April 19: 1 Samuel 30:1 – 1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:1–4; 1 Chronicles 9:40–44; 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 1:1–27

David's Wives Are Captured – 1 Samuel 30

• When David and his men return to Ziklag, they find that their town has been burned and their women and children taken captive by the Amalekites. The men are greatly distressed, and some speak of stoning David, but David finds his strength in the Lord.
• David has Abiathar the priest bring him the ephod, and he questions God if he should pursue the Amalekites. God tells him to do so, so David sets out with 600 men. 200 become tired, so David and the 400 continue on. They come upon an Egyptian man, the servant of an Amalekite, who was left behind because he was sick. David gives him food and drink, then asks the man to take him to the Amalekites (they ones who had burned Ziklag). The man agrees as long as they will not deliver him into the hands of his master.

David Defeats the Amalekites

• The Egyptian takes David and his men to the Amalekites, and David strikes them from twilight till dusk. Only four hundred men are able to flee on camels. David rescues his wives and children and all their belongings, and brings back all the spoils. They reunite with the 200 men, and David states that they will not be given any of the spoils, but they can take their wives, children.
• Once back in Ziklag, David sends some of his spoils to his friends, the elders of Judah.

The Death of Saul – 1 Samuel 31

• The Philistines were fighting Israel, and the men of Israel were slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines overtake Saul and his sons, and strike down his three sons. The archers find Saul and badly wound him.
• Saul instructs his armor bearer to draw his sword and thrust it through him so he will not be killed by these uncircumcised Philistines. His armor bearer refuses, so Saul takes his own sword and falls upon it. His armor bearer does the same thing. The men of Israel, seeing that Saul and his sons are all dead, abandon their cities, and the Philistines come and live in them.
• The Philistines come to strip the slain the next day, and they find Saul and his sons. They cut off Saul's head, strip off his armor, and send messengers throughout the land to carry the good news. They put Saul's armor in the temple of Ashtaroth and fasten his body to the wall of Beth-shan, but the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead bring the bodies of Saul and his sons back to Jabesh and burn them there, then bury the bones and fast for seven days.

The Death of Saul and His Sons – 1 Chronicles 10:1–14

• The Philistines were fighting Israel, and the men of Israel were slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines overtake Saul and his sons, and strike down his three sons. The archers find Saul and badly wound him.
• Saul instructs his armor bearer to draw his sword and thrust it through him so he will not be killed by these uncircumcised Philistines. His armor bearer refuses, so Saul takes his own sword and falls upon it. His armor bearer does the same thing. The men of Israel, seeing that Saul and his sons are all dead, abandon their cities, and the Philistines come and live in them.
• The Philistines come to strip the slain the next day, and they find Saul and his sons. They cut off Saul's head, strip off his armor, and send messengers throughout the land to carry the good news. They put Saul's armor in the temple of Ashtaroth and fasten his body to the wall of Beth-shan, but the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead bring the bodies of Saul and his sons back to Jabesh and burn them there, then bury the bones and fast for seven days. Saul dies because he was unfaithful to the Lord, failing to obey the Lord's command and consulting a medium instead of asking God. The Lord kills him and turns over the kingdom to David.

Saul's Genealogy Repeated – 1 Chronicles 9:40–44

• The genealogy of Jonathan is given.

Mephibosheth Crippled – 2 Samuel 4:4

• Jonathan has a son Mephibosheth. When he is five years old, word comes of Saul's and Jonathan's deaths, and Mephibosheth's nurse takes the boy and tries to flee. In her haste, the boy falls and becomes lame.

David Hears of Saul's Death – 2 Samuel 1;1–27

• David returns to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites, and a man from Saul's camp (an Amalekite) comes to him and reports that Saul and Jonathan are dead. David asks how the man knows this, and the man explains that he came upon Saul and Saul instructed him to kill him so the Amalekites would not (a lie). He presents Saul's crown and armlet.
• David tears his clothes, as do the men with him. They mourn and fast for Saul, Jonathan, and the Israelites who were killed. He then has the Amalekite killed for taking the life of the Lord's anointed.

David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan

• David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, a profound expression of public and personal grief.

April 18: 1 Samuel 26:1 – 1 Samuel 27:7; 1 Chronicles 12:1–7; 1 Samuel 27:8 – 1 Samuel 29:11; Psalm 56

David Spares Saul Again – 1 Samuel 26

• The Ziphites again tell Saul where David is hiding, and Saul and his men pursue him. David sends out spies, then goes out and finds where Saul is sleeping within the encampment. Abishai, who is David's nephew, tells him that God has given Saul over to him, but David refuses to let Abishai kill him, saying that God will strike Saul if He chooses. David takes the spear and water jar from near Saul's head, and they leave.
• David goes and stands on a far-off hill, then calls to Abner, Saul's commander. He shows him Saul's spear and water jar. Saul also comes and sees what David has done (spared him again), and he tells David he will do him no more harm. David goes his way, and Saul returns home.

David Flees to the Philistines – 1 Samuel 27:1–7

• David and his 600 men flee to the Philistines, where they feel they will be safe from Saul. He lives with Achish at Gath along with his two wives. Achish gives him land in Ziklag. Saul learns where David is but doesn't pursue him.

The Mighty Men Join David – 1 Chronicles 12:1–7

• Mighty Benjamites come to David while he is at Ziklag.

David Flees to the Philistines – 1 Samuel 27:8–12

• David lives in Gath for sixteen months, making raids against enemies, taking all the peoples lives and bringing their livestock and belongings back to Gath. When Achish asks where David has been raiding, he tells him that he was raiding Israelite settlements (or settlements of those who were friendly to the Israelites). Achish trusts him.

Saul and the Medium of En-dor – 1 Samuel 28

• The Philistines gather their forces to go to war against Israel. Achish tells David that he is to go with his men, and David agrees.
• Saul gathers all the Israelite warriors, and when he sees the Philistine army, he is afraid. He inquires of the Lord, but God does not answer him, so he sends his men to find a medium. They do, and tell him there is a woman medium in En-dor.
• Saul disguises himself, and he and some of his servants go to her during the night. He asks the medium to summon the spirit of Samuel. She does, and when she sees Samuel, she asks Saul why he has deceived her. He promises her that no harm will come to her, and she tells him that she sees a god coming up out of the earth; Saul knows it is Samuel. Samuel tells him that the Lord has given the kingdom to David, and that God will give Israel and him into the hands of the Philistines and that tomorrow Saul and all his sons will be with Samuel (dead).
• Saul has not eaten, and the woman kills a fattened calf and makes unleavened bread. Saul and his servants eat, then leave by night.

The Philistines Reject David – 1 Samuel 29:1–11

• Although Achish trusts David, the other Philistine commanders fear David may betray them. They have Achish send him and his men home (in God's providence, David is spared the occasion to shed Israelite blood). David does as instructed.

In God I Trust – Psalm 56

• David pens a psalm of thanksgiving for God hearing and acting as He has done in the past.

April 17: 1 Samuel 23:13–29; Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 24:1 – 1 Samuel 25:44

David Saves the City of Keilah – 1 Samuel 23:13–29

• David asks God if the people of Keilah will surrender him to Saul's men, and God tells him that they will. David and his 600 men depart from Keilah and go wherever they can go. Saul hears this and gives up his expedition. David hides in the wilderness of Ziph, and though Saul seeks him every day, God does not give David into his hand.

Saul Pursues David 

• Jonathan comes to David at Horesh (in the wilderness of Ziph), and tells him not to fear, for Saul will not find him and he will be king over Israel (with Jonathan next to him). The two continue their covenant.
• The Ziphites go to Saul and tell him that David is hiding in Horesh. Saul has them go and confirm David's position and then return to them with the information.
• David learns of what has happened and goes down into the wilderness of Maon. Saul pursues him there, and as David is fleeing him, Saul's messengers come and tell him that the Philistines have made a raid against the land. Saul and his men instead go after the Philistines, and David escapes and goes to live in the strongholds of Engedi.

The Lord Upholds My Life – Psalm 54

• Another psalm of David, asking for God's help against those who threaten the lives of the faithful.

David Spares Saul's Life – 1 Samuel 24

• When Saul returns from fighting the Philistines, he is told that David is in the wilderness of Engedi. He takes 3,000 men there. Saul goes into a cave to relieve himself, not knowing that David and his men were in the inmost parts of the cave. David's men encourage him to kill Saul, but he instead cuts off a piece of his robe. Afterward, David realizes he must not kill Saul since he is God's anointed and doesn't allow him men to attack Saul.
• When Saul leaves the cave, David follows him and shows him the he spared his life (he believes God should be the one to avenge Saul's wrongdoing). Saul acknowledges that David is more righteous than he and that David will be king. He asks David to swear that he will not cut off Saul's offspring after him or destroy his name, and David agrees. They go their separate ways.

The Death of Samuel  – 1 Samuel 25

• Samuel dies, and all of Israel mourns for him. He is buried in his house at Ramah.

David and Abigail

• David goes to the wilderness of Paran, where there is a cruel man named Nabal and his beautiful wife Abigail. While Nabal is out sheepshearing, David sends ten of his man to politely request food from Nabal, but Nabal responds with comtempt and refuses. David sends about 400 armed men to Nabal.
• Abigail learns about David's men and prepares much food for the men, not telling Nabal. She and her servants go out to meet David and his men and she begs them to forgive her husband and accept what she has brought. David realizes she has stopped him from doing  a foolish thing, accepts her gifts, and promises not to harm her husband.
• When Abigail returns, Nabal is holding a feast in his house and is drunk. The next morning, Abigail tells him what she has done, and Nabal's heart dies within him (he has a heart attack or stroke). Ten days later, God strikes Nabal and he dies.
• When David learns of Nabal's death, he sends his servants to ask Abigail to come and be his wife. She agrees, and Ahinoam of Jezreel also becomes his wife. Saul has given Michal to another man.

April 16: 1 Samuel 22:1–2; Psalm 57; Psalm 142; 1 Chronicles 12:8–18; 1 Samuel 22:3–23; Psalm 52; 1 Samuel 23:1–12

David at the Cave of Adullam – 1 Samuel 22:1–2

• David flees to the cave of Adullam. His father and brothers go to him, and everyone who is distressed, in debt, or bitter gathers there. He becomes their leader, approximately 400 men.

Let Your Glory Be Over All the Earth – Psalm 57

• David's psalm asking for God's mercy and showing his confidence in danger as well as his expectation of God's victory and vindication.

You Are My Refuge – Psalm 142

• David cries out for God, praying for protection from his persecutors.

The Mighty Men Join David – 1 Chronicles 12:8–18

• Mighty warriors from the Gadites go to David, as do men from Benjamin and Judah. David receives them and makes them officers of his troops.

David at the Cave of Adullam – 1 Samuel 22:3–23

• David takes his father and mother to the king of Moab, where they stay. The prophet Gad goes to David and tells him to go to the land of Judah, which he does.

Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

• Saul, in Gilbeah, asks his servants if David will make them commanders and give them much land, then points out that none of them told him that Jonathan had made a covenant with David. Doeg the Edomite, who had seen David with Ahimelech, tells Saul that Ahimelech gave him provisions and the sword of Goliath.
• Saul summons Ahimelech and all his sons, the priests, to him. He questions Ahimelech about David (who nothing of David's break with Saul), and Ahimelech tells him what happened. Saul instructs his servants to kill the priests, but they refuse, so he has Doeg the Edomite kill Ahimelech and all his sons (85 people). Saul also has everyone in the city of Nob killed, as well as the livestock.
• One of Ahimelech's sons, Abiathar, escapes and goes to tell David what has happened. David, who had expected Doeg would tell Saul about him, tells Abiathar to stay with him for safety.

The Steadfast Love of God Endures – Psalm 52

• Another of David's psalms about God's protection from ruthless enemies.

David Saves the City of Keilah – 1 Samuel 23:1–12

• David's men tell him that the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and David inquires of the Lord if he should attack them. God instructs him to attack them and save the city, but David's men are afraid. David inquires of the Lord again, and He says he will give the Philistines into his hand. David conquers the Philistines and saves Keilah.
• Saul learns that David had overtaken the Philistines in Keilah, and sends his army to besiege David and his men. David asks God if Saul will come after him in Keilah, and God confirms that Saul will do so.

April 15: 1 Samuel 20:1 – 1 Samuel 21:15; Psalm 34

Jonathan Warns David – 1 Samuel 20

• David flees from Naioth and goes to Jonathan. He asks Jonathan what he has done that Saul wants to kill him. He reminds Jonathan that Saul knows of their friendship and he won't tell Jonathan of his plans for David, and tells him he will hide instead of going to eat with the king at the new moon festival. Jonathan is to tell Saul that David has gone home to Bethlehem, and if Saul becomes mad, he will know Saul's ill will toward David.
• This comes to pass, and Saul becomes angry when Jonathan tells him David has gone to Bethlehem. He curses him and throws his spear at him. The next day, Jonathan takes a young boy and goes in search of David. He shoots the arrows ahead of him and sends the boy to retrieve them, then sends him back to town. When the boy is gone, David comes to meet Jonathan and bows before him three times. They embrace and say their goodbyes.

David and the Holy Bread – 1 Samuel 21

• David goes to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech asks why he is alone, and David tells him he is sent by Saul and cannot tell anyone why he is there, that he will meet his men later. He asks for bread, and Ahimelech has no common bread, so he gives David holy bread. David asks if he has a sword, since he had no time to bring one, and Ahimelech gives him the sword of Goliath.

David Flees to Gath

• David flees to Gath, to Achish the king (with hope of serving him as a mercenary, but the kings men recognize him). He is brought to the king, where he pretends to be insane. Achish believes he is mad.

Taste and See that the Lord is Good – Psalm 34

• David writes of paslm of thanksgiving for God's care and protection of those who trust in Him.

April 14: 1 Samuel 17:32 – 1 Samuel 19:17; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18–24

David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:32–58

• David tells Saul not to fear, because he will go and fight the Philistine. Saul points out that David is a youth, and David reminds him that as a shepherd he has killed lions and bears. Saul tells him to go, and may the Lord be with him.
• Saul clothes David in armor, and David takes a staff, his sling, and five smooth stones from the  brook. Goliath comes at David and asks if he is a dog, that David comes at him with sticks. David tells him that the Lord will deliver him into his hand, and David will strike him down and cut off his head, for the battle is the Lord's.
• David slings a stone, striking Goliath in the head, and he falls face down on the ground. David runs forward and draws his sword, then beheads Goliath. When the Philistines hear that their champion is dead, they flee. The men of Israel and Judah pursue them, and David brings Goliath's head to Jerusalem.
• Saul asks Abner whose son David is, but Abner doesn't know. Saul has David brought to him, and David tells him he is the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite.

David and Jonathan's Friendship – 1 Samuel 18

• David and Jonathan become good friends, and Saul has David brought into his house. Jonathan gives David his robe, armor, sword, and belt. David is successful in whatever he does, so Saul sets him over the men of war.

Saul's Jealousy of David

• Saul hears the women singing about Saul killing his thousands and David killing his ten thousands, and he is jealous of David. The next day a harmful spirit rushed onto Saul, and he calls for David to play his lyre. Twice while David is playing, Saul throws his speak at him, but David evades him. Saul is afraid of David because God is with him, Saul stands in fearful awe of him, and Israel and Judah loves David.

David Marries Michal

• Saul tries to give David his daughter Merab, telling him to be valiant in the Lord's battles (he hope the Philistines will take his life). David asks who he is to be the son-in-law to the king, and Saul gives Merab to another man.
• Saul's daughter Michal loves David, and Saul hopes to use her as a snare for him (that the hands of the Philistines would be against him). David again asks who is he to be a son-in-law to the king, and Saul says that he requires no bride-price except 100 foreskins of Philistines. David brings back 200 foreskins, and Saul gives him Michal for a wife. When Saul realizes the Lord is with David, and that his daughter loves David, Saul is even more afraid. David continues to have success in fighting the Philistines.

Saul Tries to Kill David – 1 Samuel 19

• Saul tries to talk Jonathan and his servants into killing David, but Jonathan loves David and tells him what his father is planning. He tells him to go into hiding and that he will convey to him his father's plans. Jonathan then points out to Saul that David has done nothing wrong and has brought great salvation to Israel. He questions his father why he would have him put to death. Saul listens and decrees that David will not be put to death, and Jonathan calls David back to Saul.
• A war again breaks out, and David goes to fight the Philistines. A harmful spirit comes upon Saul, and David is called to play the lyre. Saul again throws his spear at him, and David flees. Saul sends messengers to David's house to watch him, and Michal lets him down through a window so he can escape. She makes a form of David, and when the messengers come, she tells them he is sick. Saul sends the messengers back to bring David to him, and when he learns David has fled, he questions Michal why she deceived him.

Deliver Me from My Enemies – Psalm 59

• David laments, seeking God's protection from Saul. In the first half, David cries for help, and in the second he voices confidence that God will protect him and make an example of his persecutors.

Saul Tries to Kill David – 1 Samuel 19 continued

• David escapes to Samuel in Ramah, and tells him what Saul has done. Samuel and David go to live in Naioth, and Saul finds out. He sends messengers to them three times, but God humbles the messengers each time. Then Saul goes to them himself, and God humbles him as well (he also prophesies before Samuel).

April 13: 1 Samuel 15:1 – 1 Samuel 17:31

The Lord Rejects Saul – 1 Samuel 15

• Samuel tells Saul that the Lord has sent him to anoint Saul over Israel and the God instructs Saul to destroy Amalek and all that they have. Saul summons the people (numbering 200,000 plus 10,000 men of Judah). He tells the Kenites to flee since they were kind to Israel, then destroys the Amalekites. He spares Agag, king of the Amalekites and the best of their livestock.
• The Lord sends word to Samuel that He is sorry that He made Saul king, because Saul has turned his back on Him and not followed His commandments. He then learns that Saul has erected a monument to himself. The next day Samuel goes to Saul and questions why he did not obey God's commands, and points out that he has rejected the word of the Lord and the Lord has rejected Saul as king.
• Saul begs for forgiveness, but Samuel refuses. As Samuel turns to leave, Saul seizes the skirt of his robe and the fabric tears. Samuel tells him that on this day the Lord has torn the kingdom from him. Saul bows before the Lord.
• Samuel has Agag brought to him. Agag thinks the bitterness of death is past, but Samuel hacks him to pieces with a sword because he has left so many women childless. Samuel goes to Ramah, and Saul goes to Gilbeah. (Samuel does not see him again until the day of his death, but he grieves over Saul, and God regrets making Saul king of Israel.

David Anointed King – 1 Samuel 16

• God asks Samuel how long he will grieve over Saul. He tells Samuel to fill his horn with oil and go to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for He will choose a king from his sons. Samuel fears Saul will kill him, but God tells him that He will show him what to do.
• Samuel goes to Bethlehem, and the elders ask if he has come peaceably. He tells them he has. He tells them to consecrate themselves and come to a sacrifice. He consecrates Jesse and invites him and his sons to the sacrifice as well.
• Samuel thinks Eliab will be God's chosen, but God tells him not to look at appearance or stature. The rest of Jesse's sons are brought before Samuel, but none of them are chosen either. Samuel asks Jesse if he has other sons, and Jesse tells him about his youngest, who is tending sheep. Samuel has Jesse send for him, and when David arrives, God tells Samuel to anoint him. Samuel does, and the Spirit of God rushes upon David. Samuel returns to Ramah.

David in Saul's Service

• The Spirit of the Lord leaves Saul, and a harmful spirit torments him. His servants suggest finding a servant to play the lyre so he will be well. Saul does so, and David is brought to him. David enters Saul's service, and Saul loves him. Whenever the harmful spirit is upon Saul, David refreshes him by playing the lyre.

David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17

• The Philistines gather their armies for battle. Saul and his men go to meet them, with Saul and his men on mountains and the Philistines on other mountains, with a valley between. The Philistines have a warrior named Goliath (about 9 feet 9 inches) who goes forward and calls for an Israelite man to go against him. For forty days and nights he does this. Saul and all his men are greatly afraid.
• Jesse sends David with food for his three brothers who are fighting with Saul. While he is there, Goliath comes forward and calls for a man to fight him. David asks who this uncircumcised Philistine is, that he should defy the armies of God?
• When Saul hears about what David has said, he sends for David.

April 12: 1 Chronicles 9:35–39; 1 Samuel 13:1 – 1 Samuel 14:52

Saul's Genealogy Repeated – 1 Chronicles 9:35–39

• Saul's genealogy is given.

Saul Fights the Philistines – 1 Samuel 13

• Saul becomes king at thirty years old.
• Saul selects 3,000 men of Israel, 2,000 of which went with Saul and 1,000 with his son Jonathan. Jonathan defeats the Philistine garrison and Geba, and the Philistines fight back. The Israelites hide in caves and holes, and some cross the Jordan to Gad.

Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice

• Saul waits seven days, as instructed by Samuel, but Samuel doesn't come to Gilgal, and many of the men flee. Saul calls for the burnt offerings and peace offerings to be brought to him. Samuel arrives as he is offering the burnt offering and asks what Saul has done. Saul explains  that he was trying to seek the Lord's favor, but Samuel tells him he has done foolishly and it will cause his kingdom to end.
• Saul numbers the men with him, about six hundred. While Saul and Jonathan have swords, the others don't (Israel had no blacksmiths). The Philistines approach.

Jonathan Defeats the Philistines – 1 Samuel 14

• Jonathan and his men leave their place without Saul's knowledge. They set out toward the Philistines, determining that if they approach them and the Philistine invite them closer, then God has given them into his hand. Jonathan and his armor-bearer kill about twenty Philistines, and fear spreads through their camp.
• Saul's soldiers in Gilbeah see the army of the Philistines dispersing, and instruct that role be called to see which soldiers are missing. They realize that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are gone. The confusion in the Philistine camp intensifies and Saul and his men set out for the battle. They find the Philistines killing each other. The Lord saves Israel that day.

Saul's Rash Vow

• Saul makes an oath saying that cursed be the man that eats food before it is evening and Saul is avenged of his enemies. His men eat nothing that day. That evening, Jonathan finds honey in the forest and, not knowing his father's vow, eats it. When the men tell Jonathan about his father's curse, Jonathan thinks his father foolish for starving the men.
• The men take the Philistine spoils and the men eat of the oxen, sheep, and calves, including the blood. Saul is made aware that the Israelites have been sinning by eating the blood. He instructs all the men to bring the animals to him and slaughter it there, and not eat of its blood. Saul builds an altar to the Lord.
• Saul instructs his men to plunder the Philistines, but the priest suggests they ask God first. God doesn't answer, and Saul has the army commanders brought to him to find out which man sinned. After the casting of lots, Jonathan is shown to be the guilty one, and he admits to eating the honey. Saul declares that Jonathan must die, but the people object because Jonathan has conquered the Philistines. He is not put to death, and the army is called back from chasing the Philistines.

Saul Fights Israel's Enemies

• Saul continues to fight Israel's enemies around them.

April 11: 1 Samuel 9:1 – 1 Samuel 12:25

Saul Chosen to Be King – 1 Samuel 9

• In the land of Benjamin lives a man of wealth named Saul. He was taller than all others from his shoulders upward and was more handsome than any other man. The donkeys of Saul's father, Kish, are lost, so Kish sends Saul in search of them. He passes through the lands of Ephraim and Benjamin but is unable to find them.
• While in the land of Zuph, Saul tells his servant that they should return home, but the servant points out that a man of God (a seer) who lives in the city and they should ask him the way to go. They agree to take a quarter of a shekel of silver to the man.
• God has already told Samuel that He would send him the man to be anointed king. When Samuel sees Saul, God tells him that this is the man. He invites Saul and the servant to go an eat with him and tells them that their donkeys have been found. Saul asks why Samuel would invite him, because he is of the least of the tribes. Samuel gives the men places at the head of the table. Saul sleeps on the roof of Samuel's home that night, then in the morning he and the servant take leave, but Samuel sends the servant on so he can make know to Saul the word of the Lord.

Saul Anointed King – 1 Samuel 10

• Samuel takes a flask of oil and anoints Saul's head and kisses him, telling him he has been anointed by God as price of Israel. He tells Saul that when he and his servant leave, they will find men by Rachel's tomb. They will then find men, at the oak of Tabor, going up to God at Bethel. He is to receive to loaves of bread from them and go to Gilbeath-elohim, where a group of prophets will meet him. The Spirit of God will rush upon Saul, and he will prophesy and be turned into another man. He is then to go to Gilgal, where Samuel will meet him to offer burnt and peace offerings. He is to wait there seven days for Samuel.
• God gives Saul another heart, he meets the prophets and the Spirit of the Lord rushes on him. Saul's uncle asks him where he has been, and Saul tells him that he has been seeking his father's donkeys, which have been found, but he doesn't tell him about Samuel and the anointing.

Saul Proclaimed King

• Samuel calls the people together in Mizpah and reminds them that they have rejected God and asked for a king. All the tribes are brought together, and Saul is chosen by lot. Samuel presents him, and the people shout, "Long live the king!" Samuel writes the rights and duties of kingship in a book, and sends the people away. Some men of valor go home with Saul, but some worthless fellows despise him. Saul holds his peace.

Saul Defeats the Ammonites – 1 Samuel 11

• Nahash the Ammonite besieges Jabesh-gilead, and the people there ask him to make a treaty with them and they will serve him. Nahash agrees if he can gouge out their right eyes, bringing disgrace on all Israel. The elders ask for seven days' time to send messengers to the rest of Israel, and if no one comes to their aid, they will give themselves up to Nahash.
• Saul is in the field working and people tell him the news about Jabesh. The Spirit of God rushes upon Saul and he is greatly angered. He takes a yoke of oxen, cuts them in pieces, and sends the pieces to all the tribes, warning them that if they do not help, their oxen will be cut up as well. The men muster together, 100,000 of Israel and 30,000 of Judah. They strike down the Ammonites.

The Kingdom Is Renewed

• The people ask Samuel to bring out the people who questioned Saul's rule, that they might be put to death. Saul replies that no one is to be executed, because God has worked salvation for Israel. Samuel summons the people to Gilgal, where the kingdom is renewed and Saul is made king.

Samuel's Farewell Address – 1 Samuel 12

• Samuel tells the people that he has obeyed their command by placing a king over them, and asks them to testify to his integrity. They do, and say the Lord is witness to this. Samuel reminds the people of all God has done for them since bringing them out of Egypt and exhorts them to fear and worship the Lord. He then tells them to watch the great thing that the Lord will do (send thunder and rain when it doesn't rain during the wheat harvest).
• God sends thunder and rain, and the people are terrified. Samuel tells them not to be afraid and again exhorts them to not go back to worshiping their idols and tells them that God will not abandon them. He also warns them that if they continue to sin, they and their king will be swept away.