1 Kings 13

1 - 34 Message of the Prophet from Judah

A prophet from Judah interrupts the festivities by proclaiming the altar an offense to God. The Lord told the prophet not to eat or drink in Bethel, nor return by the way he came. When Jeroboam tempted him, the prophet obeyed God’s command. But, the prophet later disobeyed God and believed a lie. After hearing about the events at the altar, an old prophet finds the man of God and uses a lie to persuade him to come eat and drink at his home in Bethel. The prophet was persuaded and disobeyed God. As a result, he was killed by a lion.

The old prophet’s behavior after he retrieved the man of God’s body is peculiar. The old prophet cried out “Alas, my brother!" After he buried him, he said, "When I die, bury me in the grave where the man of God is buried. Lay my remains beside his." Jeroboam didn't give up his evil ways and therefore his house was cut off and destroyed from the earth.

1 Kings 12

1 - 25 - Secession of Israel

Rehoboam goes to Shechem Israel splits.

My notes: Even in David's time the northern tribes seemed ready to withdraw from Judah. The unreasonable attitude of Rehoboam toward them intensified the discontent caused by the oppression of Solomon and thus precipitated the establishment of a rival monarchy.

26 - 31 - Religious Rebellion

Jeroboam feared reunification of the divided kingdom through worship in the single temple in Jerusalem. To prevent this he encouraged shrines on the high places, and appointed false priests to supplement those of levitical descent. The golden bullocks he installed in two of his sanctuaries, though probably intended as bearers of the invisible Divine Majesty, quickly became occasions for idolatry. Thus Jeroboam caused Israel to sin, and sealed his doom and that of his royal house.

33

"Jeroboam ascended the altar he built in Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the month in which he arbitrarily chose to establish a feast for the Israelites; he was going to offer sacrifice."

1 Kings 11

11: 1 - 43 The Sins of Solomon

King Solomon loved many foreign women from nations with which the Lord forbidden the Israelites to marry (Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites) because "they will turn your hearts to their gods" But with 700 wives and 300 concubines, his wives turned his heart to the strange gods. The Lord states that he will take away Solomon's kingdom (but not during Solomon's lifetime).

My notes: "The glorious rise of Solomon, his piety and wisdom, administrative skill and wealth, the extension of his kingdom, his prestige among neighboring rulers, his reign of peace, above all his friendship with God-these are now eclipsed by his sins of intermarriage with great numbers of pagan wives and the consequent forbidden worship of their gods. His construction of temples in their honor merited the punishment of loss of a united kingdom to his posterity, and the opposition of adversaries to himself. Hadad the Edomite rebelled against Solomon at the beginning of his reign. Rezon of Syria established a new kingdom in Damascus; Jeroboam of Israel constituted the greatest threat because of his revolt from within. This threefold threat culminated in the breakup of Solomon's kingdom."

1 Kings 10

1 - 13 Visit of the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon to ask him questions. She arrived with camels and spices, gold and jewels, and Solomon answers her questions. The Queen was breathless at the king's wisdom, temple, workers and holocaust, and she compliments him. She gave the king 120 talents, spices, and jewels. Hiram's fleet was used to bring timber and more precious stones and Solomon made harps and lyres out of it. When Solomon gave the Queen everything she desire, she returned to her country.

14 - 29 Solomon's Wealth

Here is a long list of Solomon's possessions. In a word, he was wealthy.

1 Kings 9

1 - 9 Promise and Warning to Solomon

After the Temple is finished, the Lord appears to Solomon and promises to be there always and that if Solomon is upright and sincere as David was (!) He will establish his sovereignty over Israel forever. If Solomon or his descendants draw away from God, the Lord will cut off Israel and the temple will become a "heap of ruins."

10 - 28 Other Acts of the King

After 20 years, Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in Galilee. Hiram sends Solomon 120 talents (three million six hundred thousand dollars - that was lot back then).

King Solomon levied forced labor to build the temple. (No Israelites were used - except as supervisors).

Solomon built Millo for Pharaoh's daughter.

Solomon offered three holocausts a year & kept the temple in good shape.

Solomon built a fleet at Eziongeber with seamen who went to Ophir and brought back 420 talents

1 Kings 8

1 - 21 Dedication of the Temple

My notes contextualize this pretty well: The transfer of th Ark of the Covenant into the newly constructed temple building, and the oracle of God's acceptance (1 Kings 9, 3-9), and his act of possession (1 Kings 8, 10-13), constituted the temple's solemn dedication, and made of it the abiding dwelling of God among his people for which David had hoped. The concurrence of the feast of Booths marks an appropriate transition of God's dwelling among nomadic trabes to his permanent abode among a settled people.

22 - 66 Solomon's Prayer

Solomon prays to the Lord for justice and in praise. Then he offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Then there was a great festival. (It sounds as if they ate well!) "On the eighth day he dismissed the people, who bade the king farewell and went to their homes, rejoicing and happy over all the blessings the LORD had given to his servant David and to his people Israel." (66)

1 Kings 7

1 - 12 Building the Palace

Solomon spent 13 years constructing his palace. It is described as being very large and opulent.

13 - 51 Furnishing the Temple

My notes: "The two hollow bronze columns, Jachin and Boaz, stood free to the right and left of the temple porch. The names are related to God's power (Boaz) [I always thought that meant "Outlet Mall" - K] founding (Jachine) the temple and his people. (15-21)" Then . . . "The sea . . . rested on 12 oxen: this was a large circular tank containing about 12,000 gallons of water."

When it was completed, Solomon dedicated offerings of David, putting gold and silver into the temple treasuries.

1 Kings 6

1 - 38 Building the Temple

480 years after the Israelites departed Egypt, in Solomon's fourth year as king, construction began. (My Notes: "Construction of the temple is here paralleled in importance with the founding of the nation after the departure from Egypt. In both, God is the central figure who chose Israel as his people, and now chooses the place where his temple should be built. The year given is a round number, 480, which corresponds to twelve generations. The fourth year of Solomon's reign = c. 968 B.C.)

The specs of the new temple are given. (My notes: The sanctuary of the holy of holies reserved for the Lord is the innermost part of the temple. Here through his presence he dwelt as on a throne between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant.) Solomon used the cedar and gold and put many nice carvings inside. It took about seven years to complete it.

1 Kings 5

1 - 14 Solomon's Royal State (Continued)

Solomon has quite a spread - lots of land, supplies and chariot horses. He's also the wisest man in land (3000 proverbs & 1005 songs) He knew a lot about plants and animals, and people came from all the earth to hear him.

15 - 32 Preparation for the Temple

Solomon writes to Hiram that since his father's enemies are gone, he will be able to build a temple. Hiram agrees to supply the lumber. In return, Solomon gives Hiram's family wheat and oil, and there is peace between them. Solomon consecrates 30,000 workers, 70,000 carriers and 80,000 stonecutters, 3,300 overseers. Large blocks are quarried for the foundation.

1 Kings 4

1 - 6 Chief Officers of the Kingdom.

Solomon was king over all of Israel, and then we have a list of officials. (Cool names like Zadok, Jehoshaphat, and Adoniram (superintendent of the forced labor - I'd hate to be on his bad side).

7 - 19 Solomon's Royal State

Solomon had twelve commissaries for all Israel who supplied food for the king and his household, each having to provide for one month of the year.

My notes: "The administration of the kingdom thus initiated by Solomon continued in its main features for the duration of the monarchy in Israel and Judah.

1 Kings 3

1 - 15 Wisdom of Solomon

Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh. Solomon goes to Gibeon to sacrifice and the Lord speaks to him: "Ask something of me and I will give it to you." Solomon asks for "an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong." (This is a good thing to pray for). The Lord gives him "a heart so wise and understanding that there has not been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." Oh, and he also gives Solomon riches, glory, and a long life.

16 - 28 Solomon's Judgment

Here is the famous story of two women who are fighting over a child, and Solomon orders the child cut in half. He declares the child's mother is the one who protests.

1 Kings 2

1 - 11 David's Last Instructions and Death

Before he dies, David is reminded of God's Promise: "If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel." (2 Sam. 7: 11-16) The length of David's reign was 40 years (7 in Hebron and 33 in Jerusalem).

12 - 46 The Kingdom Made Secure

After Solomon's Ascension to the throne, Abinijah asks Bethsheba to persuade Solomon to grant Abishag the Shumanite as his wife. Instead, Solomon as Abinijah put to death. My Notes: "Abishag had been the concubine of King David. His successor, Solomon, inherited his father's harem. When Adonijah requested Abishag as his wife, he was subtly undermining the security of Solomon's throne and exposing himself to the suspicion of insurrection." Solomon lets Abiathar the priest go back home to Anathoth. Then Solomon has Joab struck down at the tent of the Lord. Solomon puts Shimei under house arrest in Jerusalem. When Solomon discovers that Shimei has gone to Gath, he has him executed. (This all reminds me of the last few minutes of The Godfather when Michael has to prove himself more ruthless than his father.)

1 Kings 1

1 - Rise of Solomon

King David is older and sickly. His servants get Abishag the Shunammite to wait on him. Although she's very beautiful, there's no hanky-panky.

Adonijah, son of Haggith thinks he's going to be king. He sacrifices sheep, oxen, & fatlings by the Serpent's Stone.

Nathan warns Bathsheba, Solomon's mom, that their lives are in danger if Adonijah becomes king. She goes to David and reminds him that he promised that Solomon would reign after him. Nathan comes in and tells David of Adonijah. David tells Bathsheba that Solomon will reign after him. He calls Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah together to anoint Solomon and shout "Long live King Solomon!" They do this, causing Adonijah to flee. When Solomon finds out about Adonijah's fear of him, he states, "If he prove to be a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to earth; but if wickedness if found in him, he shall die."

Philippians 4

1 - 23 Paul's urges unity within the congregation, joy, prayer, and the Christian outlook on life. Euodia and Syntyche need to reconcile their differences. Paul turns over everything to Christ, and even though he doesn't have earthly goods, he is rich: I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
He closes the letter with greetings in the name of Christ.

Philippians 3

1 - 6 Paul begins his concluding remarks by warning against legalistic teaching. He states that Christians are the circumicision, or the outward sign of God's covenant with his people. "We . . . do not put our confidence in flesh."

7 - 21 Righteousness from God: "Whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ." Paul warns against putting store in earthly goals. Paul looks forward in Christ - "the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus." Paul invites the Philippians to imitate him, not the enemies of the cross of Christ (materialists). My favorite description: "Their God is their stomach; their glory in their "shame." Remember: "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body . . . "

Philippians 2

1 - 11 Plea for Unity and Humility

Be humble - regard others as more important than yourself. He describes Jesus as the example of humility.

12 - 18 Obedience and Service in the World

Be obedient (even when others aren't watching) without grumbling or questioning.

19 - 24 Timothy and Paul

Paul plans to send Timothy to Phillipi.

25 - 30 Epaphroditus

My note: Epaphroditus: sent by the Philippians as their messenger (literally, "apostle") to aid Paul in his imprisonment, he had fallen seriously ill; Paul commends him as he sends him back to Philippi.

Philippians 1

1 - 11 Introduction

Paul and Timothy address those in Philippi. He notes that gifts come from Christ the Lord (not just the God the Father.

12 - 26

Paul describes his present situation (his imprisonment) and that Christians still go on preaching the gospel (though some with hostility toward Paul and others out of personal ambition.

My notes: Paul earnestly debates his prospects of martyrdom or continued missionary labor. While he may long to depart this life and thus be with Christ, his overall and final expectation is that he will be delivered from this imprisonment and continue in the service of the Philippians and of others. In either case, Christ is central; if to live means Christ for Paul, death means to be united with Christ in a deeper sense.

27 - 30

My notes: Ethical admonition begins at this early point in the letter, emphasizing steadfastness and congregational unity in the face of possible suffering. The opponents are those in Philippi, probably pagans, who oppose the gospel cause. This is proof . . . may refer to the whole outlook and conduct of the Philippians, turning out for their salvation but to the judgment of the opponents, or possibly the sentence refers to the opinion of the opponents, who hold that the obstinacy of the Christians points to the destruction of such people as defy Roman authority (though in reality, Paul holds, such faithfulness leads to salvation).

Ephesians 6

1 - 9 How those in Authority and under Authority Should Relate

Children, obey your parents - since "that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth." In turn, fathers must not provoke children, but train and instruct children of the Lord. Slaves (employees included, I suppose) must be obedient "as to Christ." In turn, Masters (those in authority) must not bully those under them. (Even the masters have a Master in heaven).

10 - 20 Courage and Prayer

My notes: Paul describes the Christian in terms of the dress and equipment of Roman soldiers. He observes, however, that the Christian's readiness for combat is not directed against human beings but against the spiritual powers of evil Unique importance is placed upon prayer.

21 - 24 Postscript

If Ephesians is addressed to several Christian communities, it is understandable that no greetings to individual members of these communities should have been included in it.

Ephesians 5

1 - 5 Rules for a New Life

Continued from Ch. 4 - Imitate God as Children - live in love. Don't mention immorality among each other. No "silly or suggestive talk which is out of place, but instead thanksgiving." Avoid impurity.

6 - 20 Duty to Live in the Light

Avoid the disobedient. Live in the light instead of the darkness. Live as the wise, not foolish.

21 - 33 Wives and Husbands

My notes: The apostle exhorts married Christians to a strong mutual love. Marriage is a divine institution, and Paul sees Christian marriage as taking on a new meaning symbolic of the intimate relationship of love between Christ and the church. The wife sould serve her husband in the same spirit as that of the church's service to Christ, and the husband should care for his wife with the devotion of Christ to the church.

Ephesians 4

1 - 16 Unity in the Body

Paul urges the Ephesians to live in a manner worthy of the call (humility, gentleness, patience, bearing). Grace was given to each of us according to Christ's gifts. There's a diversity in everyone's call; evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc. We are to grow the knowledge of Christ from the head down (Christ is the head).

17 - 24 Renewal in Christ

We must put away our old selves and desires and put on the new self, "created in God's way in righteousness and holiness and truth."

25 - 32 Rules for the New Life

Put away falsehood, speak the truth. Be angry, but don't sin. Don't steal. No foul language, but only that which is needed for "edification". Forgive others.

Ephesians 3

1 - 13 Commission to Preach God's Plan

Paul describes himself as a "prisoner of Christ" - He emphasizes that Gentiles are" "coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promises in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Paul attributes his ministry to God's grace.


14 - 21 Prayer for the Readers

Paul prays for his readers' strength and for them to know Christ's love.

Ephesians 2

1 - 10 Generosity of God's Will

All Christians *were* dead in their transgressions and sins and were by nature "children of wrath." But God in his mercy - despite our transgressions, "raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens next to Jesus Christ (by grace you were saved) . . . for it is not by works, so none may boast.

11 - 22 One in Christ

Jesus, through his flesh, abolished the old law. No longer are there separate clans, but everyone is to be one through Christ - "members of the household of God."

1 Ephesians

My notes: Ephesians is Paul's great letter about the church. It deals with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ, the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God's plan of salvation known throughout the universe.

1 - 14 Greeting and Hymn of Praise

God chose us in him, "to be holy and without blemish before him." (remember the sacrificial lambs in Moses' day. Also remember that Jesus died in order to make us without blemish). God has chosen us - through his grace.

We have been redeemed through Jesus' blood - we were chosen - "so that we might exist for the prose of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ (12). Hearing the word and believing is the first installment (down-payment) "of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession."

15 - 23 The Church as God's Body

Paul reaffirms that God raised Jesus from the dead adn setated him at his right hand in the heavens - above "every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name this is named not only in this age but also in the one to come." He put everything beneath his feet and is the head of the church, which is his body, "the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way."

1 Samuel 31

The Philistines fight. They kill all of Saul's sons (including Jonathan). Saul commands his armor bearer to kill him. When the armor bearer refuses, Saul runs himself into his sword. The armor bearer kills himself too. Saul's body is desecrated by the Philistines at Beth Sham. The Isrealites recover his body and bury him at Jabesh.

1 Samuel 30

David returns from Ziklag to discover it destroyed and 2 of his wives taken captive. He asks God if he should pursue the raiding party and is given the go-ahead. David takes 600 men. An abandoned Egyptian slave revives him and leads David to the raiding party. David recovers everything and makes everyone share - even those who stayed behind.

1 Samuel 29

The Philistines are angry with Achish when they discover who David is. Achish dismisses David.

1 Samuel 28

1 - 25 Saul and the Witch of Endor

Achish makes David a bodyguard. The Philistine army scares Saul. He prays, but God doesn't answer. Saul disguises himself and visits the Witch of Endor. He asks her to bring up Samuel. he tells the spirit of his distress & asks what to do. Samuel tells him the Lord has departed from Saul and become his enemy and that David has been given the kingdom. Also, the next day Saul and his sons will die. He falls in fear and refuses to eat. The Witch of Endor eats in front of him.

1 Samuel 27

1 - 12 David among the Philistines

David realizes that one day he will be killed by Saul. David and 600 men go on the road. Achish gives him Ziklag. David raids the Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites, completely razine each area. Achish believes that David's actions will make him his servant forever.

1 Samuel 26

(From J.P.) Well, once again Saul pursues David, David has an opportunity to kill him but spares him.Someone told Saul where David was camped so he went after him there with an army of 3000. David heard about it and sent scouts to investigate. When they confirmed it, David went himself and saw that Saul was going to sleep beside Abner, commander of the army and Saul's cousin. David went back to camp and asked Ahimelech and Abishai (his nephew) which one would go back to Saul's camp that night. Abishai volunteered.They went to the camp during the night and found Saul sleeping in the middle of the army with his spear and water jug near his head. God kept all the army in a "deep sleep" (vs 12) so no one heard them come or go. Abishai told David to kill him for " God has delivered your enemy into your hands" (vs 8). David again refused to kill the Lord's annointed but took his spear and water jug.They went to a nearby hill (far enough to call anyone in the army but not close enough for anyone to see who they were)and, the next morning, called Abner. David asked him why he didn't protect the king during the night and asked where the king's spear and water jug were.Saul recognized David's voice. David agian asked why he was persuing him and what he is guilty of. He appeals that if God has set Saul against him then allow him to make an offering and settle it with God and leave Saul out of it. He says that if men have done it, he curses them.

The thing that I notice about David is that he always diverts blame and accusation away from either one of them and implies that God or other men are creating this hostile relationship AND always implores for the Lord to resolve it.

Saul says, "I have sinned" (21) and asked David to return with him. David presents the spear and water jug and asks for a messenger to retrieve them but, since he spared the king's life, God will protect him from any trickery on the messenger's part.

They both parted ways again. I don't know what I'd do if I were in Saul's army. There's no evidence against David. I'd be interested to know what the army is told as a reason for their constant activation against him. Being in the Army, it's just as likely that they were told they were just "going on an exercise" or something harmless. Or they may know they are meeting David but not realize Saul's hostility toward him. We haven't heard any hostile reason why the army would be alerted though.

David keeps his focus on the Lord throughout. That's a good example for us.

1 Samuel 25

(From J.P.) Samuel died and the entire nation of Israel mourns. Notes indicate that this was because he helped reconstruct Israel's theocracy and establish the monarchy. He was mourned like Jacob, Aaron, and Moses.David continues moving into the Desert of Maon. A man named Nabal lived there who was very wealthy an owned thousands of herds of livestock. Notes indicate that Nabal means "fool" and he was widely knows as being a coarse, brutal man. His wife Abigail was, of course, the opposite; a kind, beautiful woman.David decides to ask Nabal to host he and his men for a while so he sends 10 messengers to make his request by first making clear that he protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks when they passed through their camp.Nabal tells the messengers that he doesn't know David and, for all he knows, they may all be runaway slaves.Well, when David gets this message, he tells 400 of his men to "put on their swords".Meanwhile, one of Abigail's servants told her about all this and asked her if there's anything she can do. Abigail prepares gifts of tons of food and wine and goes to meet them on their way.

24-31 Abigail makes an impressive plea to spare Nabal (her) household pointing out that he is the Lord's servant and the Lord blesses all he does. She also prays that his enemies fall as quickly as a "stone from a sling".

David praises her and agrees that God has sent her to spare needless bloodshed. He accepts her gifts and sends her home in peace.When Abigail gets home, Nabal is having a "king's feast" and is filthy drunk. She waits till the next moring to tell him everything (that David was about to wipe him out with an army of 400). When he heard this "his heart failed him and he became like a stone". Notes indicate that this was probably a stroke. He died 10 days later. This was because of Abigails "curse" on David's enemies.When David hears of his death he sends for Abigail to marry her which she gladly accepts. David also has another wife.

Notes indicate that Nabal is supposed to mirror Saul in that David was his faithful servant and he could care less, in fact, was willing to kill him. Nabal's death is supposed to foreshadow Saul's death, also from Abigail's curse.Personally this demonstrates that if we have "evil" employers or people above us in any way who mistreat us or ignore our contributions, God will deal with them. David keeps wanting to take matters into his own hands but God prevents this until He can do it Himself. We MUST stay in the Lord and focus on being God's faithful servant. Then we can KNOW from stories like this that the Lord will take care of us.

1 Samuel 24

1 - 22 David Spares Saul's Life

When Saul returns from fighting the Philistines, he is told David is hiding the desert near Engedi. He picks 3,000 men to search for him. David's servants tell him that this is the day the Lord said He would deliver his enemy within his grasp. David moves to Saul, but he only cuts the end off of his mantle (because Saul is God's anointed). He calls to Saul, asking why he thinks he will harm him, and he declares he will not touch him, and asks Saul to swear he will not destroy him or his descendents (a great speech). He gives Saul his oath. Saul returns home & David goes back into hiding.

1 Samuel 23

1 - 14 Saul Pursues David

David learns that the Philistines attacked Keilah. He asked the Lord what to do. The Lord told him to rescue Keilah. David's men are afraid, and David goes to the Lord who again tells him to go against them. David goes and rescues them. Saul finds out and calls his people to destroy Keilah. The Lord tells David that the people of Keilah would turn him in, so they leave.

15 - 18 Jonathan Visits David in the Wilderness of Ziph

In Ziph, Jonathan visits David and encourages David, telling him that David will become the King of Israel and that Saul knows this.

19 - 28 Saul again Pursues David

Saul finds out that David is hiding among the Ziphites, but David gets word of it and hids in a desert gorge, when a messenger tells Saul that the Philistines had invaded, so he calls off the hunt.

1 Samuel 22

1 - 5 David at Adullam and Mizpah

David leaves Gath and hides in a cave in Adullam. His father's household hears about it and goes to him. All of the discontent (about 400) had gathered there with him. David goes to Moab of Mizpah and gets him to agree to keep his family until he learns what to do. The prophet of Gad tells him to go to Judah.

6 - 23 Saul Kills the Priest of Nob

Saul heard about David and that Ahimelech helped him. He orders the death of the priests plus the whole town of Nob (including women, children, infants, donkeys, cattle and sheep). But Abiathar a son of Ahimelech escapes and joins David, telling him what happened. David takes responsibility, and tells the man (without irony?) "Stay with me; don't be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me."

1 Samuel 21

1 - 9 David at Nob

In Nob, David visits Ahimelech the priest, tells him that he's on a mission for the king and since there is no regular bread and the men have kept themselves from women, he gets consecrated bread. Doeg the Edomite, Saul's head shepherd is there. David asks for a sword, and Ahimelech give Goliath's sword.

10 - 15 David at Gath

Then David goes to Achish king of Gath. Because he knows the song that made Saul so angry, David fears Achish. He pretends to go crazy so Achish will dismiss him.

1 Samuel 20

1 - 42 David and Jonathan

David flees to Naioth and goes to Jonathan for advice about Saul. Jonathan explains that Saul tells him everything. David tells Jonathan that he's going to hide and that if Saul misses him, to tell him that he's gone to Bethlehem for a sacrifice with his clan. David knows that if Saul loses his temper he's not safe. Jonathan promises to send word of Saul's mood.

At dinner, Saul says nothing because he thinks David has done something to become ceremonially unclean. When Jonathan tells him he gave David permission to go to his family, Saul explodes with anger. He tells him to bring David to him for execution. When he asks his father why, his father hurls a spear at him.

The next day, Jonathan ditches the boy he was hunting with, finds David, and warns him of Saul's plans. They swear their friendship and part ways. (Not only that, but the allegience of their descendants - i.e. Saul's descendents - Remember that David has a Most Holy Descendent - Jesus Christ!)

1 Samuel 19

1 – 7 Jonathan Intercedes for David

Saul tries to get Jonathan and his servants to kill David, but Jonathan warns David. Jonathan tells Saul the good things Jonathan did. Saul listens and gives an oath not to kill David. Jonathan tells David what happened.

8 – 17 Michal Helps David Escape from Saul

David fights another war and another evil spirit enters Saul. He tries to pin David to the wall with a spear. David escapes. Saul sends messengers to kill David, and Michal warns David of his danger. David escapes through a window and Michal puts and idol in David’s bed and tells the messengers he is sick. Saul finds out, and asks his daughter why she deceived him, and she lies to him, claiming David threatened her life.

18 – 24 Saul Among the Prophets

David and Samuel go to Naioth in Ramah. Saul finds out and sends men to kill him. When they arrive, the spirit of God comes upon them and they prophesy. This happens three times. Finally, Saul goes himself. The spirit of God comes even on him and he strips his garments and prophesies naked all day and night. People ask, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

1 Samuel 18

1 – 9 Jonathan’s Covenant with David

After David kills Goliath, Jonathan becomes very close to him. Saul won’t let David return to his family and Jonathan makes a covenant with him, giving him all of his accessories. (This is remarkable, because as Saul's son, he stands to gain everything upon Saul's death.) Saul puts David in charge of the army. As they return the women come out and sing to them – mainly about how David killed more Philistines than Saul. Saul “eyed David from that day on.”

10 – 6 Saul Tries to Kill David

An evil spirit from God comes upon Saul the next day. While David is playing, Saul attacks him with a spear but misses. Saul is afraid of David because the Lord was with David but not Saul. He sends David away to battle, and because the Lord was with him, David was always victorious.

17 – 30 David Marries Michal

Saul gives David his elder daughter Merab. David knows that the marriage isn’t proper – so Merab is promised to someone else. Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and Saul plans to give him to David “so that she may be a snare to him and the Philistines may be against him.” He even enlists the help of David’s servants. David still says he’s not worthy to be a king’s son-in-law. When Saul hears this, Saul declares he wants 100 Philistine foreskins as a price for his daughter. (Saul expects he’ll die in battle). David agrees, goes to battle, and brings back 200 Philistine foreskins. Saul gave him his daughter. When he realizes that the Lord is with David and Michal loves him, he is even more afraid of David and becomes his enemy for life.

1 Samuel 17

1 - 58 David and Goliath

The Philistines and Isrealites assemble for war. The Philistine warrior Goliath is intimidating: he's 9 feet tall and wears scary armor. He's so confident, he berates the Isrealites and tells them if a soldier can kill him, the Philistines will serve Isreal (and vice versa). He came out and threatened the Isrealites every day for 40 days.

David, the youngest son of Jesse, has to tend the sheep instead of going back war with Saul like his brothers. One morning, Jesse tells him to take some food to them and bring back news. When he gets there, Goliath comes out and makes his threats. The soldiers explain to David what's going on, and David asks, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" His oldest brother gives him a hard time for leaving his sheep and coming to watch the battle. David tells Saul he will fight Goliath. When Saul tells him he's too young, David tells Saul how - with God's help - he killed a bear. He promises to do the same to Goliath, "because he has defied the armies of the living God." He refuses Saul's armor, and brings 5 stones.

Goliath is offended the the Isrealites would send a child. David gives a speech that begins, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied . . . for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." David slings a rock into Goliath's forehead, kills him with a sword, and cuts off his head. The Isrealites chase the Philistines away and plunder their cap. He brings Goliath's head back to Jerusalem. Saul wants to know whose son David is.

1 Samuel 16

1 - 13 Samuel Anoints David

The Lord sends Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem with a heifer to sacrifice (and to find a new king). Samuel sees Eliab and thinks he's the chosen one, but the Lord tells him Samuel not to go on appearances. It turns out that the youngest, David, who is tending sheep is the chosen one. Samuel anoints David with a horn of oil and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon the young shepherd.

14 - 23 David in Saul's Service

The Spirit of the Lord leaves Saul and an evil spirit of the Lord torments him. Saul's attendents see this happening and decide to get someone to play the harp to soothe him. When David would play, the evil spirit would leave Saul and relieve him.

1 Samuel 15

1 - 35 The Lord Rejects Saul as King

Samuel tells Saul that the Lord wants Saul to attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. The Lord tells Samuel what happened and that He regrets making Saul king. He basically tells Samuel to find Saul and tell him, "You're fired."

The next morning Samuel finds that Saul has set up a monument in his own honor. When he sees Samuel, he tells him that he carried out the Lord's instructions. Samuel asks about the sheep and cattle. Saul says he spared them to sacrifice them to the Lord, but destroyed the rest. Samuel also admits that he brought back Agag. Samuel says, " . . . To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." Then he tells him that the Lord has rejected Saul as king. Saul pleads with Samuel and tears his robe. Samuel says, "The Lord as torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors - to one better than you."

Samuel allows Samuel to worship the Lord with him. Then Saul calls for Agag. Agag said, "Surely this is the bitterness of death." But Samuel says "As your sword has made women childless, so you mother will be childless among women." And Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the Lord in Gilgal." (NRSV). My notes say this is a ritual dismemberment associated with covenant violations.

1 Samuel 14

1 - 14 Jonathan Attacks the Philistines

Without Saul's permission, his son Jonathan and his armor-bearor attack and kill 20 Philistines.

15 - 23 Israel Routs the Philistines

Jonathan's attack causes a panic. Saul sees that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are gone and calls for the ark of God. The Philistines are in total confusion. "So on that day the Lord rescued Israel."

24 - 52 Jonathan Eats Honey

Saul binds the Israelites not to eat before he avenges himself. In the woods there is honey on the ground. Jonathan, who had not heard about the oath raises the honey to his mouth. A soldier tells him about the oath, and Jonathan says that if they had eaten they would have fought better. Saul finds out that the men are eating meat with blood still in it. He makes everyone bring their cattle and sheep to slaughter on an altar he built. Saul asks God what he should do, but God doesn't answer that day. Saul tries to find out who sinned against God and says that even if his son was guilty he should do. They cast lots, and it turns out that Jonathan should die. Saul is ready to sacrifice him, but the people save him. (Contrast to the story of Jesus' crucifixion). Saul stops pursuing the Philistines and has victories elsewhere. But the bitter war against the Philistine will continue for the rest of his days.

1 Samuel 13

1 - 7 Revolt Against the Philistines

Saul choses 3000 men from Israel. 2000 are with him at Micmash & 1000 are with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. Jonathan attacks a Philistine outpost at Geba, and Saul summons the people to Gilgal. The Philistines fight Isreal with 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers and "soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore." The men of Israel hide.

7 - 15 Samuel Breaks with Saul

Saul waits 7 days to burn offerings (as Samuel requested), but he does not offer it at Gilgal. Samuel arrives and rebukes him, saying, "You have not kept the command of Lord. Now your kingdom will not endure." Then he leaves Saul, who now has only 600 men.

16 - 23 Preparations for War

Israel is definitely the underdog. Saul and Jonathan prepare for ware and they have to get a blacksmith to sharpen their plowshares into weapons. On the day of battle no soldier has weapons but Saul and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 12

1 - 25 Samuel's Farewell Speech

Samuel is now old and he gives a farewell speech, saying that he hasn't cheated or oppressed anyone (they agree). He reminds the Isrealites of their past (from Jacob to Moses to Samuel). Then he reminds them that it was they who demanded a king. He says, "If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God-good! But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers."

Samuel calls for thunder and rain and it comes. The people want Samuel to pray for them because they have done evil asking for a king. Samuel tells them not to be afraid even though they have done evil "For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own" just don't keep doing evil - if they do that, they will be swept away.

1 Samuel 11

1 - 15 Saul's Victory over the Ammonites

Nahash the Ammonite defeats Jabesh-gilead. He demands that he gouge out all of their right eyes. This is an outrage, and when Saul finds out about it, he cuts up his oxen, and says he will do the same to the Ammonites. He musters the Isrealites and "cut down the Ammonites until the heat of the day; and those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together."

The people want to put to death those who questioned Saul's appointment. Saul says no one will be put to death because the Lord has wrought deliverence to Israel. They go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom and Saul as the king. They rejoice.

1 Samuel 10

1 - 8 Samuel Anoints Saul

Samuel poured oil on Saul's head, saying, "Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance?"

Samuel tells Saul to leave and go to two men near Rachel's tomb who will tell Saul that the asses have been found and his father is worried about him. Then, at the great tree of Tabor 3 men will be traveling with 3 goats, bread, and wine. They will offer the bread and wine and Saul should accept them. At a Philistine outpost in Gibeah, Saul a procession of prophets. There, the spirit of the Lord will come upon Saul and he will prophesy with them. Then Samuel wants Saul to go to Gilgal and wait seven days for him. (This is all kind of complicated, but I would take Samuel's word for it).

9 - 27 Saul Made King

The signs were fulfilled; Saul's heart was changed. After prophesying, Saul went to a high place. His uncle uncle asked where he had been. Saul explained and told him what Samuel said.

Samuel summoned the people at Mizpah and told them Saul was the king the Lord had sent them. When the crowd comes for him, Saul hid in the baggage. the Lord tells them where he is hiding, and seeing how tall he is, they accept him. (Looks were as big a part of the political process back then as now . . . ). After Samuel explains the regulations of Saul's kingship Saul goes home and a few troublemakers grumble about him.

1 Samuel 9

1 - 27 Samuel Meets Saul

Saul was the son of Kish, a Benjaminite. He was the most handsome man in Israel (and tall!). Kish lost all of his asses, so he said to Saul, "Take a servant and find the asses." They traveled far without luck and Saul began to think about going back. The servant knew a man of God in Zuph who they should ask for advice. Saul wondered what they should bring the man. The servant had a fourth of a shekel of silver to give him.

As they arrived toward the city, they met some young maidens. He asked them if there was a seer. They advised that they find him before he went to the high place to eat. They went in and saw him going toward the high place to eat.

The day before Saul came, the Lord told Samuel that he would meet a man from the land of Benjamin and to anoint him prince over Israel. When Samuel saw Saul he knew who he was. He told Saul that he was to eat with him today and tomorrow he would tell him everything. As for the asses, they have been found. Saul was worried because he was a Benjaminite (the least house of Israel), but Samuel took Saul in, placed him at the head of the table. After dinner a bed was given to him on the room. The next day, Samuel said, "Tell the servant to pass on before us . . . and then I will make known to you the word of God."

1 Samuel 8

1 - 22 The People Ask for a King

Samuel becomes old and his sons (Joel and Abijah) become judges in Beer-sheba. It's the same problem Eli had - his sons "don't walk in his ways," take bribes, and pervert justice.

The elders of Israel gather and confront Samuel. Samuel is upset that they want a king to "govern them." He prays to the Lord and the Lord tells Samuel that they haven't abandoned Samuel but the Lord. The Lord tells them to warn them what having a king will really be like.

Samuel tells the people a king will take their sons and daughters and make them work. He will take a tenth of everything and make them slaves. The people don't listen to him and say again ask for a king to "govern us and go before us in battle." The Lord tells Samuel to do what they say and anoint a king.

1 Samuel 7

2 - 17 Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah

The ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim 20 years, and all Israel sought after the Lord. Samuel told them if they are returning to God, they must get rid of their foreign god. So the Israelites repented and put away their Baals and Ashtoreths.

Israel were afraid they would be defeated by the Philistines, so Samuel took a lamb and offered it up to the Lord. The Lord answered him. The Philistines arived and the Israelites were victorious. Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, naming it Ebenezer ("Thus far has the Lord helped us"). Throughout Samuel's life, the Israelites were victorious against the Philistines.

1 Samuel 6

1 - 7:1 The Philistines Return the Ark

The ark was in Philistine country for seven months. They don't want to return it empty, so they put a guilt offering of 5 golden tumors and 5 mice into it (according to the 5 Philistine lords - also my notes state that the reason for the mice might be that the Philistines may have believed them to be spreading the tumors.) They put the ark on a new cart carried by 2 unspoiled cows and sent it off to Beth-shemesh.

The people of Beth-shemesh were happy to see the ark. They split the wood and offered the cows as sacrifice. The Lord did slew some men who looked into the ark. The men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the ark to the house of Abinadab.

1 Samuel 5

1 - 12 The Ark among the Philistines

The Philistines carry the ark to Ashdod and put it in the house of Dagon. At night, Dagon had fallen face downward toward the ark. They set it up and the next morning it had fallen again, and its hands and head were cut off.

The people of Ashdod were terrified and afflicted with tumors. They decide to take the ark to Gath. There, the men were plagued with tumors. They move the ark to Ekron, whose leaders believe the ark was sent to kill them. They decide to return the ark to Israel, and many men die of tumors there as well.

1 Samuel 4

1 - 11 The Philistines Capture the Ark

Isreal goes to battle against the Philistines. Israel is defeated, losing 4,000 men. The elders of Israel decide to take the ark of the covenant before them. While the ark rouses the troops and strikes fear in the Philistines, Israel is defeated, losing 30,000 troops, including Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Philistines capture the ark.

12 - 22 The Death of Eli

A man of Benjamin runs to tell Eli, now 98. He falls from his stoop and breaks his neck. When Phineas' pregnant wife hears the news, she goes into labor and names her son Ichabod, which means "The glory has departed from Israel."

1 Samuel 3

1 - 21 God Calls Samuel

Young Samuel is ministering to the Lord under Eli. One night he is sleeping under the Ark when he hears a voice crying, "Samuel! Samuel!" He goes to Eli, who tells him to go back to bed. When this happens three times, Eli realizes the Lord must be talking to Eli. He tells him, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears.'" (This is a good prayer . . . )

Samuel does this, and the Lord tells him that He will do everything that He has spoken against the House of Eli. The next morning, Eli asks Samuel what the Lord says, and Samuel tells him. Eli says, "It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him."

1 Samuel 2

1 - 11 The Song of Hannah

Hannah sings a song of praise and thanks to the Lord. My notes: "She praises God as the helper of the weak, who casts down the mighty and raises up the lowly, and who alone is the source of true strength; the hymn ends with a prayer for the king." Also compare to Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46).

12 - 26 The Sons of Eli

Hophni and Phineas, priests of the Shiloh shrine are "worthless men" They treated the offerings with contempt and "they were having relations with the women serving at the entry of the meeting tent" (although my notes state this passage "lacking in the oldest Greek translation, and in a Hebrew manuscript from Qumran"). Good quote: "If a man sins against a man, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?" (25)

27 - 36 Punishment of the Sons of Eli

An unnamed prophet comes to tell Eli that for their sins, his sons will die on the same day. And a faithful priest will rise up (Samuel).

1 Samuel 1

1 - 20 Birth of Samuel

Elkanah had two wives: Peninnah, who had children, and Hannah, who had no children (see right). He went regularly to Shiloh where the sons of Eli (Hophni and Phinehas) were priests. When he offered sacrifice, he gave a double portion to Hannah, which upset Peninnah, who would reproach her and Hannah would refuse to eat.

One time Hannah presented herself at Shiloh she prayed to the Lord, " . . . if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the LORD for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head." Elkanah thoughtshwas drunk, but when she told him she was praying, he blessed her. She went back with her husband, and they conceived a child. They named him Samuel.

21 - 28 The Consecration of Samuel

Elkanah wanted to present Samuel at the temple, but Hannah wanted to wait until Samuel was weaned. When Samuel was weaned, they went up and sacrificed a bull. She thanked the Lord for Samuel and dedicated his life to the Lord.

Galatians 6

1 - 10 Fraternal Charity

I like how Paul advices correcting others. He says to "restore him to a spirit of gentleness." Also "Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted." Just because you see someone else sinning, that doesn't mean you are not a sinner. We all are and we are all tempted. He tells us to "bear one another's burdens." We must love another because we are in this together.

11 - 18 Conclusion

He concludes by again stating that it is not necessary to be circumcised. "For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation" (11) He says he bears the marks of Jesus (my notes say these are probably scars from being flogged, etc.)

Galatians 5

1 - 12 Christian Freedom

Paul states that Christ has set us free from freedom. Anyone who gets circumcised is bound to the whole law (and severed from Christ). For Christians, circumcision is not an issue because Christ is "faith working through love." My notes: "He reiterates his message of justification or righteousness by faith instead of law and circumcision. Faith, not circumcision, is what counts."

13 - 26 The Fruits of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh

Paul warns against using freedom for the flesh. He says the whole law is fulfilled in the law, "You shall love your neigbor as yourself." Don't gratify the desires of the flesh - the desires of the spirit and the flesh are opposed to one another. He gives lists of works of the flesh and fruits of the spirit (my notes state that such lists were common in the writings of the time). Paul concludes the chapter with good advice: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another."

Galatians 4

1 - 11 Divine Sonship

Christians are like heirs freed from control by others. Again, my notes say, "the proof that Christians are children of God is the gift of the Spirit of Christ relating them intimately to God."

Question: how can you turn back to the slavery of the law? The question is posed with reference to bondage to the elemental powers because the Galatians had originally been converted to Christianity from paganism, not Judaism. (my notes: while the term can refer to earth, air, fire, and water or to elementary forms of religion, the sense here is more likely that of celestial beings that were thought in pagan circles to control the world)

12 - 20 A Fatherly Appeal by Paul

Paul asks them to listen to him as they had in the past - as a father and pastor.

21 - 31 The Two Covenents - Hagar and Sarah

Paul supports the gospel by another argument from scripture. This time it's the relationship of Abraham to his wife, Sarah (freeborn) to Hagar (slave). He contrasts the sons born to each, Isaac, child of promise, and Ishmael, son of Hagar. Only through Isaac is the promise of God preserved.

Paul then quotes Genesis: "Drive out the slave woman and her son! For the son of the slave woman shall not share the inheritance with the son" of the freeborn. This gives a scriptural basis for the Galatians to expel those who are troubling them.

Galatians 3

1 - 14 Justification by Faith

Paul contends that justification comes not through the law or the works of the law but by faith in Christ and in his death. My notes: "The gift of God's Spirit to the Galatians came from the gospel received in faith, not from doing what the law enjoins. The story of Abraham shows that faith in God brings righteousness. The promise to Abraham extends to the Gentiles." It is faith that matters, rather than circumcision and observance of the law

Those who depend on works of the law instead of faith are under cursed because they do not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law in order to gain life. My notes: "But scripture teaches that no one is justified before God by the law. Salvation, then, depends on faith in Christ who died on the cross, taking upon himself a curse (about executed criminals hanged in public view), to free us from the curse of the law."

15 - 29 The Law and the Promise

My notes again: "A third argument to support Paul's position that salvation is not through the law but by promise comes from legal practice and scriptural history. A legal agreement or human will, duly ratified, is unalterable. God's covenant with Abraham and its repeated promises is not superseded by the law, which came much later, in the time of Moses. The inheritance (of the Spirit and the blessings) is by promise, not by law. Paul's argument hinges on the fact that the same Greek word, diatheke, can be rendered as will or testament and as covenant.

Paul digresses: "If the Mosaic law, then, does not save or bring life, why was it given? Elsewhere, Paul says the law served to show that sin is. Here the further implication is that the law in effect served to produce transgressions. Moreover, it was received at second hand by angels, through a mediator, not directly from God. The law does not, however, oppose God's purposes, for it carries out its function, so that righteousness comes by faith and promise, not by human works of the law."

Galatians 2

1 - 10 Visit to Jerusalem

Paul describes preaching in Jerusalem to the Gentiles. Titus did not want to be circumcised, and "false brethren" use this against them. Paul shows them that he was "entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised."

11 - 21 The Incident at Antioch

In Antioch, Paul confronts Cephas. He eats with them, but is afraid of the circumcision party (oxymoron?) My notes: "The decision reached in Jerusalem recognized the freedom of Gentile Christians from the Jewish law. But the problem of table fellowship between Jewish Christians, who possibly still kept kosher food regulations, and Gentile believers was not yet settled. When Cephas first came to the racially mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Antioch, he ate with non-Jews. Pressure from persons arriving later from Jerusalem caused him and Barnabas to draw back. Paul therefore publicly rebuked Peter's inconsistency toward the gospel."

Paul insists that "salvation is by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. His teaching on the gospel concerns justification by faith in relation to sin, law, life in Christ, and grace."

Galatians 1

1 - 10 A Greeting and a Warning

Paul writes to the Galatians who have deserted "him who called you in the grace of Christed and turn(ed) to a different gospel." My notes state that enemies of Paul appeared after his second visit and tried to undermine his authority - especially on the matter of circumcision. Paul states that anyone who goes against what he preached should be accursed. "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed." Paul reiterates that he is not seeking to please men, but is "a servant (slave) of Christ."

11 - 24 Paul's Vocation

Paul asserts his authority by telling his story - how he persecuted the church and how he was called. He describes his travels to Damascus, Jerusalem, Syria, and Cilicia. In Judea they didn't know him by sight but had heard of him.