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.