Author: admin

Saul Rejected as King

1 Samuel told Saul, “TheLordsent me to anoint you as king over His people Israel.Now, listen to the words of theLord.

2 This is what theLordof Hosts says: ‘I witnessedwhat the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them along the way as they were coming out of Egypt.

3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and completely destroy everything they have.Do not spare them. Kill men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’ ”

4 Then Saul summoned the troops and counted them at Telaim: 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men from Judah.

5 Saul came to the city of Amalek and set up an ambush in the wadi.

6 He warned the Kenites,“Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came out of Egypt,go on and leave! Get away from the Amalekites, or I’ll sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites withdrew from the Amalekites.

7 Then Saul struck down the Amalekitesfrom Havilahall the way to Shur,which is next to Egypt.

8 He captured Agagking of Amalek alive, but he completely destroyed all the rest of the people with the sword.

9 Saul and the troops spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, cattle, and choice animals,as well as the young rams and the best of everything else. They were not willing to destroy them, but they did destroy all the worthless and unwanted things.

10 Then the word of theLordcame to Samuel,

11 “I regret that I made Saul king,for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.”So Samuel became angry and cried out to theLordall night.

12 Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but it was reported to Samuel, “Saul went to Carmelwhere he set up a monument for himself. Then he turned around and went down to Gilgal.”

13 When Samuel came to him, Saul said, “May theLordbless you.I have carried out theLord’s instructions.”

14 Samuel replied, “Then what is this sound of sheepand cattle I hear? ”

15 Saul answered, “The troops brought them from the Amalekites and spared the best sheep and cattle in order to offer a sacrifice to theLordyour God,but the rest we destroyed.”

16 “Stop! ” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what theLordsaid to me last night.”

“Tell me,” he replied.

17 Samuel continued, “Although you once considered yourself unimportant,have you not become the leader of the tribes of Israel? TheLordanointed you king over Israel

18 and then sent you on a mission and said: ‘Go and completely destroy the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have annihilated them.’

19 So why didn’t you obey theLord? Why did you rush on the plunderand do what was evil in theLord’s sight? ”

20 “But I did obey theLord! ” Saul answered.“I went on the mission theLordgave me: I brought back Agag, king of Amalek, and I completely destroyed the Amalekites.

21 The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder — the best of what was set apart for destruction — to sacrifice to theLordyour God at Gilgal.”

22 Then Samuel said:

Does theLordtake pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices

as much as in obeying theLord?

Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,

to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,

and defiance is like wickednessand idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of theLord,

He has rejected you as king.

24 Saul answered Samuel, “I have sinned.I have transgressed theLord’s commandand your words. Because I was afraid of the people, I obeyed them.

25 Now therefore, please forgive my sinand return with me so I can worship theLord.”

26 Samuel replied to Saul, “I will not return with you. Because you rejected the word of theLord,theLordhas rejected you from being king over Israel.”

27 When Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore.

28 Samuel said to him, “TheLordhas torn the kingship of Israel away from you todayand has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.

29 Furthermore, the Eternal One of Israeldoes not lie or change His mind, for He is not man who changes his mind.”

30 Saul said, “I have sinned. Please honor menow before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me so I can bow in worship to theLordyour God.”

31 Then Samuel went back, following Saul, and Saul bowed down to theLord.

32 Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of Amalek.”

Agag came to him trembling,for he thought, “Certainly the bitterness of death has come.”

33 Samuel declared:

As your sword has made women childless,

so your mother will be childless among women.

Then he hacked Agag to pieces before theLordat Gilgal.

34 Samuel went to Ramah,and Saul went up to his home in Gibeahof Saul.

35 Even to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul.Samuel mourned for Saul,and theLordregretted He had made Saul king over Israel.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/15-e362809007fffa9089920d783e2e2b7c.mp3?version_id=72—

Samuel Anoints David

1 TheLordsaid to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul,since I have rejected him as king over Israel?Fill your horn with oiland go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehembecause I have selected a king from his sons.”

2 Samuel asked, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me! ”

TheLordanswered, “Take a young cow with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to theLord.’

3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will let you know what you are to do.You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate to you.”

4 Samuel did what theLorddirected and went to Bethlehem.When the elders of the town met him, they trembledand asked, “Doyou come in peace? ”

5 “In peace,” he replied. “I’ve come to sacrifice to theLord. Consecrate yourselvesand come with me to the sacrifice.”Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliaband said, “Certainly theLord’s anointed one is here before Him.”

7 But theLordsaid to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what theLordsees,for man sees what is visible,but theLordsees the heart.”

8 Jesse called Abinadaband presented him to Samuel. “TheLordhasn’t chosen this one either,” Samuel said.

9 Then Jesse presented Shammah,but Samuel said, “TheLordhasn’t chosen this one either.”

10 After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “TheLordhasn’t chosen any of these.”

11 Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have? ”

“There is still the youngest,”he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.”

12 So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy,handsome appearance.

Then theLordsaid, “Anoint him, for he is the one.”

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil, anointed himin the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of theLordtook control of David from that day forward.Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

David in Saul’s Court

14 Now the Spirit of theLordhad left Saul,and an evil spirit sent from theLordbegan to torment him,

15 so Saul’s servants said to him, “You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.

16 Let our lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the lyre. Whenever the evil spirit from God troubles you, that person can play the lyre, and you will feel better.”

17 Then Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

18 One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is also a valiant man,a warrior, eloquent, handsome, and theLordis with him.”

19 Then Saul dispatched messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”

20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat and sent them by his son David to Saul.

21 When David came to Sauland entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer.

22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse: “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

23 Whenever the spirit from God troubled Saul,David would pick up his lyre and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/16-5eff0753c99bc18b03678901a1e70753.mp3?version_id=72—

David versus Goliath

1 The Philistinesgathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah and camped between Socohand Azekahin Ephes-dammim.

2 Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah;then they lined up in battle formation to face the Philistines.

3 The Philistines were standing on one hill, and the Israelites were standing on another hill with a ravine between them.

4 Then a champion named Goliath, from Gath,came out from the Philistine camp. He was nine feet, nine inches tall

5 and wore a bronze helmetand bronze scale armor that weighed 125 pounds.

6 There was bronze armor on his shins, and a bronze swordwas slung between his shoulders.

7 His spear shaftwas like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed 15 pounds.In addition, a shield-bearerwas walking in front of him.

8 He stood and shouted to the Israelite battle formations: “Why do you come out to line up in battle formation? ” He asked them, “Am I not a Philistine and are you not servants of Saul?Choose one of your men and have him come down against me.

9 If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we will be your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.”

10 Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today.Send me a man so we can fight each other! ”

11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words from the Philistine, they lost their courage and were terrified.

12 Now David was the son of the Ephrathitefrom Bethlehem of Judah named Jesse. Jesse had eight sonsand during Saul’s reign was already an old man.

13 Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war, and their nameswere Eliab, the firstborn, Abinadab, the next, and Shammah, the third,

14 and David was the youngest.The three oldest had followed Saul,

15 but David kept going back and forth from Saulto tend his father’s flock in Bethlehem.

16 Every morning and evening for 40 days the Philistine came forward and took his stand.

17 One day Jesse had told his son David: “Take this half-bushelof roasted grain along with these 10 loaves of breadfor your brothers and hurry to their camp.

18 Also take these 10 portions of cheese to the field commander.Check on the welfare of your brothersand bring a confirmation from them.

19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines.”

20 So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with someone to keep it, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him.

He arrived at the perimeter of the campas the army was marching out to its battle formation shouting their battle cry.

21 Israel and the Philistines lined up in battle formation facing each other.

22 David left his supplies in the care of the quartermasterand ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were.

23 While he was speaking with them, suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the Philistine battle line and shouted his usual words,which David heard.

24 When all the Israelite men saw Goliath, they retreated from him terrified.

25 Previously, an Israelite man had declared: “Do you see this man who keeps coming out? He comes to defy Israel. The king will make the man who kills him very rich and will give him his daughter.The king will also make the household of that man’s father exempt from paying taxes in Israel.”

26 David spoke to the men who were standing with him: “What will be done for the man who kills that Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?Just who is this uncircumcised Philistinethat he should defy the armiesof the living God? ”

27 The people told him about the offer, concluding, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

28 David’s oldest brother Eliab listened as he spoke to the men, and became angry with him.“Why did you come down here? ” he asked. “Who did you leave those few sheep with in the wilderness? I know your arrogance and your evil heart — you came down to see the battle! ”

29 “What have I done now? ” protested David. “It was just a question.”

30 Then he turned from those beside him to others in front of him and asked about the offer. The people gave him the same answer as before.

31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, so he had David brought to him.

32 David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged byhim;your servant will goand fight this Philistine! ”

33 But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”

34 David answered Saul: “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock,

35 I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth.If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur,strike it down, and kill it.

36 Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”

37 Then David said, “TheLordwho rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go, and may theLordbe with you.”

38 Then Saul had his own military clothes put on David. He put a bronze helmet on David’s head and had him put on armor.

39 David strapped his sword on over the military clothes and tried to walk, but he was not used to them. “I can’t walk in these,” David said to Saul, “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off.

40 Instead, he took his staff in his handand chose five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pouch, in his shepherd’s bag. Then, with his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.

41 The Philistine came closer and closer to David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.

42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised himbecause he was just a youth, healthyand handsome.

43 He said to David, “Am I a dogthat you come against me with sticks? ”Then he cursed David by his gods.

44 “Come here,” the Philistine called to David, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts! ”

45 David said to the Philistine: “You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies — you have defied Him.

46 Today, theLordwill hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, cut your head off, and give the corpsesof the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God,

47 and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that theLordsaves,for the battle is theLord’s.He will hand you over to us.”

48 When the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet the Philistine.

49 David put his hand in the bag, took out a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.

50 David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone. Even though David had no sword, he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword,pulled it from its sheath, and used it to kill him. Then he cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they ran.

52 The men of Israel and Judah rallied, shouting their battle cry, and chased the Philistines to the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron.Philistine bodies were strewn all along the Shaaraim roadto Gath and Ekron.

53 When the Israelites returned from the pursuit of the Philistines, they plundered their camps.

54 David took Goliath’shead and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent.

55 When Saul had seen David going out to confront the Philistine, he asked Abner the commander of the army, “Whose son is this youth, Abner? ”

“My king, as surely as you live, I don’t know,” Abner replied.

56 The king said, “Find out whose son this young man is! ”

57 When David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the Philistine’s head still in his hand.

58 Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man? ”

“The son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,”David answered.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/17-5697d06ab9e492a10a6fc1720f766b25.mp3?version_id=72—

David’s Success

1 When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan committed himself to David, and loved him as much as he loved himself.

2 Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house.

3 Jonathan made a covenant with Davidbecause he loved him as much as himself.

4 Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David,along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

5 David marched out with the army and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the soldiers, which pleased all the people and Saul’s servants as well.

6 As the troops were coming back, when David was returning from killing the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul,singing and dancing with tambourines, with shouts of joy, and with three-stringed instruments.

7 As they celebrated, the women sang:

Saul has killed his thousands,

but David his tens of thousands.

8 Saul was furious and resented this song.“They credited tens of thousands to David,” he complained, “but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom? ”

9 So Saul watched David jealously from that day forward.

Saul Attempts to Kill David

10 The next day an evil spirit sent from God took control of Saul,and he began to raveinside the palace. David was playing the lyre as usual,but Saul was holding a spear,

11 and he threw it, thinking, “I’ll pin David to the wall.”But David got away from him twice.

12 Saul was afraid of David,because theLordwas with Davidbut had left Saul.

13 Therefore, Saul reassigned David and made him commander over 1,000 men. David led the troops

14 and continued to be successful in all his activities because theLordwas with him.

15 When Saul observed that David was very successful, he dreaded him.

16 But all Israel and Judah loved Davidbecause he was leading their troops.

17 Saul told David, “Here is my oldest daughter Merab. I’ll give her to you as a wife,if you will be a warrior for me and fight theLord’s battles.”But Saul was thinking, “My hand doesn’t need to be against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”

18 Then David responded, “Who am I,and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law? ”

19 When it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

David’s Marriage to Michal

20 Now Saul’s daughter Michalloved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him.

21 “I’ll give her to him,” Saul thought. “She’ll be a trap for him, and the hand of the Philistines will be against him.”So Saul said to David a second time, “You can now be my son-in-law.”

22 Saul then ordered his servants, “Speak to David in private and tell him, ‘Look, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Therefore, you should become the king’s son-in-law.’ ”

23 Saul’s servants reported these words directly to David,but he replied, “Is it trivial in your sight to become the king’s son-in-law? I am a poor man who is common.”

24 The servants reported back to Saul, “These are the words David spoke.”

25 Then Saul replied, “Say this to David: ‘The king desires no other bride-priceexcept 100 Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.’ ”Actually, Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.

26 When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleasedto become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived,

27 David and his men went out and killed 200Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as full payment to the king to become his son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David as his wife.

28 Saul realized that theLordwas with David and that his daughter Michal loved him,

29 and he became even more afraid of David. As a result, Saul was David’s enemy from then on.

30 Every time the Philistine commanders came out to fight,David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers.So his name became well known.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/18-f237f0585c3b9d561e0fbd82217af6f2.mp3?version_id=72—

David Delivered from Saul

1 Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David.But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much,

2 so he told him: “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning and hide in a secret place and stay there.

3 I’ll go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are and talk to him about you. When I see what he says, I’ll tell you.”

4 Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul. He said to him: “The king should not sin against his servant David.He hasn’t sinned against you; in fact, his actions have been a great advantage to you.

5 He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine,and theLordbrought about a great victory for all Israel.You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason? ”

6 Saul listened to Jonathan’s advice and swore an oath: “As surely as theLordlives, David will not be killed.”

7 So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these words. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he served him as he did before.

8 When war broke out again, David went out and fought against the Philistines. He defeated them with such a great force that they fled from him.

9 Now an evil spirit sent from theLordcame on Saul as he was sitting in his palace holding a spear.David was playing the lyre,

10 and Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear.As the spear struck the wall, David eluded Saul, ran away, and escaped that night.

11 Saul sent agents to David’s house to watch for him and kill him in the morning.But his wife Michalwarned David, “If you don’t escape tonight, you will be dead tomorrow! ”

12 So she lowered David from the window, and he fled and escaped.

13 Then Michal took the household idol and put it on the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment.

14 When Saul sent agents to seize David, Michal said, “He’s sick.”

15 Saul sent the agents back to see David and said, “Bring him on his bed so I can kill him.”

16 When the messengers arrived, to their surprise, the household idol was on the bed with some goat hair on its head.

17 Saul asked Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away, and he has escaped! ”

She answered him, “He said to me, ‘Let me go! Why should I kill you? ’ ”

18 So David fled and escaped and went to Samuel at Ramahand told him everything Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel left and stayed at Naioth.

19 When it was reported to Saul that David was at Naioth in Ramah,

20 he sent agents to seize David.However, when they saw the group of prophets prophesyingwith Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s agents, and they also started prophesying.

21 When they reported to Saul, he sent other agents, and they also began prophesying.So Saul tried again and sent a third group of agents, and even they began prophesying.

22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah. He came to the large cistern at Secu, looked around, and asked, “Where are Samuel and David? ”

“At Naioth in Ramah,” someone said.

23 So he went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God also came on him,and as he walked along, he prophesied until he entered Naioth in Ramah.

24 Saul then removed his clothes and also prophesied before Samuel; he collapsed and lay nakedall that day and all that night. That is why they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets? ”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/19-2839d86bdc07da5bf4704455c5d07dcb.mp3?version_id=72—

Jonathan Protects David

1 David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done?What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father so that he wants to take my life? ”

2 Jonathan said to him, “No, you won’t die. Listen, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without telling me.So why would he hide this matter from me? This can’t be true.”

3 But David said, “Your father certainly knows that you have come to look favorably on me. He has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or else he will be grieved.’ ” David also swore, “As surely as theLordlives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”

4 Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”

5 So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon,and I’m supposed to sit down and eat with the king.Instead, let me go, and I’ll hide in the field until the third night.

6 If your father misses me at all, say, ‘David urgently requested my permission to quickly go to his town Bethlehemfor an annual sacrificethere involving the whole clan.’

7 If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he becomes angry, you will know he has evil intentions.

8 Deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before theLord.If I have done anything wrong,then kill me yourself; why take me to your father? ”

9 “No! ” Jonathan responded. “If I ever find out my father has evil intentions against you, wouldn’t I tell you about it? ”

10 So David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly? ”

11 He answered David, “Come on, let’s go out to the field.” So both of them went out to the field.

12 “By theLord, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If I find out that he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?

13 If my father intends to bring evil on you, may God punish Jonathan and do so severelyif I do not tell youand send you away so you may go in peace. May theLordbe with you,just as He was with my father.

14 If I continue to live, treat me with theLord’s faithful love, but if I die,

15 don’t ever withdraw your faithful love from my household — not even when theLordcuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

16 Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David,saying, “May theLordhold David’s enemies accountable.”

17 Jonathan once again swore to Davidin his love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

18 Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the New Moon;you’ll be missed because your seat will be empty.

19 The following day hurry down and go to the place where you hid on the day this incident began and stay beside the rock Ezel.

20 I will shoot three arrows beside it as if I’m aiming at a target.

21 Then I will send the young man and say, ‘Go and find the arrows! ’ Now, if I expressly say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you — get them,’ then come, because as theLordlives, it is safe for you and there is no problem.

22 But if I say this to the youth: ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you! ’then go, for theLordis sending you away.

23 As for the matter you and I have spoken about,theLordwill be a witnessbetween you and me forever.”

24 So David hid in the field.

At the New Moon, the king sat down to eat the meal.

25 He sat at his usual place on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat facing himand Abner took his place beside Saul, but David’s place was empty.

26 Saul did not say anything that day because he thought, “Something unexpected has happened; he must be ceremonially unclean — yes, that’s it, he is unclean.”

27 However, the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why didn’t Jesse’s son come to the meal either yesterday or today? ”

28 Jonathan answered, “David asked for my permission to go to Bethlehem.

29 He said, ‘Please let me go because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the town, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if you are pleased with me, let me go so I can see my brothers.’ That’s why he didn’t come to the king’s table.”

30 Then Saul became angry with Jonathan and shouted, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you are siding with Jesse’s son to your own shame and to the disgrace of your mother?

31 Every day Jesse’s son lives on earth you and your kingship are not secure. Now send for him and bring him to me — he deserves to die.”

32 Jonathan answered his father back: “Why is he to be killed? What has he done? ”

33 Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him,so he knew that his father was determined to kill David.

34 He got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the New Moon, for he was grieved because of his father’s shameful behavior toward David.

35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointed meeting with David. A small young man was with him.

36 He said to the young man, “Run and find the arrows I’m shooting.”As the young man ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.

37 He came to the location of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, but Jonathan called to him and said, “The arrow is beyond you, isn’t it? ”

38 Then Jonathan called to him, “Hurry up and don’t stop! ” Jonathan’s young man picked up the arrow and returned to his master.

39 He did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.

40 Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the young man who was with him and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”

41 When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell with his face to the ground, and bowed three times.Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more.

42 Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of theLordwhen we said: TheLordwill be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.”Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/20-d5e1c5c113223f1a82a2bd2f82ae38b3.mp3?version_id=72—

David Flees to Nob

1 David went to Ahimelechthe priest at Nob.Ahimelech was afraid to meet David, so he said to him, “Why are you alone and no one is with you? ”

2 David answered Ahimelech the priest, “The king gave me a mission, but he told me, ‘Don’t let anyone know anything about the mission I’m sending you on or what I have ordered you to do.’ I have stationed my young men at a certain place.

3 Now what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread or whatever can be found.”

4 The priest told him, “There is no ordinary bread on hand. However, there is consecrated bread,but the young men may eat itonly if they have kept themselves from women.”

5 David answered him, “I swear that women are being kept from us, as always when I go out to battle.The young men’s bodiesare consecratedeven on an ordinary mission, so of course their bodies are consecrated today.”

6 So the priest gave him the consecrated bread,for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presencethat had been removed from the presence of theLord. When the bread was removed, it had been replaced with warm bread.

7 One of Saul’s servants, detained before theLord, was there that day. His name was Doeg the Edomite,chief of Saul’s shepherds.

8 David said to Ahimelech, “Do you have a spear or sword on hand? I didn’t even bring my sword or my weapons since the king’s mission was urgent.”

9 The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine,whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want to take it for yourself, then take it, for there isn’t another one here.”

“There’s none like it! ” David said. “Give it to me.”

David Flees to Gath

10 David fled that day from Saul’s presence and went to King Achish of Gath.

11 But Achish’s servants said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Don’t they sing about him during their dances:

Saul has killed his thousands,

but David his tens of thousands? ”

12 David took this to heartand became very afraid of King Achish of Gath,

13 so he pretended to be insane in their presence.He acted like a madman around them,scribblingon the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.

14 “Look! You can see the man is crazy,” Achish said to his servants. “Why did you bring him to me?

15 Do I have such a shortage of crazy people that you brought this one to act crazy around me? Is this one going to come into my house? ”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/21-67aacfc7bd6ee25c1288e9bba90f21f9.mp3?version_id=72—

Saul’s Increasing Paranoia

1 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam.When David’s brothers and his father’s whole family heard, they went down and joined him there.

2 In addition, every man who was desperate, in debt, or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About 400 men were with him.

3 From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab where he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother stay with you until I know what God will do for me.”

4 So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold.

5 Then the prophet Gadsaid to David, “Don’t stay in the stronghold. Leave and return to the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.

6 Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk treeat the high place. His spear was in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him.

7 Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin: Is Jesse’s son going to give all of you fields and vineyards? Do you think he’ll make all of you commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?

8 That’s why all of you have conspired against me! Nobody tells mewhen my own son makes a covenant with Jesse’s son.None of you cares about meor tells methat my son has stirred up my own servant to wait in ambush for me, as is the case today.”

9 Then Doeg the Edomite,who was in charge of Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw Jesse’s son come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob.

10 Ahimelech inquired of theLordfor himand gave him provisions.He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”

Slaughter of the Priests

11 The king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests in Nob. All of them came to the king.

12 Then Saul said, “Listen, son of Ahitub! ”

“I’m at your service,my lord,” he said.

13 Saul asked him, “Why did you and Jesse’s son conspire against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him, so he could rise up against me and wait in ambush, as is the case today.”

14 Ahimelech replied to the king: “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David?He is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your house.

15 Was today the first time I inquired of God for him?Of course not! Please don’t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant didn’t have any ideaabout all this.”

16 But the king said, “You will die, Ahimelech — you and your father’s whole family! ”

17 Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of theLordbecause they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn’t tell me.”But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of theLord.

18 So the king said to Doeg, “Go and execute the priests! ” So Doeg the Edomite went and executed the priests himself. On that day, he killed 85 menwho wore linen ephods.

19 He also struck down Nob, the city of the priests, with the sword — both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.

20 However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar,and he fled to David.

21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of theLord.

22 Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomitewas there that day and that he was sure to report to Saul. I myself am responsible forthe lives of everyone in your father’s family.

23 Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for the one who wants to take my life wants to take your life.You will be safe with me.”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/22-f9f62155307b6e2e88843691e4749361.mp3?version_id=72—

Deliverance at Keilah

1 It was reported to David: “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilahand raiding the threshing floors.”

2 So David inquired of theLord:“Should I launch an attack against these Philistines? ”

TheLordanswered David, “Launch an attack against the Philistines and rescue Keilah.”

3 But David’s men said to him, “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces! ”

4 Once again, David inquired of theLord, and theLordanswered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you.”

5 Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, drove their livestock away, and inflicted heavy losses on them. So David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah.

6 Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, and he brought an ephod with him.

7 When it was reported to Saul that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with barred gates.”

8 Then Saul summoned all the troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.

9 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest,“Bring the ephod.”

10 Then David said, “LordGod of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the town because of me.

11 Will the citizens of Keilah hand me over to him? Will Saul come down as Your servant has heard?LordGod of Israel, please tell Your servant.”

TheLordanswered, “He will come down.”

12 Then David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul? ”

“They will,”theLordresponded.

13 So David and his men, numbering about 600,left Keilah at once and moved from place to place.When it was reported to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he called off the expedition.

14 David then stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph.Saul searched for him every day, but God did not hand David over to him.

A Renewed Covenant

15 David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in Horesh when he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.

16 Then Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God,

17 saying, “Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel,and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.”

18 Then the two of them made a covenant in theLord’s presence.Afterward, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

David’s Narrow Escape

19 Some Ziphitescame up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “David ishiding among us in the strongholds in Horesh on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon.

20 Now, whenever the king wants to come down, let him come down. Our part will be to hand him over to the king.”

21 “May you be blessed by theLord,” replied Saul, “for you have taken pity on me.

22 Go and check again. Investigate and watch carefully where he goesand who has seen him there; they tell me he is extremely cunning.

23 Look and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with accurate information, and I’ll go with you. If it turns out he really is in the region, I’ll search for him among all the clansof Judah.”

24 So they went to Ziph ahead of Saul.

Now David and his men were in the wilderness near Maonin the Arabah south of Jeshimon,

25 and Saul and his men went to look for him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. Saul heard of this and pursued David there.

26 Saul went along one side of the mountain and David and his men went along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away from Saul, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

27 Then a messenger came to Saul saying, “Come quickly, because the Philistines have raided the land! ”

28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation.

29 From there David went up and stayed in the strongholds of En-gedi.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/23-066428af28fde21e98694b8846661758.mp3?version_id=72—

David Spares Saul

1 When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines,he was told, “David is in the wilderness near En-gedi.”

2 So Saul took 3,000 of Israel’s choice menand went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

3 When Saul came to the sheep pens along the road, a cave was there, and he went in to relieve himself.David and his men were staying in the back of the cave,

4 so they said to him, “Look, this is the day theLordtold you about: ‘I will hand your enemy over to you so you can do to him whatever you desire.’ ” Then David got up and secretly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.

5 Afterward, David’s conscience botheredhim because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.

6 He said to his men, “I swear before theLord: I would never do such a thing to my lord, theLord’s anointed.I will never lift my hand against him, since he is theLord’s anointed.”

7 With these words David persuadedhis men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul.

Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.

8 After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called to Saul, “My lord the king! ” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed to the ground in homage.

9 David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of people who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?

10 You can see with your own eyes that theLordhanded you over to me today in the cave.Someone advised me to kill you,but Itook pity on you and said: I won’t lift my hand against my lord, since he is theLord’s anointed.

11 See, my father!Look at the corner of your robe in my hand, for I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. Look and recognize that there is no evil or rebellion in me. I haven’t sinned against you even though you are hunting me down to take my life.

12 “May theLordjudge between you and me, and may theLordtake vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.

13 As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness comes from wicked people.’My hand will never be against you.

14 Who has the king of Israel come after? What are you chasing after? A dead dog? A flea?

15 May theLordbe judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliverme from you.”

16 When David finished saying these things to him, Saul replied, “Is that your voice, David my son? ”Then Saul wept aloud

17 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have done what is good to me though I have done what is evil to you.

18 You yourself have told me today what good you did for me: when theLordhanded me over to you, you didn’t kill me.

19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go unharmed?May theLordrepay you with good for what you’ve done for me today.

20 “Now I know for certain you will be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be establishedin your hand.

21 Therefore swear to me by theLordthat you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

22 So David swore to Saul. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went up to the stronghold.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/1SA/24-2d09b3dcc8f88b160cd265e4a2e7e766.mp3?version_id=72—