First Samuel Highlights (Part Two)

Chapter Eleven
Jabesh-Gilead, a small village on the east side of the Jordan River, receives a threat from the Ammonites that they must become the Ammonites servants. The elders of Jabesh arrange a plea deal with the Ammonites. They are allowed seven days to send messengers throughout the land of Israel to find a deliverer. (This entire chapter seems to echo the Book of Judges. Part of Israel is in trouble. They plea for a deliverer. God sends a valiant warrior infused with the Holy Spirit to save the afflicted people. The land has rest from its enemies for a few years.) Saul hears about the plight of Jabesh-Gilead, and the Spirit of God comes mightily upon Saul. Saul cuts up a yoke of ox and sends it throughout Israel. Saul rallies a large army of 330,000 men. Saul leads the army to Jabeh-Gilead and slays the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh are saved.

Favorite verse: "Then the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, 'Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.' Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man." (1 Samuel 11:6-7)


Chapter Twelve
This chapter is a long address given by Samuel to the nation of Israel. Samuel states how he has been a just and upright man, taking nothing from the people. Yet, the people still insist they want a king. When they see the Ammonites attack Jabesh-Gilead, Israel decide they want a fleshly king and not the King of the universe to protect them. Samuel informs the people they have sinned against God by asking for a fleshly king. God sends thunder and rain upon the wheat harvest. The people then repent and ask Samuel to pray for them.

Favorite verse: "Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. You must not turn aside, for then you will go after futile things which cannot profit or deliver, because they are futile. For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.'" (1 Samuel 12:20-22)


Chapter Thirteen
Now that Israel has become a unified nation, the Philistines once more decide to attack Israel. Saul gathers 3,000 men to fight. Samuel tells Saul to wait seven days for him at Gilgal to offere sacrifices to the LORD. The men of Israel become nervous as they see the Philistine army as vast as the sea. The men start departing. Saul, desperate to not lose any more men, offers the burnt offering. As soon as performs this act against Torah, Samuel comes to Gilgal. Due to Saul's disobedience, Samuel promises Saul his kingdom will not endure. The LORD will place a man on the throne that is a man after God's own heart.

Philistine raiders start plundering the land of Israel. Israel prepares itself for war. However, the Philistines have a strong power over Israel and drive out all the blacksmiths. The Israelites do not have  swords or spears. Instead, they had to arm themselves with forks, axes, hoes and other farm implements.

Favorite verse: "Samuel said to Saul, 'You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.'" (1 Samuel 13:13-14)


Chapter Fourteen
As frightened as Saul was about the Philistine army, his son, Jonathan, has developed a strong faith and a reliance on God. Seeing his father was not going to attack the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor bearer sneak out to fight the Philistines on their own. Jonathan states that the LORD can use many or few men to deliver a great victory. Jonathan relies on God to protect him and deliver the Philistines into his hands. Jonathan and his armor bearer kill 20 Philistines, and the surprise attack causes a great trembling in the camp. Soon, the Philistines are fleeing away. Saul sees this from his lookout and sends his men to slay the Philistines.

Saul makes a ridiculous oath stating that if anyone eats, he will be put to death. Saul drives hard his army. They are tired and weary. Jonathan does not know about the oath and eats some honey. When at last the Israelites are able to eat, they pounce upon the animal spoil and eat them with the blood still flowing through their bodies (thus violating Torah). Saul wants to continue pursuing the Philistines, but after inquiring of the LORD and hearing nothing, Saul knows someone broke his oath. Saul and the Israelites draw lots for who committed the crime. Saul and Jonathan are taken. Jonathan is then revealed as the offender. Saul wants to kill Jonathan, but the Israeites come to Jonathan's rescue. Saul discontinues his pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines return back to their land.

Favorite verse: "Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, 'Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.' His armor bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your hear; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.'" (1 Samuel 14:6-7)


Chapter Fifteen
Samuel gives Saul strict commands from God that he is to utterly destroy the Amalekites---destroy all the livestock, men, women and children. Nothing is to be left alive of the Amalekites. Saul and his large army have a successful victory over the Amalekites. However, Saul and his men decide only to destroy the despised and worthless items and take for their own spoil the best of the livestock. Saul even spares the King of the Amalekites, Agag.

Samuel rebukes Saul for disobeying the word of the LORD; however, Saul insists he has been obedient. Finally, after more chastening by Samuel, Saul admits his sin. Samuel pronounces judgment on Saul. Samuel then kills Agag with the sword, fulfilling God's command. Samuel goes back to Ramah and does not see Saul again until the day of his death.

Favorite verse: "Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king.'" (1 Samuel 15:22-23)


Chapter Sixteen
Samuel travels to Bethlehem to hold a sacrifice and to anoint the next king of Israel. Samuel examines each son of Jesse one by one. However, Samuel is told by God that none of the sons present before him are to be the next king of Israel. Samuel asks Jesse if he has any more sons. Yes, there is still the youngest son who is out shepherding the sheep. The youngest boy is summoned. Samuel receives confirmation that the youngest son, David, is to be anointed. Samuel pours oil on David and anoints him in the midst of his brothers. Then the Spirit of the LORD comes upon David.

Next, the Spirit of the LORD departs from King Saul. Instead, a spirit which terrorizes Saul comes upon him. Saul's servants devise that hearing music will help calm Saul's tormenting spirit. A young servant knows David, and he knows that David is a boy with musical gifts to play the harp. David is sent for and brought to the palace. David plays music for Saul and finds favor in Saul's eyes.

Favorite verse: "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his statue, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7)


Chapter Seventeen
The Philistines once again assemble for battle. This time, they have a giant named Goliath among them. Goliath taunts the Israeli troops day after day. No one in the Israeli army is brave enough to meet Goliath's taunts. David's three older brothers are part of the Israeli forces. David is commanded by his father to take supplies to his brothers. Upon reaching the camp, David hears Goliath's jeering and hears about the great reward (riches, a princess and freedom from taxes) which King Saul has promised to the person who kills Goliath.

David's oldest brother becomes enraged that David is asking such questions from the soldiers. He severely chastens David, claiming David is just trying to glean attention. In the meantime, Saul hears that David is inquiring about fighting against Goliath. David is summoned to King Saul's tent. Saul asks many questions about David's bravery. Saul then allows David to fight Goliath. Saul tries to clothe David with his armor; however, the heavy weight of the protection gear impedes David's ability to move. David takes off the armor and decides to face Goliath with just a sling, a shepherd's staff, a pouch and five smooth stones.

Goliath insults the God of Israel when David approaches him. But, David replies that he comes to Goliath in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. Goliath arises to meet David. David runs at Goliath, slinging a stone at Goliath. Goliath slumps to the ground. David uses Goliath's own stone to cut off Goliath's head. Saul inquires about David, asking who David is.

Favorite verse: "Then David said to the Philistines, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.'" (1 Samuel 17:45-47)


Chapter Eighteen
After Saul finishes speaking to David, Saul does not allow David to return home. David becomes a prosperous soldier, having victory wherever he goes. David's name and fame grow so vast that King Saul develops a deep jealousy of David. During this time, Jonathan and David develop a beautiful friendship. Jonathan gives David his robe and his bow, sword and belt.

When the tormenting spirit comes upon Saul, Saul brandishes his spear at David. David escapes. Saul then makes David commander of a thousand in Saul's military. After David continues to have many military victories, Saul tries to get David to marry his oldest daughter, Merab. David declines, noting his is too insignificant to marry the king's daughter.

When King Saul finds out his other daughter, Michal, is in love with David, he develops a plan. He informs David that the dowry for his daughter Michal is 100 foreskins from the Philistines. Saul secretly schemes that his dowry request will cause David to be killed by the Philistines. However, God is with David, and David kills 200 Philistines. Upon receiving the dowry payment, Saul gives his daughter Michal in marriage to David.

Favorite verse: "It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistines, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.'" (1 Samuel 18:6-7)

Chapter Nineteen
Saul plans to kill David and makes his intentions known among his servants. Jonathan informs David about his father's ambitions and tells David to hide until Jonathan is able to speak with his father. Jonathan confronts King Saul about his idea to kill David. Jonathan is very forth coming; he tells his father David has not sinned against him, and if Saul kills David, he will be sinning against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause. King Saul changes his mind and swears by the LORD that he will not kill David. David returns to the palace.

When there is war again and once more David is highly successful, Saul becomes jealous and attempts to kill David by throwing a spear at him. David escapes. Saul sends messengers to David's house to watch the house in order to put him to death in the morning. Michal tells David he needs to flee. Michal lets David down through a window and places a household idol covered with clothes and goat's hair on the bed. When the messengers enter the house, they believe David is sick in bed. When Saul hears the messengers did not seize David, he demands they return back to David's house and take David to the palace on his sick bed. When the messengers return to David's house, the rouse is discovered.

David flees to Samuel at Ramah. When King Saul learns of David's location, he sends three sets of messengers. When the messengers arrive in Ramah, the Spirit of God comes upon them, and they start prophesying. Saul then departs for Ramah. He, too, is overcome with the Spirit of God and begins prophesying. Once again, David escapes Saul's clutches.

Favorite verse: "Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, 'Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you. For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?'" (1 Samuel 19:4-5)


Chapter 20
Chapter 20 tells of the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan. The chapter highlights the sharp contrast between Saul's hatred for David and Jonathan's abundant love for David. When David returns from Ramah, he meets Jonathan. David expresses his fear that he is extremely close to death due to Saul's continual persecution of David. Jonathan assures David he will not die. However, David hatches a plan to discern if Saul truly wants to kill David. David is to miss the two day New Moon feast. If Saul becomes enraged and wants to kill David, Jonathan will secretly meet David and tell him the information.

When the New Moon feast comes, Saul becomes enraged that David is not at the festival. Saul threatens to kill not only David but also Jonathan. Jonathan leaves the feast. At the appointed time, Jonathan meets David in a field a good distance from the palace. Jonathan tells David he must flee as his father, Saul, does indeed want to kill him. They both weep. Jonathan returns to the palace while David becomes a fugitive and enters a life of exile.

Favorite verse: "Then Saul's anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die.'" (1 Samuel 20:30-31)


Chapter 21
When David flees, he heads to a place he knows he will have safety and receive a blessing; he goes to Ahimelech, the priest, at Nob. Ahimelech is very cordial to David. When David states he is on an urgent mission from the king, Ahimelech gives him the bread of the Presence to David for food and gives him Goliath's sword for a weapon. Unfortunately, one of Saul's faithful servants, Doeg, is also at the tabernacle. Doeg subsequently uses the information he acquires to inform King Saul about Ahimelech's aid to David.

David flees to the Philistine city of Gath, the hometown of Goliath. Of course, David's slaying of Goliath, and David carrying Goliath's sword immediately alerts the city to David's presence. When David finds out his identity has been discovered, he feigns insanity. David's acting skills fool the king and his servants into thinking David is a madman. David is released from the king's custody.

Favorite verse: "Then the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.' And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'" (1 Samuel 21:9)


Chapter 22
David begins his life as an exile. First he escapes to the cave of Adullam, and then he flees to Moab. At Moab, David leaves his father and mother in the care of the King of Moab. David returns back to the land of Israel.

Saul hears about David and his adventures. Doeg, the Edomite, tells Saul he saw David at Nob being aided by Ahimelech. Saul summons all the priests from Nob. Saul accuses Ahimelech of conspiracy. Ahimelech denies the charges. Saul proclaims a death sentence on Ahimelech and his whole family. Doeg, the Edomite, carries out the order, slaying 85 men who were priests and all the men, women and children who lived in Nob. One of the sons of Ahimelech, Abiathar, escapes and flees to David.

Favorite verse: "The David said to Abiathar, 'I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have brought about the death of every person in your father's household. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me.'" (1 Samuel 22:22-23)