May 20, 2026
“Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ Saul answered, ‘I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more’” (1 Samuel 28:15 ESV). 1 Samuel recorded one of the most mysterious and tragic scenes
May 13, 2026
‘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 14:6 ESV). Samuel recorded Israel’s battle against the Philistines, contrasting Saul’s fearful hesitation with Jonathan’s courageous faith. While Saul
May 12, 2026
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way” (1 Samuel 12:23 ESV). In 1 Samuel 12:23, the prophet Samuel addressed the people of Israel after they had demanded a
May 8, 2026
“And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision” (1 Samuel 3:1 ESV). The book of 1 Samuel described a dark season in Israel’s history near the end of the period of the judges, when the people had abandoned God’s ways and “everyone did what was right in
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,