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Pages you visit will appear hereFrom judges to kings: Samuel, Saul, and David
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
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| 1 |
Hannah, barren and mocked, prays for a son and vows to dedicate him to the Lord. God grants Samuel, whom she presents to serve at Shiloh.
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Commentary
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| 2 |
Hannah prays a song of praise. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are corrupt. A man of God foretells judgment on Eli’s household.
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| 3 |
God calls young Samuel at night. Eli instructs him to answer. Samuel hears God’s word of judgment on Eli’s house and becomes recognized as a prophet.
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| 4 |
Israel is defeated by the Philistines. The ark of God is captured. Eli’s sons die in battle, and Eli falls dead upon hearing the news.
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| 5 |
The ark in Philistine territory brings plagues and humiliation to their god Dagon. The Philistines suffer tumors and panic.
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| 6 |
The Philistines return the ark with guilt offerings. The people of Beth Shemesh rejoice but some die for irreverence toward the ark.
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| 7 |
Samuel calls Israel to repent. At Mizpah, God thunders against the Philistines, granting victory. Samuel judges Israel faithfully.
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| 8 |
Israel demands a king. Samuel warns of the burdens a king will impose, but the people insist. God grants their request.
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| 9 |
Saul, searching for lost donkeys, meets Samuel. God reveals Saul as His choice for king. Samuel anoints Saul privately.
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| 10 |
Samuel presents Saul to Israel. God’s Spirit comes upon Saul. Some accept him, others despise him.
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| 11 |
Saul rallies Israel to defeat the Ammonites threatening Jabesh-gilead. The people affirm Saul as king with rejoicing.
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| 12 |
Samuel gives a farewell speech, recounting God’s faithfulness. He warns Israel to obey God under their king, and prays as thunder confirms his words.
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| 13 |
Saul leads Israel against the Philistines but disobeys by offering sacrifice himself. Samuel rebukes him and foretells loss of his dynasty.
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| 14 |
Jonathan attacks a Philistine outpost, sparking victory. Saul makes a rash oath restricting food, causing trouble for Israel.
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| 15 |
Saul spares King Agag and the best animals against God’s command. Samuel rebukes him: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” God rejects Saul as king.
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| 16 |
God sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint David, son of Jesse. The Spirit comes on David. An evil spirit torments Saul; David plays the harp to soothe him.
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| 17 |
David defeats Goliath with a sling and stone, declaring God’s power. Israel routs the Philistines. David becomes a hero.
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| 18 |
David befriends Jonathan. Saul grows jealous of David’s success and plots against him. David prospers despite Saul’s hostility.
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| 19 |
Saul orders David killed, but Jonathan intercedes. Saul again tries to kill David, who flees. God’s Spirit restrains Saul’s men and Saul himself.
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| 20 |
Jonathan tests Saul’s intentions at a feast. Realizing Saul wants David dead, Jonathan warns David. The two make a covenant of friendship.
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| 21 |
David flees to Nob, receives holy bread and Goliath’s sword. He escapes to Gath, feigns madness before King Achish.
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| 22 |
Saul kills the priests of Nob for aiding David, except Abiathar who escapes. David gathers outcasts to himself as followers.
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| 23 |
David rescues Keilah from the Philistines but flees from Saul’s pursuit. Jonathan encourages him. Saul nearly captures David but withdraws to fight Philistines.
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| 24 |
David spares Saul in a cave, refusing to kill God’s anointed. He shows Saul the evidence, and Saul weeps, acknowledging David’s righteousness.
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| 25 |
David seeks provisions from Nabal, who insults him. Abigail intercedes wisely, preventing bloodshed. God strikes Nabal dead; David marries Abigail.
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| 26 |
David again spares Saul, taking his spear and water jug. He rebukes Saul, who admits his sin. David remains steadfast in not harming the king.
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| 27 |
David flees to Philistine territory, living under King Achish in Ziklag. He raids enemies while deceiving Achish.
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| 28 |
Saul, desperate before battle, consults the medium of Endor. Samuel’s spirit appears, foretelling Saul’s defeat and death.
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| 29 |
Philistine leaders distrust David and send him away from their army. He returns to Ziklag.
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| 30 |
Amalekites raid Ziklag, capturing families. David strengthens himself in God, pursues, and rescues all. Spoils are shared equally among his men.
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| 31 |
Israel is defeated at Mount Gilboa. Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed. Saul falls on his sword. The Philistines desecrate their bodies, but men of Jabesh-gilead recover them.
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