Though the author or authors of I and II Samuel are unknown, it is likely that the books were written in the years immediately following the Babylonian Captivity.

That being the case, the content of I and II Samuel serves as a refresher history course for the exiles. The two books recount the establishment of the united monarchy, the time when all of the tribes were ruled by one king. First, there was Saul, then David, and then Solomon. Along with I and II Kings, I and II Samuel tell the entire history of the kingdom of Israel. Also, the books remind the exiles why their kingdom crumbled, and why the captivity happened. They and their ancestors broke covenant with God.