Monthly Archives: July 2017

1 And they did. The men of Kiriath Jearim came and got the Chest ofGodand delivered it to the house of Abinadab on the hill. They ordained his son, Eleazar, to take responsibility for the Chest ofGod. 2 From the time that the Chest came to rest in Kiriath Jearim, a long time passed—twenty years […]

Rejecting God as the King 1-3 When Samuel got to be an old man, he set his sons up as judges in Israel. His firstborn son was named Joel, the name of his second, Abijah. They were assigned duty in Beersheba. But his sons didn’t take after him; they were out for what they could […]

Saul—Head and Shoulders Above the Crowd 1-2 There was a man from the tribe of Benjamin named Kish. He was the son of Abiel, grandson of Zeror, great-grandson of Becorath, great-great-grandson of Aphiah—a Benjaminite of stalwart character. He had a son, Saul, a most handsome young man. There was none finer—he literally stood head and […]

“You’ll Be a New Person” 1-2 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, and kissed him. He said, “Do you see what this means?Godhas anointed you prince over his people. “This sign will confirmGod’s anointing of you as prince over his inheritance: After you leave me today, as you get […]

1 So Nahash went after them and prepared to go to war against Jabesh Gilead. The men of Jabesh petitioned Nahash: “Make a treaty with us and we’ll serve you.” 2 Nahash said, “I’ll make a treaty with you on one condition: that every right eye among you be gouged out! I’ll humiliate every last […]

“Don’t Chase After Ghost-Gods” 1-3 Samuel addressed all Israel: “I’ve listened to everything you’ve said to me, listened carefully to every word, and I’ve given you a king. See for yourself: Your king among you, leading you! But now look at me: I’m old and gray, and my sons are still here. I’ve led you […]

“God Is Out Looking for Your Replacement” 1 Saul was a young man when he began as king. He was king over Israel for many years. 2 Saul conscripted enough men for three companies of soldiers. He kept two companies under his command at Micmash and in the Bethel hills. The other company was under […]

1-3 Later that day, Jonathan, Saul’s son, said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to the Philistine garrison patrol on the other side of the pass.” But he didn’t tell his father. Meanwhile, Saul was taking it easy under the pomegranate tree at the threshing floor on the edge of town at […]

1-2 Samuel said to Saul, “Godsent me to anoint you king over his people, Israel. Now, listen again to whatGodsays. This is theGod-of-the-Angel-Armies speaking: 2-3 “‘I’m about to get even with Amalek for ambushing Israel when Israel came up out of Egypt. Here’s what you are to do: Go to war against Amalek. Put everything […]

God Looks into the Heart 1 Godaddressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.” 2-3 “I […]