In this unique chapter, unable to hear from God, Saul consults a medium in an attempt to get some direction from Samuel (who was recently deceased). “Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ Saul answered, ‘I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and…
Month: August 2020
1 Chronicles 12
This chapter contains an account of “David’s mighty men” who joined him (or were with him) in Ziklag (the Philistine city). “And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. David went out to meet them and said to them, ‘If you have come to me in friendship to…
1 Samuel 27
It is a dark time for David – he and his men flee Israel and move in with the Philistines. They make an occupation out of raiding and murdering the peoples around them for spoils. “And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household… Now David and his…
1 Samuel 26
In a very similar narrative to ch24, this chapter contains another account of David sparing Saul’s life, even though he could have easily killed him. “Saul recognized David’s voice and said, ‘Is this your voice, my son David?’ And David said, ‘It is my voice, my lord, O king… Why does my lord pursue after…
1 Samuel 25
This chapter contains the account of Nabal and his wife Abigail. It also mentions in two simple sentences: “Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah.” (v1) “Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The…
1 Samuel 24
This chapter details an opportunity for David to kill Saul, yet David has mercy and leaves vengeance in the Lord’s hands. “Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put…
1 Samuel 23
This chapter details Saul’s further pursuit of David, and more of the encounters along the way. “…David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said to David… ‘Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.’ And David and his men went to…
1 Samuel 22
It’s a dark day for Israel as Saul continues his merciless pursuit of David, killing all who aid him on his journey. “Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest… and all his father’s house, the priests who were at Nob… And Saul said to him, ‘Why have you conspired against me, you and…
1 Samuel 21
David is on the run from Saul (Jonathan told him to flee for his life) and we are given insight into some of his journey. “Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest… ‘Why are you alone, and no one with you?’ And David said… ‘The king has charged me with a matter and…
1 Samuel 20
In this chapter Jonathan’s and David’s bond comes into focus and Jonathan sends David away from Saul in order to protect him. “David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most….