Book 9 of 39 in the Old Testament — Rise of the monarchy.
1 Samuel covers Israel's transition from a loose confederation led by judges to a unified monarchy. It opens with Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, who anoints Saul as Israel's first king after the people demand one. Saul's early promise gives way to disobedience and jealousy, especially toward the young shepherd David, whom Samuel secretly anoints as Saul's replacement. The book traces David's rise — killing Goliath, serving in Saul's court, then fleeing for his life — as Saul's reign unravels.
“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:”King James Version
Hannah rejoices that God answered her prayer for a son, Samuel.
“And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.”King James Version
Young Samuel answers God's call: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”King James Version
God tells Samuel that he looks at the heart, not outward appearance, in choosing David.
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”King James Version
David tells Goliath he comes in the name of the Lord of hosts.
“And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”King James Version
David refuses to harm Saul, God's anointed king, even with the chance to kill him.