Who Wrote 1 Samuel?
Quick Summary
The book of 1 Samuel does not name its author, and both Jewish and Christian traditions understand it as an anonymous historical work. Some early tradition associated Samuel himself with parts of the book, but most modern scholars view 1 Samuel as the result of careful compilation and theological shaping. The book reflects reflection on Israel’s transition from tribal leadership to monarchy rather than a single eyewitness account.
Introduction
First Samuel marks a major turning point in Israel’s story. The book narrates the end of the period of the judges, the rise of prophetic leadership, and the emergence of kingship in Israel. It introduces figures who will shape the rest of the biblical narrative, including Samuel, Saul, and David.
Because 1 Samuel covers decades of political, religious, and social change, questions about who wrote it are especially complex. The book combines prophetic narratives, royal traditions, speeches, and historical episodes into a unified theological account. Understanding its authorship helps explain how Israel interpreted the rise of monarchy in light of covenant faith.
Traditional Views of Authorship
Early Jewish tradition sometimes associated the book of Samuel with the prophet Samuel himself, along with later prophets such as Nathan and Gad. This view drew on passages that describe Samuel recording events and on later biblical references to prophetic chronicling.
According to this tradition, Samuel may have recorded early material, while later figures preserved and expanded the narrative after his death. While this explanation honors the book’s prophetic authority, it does not account for material that clearly reflects a later historical perspective.
The text itself does not identify Samuel, Nathan, or Gad as authors, and traditional attributions should be understood as theological associations rather than historical claims.
What the Text of 1 Samuel Reveals
First Samuel is written in the third person and includes episodes that extend beyond Samuel’s lifetime, similar to Joshua.. The narrative reflects knowledge of Israel’s early monarchy and includes evaluative commentary on kingship that suggests reflection after the fact.
The book also contains stylistic diversity. Court narratives, prophetic speeches, and battle accounts appear side by side. This variety points toward compilation rather than single authorship.
Several passages reveal theological shaping, especially in the tension between popular demand for a king and divine caution about monarchy. These themes suggest that the book was crafted to help Israel interpret its political history through covenant theology.
1 Samuel and the Deuteronomistic History
Most modern scholars understand 1 Samuel as part of the Deuteronomistic History, which includes Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. These books share theological language and concerns drawn from Deuteronomy, especially regarding obedience, leadership, and covenant responsibility.
Within this framework, 1 Samuel addresses the question of kingship. The book presents monarchy as both permitted and dangerous. Kingship is portrayed as a response to historical circumstances rather than a simple rejection of divine rule.
John J. Collins notes that 1 Samuel does not offer a single verdict on monarchy. Instead, it preserves competing traditions that reflect Israel’s struggle to understand political power in relation to faithfulness.
Sources and Composition
Scholars generally agree that 1 Samuel draws on multiple sources, including prophetic traditions, royal records, and early court narratives. Some material may reflect memories close to the events described, while other sections show evidence of later theological reflection.
Walter Brueggemann, a leading scholar on Samuel, emphasizes that the book’s power lies in its theological tension. He argues that the narrative deliberately resists easy conclusions, allowing readers to see both the promise and peril of kingship. This complexity suggests editorial shaping rather than straightforward historical reporting.
The final form of 1 Samuel brings these traditions together to create a coherent theological narrative that addresses leadership, obedience, and trust in God.
When Was 1 Samuel Written?
Although the book preserves early traditions, many scholars suggest that 1 Samuel reached its final form during the monarchy or the early exile. These periods provided distance from the events described and created space for reflection on Israel’s political origins.
In times of crisis, recounting the rise of kingship would have helped Israel interpret its present struggles in light of its past decisions.
Why Authorship Matters
Understanding who wrote 1 Samuel shapes how the book is read. The book is not simply a biography of Samuel or Saul, nor is it propaganda for or against monarchy. It is a theological narrative wrestling with power, leadership, and faithfulness.
Recognizing 1 Samuel as a shaped and reflective work allows readers to appreciate its honesty. The book preserves tension rather than resolving it, inviting ongoing discernment about leadership and trust in God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Samuel write the book of 1 Samuel?
Some early tradition associated Samuel with parts of the book, but most scholars understand it as an anonymous work compiled over time.
Is 1 Samuel history or theology?
First Samuel preserves historical memory shaped by theological interpretation. Its primary aim is theological reflection.
Why does the book present mixed views of kingship?
The book reflects competing traditions and theological reflection on the risks and responsibilities of political power.
Does authorship affect the authority of 1 Samuel?
For most Jewish and Christian readers, authority comes from the book’s place in Scripture and its theological witness, not from identifying a named author.
Sources and Further Reading
Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. 3rd ed. Fortress Press, 2018, pp. 176–190.
Brueggemann, Walter. First and Second Samuel. Interpretation Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press, 1990, pp. 1–35.
