This book describes the transition of leadership from judges to kings. It is named after the prophet Samuel and originally was one book (1st and 2nd Sam) in the Hebrew Bible and is one continuous account. It was split into two in the Septuuagint and has remained that way since.
The author is unknown but tradition has it that the book was written by Samuel himself. This may be true, at least for the first part, but as his death is recorded in chapter 25 it seems logical that another took over the responsibility.
The first part, written by Samuel himself is dated around 1015BC. Samuel was born 1105BC and ministered as Prophet and Judge from around 1067 BC to 1015BC. This book covers a period of 94 years from the birth of Samuel to the death of King Saul.
Key words: transition - The changeover from rule by the judges to rule by a king
Key verses: 13:14 and 15:22 "But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be a commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord has commanded you"
"Then Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in the obeying the voice of the Lord?. Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams'"
Key chapter: Chapter 15 which records the transaction from Saul to David