Saul is introduced as the future king of Israel when he is chosen by God after searching for his father’s lost donkeys, and is anointed by Samuel.

The Israelites demand a king to rule over them like other nations, despite Samuel's warning that it will lead to oppression, showing their rejection of God as their true king.

The Israelites repent and return to the Lord, Samuel leads them in prayer, and God grants them victory over the Philistines, affirming His faithfulness and power.

The Philistines return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, along with a guilt offering, after experiencing severe plagues, but some of the people of Beth Shemesh are struck down for looking into the Ark, showing the holiness of God's presence.

The Philistines place the captured Ark of the Covenant in the temple of their god Dagon, but the statue of Dagon falls and breaks, and the people are struck with tumors, demonstrating God's power over idols.

The Israelites are defeated by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant is captured, and the death of Eli and his sons marks the judgment on Eli's household for their disobedience.

God calls the young Samuel to be a prophet, and after initially misunderstanding, Samuel listens and responds to God's voice, receiving a message of judgment for Eli's household.

Hannah, a faithful woman who is barren, prays fervently for a child, promising to dedicate him to God; God grants her a son, Samuel, whom she dedicates to serve in the temple under Eli, while Eli’s sons act wickedly, leading God to favour Samuel as His future prophet.