1Sa 1:1 Now there was a certain man of top, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: Ramathaimzophim: (Double height of watchers), is about 36 miles west of Jerusalem and about 9 miles from Joppa. Elkanah: (God has obtained), was the son of Jeroham.

1Sa 1:2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah had no children.

1Sa 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. "At the time this would take place three times a year." (Feast of unleavened bread, feast of weeks, feast of tabernacles). (Exodus 23:14, Deuteronomy 16:16). 

1Sa 1:4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: They all got a portion of the meat. 

1Sa 1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. Hannah had no children, so she only got one portion of meat.

1Sa 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. Peninnah would make fun of Hannah because she had no children. You know how mean girls can be.

1Sa 1:7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. Peninnah would taunt Hannah every time they went to the Tabernacle bring her to tears. i.e. Peninnah was a bitch! She was jealous of Hannah because Elkanah favored her. 

1Sa 1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? Sometimes women get jealous when you don't have children. They don't have the freedom you have when you are child free.

1Sa 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. 

1Sa 1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. Prayed to the Lord in her anguish.

1Sa 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. Hannah makes a vow to the Lord. Hannah wants a child so bad that she is going to dedicate her son to the Lord not only as a Levite, but as a Nazarite just like Samson. (Numbers 6:5).

1Sa 1:12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Eli the priest sees Hannah praying.

1Sa 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. Her lips were moving, but no sound was heard. (She was praying from the heart). However, this priest thought she was drinking.

1Sa 1:14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. Eli the priest is accusing her of being drunk, just because he could not hear her prayers. (God hears your prayers even if you are just thinking of them).

1Sa 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. I'm not drunk Hannah explains; I was pouring out my heart to the Lord.

1Sa 1:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

1Sa 1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. Go in peace Eli the priest tells her. "May God grant your request."

1Sa 1:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. Hannah's spirits were up and she was no longer sad.

1Sa 1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. The next time Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea.

1Sa 1:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. Hannah got her request from the Lord and she gave birth to a son. "She named him Samuel." (Meaning, heard of God).

1Sa 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. The child (Samuel) was going to be dedicated to the Lord.

1Sa 1:22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. Hannah wanted to wait until the boy was older before she took him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the Lord. This time period is said to be through his time of nourishment and upbringing, which would bring Samuel to the age of at least twelve years. (Some believe he was younger).

1Sa 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him. Elkanah agreed and she stayed home with the boy. 

1Sa 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. 

1Sa 1:25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. Dedicated to the Lord.

1Sa 1:26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

1Sa 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

1Sa 1:28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. Hannah tells Eli the priest that the Lord granted my petition so I lent my child to the Lord.

1Sa 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. Hannah rejoices in the Lord.

1Sa 2:2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Hannah praises Yahveh, her Rock of salvation. (Jesus Christ is our Rock of Salvation). 

1Sa 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. I believe this might be Peninnah talking here. (Speaking against Hannah).

1Sa 2:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. The weak being made strong. Stay in Christ and He will make you strong. (Philippians 4:13).

1Sa 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. Hannah would go on to have more children. 

1Sa 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord does control life and death, He brings some down to the grave and raises up others.

1Sa 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He makes some spiritually rich and some not so much. The Word can bring you up and bring others down.

1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. The Lord lifts up the poor in spirit and gives them life. (Psalm 113:7-8).

1Sa 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. God takes care of His faithful people. The wicked will disappear in darkness. 

1Sa 2:10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. His Anointed: The first reference to the Messiah made by Hannah.

1Sa 2:11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest. The family returns home and Samuel stays and served the Lord by assisting Eli the priest.

1Sa 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. The sons of Eli the priest were wicked ungodly men. (You can chose your friends, but not your family). Sometimes you get strange family members. (In today's world, everybody gets one).

1Sa 2:13 And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;  

1Sa 2:14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.

1Sa 2:15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. Contrary to (Leviticus 3:16, 7:23).

1Sa 2:16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. The sons of Eli were just a bunch of pigs who took whatever they wanted. They did not follow God's law for the sacrifice. (Leviticus 3:16), The fat was to be burnt off for the Lord, but these guys wanted the fat for themselves. "Let me change that to selfish pigs!"

1Sa 2:17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. These men were a bad example in the sight of the Lord.

1Sa 2:18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. But Samuel, even as a boy served the Lord.

1Sa 2:19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Samuel's mother Hannah made sure he was well clothed each year.

1Sa 2:20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. Eli the priest liked Samuel and probably wished his sons were more like him. He would always bless Elkanah and Hannah when they returned home and told them, "may the Lord give you more children."

1Sa 2:21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD. The Lord gave Hannah three more sons and two daughters.

1Sa 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Eli's worthless sons turned out to be scumbags who would seduce young women assisting at the Tabernacle.

1Sa 2:23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. The word spread quickly about Eli's sons.  

1Sa 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress. Eli warns them but they would not listen.

1Sa 2:25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. Their sentence was set.

1Sa 2:26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men. Samuel grew in favor of the Lord as well as the people.

1Sa 2:27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? Who's this guy? A prophet, or an angel of the Lord?

1Sa 2:28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? Thy father: Aaron was chosen from among the tribes of Israel.

1Sa 2:29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Why do you trample on My sacrifices and offerings? Why do you give your sons more honor than Me? "They have become fat from the best offerings that were intended to be Mine." (This is God talking here through this prophet or angel of the Lord).

1Sa 2:30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 

1Sa 2:31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. God has His mind made up about the family of Eli. "They will all die."

1Sa 2:32 And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. 

1Sa 2:33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. 

1Sa 2:34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. These two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas will die on the same day to show the Lord means business.

1Sa 2:35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. God will then raise up a faithful priest and establish his family. Is this a reference to Samuel, Zadok, or a reference to the Messiah? (1 Kings 2:35, Ezekiel 34:23, Hebrews 2:17).

1Sa 2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. Not looking to good for the family of Eli.  

1Sa 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. Samuel serves the Lord by assisting Eli the priest. Messages and visions from the Lord were kind of rare at this time. (Maybe the priests and prophets were not listening).

1Sa 3:2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; Eli very poor in sight and growing older. (Samuel around 12-15 years old).

1Sa 3:3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of The Covenant. 

1Sa 3:4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. Samuel heard a call but didn't recognize who it was. (Sometime we do not hear when God calls on us, maybe we need to pay more attention). 

1Sa 3:5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. Samuel was used to hearing Eli call on him, so he runs to Eli.  

1Sa 3:6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Samuel hears from the Lord again, but still does not recognize it is the Lord calling on him and runs to Eli again.

1Sa 3:7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. Its not that Samuel had no knowledge of God, he did and worshipped the God of Israel. He just never had any communication with God like the prophets. "Until now!"

1Sa 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. The Lord calls on Samuel a third time and he runs to Eli again. This time Eli the priest realized that it was the Lord calling on Samuel. (I guess God had to give Eli a little nudge to figure it out).

1Sa 3:9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Eli gives Samuel instructions on what to do. (Go lie down, relax and listen).

1Sa 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. Now Samuel finally gets the message. (Remember we are dealing with a young boy here). "This was all new to him." 

1Sa 3:11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. Your going to receive some shocking news about Israel the Lord tells Samuel.  

1Sa 3:12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family. (Not something Samuel was ready to hear), he has been serving Eli for some time now and was like a son to him.

1Sa 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. God tells Samuel the reason.

1Sa 3:14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. Sounds like no chance for Eli and his family.

1Sa 3:15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. Again, Samuel reverenced Eli like a father and I don't think he would be comfortable giving him this kind of message.

1Sa 3:16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. But, Eli calls on Samuel and wants to know what the Lord had said to him.

1Sa 3:17 And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. Eli wants the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

1Sa 3:18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. Samuel lays it right on the line and hold back nothing the Lord had said. Eli agrees on what the Lord thinks is best.

1Sa 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. Samuel becomes a prophet now granted by God. Everything Samuel says proves to be reliable. (The sign of a true prophet). 

1Sa 3:20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. It spread all around Israel that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord.

1Sa 3:21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD. In verse one of this chapter, messages from the Lord were kind of rare. Now the Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel at the Tabernacle. Israel is back in business again, "God is speaking to them through Samuel."

1Sa 4:1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. Samuel's message went out to all Israel. We hear it to this day. (Acts 3:24, Hebrews 11:32). Israel at war with the Philistines. Ebenezer: (stone of the help). Aphek: (fortress). Distinguished from the Aphek near Jezreel and another in Asher. The Aphek here is about 4 miles from Ebenezer and is a stronghold for the Philistines.

1Sa 4:2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. The Philistines attack Israel and killed 4,000 men. (Don't think God was with them on this one).  

1Sa 4:3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. Now Israel turns to the Ark of the Covenant as their protection.

1Sa 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. They bring the Ark of the Covenant and guess who is with them? Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. (Remember the two scoundrels).

1Sa 4:5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. Israel really got a confidence boost when they seen the Ark come into the camp and they shouted so loud that the ground shook!

1Sa 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. The Philistines were surprised when they heard the shouting and found out the Ark of the Covenant had arrived into Israel's camp.

1Sa 4:7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. The Philistines go into a little panic now that they think the gods have come into Israel's camp.

1Sa 4:8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Who can save us? They remember what happened to the Egyptians with the plagues.

1Sa 4:9 Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight. It appears that the Philistines got more psyched up than the Israelites. They are told to fight like they never fought before.

1Sa 4:10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. Israel gets spanked again. This time they lose 30,000 men to the Philistines.

1Sa 4:11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. The Ark was captured and the sons of Eli were killed just as prophesied. (1 Samuel 2:25).

1Sa 4:12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head. 

1Sa 4:13 And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. Eli was waiting for a report about the battle and was in fear for the Ark (kind of his responsibility). "There was an outcry in the town."

1Sa 4:14 And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli. The messenger is going to tell Eli what happened.

1Sa 4:15 Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. 

1Sa 4:16 And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?

1Sa 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. Eli the priest gets the bad news about his two sons and the Ark.

1Sa 4:18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. When Eli hears of the Ark of the Covenant being captured, he falls back from his seat he hits his head, breaks his neck and dies. (He was old, fragile, and overweight). 

1Sa 4:19 And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. Phinehas' wife hears the bad news and goes into labor and gives birth.

1Sa 4:20 And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.  

1Sa 4:21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. She has a boy and names him Ichabod (where is the glory). Then she dies from the childbirth.

1Sa 4:22 And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken. The Ark of the Covenant captured, Eli, his two sons and daughter-in-law are dead. (Prophecy fulfilled again).

1Sa 5:1 And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. The Ark of the Covenant is taken from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

1Sa 5:2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. The Philistines bring the Ark into the temple of Dagon (their false idol god). It is like a prize for them to offer to their god. (Comparing Yahveh to Dagon). "Big mistake!"

1Sa 5:3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. The next morning their false god Dagon had fallen face down. (This is what happens when you have a false god you depend on). Many people today put their trust in themselves, their money, their job, their church, their pastor. These things can make you all fall on your face if your not careful. "Put your trust in the living God." He will never leave you or forsake you, and He will never fall on His face. (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). 

1Sa 5:4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Their false idol and god are broken. (Only the trunk of his fish body was left intact).

1Sa 5:5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.

1Sa 5:6 But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. Emrods: (hemorrhoids). God gave them something to slow their butts down. (He does have a sense of humor). Kind of what happen to the Egyptians in (Isaiah 20:4), when they ran in their bare feet with their butts hanging out all naked. 

1Sa 5:7 And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. These people finally realized that they could not keep the Ark of the Covenant or they would be totally destroyed along with their false god.

1Sa 5:8 They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. The Philistines talk it over and decide to move the Ark to Gath. "This is where Goliath was from." (1 Samuel 17:4).  

1Sa 5:9 And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. Well, that didn't work. Now the men of Gath were struck with hemorrhoids and there was a great panic.

1Sa 5:10 Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. These guys want to get rid of the Ark and send it to Ekron.

1Sa 5:11 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. Now the people of Ekron are getting the tale end of the plague of hemorrhoids and beg the Philistine rulers to send the Ark back to Israel.

1Sa 5:12 And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven. Those who didn't die in Ekron were afflicted with hemorrhoids so bad that you could hear their cry all the way to heaven. "God does work in mysterious ways." He takes care of His own, even when He is having a little fun.

1Sa 6:1 And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months. The Ark remained with the Philistines seven months in all, along with their hemorrhoids. Remember, they couldn't wait to get rid of this prize that they captured from the Israelites.

1Sa 6:2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place. They called all their priests and diviners to figure out what to do about the Ark of the Lord.

1Sa 6:3 And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you. Send it back to Israel with a gift. "Anything to get rid of this terrible curse."

1Sa 6:4 Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. Their gift was five gold hemorrhoids and five gold rats.

1Sa 6:5 Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land. Trying to honor the God of Israel so He will give them mercy. (Seems their god can't heal them).

1Sa 6:6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? A warning not to be stubborn like the Pharaoh of Egypt was.

1Sa 6:7 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: This cart for the Ark was not built to God's specifications (the Ark was t be carried on two poles), but contrast David's new cart. (2 Samuel 6:3).

1Sa 6:8 And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go. i.e. they are going to let the cows take the cart on their own to see if they return to the Israelites or to their calves at home.  

1Sa 6:9 And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us. If the cows crossed the border of the Philistines land and head towards Beth-shemesh, they will know that it was the Lord who cursed them. If they don't, we will know that our plague was simply by chance.

1Sa 6:10 And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home: 

1Sa 6:11 And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

1Sa 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh. Well, they got their answer when the cows crossed the border into Beth-shemesh. (It was divine intervention).

1Sa 6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. 

1Sa 6:14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD. The people used the cart and the cows to sacrifice to the Lord for returning the Ark to them.

1Sa 6:15 And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the LORD. 

1Sa 6:16 And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day. The Philistine rulers watched what happened as a wittness.

1Sa 6:17 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one; The five golden hemorrhoids represent the five rulers of these towns. 

1Sa 6:18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite. The five golden rats represent the five towns of the Philistines and their surrounding villages controlled by the five leaders. 

1Sa 6:19 And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter. Not good to look into the Ark of God. "Seventy men were killed for looking into the Ark."

1Sa 6:20 And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us? 

1Sa 6:21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you. A message was sent to the people of Kirjath-jearim to come and get the Ark of the Lord for it had been returned by the Philistines. What were the actual contents of the Ark of the Covenant and its power? Was it God Himself? No... It was a symbol of the presence of God. Many scholars also believe it contained the ten commandments of God.

1Sa 7:1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. The Ark comes to the house of Abinadab. (Father of generosity, that is, liberal). His son Eleazar (helper), would be in charge of the Ark.

1Sa 7:2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. The Ark remained their for twenty years, and it appeared that the Lord had abandoned the people of Israel again.

1Sa 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Samuel tells the depressed people of Israel, if you are really serious about the Lord, get your act together. Get rid of your foreign gods and images and obey the Lord only. "There is only one God we need to pray to and that is our Heavenly Father." (Praying to foreign gods and statues will do you no good at all)!

1Sa 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. Now they finally get it together.

1Sa 7:5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 

1Sa 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. The people confessed that they have sinned against the Lord. Samuel becomes Israel's last judge. 

1Sa 7:7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. The Philistine rulers hear of the gathering of Israel and they mobilize their army to attack. "They were frightened again when they hear the news."

1Sa 7:8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. Now their begging Samuel to keep praying to the Lord for them.

1Sa 7:9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. Samuel makes and offering to the Lord and gets his prayer answered. 

1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. As the Philistines attacked, they were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them. (Divine intervention here from the Lord).

1Sa 7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.  

1Sa 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. Samuel placed a marker (a large stone), between Mizpah and Jeshahah as a reminder that the Lord has helped us.

1Sa 7:13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The Philistines were subdued and left Israel alone for some time. Samuel was the strong-arm against the Philistines for the rest of his time with the powerful hand of the Lord.

1Sa 7:14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. Finally a little peace in the land for a while. Because Israel defeated the Philistines, there was also peace between Israel and the Amorites. 

1Sa 7:15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 

1Sa 7:16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. Samuel makes the circuit and sets up his court in each of these places.  

1Sa 7:17 And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD. Samuel makes an altar to the Lord at Ramah.

1Sa 8:1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Samuel lived to be around 98 years of age. (About the same age as Eli).

1Sa 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. His sons were Joel the youngest, and Abijah the elder son. They were appointed judges over Israel.

1Sa 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. The problem with these two sons is that they were greedy for money and excepted bribes and perverted justice. (Like many judges today). Even the "holier than thou" people can have rebellious kids. (Everybody gets one)!

1Sa 8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, The elders of Israel were tired of these two guys as judges. "They want a king."

1Sa 8:5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

1Sa 8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. Samuel goes to the Lord for guidance.

1Sa 8:7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. Give them what they want, they don't want Me to be their king any longer the Lord tells Samuel. (Its not always a Christian that many people reject today, it is what they represent that they are rejecting). "Sometimes they are just rejecting and resisting God." (Acts 7:51-53).

1Sa 8:8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Always messing with false teachings and other gods. (Sound familiar)?

1Sa 8:9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. Give them what they want, but warn them how a king operates and how he will reign over them. 

1Sa 8:10 And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. Samuel warns the people who were asking him for a king.

1Sa 8:11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. Your sons will be open to the draft and forced to fight in the kings army.

1Sa 8:12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. They will be harvesting the kings crops and they will be making weapons of war.

1Sa 8:13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. Your daughters will be taken and forced to cook and make perfumes for the king. (Some will be asked to entertain the king and fill his needs).

1Sa 8:14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. He will want the best of everything and take it from you.

1Sa 8:15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. The king will take 10% of what you make to help support the government. (Not bad compared to what we pay today).

1Sa 8:16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 

1Sa 8:17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. The king takes his cut of everything and you will become his slaves. Kind of like us today, being slaves to the government and corporate businesses. (Taxes, forced insurance, high fuel and utility prices, outrageous interest rates, did I mention taxes).

1Sa 8:18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. You get the king, but you will get no more help from the Lord. (Our country is heading this way)!

1Sa 8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; So what, we still want a king!

1Sa 8:20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. We want to be like the other nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle, we don't need the Lord. (Thinking like our country again)! We put to much faith in our leaders and not enough in our God.

1Sa 8:21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. Samuel tells the Lord how the people feel.

1Sa 8:22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. The Lord tells Samuel... Give them their king! They will get their king, but it will be for the wrong reason. They want a king to replace God, instead of a king that would be led by God. What will happen? I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath. (Hosea 13:11). In My anger I gave you kings because you wanted them, and in My fury, I will take them away.   

1Sa 9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. Kish: (a bow), from the tribe of Benjamin.

1Sa 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. Kish had a son named Saul. (He was a tall handsome man).

1Sa 9:3 And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. Saul was a keeper of donkeys.

1Sa 9:4 And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. No donkeys around anywhere.

1Sa 9:5 And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. Gave up on the donkey hunt.

1Sa 9:6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. Man of God: A prophet.

1Sa 9:7 Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? Nothing left to offer the prophet for his advice. 

1Sa 9:8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. Saul's servant comes up with a piece of silver worth a few bucks. (Lets offer it to the man and see what happens). 

1Sa 9:9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) The prophets were called seers. (It was the custom to pay the prophet for their help). 

1Sa 9:10 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. 

1Sa 9:11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? 

1Sa 9:12 And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: The young women led them in the right direction.

1Sa 9:13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him. 

1Sa 9:14 And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place. 

1Sa 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, The Lord told Samuel the day before Saul showed up.

1Sa 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. The Lord will send a young man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of My people, Israel.

1Sa 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. 

1Sa 9:18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is. Saul looking for the seer.

1Sa 9:19 And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart. Samuel the seer invites Saul to dinner.

1Sa 9:20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? Samuel already new about the donkeys. (All part of Gods plan).

1Sa 9:21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? Saul humbling himself and wants to know what was up with Samuel telling him all this.

1Sa 9:22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons. 

1Sa 9:23 And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. Saul and his servant get the royal treatment.

1Sa 9:24 And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day. The shoulder: Probably the shoulder was set before Saul, not because it was the best part, but because it was an emblem of the government to which he was now called. This government would be on the shoulder of another later in time. (Isaiah 9:6).

1Sa 9:25 And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house. Saul spend the night at the house of Samuel.  

1Sa 9:26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. Saul and his servant are on their way home. 

1Sa 9:27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. Samuel stops Saul and sends his servant on ahead. Samuel is about to give Saul a special message from God. (Saul don't know it, but is about to become the new leader of Israel). 

1Sa 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? Samuel anoints Saul with olive oil (the oil of our people), and kissed Saul's head. "The Lord has appointed Saul ruler over Israel." (Israel's first king).

1Sa 10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? Samuel gives Saul a little prophecy. First concerning his fathers donkeys (they have been found), but the father is worried about his son.

1Sa 10:3 Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

1Sa 10:4 And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

1Sa 10:5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: These prophets Saul was to meet were prophesying with the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

1Sa 10:6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul just as predicted by Samuel. (Saul became a true anointed king), anointed with the Holy Spirit.

1Sa 10:7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. God is with Saul.

1Sa 10:8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. Saul was to wait for further instructions from Samuel.

1Sa 10:9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. Saul given a new heart to serve the Lord.

1Sa 10:10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. The Holy Spirit came strong on Saul, and he began to prophecy.

1Sa 10:11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? Saul was a changed man and his friends and family didn't understand what happened to him. Sound familiar? (Saul was now fully dedicated to the Lord).

1Sa 10:12 And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? Why do people always question what God does with a person when he calls them to the ministry. Don't let any priest or pastor tell you that you are not qualified to serve the Lord. (It might be that God didn't call them).

1Sa 10:13 And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place. 

1Sa 10:14 And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. Saul's uncle wondering where he has been. 

1Sa 10:15 And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. 

1Sa 10:16 And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not. Saul tells him about the donkeys, but didn't tell him about being anointed king. (Sometimes we think that we are not worthy of a title to serve the Lord). Don't let any man or woman discourage you, listen to your Heavenly Father.

1Sa 10:17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; Samuel calls a meeting of the people of Israel.

1Sa 10:18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: This is what the Lord has said and the God of Israel has declared.

1Sa 10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. They rejected God and wanted a king.

1Sa 10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.  

1Sa 10:21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. Samuel tells the story of how Saul (son of Kish), was chosen from among them. 

1Sa 10:22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. Saul was hiding among thee baggage. 

1Sa 10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

1Sa 10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. Samuel explains to the people that Saul was the real deal, the full package of a man that makes life worth living. When the people seen him they shouted, "Long live the king." 

1Sa 10:25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. Samuel tells the people what the rights and duties of the king were.

1Sa 10:26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. Saul returns home with men whose hearts were touched by the Holy Spirit. 

1Sa 10:27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. There were some scoundrels who complained and didn't care for Saul. They scorned him and didn't bring him any gifts, but Saul just ignored them. (Proverbs 29:11). When you serve God, you are always going to find people who will just make fun of you and not take you serious. "Just blow them off, they are not worth your time."

1Sa 11:1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. About a month after Saul was made king, Nahash of Ammon led his army against the Israelite town of Jabesh Gilead. However, they wanted to make peace with the Ammonites and be their servants.

1Sa 11:2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. Nahash agrees with the treaty but it comes with a price. (As the shield covered the left eye, the right eye was necessary for seeing, as the loss of it incapacitated men from fighting).

1Sa 11:3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. Israel asked for a seven day grace period and Nahash agrees.

1Sa 11:4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept. 

1Sa 11:5 And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. Saul gets the message from Jabesh.

1Sa 11:6 And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. The Spirit came upon Saul very strong and he became angry. (The Spirit of wrath, or righteous anger)! Do you really think these guys never got mad? Jesus was angry (with righteous anger), when He entered the Temple and cleared out the money changers. (Matthew 21:12-13, John 2:14-17).

1Sa 11:7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. Saul makes it clear to the people of Israel that they better follow him and Samuel into battle. "All the people came together as one." (Divine intervention). "The Lord put the fear into the people."

1Sa 11:8 And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 330,000 men showed up. Now we have a battle! (Seems like Saul's threat got the attention of the people).

1Sa 11:9 And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad. The message was sent to Jabesh Gilead that the men of Israel are coming to the rescue. 

1Sa 11:10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you. They are going to set these guys up for a surprise.

1Sa 11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. Early in the morning Saul arrives with the army and wipes out the Ammonites.

1Sa 11:12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. Now they like Saul. Not looking to good for those who were against his rule if the people get their way.

1Sa 11:13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. Saul lets them slide for now, because the Lord had rescued Israel.

1Sa 11:14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. They are going to renew Saul's kingship for all Israel.

1Sa 11:15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. The people of Israel finally realize that Saul was chosen and confirmed to be king by God. God is in control, and when He calls one to serve, "that's that." All the Israelites were filled with joy.

1Sa 12:1 And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. Samuel addresses the people and tells them they have their king.

1Sa 12:2 And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. Samuel reminding Israel of his commitment and service as their leader.

1Sa 12:3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. Samuel asks the people of Israel to review his service and tells them if he did any wrong he would make it right.

1Sa 12:4 And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. The people had no complaints against Samuel.

1Sa 12:5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness. The anointed one here would be Saul as his witness with the Lord. "Samuel declared that his hands are clean."

1Sa 12:6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 

1Sa 12:7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

1Sa 12:8 When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the LORD, then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place. When the people of Israel cried out, the Lord listened.

1Sa 12:9 And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them. Samuel wars the people that when they forgot about the Lord, trouble came upon them.

1Sa 12:10 And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee. They cried to the Lord and asked for forgiveness. "We will worship you if you will rescue us from our enemy they say." (People need to learn not to give the Lord a choice, or try to make a deal with Him). "They need to listen to Him." 

1Sa 12:11 And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe. Some have suggested that Bedan would read Barak and that Samson would be instead of Samuel. (For it is not probable that Samuel would enumerate himself). However, if it reads "Samuel," these would not be Samuel's words, but Yahveh's words in Samuel's mouth.

1Sa 12:12 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king. Once again the people of Israel forget who brought them this far. God was their king, but they wanted a human king to lead them.

1Sa 12:13 Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you. Just think how the Lord felt. "Yes, He has feelings." But the Lord put His children first and grants Israel their request for a king.

1Sa 12:14 If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: Samuel give the people of Israel some conditions to stay on the good side of the Lord. (Fear and worship the Lord, listen to His voice, keep His commandments). Then you and your king will show that you recognize the Lord as your God. 

1Sa 12:15 But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. But, if you rebel against the Lord and His commandments, refuse to listen to Him, then His hand will be against you. 

1Sa 12:16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Now, lets talk about what the Lord will do for you.

1Sa 12:17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. Samuel is going to show the people the power of the Lord and how He grants them things they may ask for. (He is about to call for rain in the dry season).

1Sa 12:18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. Samuel calls to the Lord for thunder and rain, and the Lord sent thunder and rain all that day. (This made the people terrified of the Lord and Samuel).

1Sa 12:19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. Now they are afraid that they sinned against the Lord for asking for a king. (They want Samuel to pray for them). "Talk about a confused people."

1Sa 12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; Calm down Samuel tells the people. Just make sure you do not turn your back on the Lord again. (Yea right)!  

1Sa 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. Especially do not go back to worshipping worthless idols that do nothing.

1Sa 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. It always pleases God when we become part of His Christian family.

1Sa 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Samuel assures the people he will continue to teach the people what is good and right.

1Sa 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. Be sure to stay on the right track and serve the Lord. (Just think of all the things the Lord has done for you). 

1Sa 12:25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. However, here is the warning again. "If you continue to sin, you and your new king will be swept away."

1Sa 13:1 Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, This verse is variously interpreted; but probably it only means, according to the Hebrew idiom, that, during the first year nothing remarkable occurred; but after two years (or in the second year of his reign), the subsequent events took place.  

1Sa 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. Saul takes 2,000 men of his army to Micmash. (About 9 miles fro Jerusalem). Saul's son Jonathan takes 1,000 men to Gibeah, in the land of Benjamin.

1Sa 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. Jonathan defeats the garrison of Philistines at Geba. (The news spreads quickly of his victory).

1Sa 13:4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. The Philistines really hated the Israelites now. Saul summons the whole army to join him at Gilgal.

1Sa 13:5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven. The Philistines put together a large army and camped at Micmash.

1Sa 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. The men of Israel seen the spot they were in and started to scatter and hide in caves and thickets.

1Sa 13:7 And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. These guys with Saul started to get scared.

1Sa 13:8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. Saul is rapidly losing his troops. (Samuel is not showing up for back-up). 

1Sa 13:9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. Saul turns to the Lord with an offering.

1Sa 13:10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. Ask and you shall receive, or did Saul make a mistake with the offering. Samuel shows up after the offering.

1Sa 13:11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Samuel wants to know what's going on.

1Sa 13:12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. Saul should have waited for Samuel to make the offering.

1Sa 13:13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. Fool... you didn't keep the commandment of the Lord. Now what of your kingdom?

1Sa 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. Because of what you have done, now your kingdom must end.

1Sa 13:15 And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. Samuel splits from Gilgal, but the rest of the troops went with Saul. When Saul counts the men with him, there were only 600 left.

1Sa 13:16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. 

1Sa 13:17 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: Who are these spoilers? You will find the same meaning in Exodus. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the "destroyer" to come in unto your houses to smite you. (Exodus 12:23). Spoilers/Destroyer Hebrew Strong's H7843, "shachath" ruin, batter, corrupter, perish, spoiler.

1Sa 13:18 And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. Looks like the Philistines are trying to surround them.

1Sa 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: The philistines didn't want anyone making weapons.

1Sa 13:20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. The Philistines had the control of the weapons and farm tools. Could not get them or have them repaired unless you went to the Philistines blacksmith.

1Sa 13:21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. 

1Sa 13:22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. The day of the battle the only one who had weapons were Saul and Jonathan. The rest of his army looked like a bunch of unarmed farmers with shovels and picks.

1Sa 13:23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. The pass at Micmash was secured by the Philistine army. Not looking to good for Saul and the Israelites at this point. (They need to keep their minds off their situation, and keep their eyes on their true King). "God is in control." 

1Sa 14:1 Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. Jonathan going on a little covert operation, but he didn't tell Saul.

1Sa 14:2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 

1Sa 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. Ahiah: (brother, or worshipper of Yahveh), wearing an ephod.

1Sa 14:4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. Jonathan goes down to the Philistines through a rocky cliff passage.

1Sa 14:5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. 

1Sa 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. Notice Jonathans faith in the Lord. 

1Sa 14:7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. 

1Sa 14:8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. Their about to cross over to the Philistine camp so the Philistines can see them. 

1Sa 14:9 If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. Jonathan has a plan. 

1Sa 14:10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us. Jonathan is looking for a sign from God. (Sometimes we need to get a plan in motion before God helps us).

1Sa 14:11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. Right were God wanted them. (I think Jonathan knows that God is with them at this point).

1Sa 14:12 And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. Some of the Philistine men shout out and challenge Jonathan.

1Sa 14:13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. Jonathan and his armor bearer except the challenge and start killing the Philistine soldiers. 

1Sa 14:14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. They kill about twenty men of the Philistines in a bloody battle.

1Sa 14:15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. The Philistines broke out in a panic when they seen their buddies being defeated by two men. Then God throws in the kicker, an earthquake suddenly strikes the area of the Philistines, and everyone was terrified.

1Sa 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. Saul's lookouts see that the Philistines began to faint away.

1Sa 14:17 Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there. Saul wants to know who is missing and what is going on.

1Sa 14:18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. Saul looks to the priest with the ephod for answers. 

1Sa 14:19 And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand. The confusion of the Philistines grew louder and louder so Saul tells the priest to forget it. Lets go see what is happening.

1Sa 14:20 And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. Saul and his men rust to the battle field and they see the Philistines killing each other and there was terrible confusion. (Divine intervention).

1Sa 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. Now everyone joins in with Saul. Even the Hebrews who were living with the Philistines revolted and joined Saul.

1Sa 14:22 Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. Even the men of Israel who were hiding came out to join Saul.   

1Sa 14:23 So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven. The Lord was with Israel that day and the battle rages on.

1Sa 14:24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. Saul's men are getting a little hungry and need an energy boost from fighting all day. (Saul says; a curse to anyone who stops to eat before I have revenge on my enemies).

1Sa 14:25 And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.

1Sa 14:26 And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. No one touched the honey because of the curse.

1Sa 14:27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Jonathan didn't know about the curse and dipped into the honey for a little taste. (Felt good now). 

1Sa 14:28 Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. One of the men tells Jonathan what his father had said about eating any food before the battle was won. 

1Sa 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. Jonathan realizes what his father had done and explains that it only hurts the men of Israel, and was the wrong thing to do.

1Sa 14:30 How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? The men would be much stronger if they had ate the food they found among the enemy.

1Sa 14:31 And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. They were killing Philistines all day and the men of Israel were growing more tired and faint. 

1Sa 14:32 And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood. The people having abstained from food the whole of the day, and being now faint through hunger and fatigue, they flew upon the cattle, and not taking time to bleed them properly, they eagerly devoured the flesh with the blood, directly contrary to the law - another bad effect of Saul's rash adjuration.

1Sa 14:33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. Not only didn't they listen to Saul, but now they broke the law of God.

1Sa 14:34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there. Tell the troops if they want to eat to bring the cattle to me and kill them here. Saul wants them to do it right.

1Sa 14:35 And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.

1Sa 14:36 And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God. Saul is ready to keep plundering the Philistines, the priest wants to consult with God.

1Sa 14:37 And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. Saul asked God what to do but received no answer that day. (Maybe God didn't like what was going on). Could it be because of Saul's oath, or because of the people breaking the food laws?

1Sa 14:38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. Saul wanted to know what kept the Lord from speaking to him. What was their sin that the Lord was upset with?

1Sa 14:39 For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him. Saul wanted to know who or what the sin was and might even be convicting himself here.

1Sa 14:40 Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee. Saul prays to the Lord and then they cast lots to see who is guilty and innocent.

1Sa 14:41 Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. The people come out innocent. Saul and Jonathan come out guilty. 

1Sa 14:42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. Now its between Saul and Jonathan, and Jonathan comes out as the guilty one. (He ate the honey). "A little taste can go a long way in the wrong direction." 

1Sa 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. Jonathan admits to eating the honey. Is he willing to die for this, or is he saying, "do I deserve to die for such a trivial thing?" 

1Sa 14:44 And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. Saul agrees that his son must die.

1Sa 14:45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. The people knew that Jonathan didn't do anything wrong deserving death. He was led by God and helped rescue the people which was considered a great deed. The people stood up for Jonathan, and he was not put to death.

1Sa 14:46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place. Saul calls his troops back home and the Philistines went to their own place.

1Sa 14:47 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them. Saul continued to fight the enemy as Israel's king and had many victories over their enemies.

1Sa 14:48 And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. Saves Israel from all attackers.

1Sa 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: 

1Sa 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

1Sa 14:51 And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

1Sa 14:52 And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him. Saul gathered himself quite an army of strong brave young men.

1Sa 15:1 Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. Samuel tells Saul as the anointed king to listen to the message from the Lord.

1Sa 15:2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. The accounts with the nation of Amalek need to be settled for opposing Israel. The Amalekites were the ones who attacked the weak of Israel when they were on their way to the promise land led by Moses. (Deuteronomy 25:18, Exodus 17:11).

1Sa 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. Totally destroy the nation. (These people were wicked and perverted). "God wants them gone." We have nations like that today and it won't be good for them in the end times when Christ returns.

1Sa 15:4 And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. Saul gathers 210,000 men for his army. 

1Sa 15:5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. Setting the trap.

1Sa 15:6 And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. The Kenites were warned to move away from where the Amalekites live. They were spared because they showed kindness to the people of Israel. (These were the people of Moses' father-in-law). And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people. (Judges 1:16). Now here we have the kenites who settled among the people near the town of Arad. However, keep in mind who the Kenites really were. Read our newsletter study topic titled "Sons of Cain."  

1Sa 15:7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

1Sa 15:8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. The Amalekite king was captured and spared, but Saul's army completely destroyed everyone else.

1Sa 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. However, Saul also kept all the best sheep, goats, cattle and lambs. Saul didn't listen to God! "He was to destroy everything."

1Sa 15:10 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, Here it comes. Not looking good for Saul.

1Sa 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. The Lord is a little upset with Saul for refusing to obey His commands. Samuel pleads with the Lord all night.

1Sa 15:12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. Saul is going to set up a monument to himself and claim the place of Carmel, then went to Gilgal.

1Sa 15:13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. Saul greets Samuel and tells him he carried out the Lord's command. (At least he thinks he did).

1Sa 15:14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? Samuel calls Saul out about the sheep and cattle he kept.

1Sa 15:15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. Saul thinks quick and says that he was going to sacrifice the sheep and cattle to the Lord.

1Sa 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. 

1Sa 15:17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

1Sa 15:18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. The Lord sent you on a mission to destroy them all.

1Sa 15:19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? You haven't obeyed the Lord and rushed to steal all the plunder. (This was evil in the sight of the Lord).

1Sa 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. Hmmm. Did he actually destroy them all? "I don't think he did."

1Sa 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. Now Samuel brings the troops into the argument.

1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams. Samuel lays the question on Saul. What is more important, your burnt offerings, or your obedience to the Lord? God wants our obedience and love, not burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6).

1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. Saul blows it and now the Lord will reject him as king of Israel. 

1Sa 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Saul makes excuses and said he did these things because he was afraid of the people. What? He is supposed to lead the people as their king, not give into their demands. Don't become a "people pleaser" and forget about what God thinks.

1Sa 15:25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. Saul pleads with Samuel.

1Sa 15:26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. No way Samuel says; you have rejected the Lord commands, now He rejected you as king of Israel.

1Sa 15:27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. Samuel turns away and Saul grabs him and rips his coat.

1Sa 15:28 And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. Just as you tore my coat, the Lord will rip the kingdom of Israel from you today. Someone better than you will be king!

1Sa 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. 

1Sa 15:30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God. Saul pleads with Samuel again to come back with him so he might worship to the Lord. More important, Saul was worried about his honor before the elders of the people. 

1Sa 15:31 So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD. Samuel gives in and returns with Saul.

1Sa 15:32 Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. Not looking good for Agag the king even though he thinks he's safe.

1Sa 15:33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal. "An eye for an eye." Agag is cut to pieces by Samuel and got what he deserved.

1Sa 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. 

1Sa 15:35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. Samuel never sees Saul again but morns for him. (We don't hear of any morning from Saul, only Samuel). Now the Lord was sorry He had ever made Saul king of Israel.

1Sa 16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. Saul gets rejected and their is going to be a new king that will be anointed by Samuel, chosen by God. His name is David, son of Jesse.

1Sa 16:2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. Samuel fears that Saul will kill him if he finds out what is about to happen. (God has a plan to smooth things over).

1Sa 16:3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

1Sa 16:4 And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? Bethlehem: House of bread. The people of Bethlehem were a little scared at Samuel's arrival that he might accuse them of sinning against the Lord. Remember what happened to Agag? (Samuel cut him into pieces).

1Sa 16:5 And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. I have only come to sacrifice to the Lord Samuel says.

1Sa 16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. Samuel sees one of Jesse's sons Eliab (tall, strong and good looking), and thinks this is the one to be anointed because he is the oldest son. 

1Sa 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Samuel is looking for the strong and good looks. (The outer appearance of the man). The Lord is looking for one that is true at heart. Sometimes we fall for the outward appearance when looking at our priest, rabbi, or pastor. (He's tall and looks good in his new suit or fancy robe, he must know what he is talking about). Don't let appearance and cheap talk draw you in. You need to chose a good man or woman by their heart. Do they really care about you or what they are doing, or are they just after a paycheck and your money? 

1Sa 16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Jesse pushes for the next oldest son Abinadab to be anointed, but Samuel says this is not the one either. 

1Sa 16:9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Here comes another that is rejected.

1Sa 16:10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. Seven of Jesse's sons are rejected.

1Sa 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. Are these all your sons Samuel asked? Jesse tells Samuel that he has David, the youngest son who is out tending to the sheep. "Lets wait for him to come home."

1Sa 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. This young son was dark and handsome. "They left out tall." I guess just average guys can become king's too. (You don't need to be a giant to be a leader).

1Sa 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. This young lad that was about to be anointed was David. Samuel anoints David and the "Holy Spirit" came powerfully upon him.

1Sa 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. The spirits are switched on Saul. The Spirit of the Lord left him and was replaced by troubling spirit from the Lord.

1Sa 16:15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.

1Sa 16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. Saul's servants think that a little soothing music will help him.

1Sa 16:17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Saul wants a good musician.

1Sa 16:18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. They are speaking of David. 

1Sa 16:19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. Saul sends a message to Jesse to send him his youngest son David to play for him.

1Sa 16:20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. Jesse sends David to Saul with some gifts, food and wine. (I think Jesse might be a little worried about Saul sending for David, especially after he was just anointed to be the new king). 

1Sa 16:21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. However, Saul really liked David and made him his armor bearer.

1Sa 16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. 

1Sa 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. "Listen to the music." It can have a soothing and influential affect on people. It worked for Saul, whenever Saul felt the troubling spirit come upon him, David would play the harp and the tormenting spirit would go away. Even though David would replace Saul, it appears that they became good friends. (God does work in mysterious ways).