Category: 1 Samuel

Saul’s Deliverance of Jabesh-gilead

1 Nahashthe Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead.All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treatywith us, and we will serve you.”

2 Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I’ll make one with you on this condition: that I gouge out everyone’s right eyeand humiliate all Israel.”

3 “Don’t do anything to us for seven days,” the elders of Jabesh said to him, “and let us send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If no one saves us, we will surrender to you.”

4 When the messengers came to Gibeah,Saul’s hometown, and told the terms tothe people, all wept aloud.

5 Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping? ” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh.

6 When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God suddenly took control of him,and his anger burned furiously.

7 He took a team of oxen, cut them in pieces,and sent them throughout the land of Israel by messengers who said, “This is what will be done to the ox of anyone who doesn’t march behind Saul and Samuel.”As a result, the terror of theLordfell on the people, and they went out united.

8 Saul counted them at Bezek.There were 300,000Israelites and 30,000men from Judah.

9 He told the messengers who had come, “Tell this to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot.’ ” So the messengers told the men of Jabesh, and they rejoiced.

10 Then the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Tomorrow we will come out, and you can do whatever you wantto us.”

11 The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions.During the morning watch, they invaded the Ammonite camp and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. There were survivors, but they were so scattered that no two of them were left together.

Saul’s Confirmation as King

12 Afterward, the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should notreign over us?Give us those men so we can kill them! ”

13 But Saul ordered, “No one will be executed this day, for today theLordhas provided deliverance in Israel.”

14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let’s go to Gilgal, so we can renew the kingship there.”

15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there in theLord’s presencethey made Saul king. There they sacrificed fellowship offeringsin theLord’s presence, and Saul and all the men of Israel greatly rejoiced.

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Samuel’s Final Public Speech

1 Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have carefully listened to everything you said to me and placed a king over you.

2 Now you can see that the king is leading you. As for me, I’m old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have led you from my youth until today.

3 Here I am. Bring charges against me before theLordand His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken?Whom have I wronged or mistreated? From whose hand have I taken a bribe to overlook something?I will return it to you.”

4 “You haven’t wronged us, you haven’t mistreated us, and you haven’t taken anything from anyone’s hand,” they responded.

5 He said to them, “TheLordis a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today that you haven’t found anythingin my hand.”

“He is a witness,” they said.

6 Then Samuel said to the people, “TheLord, who appointed Moses and Aaronand who brought your ancestors up from the land of Egypt, is a witness.

7 Now present yourselves, so I may confront you before theLordabout all the righteous acts He has done for you and your ancestors.

8 “When Jacob went to Egypt,your ancestors cried out to theLord,and He sent them Moses and Aaron, who led your ancestors out of Egypt and settled them in this place.

9 But they forgot theLordtheir God, so He handed them over to Siseracommander of the army of Hazor, to the Philistines, and to the king of Moab.These enemies fought against them.

10 Then they cried out to theLordand said, ‘We have sinned, for we abandoned theLordand worshiped the Baals and the Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the power of our enemies,and we will serve You.’

11 So theLordsent Jerubbaal,Barak,Jephthah,and Samuel.He rescued you from the power of the enemies around you, and you lived securely.

12 But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was coming against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king rule over us’ — even though theLordyour God is your king.

13 “Now here is the king you’ve chosen,the one you requested.Look, this is the king theLordhas placed over you.

14 If you fear theLord,worship and obey Him, and if you don’t rebel against theLord’s command, then both you and the king who rules over you will follow theLordyour God.

15 However, if you disobey theLordand rebel against His command, theLord’s hand will be against youand against your ancestors.

16 “Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that theLordwill do before your eyes.

17 Isn’t the wheat harvest today?I will call on theLordand He will send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you committed in theLord’s sight by requesting a king for yourselves.”

18 Samuel called on theLord, and on that day theLordsent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared theLordand Samuel.

19 They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to theLordyour God for your servants,so we won’t die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of requesting a king for ourselves.”

20 Samuel replied, “Don’t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don’t turn away from following theLord.Instead, worship theLordwith all your heart.

21 Don’t turn away to follow worthlessthings that can’t profit or deliver you; they are worthless.

22 TheLordwill not abandon His people,because of His great name and because He has determined to make you His own people.

23 “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against theLordby ceasing to pray for you.I will teach you the good and right way.

24 Above all, fear theLordand worship Him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things He has done for you.

25 However, if you continue to do what is evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”

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Saul’s Failure

1 Saul was 30 yearsold when he became king, and he reigned 42 yearsover Israel.

2 He chose 3,000 men from Israel for himself: 2,000 were with Saul at Michmashand in Bethel’s hill country, and 1,000 were with Jonathan in Gibeahof Benjamin. He sent the rest of the troops away, each to his own tent.

3 Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrisonthat was in Geba,and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the landsaying, “Let the Hebrews hear! ”

4 And all Israel heard the news, “Saul has attacked the Philistine garrison,and Israel is now repulsive to the Philistines.” Then the troops were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.

5 The Philistines also gathered to fight against Israel: 3,000chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore.They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.

6 The men of Israel saw that they were in trouble because the troops were in a difficult situation. They hid in caves, thickets, among rocks, and in holes and cisterns.

7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

Saul, however, was still at Gilgal, and all his troops were gripped with fear.

8 He waited seven days for the appointed time that Samuel had set,but Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal, and the troops were deserting him.

9 So Saul said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” Then he offered the burnt offering.

10 Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. So Saul went out to greet him,

11 and Samuel asked, “What have you done? ”

Saul answered, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me and you didn’t come within the appointed days and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

12 I thought: The Philistines will now descend on me at Gilgal, and I haven’t sought theLord’s favor. So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.”

13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have been foolish.You have not kept the command which theLordyour God gave you.It was at this time that theLordwould have permanently established your reign over Israel,

14 but now your reign will not endure.TheLordhas found a man loyal to Him,and theLordhas appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not done what theLordcommanded.”

15 Then Samuel wentfrom Gilgal to Gibeah in Benjamin. Saul registered the troops who were with him, about 600 men.

16 Saul, his son Jonathan, and the troops who were with them were staying in Gebaof Benjamin, and the Philistines were camped at Michmash.

17 Raiding partieswent out from the Philistine camp in three divisions. One division headed toward the Ophrahroad leading to the land of Shual.

18 The next division headed toward the Beth-horonroad, and the last division headed down the border road that looks out over the Valley of Zeboimtoward the wilderness.

19 No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel,because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise, the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

20 So all the Israelites went to the Philistines to sharpen their plows, mattocks, axes, and sickles.

21 The price was two-thirds of a shekelfor plows and mattocks, and one-third of a shekel for pitchforks and axes, and for putting a point on an oxgoad.

22 So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hand of any of the troops who were with Sauland Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.

Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines

23 Now a Philistine garrisontook control of the pass at Michmash.

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1 That same day Saul’s son Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” However, he did not tell his father.

2 Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migronon the outskirts of Gibeah.The troops with him numbered about 600.

3 Ahijah,who was wearing an ephod,was also there. He was the son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabodson of Phinehas, son of Eli theLord’s priest at Shiloh.But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.

4 There were sharp columnsof rock on both sides of the passthat Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine garrison. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh;

5 one stood to the north in front of Michmash and the other to the south in front of Geba.

6 Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men.Perhaps theLordwill help us. Nothing can keep theLordfrom saving, whether by many or by few.”

7 His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.”

8 “All right,” Jonathan replied, “we’ll cross over to the men and then let them see us.

9 If they say, ‘Wait until we reach you,’ then we will stay where we are and not go up to them.

10 But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we’ll go up, because theLordhas handed them over to us — that will be our sign.”

11 They let themselves be seen by the Philistine garrison, and the Philistines said, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they’ve been hiding! ”

12 The men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson! ” they said.

“Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for theLordhas handed them over to Israel.”

13 Jonathan climbed up using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.

14 In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about 20 men in a half-acre field.

A Defeat for the Philistines

15 Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding partieswere terrified. The earth shook,and terror spread from God.

16 When Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, they saw the panicking troops scattering in every direction.

17 So Saul said to the troops with him, “Call the roll and determine who has left us.” They called the roll and saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone.

18 Saul told Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God,” for it was with the Israelitesat that time.

19 While Saul spoke to the priest,the panic in the Philistine camp increased in intensity. So Saul said to the priest, “Stop what you’re doing.”

20 Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there, the Philistines were fighting against each other in great confusion!

21 There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israeliteswho were with Saul and Jonathan.

22 When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraimheard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle.

23 So theLordsaved Israel that day.

Saul’s Rash Oath

The battle extended beyond Beth-aven,

24 and the men of Israel were worn out that day, for Saul hadplaced the troops under an oath:“The man who eats food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies is cursed.” So none of the troops tasted any food.

25 Everyonewent into the forest, and there was honey on the ground.

26 When the troops entered the forest, they saw the flow of honey, but none of them ate any of itbecause they feared the oath.

27 However, Jonathan had not heard his father make the troops swear the oath. He reached out with the end of the staff he was carrying and dipped it into the honeycomb.When he ate the honey,he had renewed energy.

28 Then, one of the troops said, “Your father made the troops solemnly swear, ‘The man who eats food today is cursed,’ and the troops are exhausted.”

29 Jonathan replied, “My father has brought trouble to the land.Just look at how I have renewed energy because I tasted a little honey.

30 How much better if the troops had eaten freely today from the plunder they took from their enemies! Then the slaughter of the Philistines would have been much greater.”

31 The Israelites struck down the Philistines that day from Michmashall the way to Aijalon.Since the Israelites were completely exhausted,

32 they rushed to the plunder,took sheep, cattle, and calves, slaughtered them on the ground, and ate meat with the blood still in it.

33 Some reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against theLordby eating meat with the blood still in it.”

Saul said, “You have been unfaithful. Roll a large stone over here at once.”

34 He then said, “Go among the troops and say to them, ‘Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep. Do the slaughtering here and then you can eat. Don’t sin against theLordby eating meat with the blood in it.’ ” So every one of the troops brought his ox that night and slaughtered it there.

35 Then Saul built an altar to theLord; it was the first time he had built an altar to theLord.

36 Saul said, “Let’s go down after the Philistines tonight and plunder them until morning. Don’t let even one remain! ”

“Do whatever you want,”the troops replied.

But the priestsaid, “We must consult God here.”

37 So Saul inquired of God,“Should I go after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel? ” But God did not answer him that day.

38 Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

39 As surely as theLordlives who saves Israel, even if it is because of my son Jonathan, he must die! ” Not one of the troops answered him.

40 So he said to all Israel, “You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.”

And the troops replied, “Do whatever you want.”

41 So Saul said to theLord, “God of Israel, give us the right decision.”Jonathan and Saul were selected, and the troops were cleared of the charge.

42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan,” and Jonathan was selected.

43 Saul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.”

Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honeywith the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die! ”

44 Saul declared to him, “May God punish me and do so severelyif you do not die, Jonathan! ”

45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? No, as theLordlives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground,for he worked with God’s help today.”So the people redeemed Jonathan, and he did not die.

46 Then Saul gave up the pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own territory.

Summary of Saul’s Kingship

47 When Saul assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies in every direction: against Moab, the Ammonites,Edom, the kings of Zobah,and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he caused havoc.

48 He fought bravely, defeated the Amalekites,and delivered Israel from the hand of those who plundered them.

49 Saul’s sonswere Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. The names of his two daughters were: Merab,his firstborn, and Michal,the younger.

50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Saul’s uncle Ner.

51 Saul’s father was Kish.Abner’s father was Ner son of Abiel.

52 The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or brave man, he enlisted him.

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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.

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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.

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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—