Category: 1 Samuel

In this final chapter of 1 Samuel, Saul and his sons die, just as Samuel had prophesied. “Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab…

This chapter details the account of David’s troop returning to find Ziklag burned and all of their families captured by the Amalekites. “And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?’ He answered him, ‘Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.’ So David set out,…

In this chapter the lords of the Philistines decide not to allow David and his troops to join them in war. “Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by… the commanders…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…