Summary It seems appropriate as we approach the end of 1 Samuel to think back over the book and to summarise what it's been about. And so, what has it been about? Well, one of the commentaries I have on 1 Samuel has as its subtitle, 'Looking for a Leader'. 'Looking for a Leader.' And … Continue reading 1 Samuel 31 →

Introduction The introduction to today's passage is back at the beginning of chapter 28. Right at the beginning of chapter 28 we were told that in those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. And Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, was expecting David and his men to go with him to … Continue reading 1 Samuel 29+30 →

Introduction Last week we read how David went to live among the Philistines for a time. And though it may look from one angle, that he had lost his way, and that he was now siding with Israel's enemies, he was in fact doing what the Lord's anointed king was supposed to do, because he … Continue reading 1 Samuel 28(03–25) →

Introduction I'm sure we've all seen those pictures which, if you look at them in one way, look like one thing; and if you look at them in another way, they look like something else. There's that one which, if you look at it one way, you'll see an old woman wearing a scarf over … Continue reading 1 Samuel 27(01)–28(02) →

Introduction It's been a while since we last studied the book of 1 Samuel together. So, let me refresh your memory a little. The first few chapters were mostly about Samuel, who grew up in the tabernacle, doing the work of the priests; and he became a prophet, who revealed the will of Lord to … Continue reading 1 Samuel 26 →

Introduction 1 Samuel 25 is like the meat in a sandwich. The meat in a sandwich, or the cheese in a sandwich, is surrounded by two slices of bread. And chapter 25 is the meat in a sandwich, or it's like the cheese in a sandwich, because it's surrounded by chapter 24 and chapter 26. … Continue reading 1 Samuel 25 →

Introduction In today's passage from 1 Samuel we read of a time when David was tempted to kill Saul and to seize the kingdom of Israel by force, instead of trusting in the Lord and waiting patiently for the Lord to give him the kingdom at the right time. In a similar way, in the … Continue reading 1 Samuel 24 →

Introduction Today's chapter is action-packed, isn't it? If it was turned into a movie, it would make a great thriller, because it's edge of the seat stuff. The Philistines are attacking the people of Keilah. Therefore David goes to save Keilah. Then the people of that city are ready to hand David over to Saul … Continue reading 1 Samuel 23 →

Introduction Last week we saw how Jonathan could not believe that his father, Saul, wanted to kill David. And so, David proposed a plan to make Saul's intention's clear; and it soon become apparent to Jonathan that David was right and that Saul wanted to kill David. And so, Jonathan and David said farewell to … Continue reading 1 Samuel 21+22 →

Introduction So last week we read about the four ways Saul tried to kill David. Firstly, he asked Jonathan and all his attendants to kill David. 'If you see him, kill him.' But at that time, Jonathan managed to persuade his father that David had done nothing wrong and it would be wrong to kill … Continue reading 1 Samuel 20 →