Category: 1 Samuel

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…

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….

This chapter continues the account of Saul’s unrighteous jealousy toward David, and his escalating attempts to kill David, yet the events are far different than before. “And it was told Saul, ‘Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.’ Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying,…

A great deal happens in this chapter including the formation of David and Jonathan’s friendship, Saul’s initial jealousy of David, and his first attempts to “kill” David (by the hands of the Philistines). “Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his…

This famous chapter contains the account of David and Goliath. “And when the Philistine [Goliath] looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth… And the Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David…

This full and challenging chapter includes the introduction and anointing of David as future king, and David’s entry into Saul’s service. “Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. So Saul said to his servants, ‘Provide for me a man who can play well and…

Saul continues his pattern of selective obedience to God’s commands (partial obedience is still disobedience, by the way). He seems easily led astray by voices who are not in alignment with God, and then blames them, failing to take ownership of his own sin/decisions. “And Samuel said, ‘…the Lord sent you on a mission and…

There are two main themes in this chapter. Jonathan, Saul’s son, steps out in faith and defeats some of the Philistines, causing their army to panic and flee. In the second section Saul makes a foolish vow that nearly costs him Jonathan’s life, and the war. “And the men of Israel had been hard pressed…

Israel continues to be at war with the Philistines. Saul is preparing for battle, but it would seem God is not with them, for many of the men flee, and Saul takes matters into his own hands. “Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. He waited seven days, the time…

This chapter contains Samuel’s farewell address to Israel after the crowning of Saul as king. He reminds Israel of their past sin, but more importantly, of their gracious and forgiving God. ” ‘I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is…