1 Samuel marks a transition period from the Theocracy (governed by immediate divine guidance)
to the Monarchy (governed by a single person).
Samuel is the last of the judges and is considered the first of the prophets though there were a few
prophets before him. (Acts 3:24; 13:20).
SOME APPROXIMATE DATES BASED ON VARIOUS SCRIPTURES
Abraham--------------2000--1825--175----Gen. 25:7
Bondage in Egypt----1800--1470--430----Ex. 12:40-41; Gal. 3:17
Period of Judges------1470--1020--450----Acts 13:20
Building of Temple-----990---------480----I Kings 6:1
40 years for the wandering
60 years for the rest of the life of Joshua and elders
300 years for Judges
80 years for Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon
Total: 480 years
There were fourteen generations from Abraham to David. (Matt. 1:17)