1 Samuel 23

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

1 Samuel 21+22

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

1 Samuel 20

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

1 Samuel 19

Introduction Last week, when we were studying 1 Samuel 18, we saw how everyone -- apart from Saul -- loved David. Jonathan, Saul's son, loved him and gave him his royal robe to wear. The women in the street loved him and sang a little song to celebrate his victory over the Philistines. All of … Continue reading 1 Samuel 19

1 Samuel 18

Introduction I wonder did you notice from the reading the two very different attitudes towards David? On the one hand, there's Jonathan, who was Saul's son, and the women in the street and the people of Israel and Judah and Michal, who was Saul's daughter. They all loved David. And then, on the other hand, … Continue reading 1 Samuel 18

1 Samuel 17

Introduction We come today to the well-known story of David and Goliath. But in order to understand this well-known story, let me take you back to the beginning of the Bible and to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve -- God's people at that time -- were there in the garden, the place God … Continue reading 1 Samuel 17

1 Samuel 16

Verses 1 to 13 We read in chapter 15 last week that Samuel announced to Saul that the Lord had rejected him as king over God's people and he was going to give the kingdom to someone else. Today's chapter begins with the Lord asking Samuel: 'How long will you mourn for Saul?' Now, we … Continue reading 1 Samuel 16

1 Samuel 15

Introduction The focus of last week's chapter was on Saul's foolishness. Remember the foolish oath and curse he put his men under, preventing them from eating anything on the day they needed all their strength to attack the Philistines? And remember too how he was determined to kill his son because of another oath he … Continue reading 1 Samuel 15

1 Samuel 14

Introduction So, in chapter 13, which we studied last time, we read how Saul's son, Jonathan, did what Saul was meant to do, and failed to do, which was to attack the Philistines. And do you remember? Saul was also meant to wait for Samuel to come to Gilgal to offer sacrifices to the Lord … Continue reading 1 Samuel 14

1 Samuel 13

Introduction In order to understand today's passage, we need to remember what happened in chapter 10 after Samuel anointed Saul to be king over the Lord's people. Do you remember? Samuel told Saul to expect three signs. Firstly, Saul will meet two men who will tell him that his father's lost donkeys have been found. … Continue reading 1 Samuel 13