March 22, 2025
It just gets worse and worse for Saul
1 Samuel 14-15
Shannon Batson
Big Book Idea
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart!
Key Verse | 1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few."
1 Samuel 14-15
Chapter 14
Jonathan Defeats the Philistines
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave 1 14:2 Or under the pomegranate [tree] at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the LORD in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” 7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. 2 14:7 Septuagint Do all that your mind inclines to Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” 11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” 12 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre 3 14:14 Hebrew a yoke of land. 15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. 4 14:15 Or became a panic from God
16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 5 14:16 Septuagint; Hebrew they went here and there 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people 6 14:18 Hebrew; Septuagint Bring the ephod. For at that time he wore the ephod before the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. 23 So the LORD saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.
Saul's Rash Vow
24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people 7 14:25 Hebrew land came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’” And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.”
31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the LORD by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” 8 14:33 Septuagint; Hebrew this day 34 And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the LORD by eating with the blood.’” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD.
36 Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. 39 For as the LORD lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore Saul said, “O LORD God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O LORD, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” 9 14:41 Vulgate and Septuagint; Hebrew Therefore Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, Give Thummim. And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.
43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” 44 And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
Saul Fights Israel's Enemies
47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. 48 And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them.
49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger Michal. 50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
52 There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.
Chapter 15
The LORD Rejects Saul
1 And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD. 2 Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction 10 15:3 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verses 8, 9, 15, 18, 20, 21 all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”
4 So Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand men on foot, and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 And Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. 6 Then Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart; go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7 And Saul defeated the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive and devoted to destruction all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves 11 15:9 The meaning of the Hebrew term is uncertain and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.
10 The word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 “I regret 12 15:11 See also verses 29, 35 that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the LORD all night. 12 And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” 13 And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the LORD. I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” 14 And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” 15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” 16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the LORD said to me this night.” And he said to him, “Speak.”
17 And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” 20 And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” 22 And Samuel said,
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to listen than the fat of rams.
23
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has also rejected you from being king.”
24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the LORD.” 26 And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you. For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned to go away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 And Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” 30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the LORD your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul bowed before the LORD.
32 Then Samuel said, “Bring here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites.” And Agag came to him cheerfully. 13 15:32 Or haltingly (compare Septuagint); the Hebrew is uncertain Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” 33 And Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Footnotes
[1] 14:2 Or under the pomegranate [tree][2] 14:7 Septuagint Do all that your mind inclines to
[3] 14:14 Hebrew a yoke
[4] 14:15 Or became a panic from God
[5] 14:16 Septuagint; Hebrew they went here and there
[6] 14:18 Hebrew; Septuagint “Bring the ephod.” For at that time he wore the ephod before the people
[7] 14:25 Hebrew land
[8] 14:33 Septuagint; Hebrew this day
[9] 14:41 Vulgate and Septuagint; Hebrew Therefore Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Give Thummim.”
[10] 15:3 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verses 8, 9, 15, 18, 20, 21
[11] 15:9 The meaning of the Hebrew term is uncertain
[12] 15:11 See also verses 29, 35
[13] 15:32 Or haltingly (compare Septuagint); the Hebrew is uncertain
Table of Contents
Introduction to 1–2 Samuel
Timeline
Author and Date
The author or authors of 1 and 2 Samuel are not known. These books recount the stories of Samuel, Saul, and David. Saul’s reign began between 1050–1030 B.C. and ended in 1010. David then reigned until 971. The books were probably written soon after the end of his reign.
Theme
The central theme of the books of Samuel is how the Lord (1) established a dynasty (“house”) in Israel for David rather than Saul and (2) how he chose Jerusalem as the place where David’s successor would establish the temple (“house”) for the worship of the divine King Yahweh.
Purpose
The purpose of 1 Samuel is to highlight two major events: the establishment of the monarchy in Israel (chs. 8–12); and the rise of David to be king after Saul (chs. 16–31). After ruling for a while, Saul was rejected by the Lord in favor of David (chs. 15–16), though Saul stayed on the throne until his death at Mount Gilboa (ch. 31). Later, in 2 Samuel 7, God promises David and his house an eternal dynasty. The book of 1 Samuel establishes the principle that obedience to the word of God is the necessary condition for a king to be acceptable to the God of Israel.
First and Second Samuel deal with a transitional period in the history of ancient Israel. There is a transition of leadership first from the priest Eli to the judge Samuel, then from the judge Samuel to the king Saul, and then from Saul to David. Samuel thus is the link between the judgeship and the kingship in Israel. He is the prophet God uses to anoint both Saul and David. The kingdom of Saul was also transitional. Under Saul, Israel was more than a loose confederation that gathered together whenever there was a common threat, but there was no strong central rule such as existed later. The story of the rise of David in the second half of 1 Samuel prepares for the full-scale kingship of David in 2 Samuel.
1 Samuel Key Themes
- God’s kingship. God is King of the universe and always has been. No human king can assume kingship except as a deputy of the divine King.
- God’s providential guidance. God providentially and individually guided the lives of chosen people such as Hannah, Samuel, and David. Even the life of Saul was in God’s providential care (see 1 Sam. 9:16). God’s timing is always perfect (see 1 Samuel 9 and the end of 1 Samuel 23), for he is the Lord of history.
- God’s sovereign will and power. God chooses or rejects people according to his absolute sovereign will and purpose. He may change his way of dealing with individuals according to his plan and purpose, but his decision is always just and right. At the same time, he is merciful and gracious.
Therefore, obedience to God’s word is of prime importance. Only God’s grace allows sinful human beings to be in relationship with the holy God. Only the God-given way of approaching him through sacrifice can prepare humans to come closer to God. Believers can only wait on God, who will do his will according to his own purpose. What is impossible for humans is possible for God. This should encourage believers to put their faith in the one who is sovereign over the entire creation.
2 Samuel Key Themes
The themes of 1 Samuel are related to the themes of 2 Samuel: the sovereign God, who has guided David’s life, chooses David as the ruler of God’s people. God pledges to David an eternal covenant. David thus becomes the prototype of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ.
- Davidic covenant. See 2 Samuel 7.
- Messianic promise. Second Samuel 7 is a turning point in the history of salvation. God chose David to be the beginning of an enduring dynasty, from which the ultimate Ruler, Jesus, would come. God used David to fulfill his eternal plan of salvation, not because he was perfect from a human viewpoint, but because the Lord was “with him” and showed grace to him.
1 Samuel Outline
- The Story of Samuel (1:1–7:17)
- Transition to the Monarchy (8:1–22)
- The Story of Saul (9:1–15:35)
- The Story of Saul and David (16:1–31:13)
2 Samuel Outline
- Story of King David (1:1–20:26)
- Epilogue (21:1–24:25)
The Setting of 1 Samuel
c. 1050 B.C.
The book of 1 Samuel is set in Israel during the transition between the period of the judges and the period of the monarchy. It opens with Samuel’s birth and then describes his role as judge over Israel. When the people ask for a king, the Lord instructs Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.
The Setting of 2 Samuel
The Setting of 2 Samuel
c. 1000 B.C.
The book of 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign over Israel and his battles to establish Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders from Saul’s smaller territory. By the end of his reign, David controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, established treaties with him.
Fact: Why did Saul spare the Kenites
Why did Saul spare the Kenites? Moses’ father-in-law Jethro was a Kenite. Jethro and his son were helpful and kind to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. Because of this, David also showed favor to the Kenites when he became king.
Fact: Anointed with oil
Kings, priests, and prophets were sometimes anointed with oil as a sign that God had set them apart for a special purpose (see 1 Sam. 15:1; Lev. 8:30). More commonly, oil was used in cooking and to clean and moisturize the body (see Deut. 28:40; 2 Sam. 14:2).
The Setting of 1 Samuel
c. 1050 B.C.
The book of 1 Samuel is set in Israel during the transition between the period of the judges and the period of the monarchy. It opens with Samuel’s birth and then describes his role as judge over Israel. When the people ask for a king, the Lord instructs Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.
The Journey of the Ark of the Covenant
in 1–2 Samuel
| 1 Sam. 3:3 | The Lord calls to Samuel who is sleeping in the tent of meeting, “where the ark of God was” |
| 1 Samuel 4 | Philistines capture the ark (for seven months: 1 Sam. 6:1) |
| 1 Sam. 5:1–7 | Philistines bring the ark to Ashdod, setting it up next to the idol Dagon |
| 1 Sam. 5:8–9 | Philistines bring the ark to Gath |
| 1 Sam. 5:10–12 | Philistines send the ark to Ekron |
| 1 Sam. 6:10–15 | Philistines return the ark with guilt offering to Beth-shemesh |
| 1 Sam. 6:19–21 | The Lord strikes 70 men for looking into the ark |
| 1 Sam. 7:1–2 | Men of Kiriath-jearim take the ark to the house of Abinadab (where it stays for 20 years) |
| 1 Sam. 14:18 | Saul commands Ahijah to bring the ark to the war camp |
| 2 Sam. 6:2–5 | David begins to move the ark to Jerusalem on a cart |
| 2 Sam. 6:6–7 | The Lord strikes Uzzah dead for holding on to the ark |
| 2 Sam. 6:10–11 | David takes the ark to the house of Obed-edom, where it stays for three months |
| 2 Sam. 6:12–17 | David brings the ark to Jerusalem, and places it inside the tent he pitched for it |
| 2 Sam. 15:24–25 | Zadok brings the ark to David, who commands him to carry it back to Jerusalem |
| 2 Sam. 15:29 | Zadok and Abiathar carry the ark back to Jerusalem |
Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms
| 1 Samuel | Incident | Psalm |
|---|---|---|
| 19:11 | David’s house surrounded | 59 |
| 21:10–11 | David seized by Achish | 56 |
| 21:12–22:1 | David escapes from Achish (called Abimelech in Psalm 34 title) | 34 |
| 22:1 (possibly also 24:3) | David in cave | 57; 142 |
| 22:9–19 | Doeg the Edomite | 52 |
| 23:14–15 (possibly) | Desert of Judah | 63 |
| 23:19 | David betrayed by Ziphites | 54 |
| 2 Samuel | Incident | Psalm |
|---|---|---|
| 8:1–14 | Victory over Transjordan | 60 |
| chs. 11–12 | Against house of Uriah | 51 |
| chs. 15–17 | Absalom’s revolt | 3 |
| chs. 15–17 (possibly) | Desert of Judah | 63 |
| ch. 22 | Victory over all enemies | 18 |
The Fall of Saul and the Rise of David in 1 Samuel
| Saul | David |
|---|---|
| Holy Spirit removed; evil spirit given (16:14–23) | Anointed with Holy Spirit (16:1–13) |
| Jealous and treacherous (ch. 18) | Faithful friend (ch. 20) |
| Attempts to kill David (ch. 19) | Protects Saul’s life (chs. 24; 26) |
| Failed holy warrior (ch. 15) | Mighty holy warrior (ch. 17) |
| Kingdom torn away (13:13–14; 15:11, 26) | Kingdom promised forever (2 Sam. 7:1–17) |
Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings
| 1 Chronicles | 2 Samuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Genealogies | 1:1–9:44 | |
| Death of Saul and sons | 10:1–14 | 1 Sam. 31:1–2 Sam. 1:16 |
| Lament for Saul | 1:17–27 | |
| David king of Judah | 2:1–7 | |
| War between house of Saul and David; Ish-bosheth made king | 2:8–3:1 | |
| David’s sons in Hebron | 3:2–5 | |
| Abner helps David | 3:6–21 | |
| Joab kills Abner | 3:22–39 | |
| Ish-bosheth killed | 4:1–12 | |
| David king of Judah and Israel | 11:1–3 | 5:1–5 |
| Conquest of Jerusalem | 11:4–9 | 5:6–10 |
| David’s mighty men | 11:10–47 | 23:8–39 |
| David’s men at Ziklag | 12:1–22 | |
| Celebration at Hebron | 12:23–40 | |
| Attempted return of ark; death of Uzzah | 13:1–14 | 6:1–11 |
| David’s house built | 14:1–2 | 5:11–12 |
| David’s children in Jerusalem | 14:3–7 | 5:13–16 |
| David defeats Philistines | 14:8–17 | 5:17–25 |
| Spiritual preparation for the ark’s return | 15:1–24 | |
| Ark brought to Jerusalem | 15:25–16:6 | 6:12–19 |
| David and Michal | 6:20–23 | |
| David’s psalm of praise | 16:7–43 | |
| David’s desire to build the temple | 17:1–2 | 7:1–3 |
| Davidic covenant | 17:3–15 | 7:4–17 |
| David’s prayer of praise | 17:16–27 | 7:18–29 |
| David’s victories | 18:1–13 | 8:1–14 |
| David’s officials | 18:14–17 | 8:15–18 |
| David helps Mephibosheth | 9:1–13 | |
| Ammonites defeated | 19:1–15 | 10:1–14 |
| Syrians defeated | 19:16–19 | 10:15–19 |
| Ammonites defeated | 20:1–3 | 11:1; 12:26–31 |
| David and Bathsheba | 11:2–12:25 | |
| Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom | 13:1–14:33 | |
| Absalom’s rebellion | 15:1–19:43 | |
| Sheba’s rebellion | 20:1–26 | |
| Famine; death of Saul’s sons | 21:1–14 | |
| War with Philistines; the Philistine giants | 20:4–8 | 21:15–22 |
| David’s psalm of deliverance | 22:1–51 | |
| David’s last words | 23:1–7 | |
| David’s census | 21:1–27 | 24:1–25 |
| David plans for the temple | 21:28–22:5 | |
| David’s charge to Solomon and the leaders | 22:6–19 | |
| David organizes temple personnel | 23:1–26:32 | |
| Israel’s military | 27:1–15 | |
| Israel’s leaders | 27:16–34 | |
| David’s charge to Israel; affirmation of Solomon | 28:1–10 | |
| Pattern for the temple | 28:11–21 | |
| Offerings for the temple | 29:1–9 | |
| David’s prayer of thanks for the temple | 29:10–19 | |
| 1 Kings | ||
| David and Abishag | 1:1–4 | |
| Adonijah claims the throne | 1:5–27 | |
| Solomon’s coronation | 29:20–25 | 1:28–40 |
| David instructs Solomon | 2:1–9 | |
| Death of David | 29:26–30 | 2:10–11 |
| Solomon establishes his kingdom | 2:12–46 | |
| 2 Chronicles | ||
| Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter | 3:1–3 | |
| Solomon at Gibeon | 1:1–6 | 3:4 |
| God gives Solomon wisdom | 1:7–12 | 3:5–14 |
| Solomon’s wise judgment | 3:16–28 | |
| Solomon’s prosperity | 1:14–17 | 4:20–34 |
| Preparations for the temple | 2:1–18 | 5:1–18 |
| Temple built | 3:1–5:1 | 6:1–38;7:13–51 |
| Solomon’s palace | 7:1–12 | |
| Ark brought to the temple | 5:2–12 | 8:1–9 |
| God’s glory fills the temple | 5:13–14 | 8:10–11 |
| Solomon blesses the people | 6:1–11 | 8:12–21 |
| Solomon consecrates the temple | 6:12–42 | 8:22–61 |
| Fire from the Lord consumes the sacrifices | 7:1–3 | |
| Solomon and the people offer sacrifices | 7:4–7 | 8:62–64 |
| Feast of Tabernacles | 7:8–10 | 8:65–66 |
| The covenant confirmed | 7:11–22 | 9:1–9 |
| Solomon’s territory increases | 8:1–6 | 9:10–19 |
| Solomon’s enemies defeated | 8:7–10 | 9:20–23 |
| Solomon’s religious practices | 8:11–16 | 9:24–25 |
| Solomon’s economic operations | 8:17–18 | 9:26–28 |
| Queen of Sheba visits | 9:1–12 | 10:1–13 |
| Solomon’s wealth | 9:13–28 | 10:14–29 |
| Solomon’s apostasy and adversaries | 11:1–40 | |
| Death of Solomon | 9:29–31 | 11:41–43 |
| Division of the kingdom | 10:1–11:23 | 12:1–33 |
| Man of God from Judah warns Jeroboam (Israel) | 13:1–34 | |
| Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam | 14:1–18 | |
| Death of Jeroboam | 14:19–20 | |
| Shishak invades Judah | 12:1–12 | 14:25–28 |
| Reign of Rehoboam (Judah) | 12:13–16 | 14:21–24,29–31 |
| War between Judah and Israel | 13:1–22 | 15:1–8 |
| Evaluation of Asa (Judah) | 14:1–8 | 15:9–12 |
| Ethiopians defeated | 14:9–15 | |
| Azariah the prophet | 15:1–7 | |
| Asa’s reforms | 15:8–19 | 15:13–15 |
| Asa defeats Syria | 16:1–10 | 15:16–22 |
| Death of Asa | 16:11–14 | 15:23–24 |
| Reigns of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri (Israel) | 15:25–16:28 | |
| Ahab becomes king (Israel) | 16:29–34 | |
| Elijah | 17:1–19:18;21:17–29 | |
| Call of Elisha | 19:19–21 | |
| Ahab conquers Syria, acquires Naboth’s vineyard | 20:1–21:29 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoshaphat (Judah) | 17:1–9 | |
| Expansion of Judah | 17:10–19 | |
| Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab; death of Ahab | 18:1–34 | 22:1–40 |
| Jehoshaphat’s reforms, crisis, and deliverance | 19:1–20:30 | |
| Reign of Jehoshaphat | 20:31–37 | 22:41–50 |
| Reign of Ahaziah (Israel) | 22:51–53 | |
| 2 Kings | ||
| Death of Ahaziah; Elijah’s prophecy | 1:1–18 | |
| Elijah and Elisha | 2:1–25 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoram (Israel) | 3:1–3 | |
| Moab rebels | 3:4–27 | |
| The widow’s oil | 4:1–7 | |
| The Shunammite woman | 4:8–37 | |
| Miracles for the prophets | 4:38–44 | |
| Naaman healed | 5:1–27 | |
| The axe head recovered | 6:1–7 | |
| Chariots of fire | 6:8–23 | |
| Siege of Samaria | 6:24–7:20 | |
| Shunammite’s land restored | 8:1–6 | |
| Hazael kills Ben-hadad | 8:7–15 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoram (Judah) | 21:1–7 | 8:16–19 |
| Edom and Libnah rebel | 21:8–11 | 8:20–22 |
| Warning of Elijah | 21:12–15 | |
| Invasion of Philistia and Arabia | 21:16–17 | |
| Death of Jehoram | 21:18–20 | 8:23–24 |
| Reign of Ahaziah (Judah) | 22:1–9 | 8:25–29; 9:15–16, 27–28; 10:12–14 |
| Reign of Jehu (Israel) | 22:7–9 | 9:1–10:36 |
| Reign of Athaliah (Judah) | 22:10–23:15 | 11:1–16 |
| Jehoiada’s reforms (Judah) | 23:16–21 | 11:17–20 |
| Evaluation of Joash (Judah) | 24:1–3 | 11:21–12:3 |
| Joash repairs the temple | 24:4–14 | 12:4–16 |
| Death of Jehoiada | 24:15–16 | |
| Jehoiada’s son killed | 24:17–22 | |
| Syria invades Judah | 24:23–24 | 12:17–18 |
| Death of Joash | 24:25–27 | 12:19–21 |
| Reign of Jehoahaz (Israel) | 13:1–9 | |
| Reign of Jehoash (Israel) | 13:10–13 | |
| Elisha’s final prophecy and death | 13:14–25 | |
| Reign of Amaziah (Judah) | 25:1–16 | 14:1–20 |
| Israel defeats Judah | 25:17–24 | 14:8–14 |
| Death of Amaziah | 25:25–28 | 14:17–20 |
| Evaluation of Uzziah (Judah) | 26:1–5 | 14:21–22; 15:1–5 |
| Reign of Jeroboam II (Israel) | 14:23–29 | |
| Victories of Uzziah | 26:6–15 | |
| Sinful offering of Uzziah | 26:16–21 | |
| Death of Uzziah | 26:22–23 | 15:6–7 |
| Reign of Zechariah (Israel) | 15:8–12 | |
| Reign of Shallum (Israel) | 15:13–16 | |
| Reign of Menahem (Israel) | 15:17–22 | |
| Reign of Pekahiah (Israel) | 15:23–26 | |
| Reign of Pekah (Israel) | 15:27–31 | |
| Reign of Jotham (Judah) | 27:1–9 | 15:32–38 |
| Evaluation of Ahaz (Judah) | 28:1–4 | 16:1–4 |
| Israel defeats Judah | 28:5–21 | 16:5–9 |
| Ahaz’s idolatry and death | 28:22–27 | 16:10–12 |
| Fall of Israel | 17:1–23 | |
| Resettlement of Israel | 17:24–41 | |
| Evaluation of Hezekiah (Judah) | 29:1–2 | 18:1–8 |
| Hezekiah cleanses the temple | 29:3–19 | |
| Hezekiah restores temple worship | 29:20–36 | |
| Hezekiah restores Passover | 30:1–27 | |
| Hezekiah destroys idols, organizes priests | 31:1–21 | |
| Fall of Israel (restated) | 18:9–12 | |
| Assyria invades Judah | 32:1–23 | 18:13–19:37 |
| Hezekiah’s illness and restoration | 32:24–26 | 20:1–11 |
| Hezekiah’s wealth and foolish pride | 32:27–31 | 20:12–19 |
| Death of Hezekiah | 32:32–33 | 20:20–21 |
| Reign of Manasseh (Judah) | 33:1–9 | 21:1–18 |
| Manasseh’s repentance | 33:10–20 | |
| Reign of Amon (Judah) | 33:21–25 | 21:19–26 |
| Evaluation of Josiah (Judah) | 34:1–2 | 22:1–2 |
| Josiah’s early reforms | 34:3–7 | |
| Josiah repairs the temple | 34:8–13 | 22:3–7 |
| Book of Law discovered; Josiah’s reforms | 34:14–33 | 22:8–23:20 |
| Passover celebrated | 35:1–19 | 23:21–27 |
| Death of Josiah | 35:20–27 | 23:28–30 |
| Reign of Jehoahaz (Judah) | 36:1–3 | 23:31–33 |
| Reign of Jehoiakim (Judah) | 36:4–8 | 23:34–24:7 |
| Reign of Jehoiachin (Judah); Babylonian captivity | 36:9–10 | 24:8–17 |
| Evaluation of Zedekiah (Judah) | 36:11–12 | 24:18–20 |
| Destruction of Jerusalem | 36:13–21 | 25:1–21 |
| Remnant flees to Egypt | 25:22–26 | |
| Jehoiachin released | 25:27–30 | |
| Proclamation by Cyrus | 36:22–23 |
Jonathan
Jonathan was King Saul’s oldest son. He showed great trust in God at Michmash (14:6), where he led a daring raid that brought an Israelite victory over the Philistines. Jonathan became a close friend of David. The Bible says that he loved David “as his own soul” (18:1). When his father sought to kill David, Jonathan warned his friend and helped him escape. As Saul’s popular eldest son, Jonathan would have been easily accepted as Saul’s heir. He showed radical self-denial, however, in giving up any right to the throne of Israel. He gave his absolute support to David as the Lord’s choice to succeed Saul as king. Jonathan remained devoted to his father, dying alongside him at Mount Gilboa. (1 Samuel 18:1–4)
1 Sam 14:2–3 The outskirts of Gibeah may mean “the edge of the hill.” Migron may mean “threshing floor.” Court was often held under a tree (22:6; Judg. 4:5) or on threshing floors (1 Kings 22:10).
1 Sam 14:4 Bozez means “the gleaming one,” and Seneh means “the thorny one.”
1 Sam 14:6 Jonathan’s trust contrasts with Saul’s concern about numbers (13:11, 15). Uncircumcised was a customary insult directed at the Philistines (see Judg. 14:3; 1 Sam. 17:26; 2 Sam. 1:20).
Jonathan
Jonathan was King Saul’s oldest son. He showed great trust in God at Michmash (14:6), where he led a daring raid that brought an Israelite victory over the Philistines. Jonathan became a close friend of David. The Bible says that he loved David “as his own soul” (18:1). When his father sought to kill David, Jonathan warned his friend and helped him escape. As Saul’s popular eldest son, Jonathan would have been easily accepted as Saul’s heir. He showed radical self-denial, however, in giving up any right to the throne of Israel. He gave his absolute support to David as the Lord’s choice to succeed Saul as king. Jonathan remained devoted to his father, dying alongside him at Mount Gilboa. (1 Samuel 18:1–4)
1 Sam 14:10 if they say, “Come up to us.” This would give Jonathan and the armor-bearer the opportunity to get into the Philistine camp at what was probably its most thinly protected point, without raising an alarm. The guards’ words in v. 12 suggest that an attack by these two lone men was unexpected.
1 Sam 14:14 The Hebrew “yoke” (ESV footnote) was a unit for measuring area.
1 Sam 14:15 A very great panic is literally “a panic of God” (see ESV footnote), suggesting divine intervention.
1 Sam 14:16 Saul was in Gibeah, about 4 miles (6.4 km) from Michmash. His watchmen were probably stationed nearer, watching Michmash.
1 Sam 14:18 The ark had apparently been brought from Kiriath-jearim to be with the army for some special reason. Saul wanted Ahijah, who carried the sacred lots in the ephod, to cast the lots before the ark.
The Journey of the Ark of the Covenant
in 1–2 Samuel
| 1 Sam. 3:3 | The Lord calls to Samuel who is sleeping in the tent of meeting, “where the ark of God was” |
| 1 Samuel 4 | Philistines capture the ark (for seven months: 1 Sam. 6:1) |
| 1 Sam. 5:1–7 | Philistines bring the ark to Ashdod, setting it up next to the idol Dagon |
| 1 Sam. 5:8–9 | Philistines bring the ark to Gath |
| 1 Sam. 5:10–12 | Philistines send the ark to Ekron |
| 1 Sam. 6:10–15 | Philistines return the ark with guilt offering to Beth-shemesh |
| 1 Sam. 6:19–21 | The Lord strikes 70 men for looking into the ark |
| 1 Sam. 7:1–2 | Men of Kiriath-jearim take the ark to the house of Abinadab (where it stays for 20 years) |
| 1 Sam. 14:18 | Saul commands Ahijah to bring the ark to the war camp |
| 2 Sam. 6:2–5 | David begins to move the ark to Jerusalem on a cart |
| 2 Sam. 6:6–7 | The Lord strikes Uzzah dead for holding on to the ark |
| 2 Sam. 6:10–11 | David takes the ark to the house of Obed-edom, where it stays for three months |
| 2 Sam. 6:12–17 | David brings the ark to Jerusalem, and places it inside the tent he pitched for it |
| 2 Sam. 15:24–25 | Zadok brings the ark to David, who commands him to carry it back to Jerusalem |
| 2 Sam. 15:29 | Zadok and Abiathar carry the ark back to Jerusalem |
1 Sam 14:21–22 Some people called Hebrews had previously sided with the Philistines (compare 29:3) while others had hidden themselves during this time of war. Now that Israel is succeeding, both groups commit to fighting for Israel.
1 Sam 14:23 beyond Beth-aven. This battle seems to have driven the Philistines from the central mountain areas.
1 Sam 14:24 so Saul had laid an oath. Jonathan, of course, had not been present at the time.
1 Sam 14:27 His eyes became bright suggests renewed vitality (compare Ezra 9:8; Ps. 13:3).
1 Sam 14:28 this day. See v. 24 (“until it is evening”). The day began at sunset.
1 Sam 14:32–33 When evening comes (v. 34) and the people are once again free to eat (see v. 24), they are in such a hurry that they do not drain the blood properly from the animals they kill (v. 33). Eating meat with blood is strictly prohibited in the law (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 17:10–14).
1 Sam 14:39 he shall surely die. Saul assumes that the Lord does not answer Saul’s prior question (v. 37) because of some unknown sin (v. 38). Just as it was Saul’s own poor decision to impose the ban on eating (v. 24), it is also his decision to kill the person, whoever it is, whose guilt has prevented the Lord from answering him.
1 Sam 14:41–42 give Urim. . . . give Thummim. . . . Cast the lot. The Urim and Thummim (or just Urim) are mentioned also in Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21; Deut. 33:8; 1 Sam. 28:6; and Ezra 2:63. They may have been two stones of two different colors, one representing a positive and the other a negative answer, that were kept in the “breastpiece of judgment” of the priest’s ephod (see Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8). They were the only legitimate means of directly seeking a “yes” or “no” answer from the Lord, apart from God’s speaking directly to people.
1 Sam 14:45 Shall Jonathan die? . . . Far from it! As the LORD lives . . . The people use the same oath that Saul used in v. 39. They obviously think God spoke much more clearly in Jonathan’s victory than in Saul’s foolish oath (v. 24).
1 Sam 14:49 It is possible, but not certain, that Ishvi is a variation of the name Ish-bosheth (2 Sam. 2:8; he is called “Eshbaal” in 1 Chron. 8:33).
1 Sam 14:50–51 Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. Although it may not be clear from the text, Abner was Saul’s uncle.
1 Sam 14:1–52 This chapter focuses on Saul’s son Jonathan, who will become a friend of David. Jonathan’s act of trust in this chapter is sandwiched between two examples of Saul’s disobedience (chs. 13 and 15).
Fact: Anointed with oil
Kings, priests, and prophets were sometimes anointed with oil as a sign that God had set them apart for a special purpose (see 1 Sam. 15:1; Lev. 8:30). More commonly, oil was used in cooking and to clean and moisturize the body (see Deut. 28:40; 2 Sam. 14:2).
1 Sam 15:2 what Amalek did to Israel. The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe that inhabited the desert south of Judah (Num. 13:29). They attacked Israel at Rephidim (Ex. 17:8), and the Lord declared war on them (Ex. 17:14–16; Deut. 25:17–19). They joined other groups against Israel in Num. 14:41–45; Judg. 3:13; 6:3; 10:12. Later, they attacked David’s city of Ziklag (1 Samuel 30), and David subdued them in 2 Sam. 8:12.
1 Sam 15:3 devote to destruction. This usually meant that all living things—men, women, children, and livestock—were to be killed (see notes on Deut. 20:16–18; Josh. 6:17–18). This was done partly to protect Israel from the influence of paganism.
1 Sam 15:4 Although the army of Judah is mentioned separately (as also in 11:8), it seems that Judahites in general considered themselves part of the larger nation. Judah was near the Amalekites and must have been particularly affected by their raids (30:14).
1 Sam 15:6 Kenites. Moses’ father-in-law Jethro was a Kenite (Judg. 1:16). He and his son had been helpful to the Israelites (Exodus 18; Num. 10:29–32). depart; . . . lest I destroy you with them. The Kenites had settled among the Amalekites. Saul’s action in this situation is admirable.
Fact: Why did Saul spare the Kenites
Why did Saul spare the Kenites? Moses’ father-in-law Jethro was a Kenite. Jethro and his son were helpful and kind to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. Because of this, David also showed favor to the Kenites when he became king.
1 Sam 15:9 Spared is in sharp contrast to Samuel’s instructions (“Do not spare,” v. 3).
1 Sam 15:11 I regret (also vv. 29, 35). Here, as in Gen. 6:6, the Lord “regrets” something. This means that God feels genuine sorrow when contemplating Saul’s sin. It does not mean that God thinks his decision to make Saul king was a mistake in his plans for history (see Isa. 46:9–10). For more on divine regret, see note on 1 Sam. 15:29.
1 Sam 15:12 Carmel here is a town in Judah about 7 miles (11 km) south of Hebron. That Saul has gone there to set up a monument for himself raises further suspicions about his character.
1 Sam 15:15 Saul’s excuse for his disobedience (the people spared) contrasts with the facts (“Saul and the people spared,” v. 9). to sacrifice to the LORD your God. They were probably also planning to share in eating the sacrifices, contrary to the order for destruction (see note on v. 3).
1 Sam 15:17 Samuel reminds Saul here again (see v. 1) that the LORD anointed you king over Israel. Why should Saul, as God’s anointed, yield to the people’s opinion over God’s directions? He became king because the people asked for a king; now he is rejected because he listened to them (compare Prov. 29:25) rather than leading them to obey God.
1 Sam 15:20–21 I have obeyed . . . but the people. See note on v. 15.
1 Sam 15:22 The Lord himself does not need sacrifices like the gods of other religions. Rather, the people need to bring sacrifices in order to approach the holy God (see Leviticus 1–5). Even the best sacrifice without obedience gains nothing.
1 Sam 15:23 Rebellion (see 12:15) and presumption mean rejecting the Lord. The Hebrew word translated idolatry refers to either “household gods” (Gen. 31:19; Judg. 17:5; 1 Sam. 19:13) or “ancestor figurines” used as aids in divination (Ezek. 21:21; Hos. 3:4; Zech. 10:2). Saul is rejected as king here and also in 1 Sam. 15:26 (see 13:13–14).
1 Sam 15:24–26 Saul confesses, I have sinned. At least he admits the basic issue (I feared the people). Instead of being struck with the awfulness of his sin, Saul is more concerned with his reputation among the people (v. 30). the LORD has rejected you from being king. In 13:13, God rejected Saul’s dynasty. Here, Saul himself is rejected as king.
1 Sam 15:27 Saul seizes the skirt of Samuel’s robe as a final, humble plea for mercy.
1 Sam 15:28 The term this day is used in a legal sense: the rejection is final and has already taken effect (see Ruth 4:9–10; Ps. 2:7). In God’s sight, the kingdom has already been torn from Saul and given to someone else (past tense), though the actual act is yet to come.
1 Sam 15:29 Verses 11 and 35 say that God regretted making Saul king, while here Samuel denies that God will ever lie or have regret. The term for “have regret” can be translated “relent” or “change one’s mind” (e.g., Ex. 32:14; Num. 23:19; Ps. 106:45; Jonah 3:9–10) or “have pity or compassion” (Deut. 32:36; Judg. 2:18; Ps. 135:14) as well as “be sorry” or “have regret” (see Gen. 6:6–7). Thus the term as used in 1 Sam. 15:11, 35 describes God’s own feeling of sorrow that Saul had turned out as he did. In v. 29, God will not change his mind concerning a decision once he has made it. For further discussion of God’s “relenting” from sending good or disaster on a people, see note on Jonah 3:10.
1 Sam 15:30 honor me now. What Saul wants most is now clearly seen (see vv. 24–25).
1 Sam 15:31 Samuel chooses to stay with Saul. This could be because of concern for Saul personally (v. 35) or for the peace of the nation.
1 Sam 15:32–33 Bring here to me Agag. Samuel himself takes on the task that Saul failed to finish. Hacked . . . to pieces was not the normal means of putting to death. Usually slaying before the LORD involves sacrificing an animal (see Ex. 29:11; Lev. 1:5). In this case Agag himself is the sacrifice, justly put to death for his own sin (see note on 1 Sam. 15:3).
1 Sam 15:34 Ramah is only 2 miles (3.2 km) from Gibeah.
1 Sam 9:1–15:35 The Story of Saul. Saul, the first king over all Israel, starts out well. But he fails as a king because he will not obey the word of God that comes through Samuel.
1 Sam 15:1–35 The Lord finally rejects Saul as king.
1 Sam 15:35 Formerly angry, Samuel now grieved over Saul. On the LORD regretted, see notes on vv. 11 and 29.
If God regretted his action in making Saul king, does that mean God makes mistakes?
Listen NowDive Deeper | 1 Samuel 14-15
In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan and his armor-bearer are assessing their next steps after they leave Saul's army. Jonathan decides to make a bold move of revealing their position to the Philistines to see what God is showing them to do. This sounds crazy, but we see how much Jonathan trusts the Lord to reveal His plan, knowing that "nothing can hinder the LORD."
I'm struck by Jonathan's faith in the Lord and his confidence that ultimately God's plan would win out. In my self-sufficiency, I often do the opposite by having my own plan, or I want to know His entire plan before I take a step. Neither of these is honoring of the Lord, as I'm not fully believing His love for me. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Did you also notice in the text how trusting Jonathan's armor-bearer was of him? An armor-bearer had to have ultimate loyalty to and trust in his leader because their lives were at stake together. This makes me wonder how those in my life perceive my trust of the Lord. During the times in our lives when we go through trials, sometimes we need those around us to help us choose to trust the Lord. We also have to remember those in our life who don't know the Lord yet, so they can see what it's like to trust Him wholeheartedly.
The Lord has proven time and again that I can trust Him and His plan, and yet I still struggle with this often. I am reminded that the Lord's plan will still be accomplished even as I repeatedly have to let go of control and let Him lead. This is when I remind myself of what is always true of the Lord's character (Philippians 4:8), what is written in His Word, and how I can invite the people around me to help point me back to Christ.
This month's memory verse
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
– 1 Samuel 16:7
Discussion Questions
1. In what area of your life are you taking matters into your own hands and not asking the Lord for guidance?
2. How is God asking you to take the next right step even though you want to know the whole plan first?
3. Who around you now needs to see what it's like to trust the Lord in difficult life circumstances? How can you encourage them?