In Ancient Hebrew manuscripts 1 and 2 Samuel form one book. I understand that they were not divided into two until the Old Testament was translated into Greek. We are not told who wrote them, but Samuel contributed to them. Much was written after his death, but they describe much of his life and ministry. Samuel may have written or supplied, the information for chapters 1-24 which are a biography up to his death. It is noted in 1 Chronicles 29:29 that Samuel, Nathan and Gad recorded the acts of King David, and it may be that someone used the documents from those three to compile the record.
The first book relates God’s establishment of a political system in Israel. Before this God had ruled as ‘king’ but the people wanted an earthly king like their neighbours. Samuel warns them of the difficulties which would arise, but they wanted to go ahead, and Samuel established the appointment of the monarchy anointing the first two kings, Saul and David. Samuel’s role was similar to Moses as God’s representative.
The events that happen in 1 Samuel cover a period of about 110 years, from the closing days of the Judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC). We see the birth of Samuel, his call from God and his prophetic ministry, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing and maturity of David.
First Samuel is set in the land of Israel, where the Hebrews invaded and settled (see Joshua). Numerous other peoples continued to dwell alongside Israel, often disrupting the peace and encouraging the Israelites to stray from their faith.
