monarchy (led by a king)
Key People: Eli, Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David