Monthly Archives: July 2017

Famine and War 1 There was a famine in David’s time. It went on year after year after year—three years. David went toGodseeking the reason. Godsaid, “This is because there is blood on Saul and his house, from the time he massacred the Gibeonites.” 2 So the king called the Gibeonites together for consultation. (The […]

1 David prayed toGodthe words of this song afterGodsaved him from all his enemies and from Saul. 2-3 Godis bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout; My mountaintop refuge, he […]

1 These are David’s last words: The voice of the son of Jesse, the voice of the man God took to the top, Whom the God of Jacob made king, and Israel’s most popular singer! 2-7 God’s Spirit spoke through me, his words took shape on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke to me, […]

1-2 Once againGod’s anger blazed out against Israel. He tested David by telling him, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” So David gave orders to Joab and the army officers under him, “Canvass all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and get a count of the population. I want to […]

Hannah Pours Out Her Heart to God 1-2 There once was a man who lived in Ramathaim. He was descended from the old Zuph family in the Ephraim hills. His name was Elkanah. (He was connected with the Zuphs from Ephraim through his father Jeroham, his grandfather Elihu, and his great-grandfather Tohu.) He had two […]

1 Hannah prayed: I’m bursting withGod-news! I’m walking on air. I’m laughing at my rivals. I’m dancing my salvation. 2-5 Nothing and no one is holy likeGod, no rock mountain like our God. Don’t dare talk pretentiously— not a word of boasting, ever! ForGodknows what’s going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens. […]

“Speak, God. I’m Ready to Listen” 1-3 The boy Samuel was servingGodunder Eli’s direction. This was at a time when the revelation ofGodwas rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad—he could hardly see). It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still […]

The Chest of God Is Taken 1-3 Whatever Samuel said was broadcast all through Israel. Israel went to war against the Philistines. Israel set up camp at Ebenezer, the Philistines at Aphek. The Philistines marched out to meet Israel, the fighting spread, and Israel was badly beaten—about four thousand soldiers left dead on the field. […]

Threatened with Mass Death 1-2 Once the Philistines had seized the Chest of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, brought it into the shrine of Dagon, and placed it alongside the idol of Dagon. 3-5 Next morning when the citizens of Ashdod got up, they were shocked to find Dagon toppled from his […]

Gold Tumors and Rats 1-2 After the Chest ofGodhad been among the Philistine people for seven months, the Philistine leaders called together their religious professionals, the priests, and experts on the supernatural for consultation: “How can we get rid of this Chest ofGod, get it off our hands without making things worse? Tell us!” 3 […]