May 19, 2025
“When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, ‘Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.’” (1 Samuel 24:1 ESV). David’s time in the wilderness of En Gedi was not merely a season of hiding—it was a season of refining. Though he was anointed to be king, he found himself running for his
May 16, 2025
“And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” (1 Samuel 18:5 ESV). David was an obedient and enthusiastic servant of King Saul. God
May 15, 2025
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45 ESV). What David said to Goliath as they closed for battle revealed his
May 14, 2025
‘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.’” (1 Samuel 15:12 ESV). This moment reveals Saul’s heart more than his words. Though commanded by God
May 13, 2025
“Then Jonathan said, ‘My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.’” (1 Samuel 14:29 ESV). It’s heart-breaking to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for forty years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived
May 8, 2025
‘And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”’ (1 Samuel 3:10 ESV). While young Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle he was awakened a fourth time by the voice of the Lord calling him. The first three times he ran to Eli,
May 7, 2025
“Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod.” (1 Samuel 2:18 ESV). Even as a young boy, Samuel was serving in the tabernacle, wearing a linen ephod—the garment of a priest. This verse highlights how unique Samuel was, especially when we see him in contrast to Eli’s corrupt sons. Samuel
May 21, 2024
“Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep” (1 Samuel 30:4 ESV). In the time when David was on the run from King Saul, he allied himself with King Achish of the Philistines. Yet, on the eve before they went into
May 10, 2024
‘And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them”‘ (1 Samuel 8:7 ESV). Samuel had led Israel well his whole life, but now he was old and his sons
May 7, 2024
‘But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord”‘ (1 Samuel 1:15 ESV). Hannah was childless. At her family’s annual visit to the Tabernacle at Shiloh to worship and bring offerings, she