People of 1 Samuel
Every person who appears in the book of 1 Samuel, ordered by how often they are mentioned there.
75 profiles tagged People of 1 Samuel.
Everyone in this collection
Saul
King of Israel who was the first to rule the United Monarchy before being rejected by God
Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel from the tribe of Benjamin to lead the United Monarchy against the Philistine threat.
David
King of Israel who defeated Goliath and established the Davidic dynasty
The second king of the United Monarchy of Israel, a shepherd-warrior and psalmist known as a man after God's own heart.
Samuel
Prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel
A pivotal prophet, priest, and the final judge of Israel who presided over the transition from the loose confederation of tribes to the United Monarchy.
Jonathan, Son of King Saul
Prince of Israel and loyal friend of David who died at Mount Gilboa
A prince of Israel and renowned warrior of the Tribe of Benjamin, famous for his profound covenantal friendship with David and his loyalty to God over his own royal succession.
Eli
High Priest at Shiloh who mentored the prophet Samuel and suffered the loss of the Ark of the Covenant
Eli was a high priest of Israel at Shiloh and a judge during the transition to the United Monarchy, known for mentoring the prophet Samuel.
Jesse
Patriarch of the house of David and ancestor of Jesus Christ
The father of King David and a resident of Bethlehem, Jesse is a pivotal link in the genealogy of the Davidic dynasty and the Messianic line.
The Medium of Endor
Medium who summoned the spirit of Samuel for King Saul
A woman living in Endor who was consulted by King Saul to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel during a crisis of the United Monarchy.
Achish
King of Gath who protected David from Saul and gave him the city of Ziklag
The Philistine King of Gath who provided refuge to David during his flight from King Saul and later employed him as a mercenary.
Nabal
Wealthy Calebite whose refusal of hospitality to David led to his divine judgment
A wealthy but harsh Calebite landowner whose refusal to offer hospitality to David nearly resulted in his household's destruction, leading to his divine judgment and death.
Ahimelech, High Priest of Nob
High Priest who was executed by Saul for assisting David at Nob
The High Priest at Nob who unknowingly assisted David during his flight from King Saul, resulting in the tragic execution of his priestly household.
Abigail, Wife of David
Wise and beautiful wife of David who prevented him from slaughtering Nabal's household
An intelligent and beautiful woman from Carmel who averted a massacre through diplomacy and later became one of King David’s primary wives.
Hannah
Mother of Samuel who dedicated him to the LORD
The devout wife of Elkanah and mother of the prophet Samuel, known for her persistent prayer and dedicating her firstborn to the LORD at Shiloh.
Jonathan's Armor-Bearer
Young warrior who accompanied Jonathan in the daring two-man assault on the Philistine outpost at Michmash
A young warrior of the United Monarchy known for his exceptional courage and unwavering loyalty during a decisive surprise assault on a Philistine outpost at Michmash.
Abner
Commander of Saul's army who eventually sought to unite Israel under David
The commander-in-chief of King Saul’s army and a pivotal military leader during the transition of power to the house of David.
Michal
Daughter of Saul who loved David and saved his life but later despised his worship
The daughter of King Saul and the first wife of King David, Michal is a complex figure who navigated the political and personal tensions of Israel's early monarchy.
Elkanah, Father of Samuel
Father of the prophet Samuel who lived during the United Monarchy
A devout Levite of the United Monarchy era, known as the husband of Hannah and the father of the prophet Samuel.
Phinehas, Son of Eli
Priest of Shiloh whose death fulfilled a prophecy of judgment against the house of Eli
Phinehas was a priest at Shiloh during the United Monarchy whose death coincided with the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant.
Abiathar
High priest who escaped the massacre at Nob and supported King David
The last high priest from the line of Eli, Abiathar was a loyal companion to David during his exile but was eventually deposed by Solomon for supporting Adonijah.
Agag, King of the Amalekites
King of the Amalekites whose life was spared by Saul but ended by the prophet Samuel
The Amalekite king captured by Saul and executed by Samuel, whose lineage is later linked to Haman in the Book of Esther.
Ahitub, Son of Phinehas
Grandson of Eli and father of Ahimelech the High Priest of Nob
A Levite priest and grandson of Eli who served during the United Monarchy and fathered the High Priest Ahimelech.
Hophni
Priest of Shiloh whose corruption led to his death and the capture of the Ark
A priest of Israel at Shiloh and son of Eli whose corrupt behavior and eventual death in battle signaled the end of his family’s priestly dominance.
Kish, Father of King Saul
Father of Saul, the first king of Israel
A wealthy and influential Benjamite landowner best known as the father of Saul, the first king of Israel.
The Egyptian Servant in the Amalekite Camp
Egyptian slave who led David to the Amalekite camp after being abandoned by his master
An abandoned Egyptian slave who, after being rescued by David's men, provided the intelligence necessary for David to recover the captives from the raid on Ziklag.
Abishai
Military commander and nephew of David who served as chief of the Three and killed three hundred men in one battle
A high-ranking military commander and nephew of King David, known for his fierce loyalty, battlefield prowess, and leadership during the United Monarchy.
Doeg
Official who murdered the priests of Nob
An Edomite official serving as King Saul’s chief shepherd, notorious for the massacre of eighty-five priests at Nob.
Goliath
Philistine giant killed by David in the Valley of Elah
A champion warrior from Gath of enormous stature who served in the Philistine army during the reign of King Saul.
Ner
Father of Abner and uncle of King Saul who dedicated spoils to the house of God
A high-ranking Benjamite of the United Monarchy, father of the commander Abner, and uncle to Israel's first king, Saul.
Ahinoam of Jezreel, Wife of David
Wife of King David and mother of his firstborn son Amnon
Ahinoam of Jezreel was the first of King David's wives during his wilderness years and the mother of his firstborn son, Amnon.
Eliab, Brother of David
Eldest brother of King David who was passed over for the kingship despite his height and appearance
Eliab was the firstborn son of Jesse of Bethlehem and the eldest brother of King David, known for his imposing stature and service in King Saul's army.
Merab
Eldest daughter of King Saul who was promised to David but married to Adriel
Merab was the eldest daughter of King Saul, originally promised to David as a wife but ultimately married to Adriel of Meholah.
Nahash the Ammonite (1 Samuel 11)
King of the Ammonites who besieged Jabesh-gilead and demanded the right eyes of its inhabitants
An Ammonite king whose cruel siege of Jabesh-gilead served as the catalyst for the consolidation of Saul’s kingship over Israel.
Saul's Armor-Bearer
Official who died by suicide alongside King Saul at the Battle of Mount Gilboa
An unnamed military official who served King Saul and committed suicide on Mount Gilboa after the king's death.
Aaron
First High Priest of Israel who served as the spokesman for Moses during the Exodus
The first High Priest of Israel, elder brother of Moses, and primary spokesman for the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt.
Abiel
Patriarch of the Tribe of Benjamin and grandfather of King Saul
A prominent Benjamite and the paternal grandfather of Saul, Israel's first king, and Abner, the commander of Saul's army.
Abinadab, Son of King Saul
Son of King Saul who died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa
A prince of the tribe of Benjamin and son of King Saul who died alongside his father and brothers during the Battle of Mount Gilboa.
Abinadab, Son of Jesse
second son of Jesse who was passed over for kingship in favor of David
The second-born son of Jesse and elder brother of King David who served in the army of King Saul during the Philistine wars.
Caleb son of Jephunneh
Spy who gave a faithful report of Canaan and later conquered Hebron
One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to Canaan, distinguished by his wholehearted faith and courage in claiming his inheritance at Hebron.
Ichabod
Son of Phinehas whose name symbolized the departure of God's glory from Israel
The son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli, Ichabod is best known for his symbolic name meaning 'the glory has departed,' marking the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant.
Jerahmeel, Son of Hezron
Firstborn son of Hezron and founder of the Jerahmeelite clan in the Negev
The firstborn son of Hezron and a significant clan founder within the tribe of Judah, whose descendants occupied the southern Negev region.
Joshua of Beth-shemesh
Landowner whose field received the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines
A landowner in Beth-shemesh whose field served as the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant upon its return from Philistia.
Malchi-shua
Son of King Saul who died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa
A prince of the United Monarchy and son of King Saul who died alongside his father and brothers during the Battle of Mount Gilboa.
Moses
Prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments
The preeminent prophet and lawgiver of Israel who led the Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage and mediated the Covenant at Mount Sinai.
Peninnah
Wife of Elkanah who rivaled and provoked the barren Hannah
The second wife of Elkanah during the United Monarchy period, known for her fertility and her antagonistic relationship with Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel.
Pharaoh, King of the Exodus
Egyptian king who opposed Moses and was defeated at the Red Sea
The stubborn monarch of Egypt who resisted the divine command to release the Israelites, ultimately succumbing after ten plagues and the destruction of his army.
Shimeah, Brother of David
Third son of Jesse and brother of King David who served in Saul's army
The third son of Jesse and an elder brother of King David, Shimeah served in the army of Saul and was the father of the shrewd Jonadab and the warrior Jonathan.
Abijah, Son of Samuel
Son of Samuel whose corruption led Israel to demand a king
Abijah was the second son of the prophet Samuel and served as a judge in Beersheba during the final years of the United Monarchy's transition.
Abinadab, Custodian of the Ark
Custodian who housed the Ark of the Covenant in his home for twenty years
A resident of Kiriath-jearim whose household served as the sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant for twenty years following its return from the Philistines.
Adriel
Son-in-law of King Saul whose five sons were executed to atone for Saul's crimes. Called a Meholathite, a designation of origin rather than a people group
Adriel of Meholah was the husband of Merab, King Saul’s eldest daughter, and the father of five sons whose lives ended in a political execution during the reign of King David.
Ahimaaz, Father of Ahinoam
father of Ahinoam and father-in-law of King Saul
Ahimaaz was a man of the United Monarchy period whose daughter, Ahinoam, became the wife of Saul, the first king of Israel.
Ahimelech the Hittite
Hittite soldier who served as a companion to David during his exile
Ahimelech the Hittite was a soldier and companion of David during his period of exile from King Saul, mentioned as a potential volunteer for a dangerous scouting mission.
Ahinoam, Wife of Saul
Wife of King Saul and mother of Jonathan
Ahinoam was the daughter of Ahimaaz and the queen consort of Saul, the first king of Israel.
Barzillai the Meholathite
Father of Adriel and patriarch whose grandsons were executed by the Gibeonites. Called a Meholathite, a designation of origin rather than a people group
A man from Abel-meholah and the father of Adriel, whose sons were executed by the Gibeonites during the reign of King David.
Aphiah
Benjamite ancestor of King Saul
An ancestral figure in the tribe of Benjamin and a progenitor of King Saul, identified as the great-great-grandfather of Kish.
Barak
Commander who defeated the Canaanite army under Sisera at Mount Tabor
A military commander of ancient Israel who led the forces of Naphtali and Zebulun against the Canaanites during the era of the Judges.
Becorath
Ancestor of King Saul mentioned in the genealogy of 1 Samuel
Becorath was a member of the Tribe of Benjamin and a direct ancestor of Saul, the first king of Israel.
Eleazar, Son of Abinadab
Guardian of the Ark of the Covenant during its stay at Kiriath-jearim
The son of Abinadab who was consecrated to guard the Ark of the Covenant during its twenty-year stay in Kiriath-jearim.
Elihu, Great-grandfather of Samuel
Levite ancestor of the prophet Samuel residing in the hill country of Ephraim
A Levite of the United Monarchy period and the paternal great-grandfather of the prophet Samuel.
Ephrathah
Matriarch of the Tribe of Judah and ancestor of the Ephrathite clan of Bethlehem
A matriarch of the Tribe of Judah, wife of Caleb and mother of Hur, whose lineage is inextricably linked to the founding of Bethlehem.
Gad, David's Seer
Prophet and seer who advised King David and designated the site for the Temple
A prominent prophet and royal seer during the United Monarchy who served as a spiritual advisor to King David and chronicled his reign.
Gideon
Judge who defeated the Midianites with only three hundred men
A reluctant judge and military leader of Israel who defeated the Midianites with a small band of three hundred men after seeking divine signs.
Jephthah
Judge of Israel who defeated the Ammonites and made a tragic vow involving his daughter
A Gileadite judge and warrior who led Israel against the Ammonites after being exiled by his family, known for his tragic vow and military success.
Jeroham, Grandfather of Samuel
Levite ancestor of the prophet Samuel and father of Elkanah
A Levite of the United Monarchy period, notable as the father of Elkanah and the grandfather of the prophet Samuel.
Joab, Commander of the Army
Commander of David's army who captured Jerusalem and killed Absalom
Joab was the nephew of King David and the supreme commander of Israel's military during the United Monarchy, known for his tactical brilliance and ruthless pragmatism.
Joel, Son of Samuel
Son of Samuel whose corruption as a judge led Israel to demand a king
The firstborn son of the prophet Samuel and a Levite judge appointed to serve in Beersheba during the transition to the United Monarchy.
Laish
Father of Palti who was given David's wife Michal by King Saul
A man from Gallim during the United Monarchy and the father of Palti, to whom King Saul gave Michal, David’s wife.
Maoch
Philistine father of Achish the King of Gath
Maoch was a Philistine royal father whose son, Achish, served as the King of Gath during the reigns of King Saul and King Solomon.
Matri
Clan founder from whose lineage Saul was selected as the first king of Israel
Matri was a Benjaminite whose clan was selected by lot during the assembly at Mizpah to provide the first king of Israel.
Palti, Husband of Michal
Husband given King Saul's daughter Michal after David fled into exile
A Benjamite from Gallim who was given King Saul’s daughter Michal in marriage after David fled the royal court.
Rachel
Matriarch of Israel and the beloved wife of Jacob who died giving birth to Benjamin
The beloved wife of the patriarch Jacob and the biological mother of Joseph and Benjamin, recognized as a foundational matriarch of the nation of Israel.
Sisera, Commander of Hazor
Canaanite general defeated by Barak and killed by Jael with a tent peg
The commander of King Jabin's Canaanite army who led nine hundred iron chariots against Israel and was defeated by Barak and Jael.
Tohu
Levite ancestor of the prophet Samuel
Tohu was a Levite of the house of Kohath and a direct ancestor of the prophet Samuel, living during the era of the United Monarchy.
Zeror
Great-grandfather of King Saul who appears in the royal genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin
A Benjamite ancestor of King Saul, identified as the son of Becorath and the father of Abiel.
Zeruiah
Mother of Joab and sister of King David whose sons were the primary military leaders of Israel
The sister of King David and mother of his three most powerful military leaders, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, during the United Monarchy.
Zuph
Levite ancestor of the prophet Samuel who settled in the hill country of Ephraim
A Levite of the United Monarchy period and an ancestor of the prophet Samuel, whose name also identifies the region of Ramathaim-zophim.
Husband of Zeruiah
father of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel
The unnamed father of David's three most prominent military leaders: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel during the United Monarchy.