Samuel was prophet, priestly servant, and judge. He led Israel faithfully and challenged the people to name anything he had taken unfairly from them—they could not.

• He was the last judge before Israel’s monarchy.
• The Bible does not give an exact number of years for his judgeship.
• He anointed both Saul and David.

When Saul was presented as king, he was found hiding among the baggage. He began humbly, but later disobeyed God and became deeply jealous of David.

• Saul repeatedly tried to kill David.
• His fear of losing the throne helped destroy his peace.
• Saul reigned about 40 years.

God sent Samuel to Jesse’s family. When David came in, God said, “Arise and anoint him.” David later defeated Goliath and became Israel’s warrior king.

• He trusted God against Goliath.
• He became the father of Solomon.
• David reigned 40 years.

Solomon asked God for wisdom and became famous for it throughout the world. During his reign, Israel experienced extraordinary prosperity and a long period of peace.

• He built the temple in Jerusalem.
• His wisdom drew rulers from distant lands.
• Solomon reigned 40 years.

After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam rejected wise advice. The kingdom split in two.

Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. Matthew traces His royal line through Solomon, David, and Judah.

• Most Jews today descend from the people identified with the southern kingdom of Judah.
• There are roughly 16–17 million Jews worldwide.
• About 900–1,000 Samaritans remain today, connected historically to the northern Israelite population.