Son of Elkanah and Hannah, Samuel was born in answer to his mother's prayers (1 Samuel 1). As a child he was placed in the care of Eli, high priest at the tabernacle at Shilo (1 Sam. 2: 11; 3: 1). The Lord called Samuel at a young age to become a prophet (1 Sam. 3). After Eli's death, Samuel became the great prophet and judge of Israel and restored law, order, and regular religious worship in the land (1 Sam. 4: 15-18; 7: 3-17).

1 Sam. 28: 5-20 contains an account of Samuel being brought back from the dead by the witch of Endor at King Saul's request. This could not have been a vision from God, because a witch or other spiritual medium cannot influence a prophet to appear at his or her request (1 Sam. 28: 20; 31: 1-4).

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel: In some Bibles, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel are one book. In others they are two books. The books cover a period of about 130 years, from the birth of Samuel until just before the death of King David.

The book of 1 Samuel: Chapters 1-4 describe that the Lord cursed and punished Eli's family and called Samuel as high priest and judge. Chapters 4-6 tell how the ark of the covenant fell into the hands of the Philistines. Chapters 7-8 record Samuel's warnings about having false gods and a wicked king. Chapters 9-15 describe the crowning of Saul and his reign as king. Chapters 16-31 tell the history of David and his gaining of power-Samuel anointed David who had slain Goliath. Saul hated David, but David refused to kill Saul though he had opportunity to do so.

The book of 2 Samuel: The book contains the details of the reign of David as king of Judah and finally of all Israel. Chapters 1-4 show a long struggle between the followers of David, after he was crowned by Judah, and the followers of Saul. Chapters 5-10 show David becoming powerful throughout many lands. Chapters 11-21 show the decline of David's spiritual strength because of his sins and the rebellion within his own family. Chapters 22-24 describe David's attempts to make reconciliation with the Lord.