1 Samuel

1 Samuel

There was a man named Elkanah from Ramathaim, a Zuphite of Ephraim.

He had two wives: Peninnah, who had children, and Hannah, who had none.

Each year he went to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice.

Peninnah provoked Hannah, but Elkanah said:

“Why are you downcast? Am I not better than ten sons?”

Hannah’s Prayer

She rose and prayed with weeping:

“YHWH of Hosts, if You will look on Your servant and give me a son,

I will give him to You all the days of his life. No razor shall touch his head.”

Eli the priest watched her lips move but heard no voice. He thought she was drunk.

Hannah replied:

“I am not drunk. I pour out my soul before YHWH.”

Eli answered:

“Go in peace. May YHWH grant your request.”

She conceived and bore a son: Samuel (“God has heard”).

After weaning him, she brought him to Shiloh with offerings and said:

“I prayed for this child. YHWH granted my request.

Therefore I give him to YHWH all his days.”

———

Hannah’s Prayer

“My heart rejoices in YHWH…

There is no rock like our God.”

“YHWH brings death and gives life.

He raises the poor from the dust.

He seats them with princes.

He guards the feet of His faithful ones.”

Eli’s Sons Were Worthless Men

They despised the offerings of YHWH.

When people brought meat, they demanded raw portions before the fat was burned.

“Their sin was great—they treated YHWH’s offering with contempt.”

But Samuel ministered before YHWH, even as a child in a linen ephod.

His mother visited yearly and brought him a robe.

YHWH gave Hannah three sons and two daughters.

A Man of God Came to Eli

He said:

“Did I not choose your house? Yet you honor your sons above Me.”

“I will raise up a faithful priest.

Your house will fall, and you will see distress.”

———

“In those days the word of YHWH was rare; visions were not widespread.”

Samuel ministered under Eli.

One night, YHWH called:

“Samuel.”

He ran to Eli—three times.

Then Eli understood:

“Say, ‘Speak, YHWH, for Your servant is listening.’”

YHWH Stood and Spoke:

“I am about to do a thing in Israel

that will make ears tingle.

I will judge Eli’s house forever

for the sin he knew and did not restrain.”

In the morning, Eli asked:

“What did YHWH say?”

Samuel told him all.

Eli said:

“It is YHWH. Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

“YHWH was with Samuel. None of his words fell to the ground.

All Israel knew that Samuel was established as a prophet.”

———

Israel fought the Philistines and lost 4,000 men.

They said:

“Let us bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh!”

Hophni and Phinehas brought the Ark into battle.

“The earth shook” when the Ark entered the camp.

The Philistines said:

“God has come into the camp! Woe to us!”

But they fought fiercely and defeated Israel again.

30,000 foot soldiers fell

The Ark was captured

Hophni and Phinehas died

The Death of Eli

A man ran to Shiloh. Eli was 98 years old, sitting by the gate.

When he heard the Ark was captured and his sons were dead,

he fell backward, broke his neck, and died.

Phinehas’ Wife Gives Birth

Hearing the news, she gave birth and died.

She named the child Ichabod:

“The glory has departed from Israel—because the Ark of God was taken.”

———

The Philistines brought the Ark to Ashdod and placed it before Dagon.

The next morning:

Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark.

The next day: his head and hands were broken off.

“The hand of YHWH was heavy upon Ashdod.”

They sent the Ark to Gath—a great panic broke out.

They sent it to Ekron—the people cried:

“Send it away! It is killing us!”

“The hand of YHWH was against them.

Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors.

The cry of the city went up to heaven.”

———

The Ark of YHWH remained in Philistine territory for seven months.

The priests said:

“Send it back with a guilt offering—five golden tumors and five golden rats.”

“Make images of your afflictions and give glory to the God of Israel.”

They placed the Ark and the offerings on a new cart, pulled by two cows.

“If the cows go toward Beth-shemesh, then it is YHWH who struck us.”

The cows went straight to Beth-shemesh, lowing as they went.

The people rejoiced. They offered the cows as a burnt offering.

But some looked into the Ark.

70 men were struck down.

The people said:

“Who can stand before YHWH, this holy God?”

They sent messengers to Kiriath-jearim to take the Ark.

———

The Ark was brought to the house of Abinadab.

His son Eleazar was consecrated to guard it.

“20 years passed, and all Israel lamented after YHWH.”

Samuel said:

“If you return to YHWH with all your heart, remove the foreign gods,

prepare your hearts for Him alone—He will rescue you.”

They gathered at Mizpah, fasted, and confessed:

“We have sinned against YHWH.”

Philistine Attack and Deliverance

When the Philistines heard, they advanced.

The people begged:

“Do not cease to cry out for us!”

Samuel offered a lamb and cried out.

“YHWH thundered with a mighty sound, and confused the Philistines.”

They were defeated. Samuel set up a stone and called it Ebenezer:

“Thus far YHWH has helped us.”

———

Samuel was old; he appointed his sons as judges.

But they were corrupt—taking bribes and perverting justice.

The elders said:

“Appoint for us a king, like all the nations.”

Samuel prayed. YHWH said:

“Listen to them. They have not rejected you, but Me.”

The Warning

Samuel warned:

“The king will take your sons for his chariots…

your daughters for perfume and baking…

the best of your fields… your servants… a tenth of your grain.”

“You will cry out because of the king you chose—

but YHWH will not answer you.”

Still, they insisted:

“No! We want a king over us!”

———

There was a man from Benjamin named Kish.

His son Saul was handsome and tall—head and shoulders above all.

Kish’s donkeys were lost. Saul and a servant went to look for them.

Meeting the Seer

They went to Samuel, the prophet.

YHWH had told Samuel the day before:

“Tomorrow I will send you a man from Benjamin.

You shall anoint him ruler over My people.”

When Saul arrived, YHWH said:

“This is the man.”

Samuel invited Saul to a feast—gave him the seat of honor.

He poured oil on Saul and said:

“Has not YHWH anointed you ruler over His inheritance?”

———

Samuel said:

“You will meet two men near Rachel’s tomb who will say:

‘The donkeys are found.’”

“Then you will meet three men going to Bethel—one with goats, one with bread, one with wine.

They will greet you and give you two loaves.”

“Finally, you will meet a group of prophets.

The Spirit of YHWH will rush upon you—you will prophesy, and be changed into another man.”

All came to pass.

“When they saw Saul prophesying, they said:

‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’”

Saul Kept Silent

Samuel summoned the people to Mizpah and cast lots:

Tribe of Benjamin

Clan of Matri

Saul son of Kish

But Saul was hiding among the baggage.

They brought him out.

“There is none like him among all the people.”

The people shouted:

“Long live the king!”

Samuel wrote down the duties of kingship and sent everyone home.

———

Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-gilead.

The people said:

“Make a treaty with us.”

Nahash replied:

“I will gouge out your right eyes and bring disgrace on Israel.”

They requested seven days to seek help.

Saul Responds

When Saul heard, the Spirit of God rushed upon him.

He took a yoke of oxen, cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout Israel:

“Whoever does not follow Saul and Samuel—so shall it be done to his oxen.”

330,000 men assembled. Saul divided them and struck Ammon by morning watch.

Renewing the Kingdom

The people said:

“Bring those who said, ‘Shall Saul reign?’—that we may kill them!”

But Saul said:

“No one shall die today—YHWH has brought salvation to Israel.”

Samuel said:

“Let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom.”

They made Saul king before YHWH and rejoiced greatly.

———

Samuel said:

“Here I am. Testify against me.

Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded?”

They answered:

“You have done no wrong.”

Reminder of YHWH’s Faithfulness

Samuel recounted:

Egypt and Moses

Deliverance from Sisera, Moab, Philistia

The people asking for a king

“Your king stands before you—YHWH has set him over you.”

Covenant Warning

“If you and the king obey YHWH—it will be well.

But if you rebel, His hand will be against you.”

To confirm his words, Samuel called for thunder and rain during harvest.

The people cried out:

“Pray for your servants—we have added evil in asking for a king!”

Samuel said:

“Do not fear. YHWH will not forsake His people.

Only fear Him and serve Him with all your heart.”

———

Saul reigned and chose 3,000 men.

Jonathan struck a Philistine garrison.

Philistines mustered: 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and troops like sand.

Israel hid in caves.

Saul Offers the Sacrifice

Samuel delayed. Saul, seeing the people scatter, offered the burnt offering himself.

As he finished, Samuel arrived.

“What have you done?”

Saul replied:

“The people were scattering. You had not come.

I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.”

Samuel said:

“You have acted foolishly.

Your kingdom will not endure.

YHWH has sought a man after His own heart.”

———

Jonathan and his armor-bearer crossed to the Philistine garrison.

Jonathan said:

“YHWH can save by many or by few.”

They climbed up, struck down 20 men—panic spread in the camp.

YHWH Confused the Enemy

The earth quaked.

Saul’s watchmen saw chaos.

Saul joined the battle.

Even Hebrews who had joined the Philistines turned back.

“So YHWH saved Israel that day.”

Saul’s Rash Oath

Saul vowed:

“Cursed be the man who eats until evening, until I have avenged my enemies.”

The people were faint with hunger.

Jonathan had eaten honey, unaware of the oath.

Saul sought to kill him, but the people rescued Jonathan:

“Shall Jonathan die? He worked salvation! As YHWH lives—not a hair shall fall.”

———

Samuel said:

“YHWH sent me to anoint you. Now go strike Amalek.

Devote to destruction all they have—man and woman, child and infant.”

Saul Disobeys

He struck Amalek but spared King Agag and the best sheep and oxen.

YHWH said to Samuel:

“I regret that I made Saul king—he has turned back from following Me.”

Samuel confronted Saul:

“What is this bleating of sheep I hear?”

Saul replied:

“The people spared the best to sacrifice to YHWH.”

Samuel’s Verdict

“Does YHWH delight in burnt offerings as in obedience?

To obey is better than sacrifice.

Rebellion is as the sin of divination.

Because you rejected the word of YHWH—He has rejected you as king.”

Saul pleaded. Samuel said:

“YHWH has torn the kingdom from you.

He has given it to a neighbor better than you.”

As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized his robe—and it tore.

Samuel Executed Agag

Samuel said:

“As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless.”

He hacked Agag to pieces before YHWH.

“Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death.

But he mourned for Saul.

And YHWH regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.”

———

YHWH said to Samuel:

“How long will you mourn for Saul? Fill your horn with oil.

Go to Jesse of Bethlehem—I have chosen one of his sons.”

Samuel feared Saul but obeyed.

He came to Bethlehem and sanctified Jesse and his sons.

Not as Man Sees

When Samuel saw Eliab, he thought, “Surely this is the one.”

But YHWH said:

“Do not look at appearance. I do not see as man sees.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart.”

Jesse presented seven sons. None were chosen.

Samuel asked:

“Are these all?”

Jesse said:

“The youngest remains. He is tending sheep.”

They brought in David—ruddy, with bright eyes.

YHWH said:

“Arise, anoint him. This is the one.”

Samuel anointed him.

The Spirit of YHWH came mightily upon David from that day forward.

———

The Philistines gathered for war at Socoh.

Goliath of Gath, a giant over 9 feet tall, mocked Israel daily.

“Choose a man to fight me. If he defeats me—we will serve you.”

David Sent to the Battle

Jesse sent David to bring food to his brothers.

David heard Goliath’s defiance.

“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the Living God?”

His brother Eliab rebuked him.

David asked:

“What have I done now? Is there not a cause?”

David Before Saul

David said:

“Let no heart fail. I will fight.”

Saul: “You are just a youth.”

David:

“YHWH delivered me from the lion and the bear—He will deliver me from this Philistine.”

Saul said: “Go, and YHWH be with you.”

The Battle

David refused armor. He took five stones and his sling.

He said to Goliath:

“You come with sword and spear—

but I come in the Name of YHWH of Hosts.

Today He will deliver you into my hand.”

David slung a stone—it struck Goliath’s forehead. He fell.

David took Goliath’s sword and beheaded him.

Israel pursued the Philistines and returned shouting.

David brought Goliath’s head to Jerusalem.

———

After the battle, Jonathan’s soul was knit to David.

He made a covenant with David—gave him his robe, sword, bow, and belt.

Saul’s Jealousy

David succeeded in all he did.

The women sang:

“Saul has struck down his thousands,

and David his ten thousands.”

Saul was enraged.

“What more can he have but the kingdom?”

Saul Attempts to Kill David

An evil spirit came upon Saul.

He threw a spear—but David escaped.

Saul feared David because YHWH was with him.

Marriage and Snare

Saul offered his daughter Michal as a snare.

He said:

“Bring me 100 Philistine foreskins.”

David brought 200.

Saul gave Michal to him—but feared David even more.

“David continued to prosper—YHWH was with him.”

———

Saul told Jonathan and servants to kill David.

But Jonathan warned David and pleaded:

“Do not sin against him—he has done you no harm.”

Saul relented—temporarily.

Another Attempt

David again succeeded in battle.

Saul again tried to kill him.

David fled. Michal helped him escape—lowering him from a window.

She placed an idol in bed to deceive the messengers.

David Flees to Samuel

David fled to Ramah, to Samuel.

Saul sent men to capture him—but the Spirit of YHWH fell on them, and they prophesied.

He sent more men—same result.

Finally, Saul went himself—and he too prophesied.

“Therefore it is said: ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’”

———

David met Jonathan:

“What have I done? Why is your father seeking my life?”

Jonathan said:

“Far be it! If he plans to kill you, I will tell you.”

The New Moon Test

David said:

“Tomorrow is the New Moon. I will hide.

If your father asks, say I went to Bethlehem.”

They agreed on a sign:

Jonathan would shoot arrows near a field—his words to the servant would reveal Saul’s heart.

Saul’s Rage

At the feast, David was absent. Saul asked on the second day.

Jonathan gave the explanation.

Saul’s anger flared:

“You son of a rebellious woman! Don’t you see?

As long as David lives, your kingdom is not secure.”

He threw a spear at Jonathan.

Covenant and Farewell

Jonathan went to the field.

He shot arrows and cried out to the servant:

“Is not the arrow beyond you?”

David wept. They embraced.

Jonathan said:

“Go in peace. We have sworn by YHWH:

‘YHWH shall be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed forever.’”

———

David came to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, trembling.

“Why are you alone?”

David replied:

“The king sent me on a private mission. I need food and a weapon.”

Ahimelech gave him holy bread—the bread of the Presence—because there was no other.

“Do you have a sword?”

Ahimelech said:

“The sword of Goliath is here—wrapped in cloth behind the ephod.”

David took it:

“There is none like it.”

David Flees to Gath

He went to Achish king of Gath. But the servants said:

“Is this not David—the one they sing about?”

David feared and feigned madness.

He scratched the door and let saliva run down his beard.

Achish said:

“Do I lack madmen? Get him out of my house!”

———

David escaped to the cave of Adullam. His family came to him.

Everyone who was in distress or debt gathered—about 400 men.

He brought his parents to the king of Moab for safety.

Saul Hunts David

Saul sat under a tamarisk tree in Gibeah, spear in hand:

“All of you conspire against me! Even my son made a covenant with David!”

Doeg the Edomite Betrays Ahimelech

“I saw David with Ahimelech, who gave him food and Goliath’s sword.”

Saul summoned Ahimelech:

“Why have you conspired against me?”

Ahimelech defended himself:

“Who among your servants is more faithful than David?”

The Slaughter of Nob

Saul ordered his men to kill the priests—they refused.

Doeg the Edomite killed 85 priests.

He struck Nob, men, women, children, and animals.

Abiathar Escapes

Ahimelech’s son Abiathar fled to David and told him everything.

David said:

“I knew Doeg would tell Saul. I am responsible.

Stay with me—you will be safe.”

———

David heard that the Philistines were attacking Keilah.

He inquired of YHWH:

“Go. I will give them into your hand.”

David saved Keilah.

Saul Pursues

Saul heard David was in Keilah and planned to trap him.

David asked YHWH:

“Will Saul come?” — “Yes.”

“Will the people betray me?” — “Yes.”

David and 600 men escaped.

In the Wilderness of Ziph

Jonathan came to David at Horesh:

“Do not fear. You shall be king. I will be second to you.”

They made a covenant before YHWH.

The Ziphites told Saul:

“David is hiding with us.”

Saul came near—but was called away to fight the Philistines.

So the place was called Rock of Escape.

———

David was in the wilderness of En-gedi.

Saul came to seek him with 3,000 men.

He entered a cave—where David and his men were hiding.

They said:

“This is the day YHWH spoke of!”

David crept forward and cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, but afterward was conscience-stricken.

David called out:

“Why do you listen to men who say, ‘David seeks your harm’?

Today YHWH gave you into my hand—but I spared you!”

“See this piece of your robe. I am not guilty of rebellion.”

Saul Weeps

“You are more righteous than I.

May YHWH reward you.

I know you will be king.”

“Swear you will not cut off my descendants.”

David swore. Saul went home. David stayed in the stronghold.

———

Samuel died. All Israel mourned and buried him at Ramah.

David went to the wilderness of Paran.

The Foolishness of Nabal

A wealthy man named Nabal lived in Maon—his wife was Abigail, discerning and beautiful.

David sent men to greet him during sheep-shearing:

“Peace to you. We protected your shepherds. Please give what you can.”

Nabal insulted them:

“Who is David? Many servants break away from their masters!”

David’s Fury

David said:

“Every male in his house will die by morning.”

400 men set out armed. 200 stayed behind.

Abigail Acts Wisely

She loaded donkeys with food and met David:

“Let the blame fall on me. My husband is a fool.”

“YHWH has restrained you from shedding blood.”

David said:

“Blessed be YHWH and blessed be your discernment.

If not for you—I would have avenged myself.”

He accepted her gift and sent her home in peace.

YHWH Strikes Nabal

Abigail told Nabal. His heart failed. Ten days later, YHWH struck him and he died.

David sent for Abigail—and she became his wife.

———

The Ziphites again told Saul:

“David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah.”

Saul came with 3,000 men.

David sent out spies and found Saul’s camp.

By night, he and Abishai crept in while all slept.

Abishai said:

“Let me strike Saul with his spear—once will be enough!”

David answered:

“Do not destroy him. Who can stretch out his hand against YHWH’s anointed and be guiltless?”

They took Saul’s spear and water jug and left.

From a distance, David called:

“Abner! You failed to guard your king.

Where is his spear?”

Saul recognized David’s voice.

David said:

“Why do you pursue me? What evil have I done?”

Saul replied:

“I have sinned. Return, my son David.”

David answered:

“Let YHWH reward every man for his righteousness.”

“Just as I spared your life today—may He deliver me from all trouble.”

Saul said:

“You will do great things and prevail.”

Then David went his way, and Saul returned home.

———

David said:

“I will perish if I stay in Saul’s land.

I must flee to the Philistines.”

He went to Achish of Gath, with 600 men.

Achish gave him Ziklag, which became David’s base.

David raided the Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites—

leaving none alive and telling Achish he had raided Judah.

“Achish trusted David, saying: ‘He has made himself odious to his people.’”

———

The Philistines gathered at Shunem.

Saul was afraid and inquired of YHWH—but there was no answer.

He said:

“Find me a woman with a familiar spirit.”

They found one at Endor.

Saul disguised himself and asked:

“Bring up Samuel.”

The woman cried out:

“You are Saul!”

He said: “Do not be afraid. What do you see?”

“I see a god rising from the earth… an old man in a robe.”

Samuel’s Final Word

“Why have you disturbed me?”

Saul replied:

“YHWH has departed from me.”

Samuel said:

“YHWH has torn the kingdom from you and given it to David.

Because you did not obey His voice or destroy Amalek,

He has done this today.”

“Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.”

Saul fell to the ground, terrified.

The woman gave him food. He ate, then rose and left.

———

The Philistines assembled at Aphek.

Achish brought David and his men.

The Philistine commanders said:

“Send him back! He must not go into battle with us.”

Achish said to David:

“I know you are upright—but the lords do not trust you.

Rise early and return.”

David protested but obeyed.

———

David returned to Ziklag—it had been raided and burned by Amalek.

Their wives and children were taken.

David’s men wept until they had no strength.

“They spoke of stoning him—for they were bitter.”

But David strengthened himself in YHWH.

He inquired:

“Shall I pursue?” — “Pursue—you will overtake and rescue all.”

The Pursuit

They found an Egyptian servant left behind by the Amalekites.

He guided them to the raiders.

David struck them from twilight to evening.

“Not one of theirs was missing—wives, sons, daughters.

David recovered all. He also took great spoil.”

Dividing the Spoil

Some men had stayed behind at the brook.

The warriors said:

“They shall not share in the spoil.”

But David replied:

“The share of the one who stays shall be the same as the one who fights.”

He made it a statute in Israel.

David sent gifts from the plunder to the elders of Judah.

———

The Philistines fought Israel at Mount Gilboa.

Saul’s sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua—were killed.

Saul was wounded by archers.

He said to his armor-bearer:

“Draw your sword and kill me, lest the uncircumcised abuse me.”

But he refused.

So Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.

His armor-bearer did the same.

The Philistines found the bodies.

They cut off Saul’s head, stripped his armor, and displayed it in the temple of Ashtaroth.

The Men of Jabesh-Gilead

They heard what was done.

They traveled all night, took the bodies, and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh.

“They fasted seven days.”