1Sa 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. The Philistines are setting up for battle again near David's home town.

1Sa 17:2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. Saul gathers his troops near Elah.

1Sa 17:3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. They both square off against each other with the valley of Elah between them.

1Sa 17:4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. Here comes the Philistine champion Goliath that we hear so much about. This giant guy was over nine feet tall.

1Sa 17:5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. This giant had a bronze helmet and a coat with steel armor that weighed about 125 pounds.

1Sa 17:6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. He had bronze chaps (leg armor), and he carried a bronze javelin. 

1Sa 17:7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. The head of his spear weighed about 15 pounds in itself. Goliath had his own armor bearer that walked before him carrying his shield. (His armor bearer must have been quite the strong man himself, because this shield must of weighed a few hundred pounds).

1Sa 17:8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. Goliath challenges the Israelites, but he doesn't want the army, he wants a one-on-one fight with their champion.

1Sa 17:9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. The prize to the winner is freedom for the nation. The loser gets to have their nation be slaves to the winner. (Quite the gamble for both nations).

1Sa 17:10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. Now send out your champion to fight!

1Sa 17:11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. This giant just scared the crap out of Saul and the Israelites. "What are we going to do now."

1Sa 17:12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. David would be around sixteen or seventeen years old now. The youngest of Jesse's sons.

1Sa 17:13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 

1Sa 17:14 And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.

1Sa 17:15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

1Sa 17:16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. Forty days (the number significant of probation). We see this number used a lot in God's word. (Lot of probation going on).

1Sa 17:17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; David was ordered to bring his older brothers some food and some cuts of cheese to their captains. 

1Sa 17:18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. Jesse wants to know how his sons are doing. 

1Sa 17:19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

1Sa 17:20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. We are talking about a fifteen or twenty mile walk here for David to deliver the gifts of food.

1Sa 17:21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. Now the Israelites and the Philistines are facing each other for the battle to begin.

1Sa 17:22 And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. David goes out to greet his brothers on the battle field.

1Sa 17:23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. Goliath comes out with his big mouth and challenges the Israelites again. This time David heard him shout the taunt.

1Sa 17:24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. 

1Sa 17:25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. Hmmm. There is going to be a nice reward for anyone who kills Goliath. (Lots of silver, pick of the king's daughters, and tax free for life).

1Sa 17:26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? David asked one of the soldiers, "what will a man get for killing this Philistine champion?" 

1Sa 17:27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. The victor gets it all they tell David.

1Sa 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. One of David's older brothers watching after him. He thinks David is just there to see the battle. "He didn't realize what was about to take place and that David was sent there by God."

1Sa 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 

1Sa 17:30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. David is getting serious about the reward to kill Goliath and everyone thinks he should be heading back home to tend the sheep.

1Sa 17:31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. Now all the questions David is asking finally reaches king Saul. "Saul sends for David."

1Sa 17:32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. David tells Saul, "I'll fight this giant Philistine!" Is David just puffing here, or is the holy Spirit giving him the courage to take on Goliath? (Psalm 3:6, 27:1-3). 

1Sa 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. Your crazy Saul replied. No way you can beat this Philistine! This man is a trained killer and you are just a boy who tends the sheep.

1Sa 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

1Sa 17:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

1Sa 17:36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David tells Saul of his encounters with lions and bears and how he can kill them. "I can do the same to this Philistine too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! Notice that David says "the living God." David knows that God is with him!

1Sa 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. David assures Saul that the Lord had rescued him from the mouth of beasts before and he will do it again!

1Sa 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. Saul suits him up with his armor. 

1Sa 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. David is clunking around with all this heavy armor and can barley move. He tells Saul, "I can't wear this armor, I'm not used to such things, and took the armor off.

1Sa 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. David takes his own weapons of choice and sets out across the valley to fight Goliath. (A shepherds staff, five smooth stones, and a sling).

1Sa 17:41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. Here comes the giant and his armor bearer coming out to meet David.

1Sa 17:42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. Goliath looks upon David with a sneering smile.

1Sa 17:43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Goliath curses to David about his God and says "Am I a dog that you come to me with a stick?"

1Sa 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Come over here and I'll give your flesh to the birds to eat. (Kind of like saying, you cross this line and your in trouble).

1Sa 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. David shouts to the Philistine giant, "you come to me with sword and spear, but I come to you in the name of the "Lord of Heavens armies," the God of Israel, whom you have defiled. "David lays his challenge right out there."

1Sa 17:46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Give my flesh to the birds you say. David tells Goliath, "today, the Lord will conquer you, kill you, and cut off your head." Then I will feed the dead bodies of your men to the wild animals. David is in-it-to-win-it now!

1Sa 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. This is the Lords battle, and He will give you to us!

1Sa 17:48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Goliath advances to attack and David runs to meet him.

1Sa 17:49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. David reaches into his bag and pulls out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit Goliath right in the forehead. "The stone sunk into his forehead (divine intervention), and Goliath fell face down to the ground.

1Sa 17:50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Just a young boy, his sling, and a stone, triumph over the Philistine champion. (Don't forget who made it happen).

1Sa 17:51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. David heads over to Goliath to finish the job. Pulls out the sword of Goliath and cuts off his head. When the Philistines saw this, they ran in fear. (God handled this problem for little David, just think what He can do for your problems). When you face giant problems in life, turn to one who is larger that a giant, "turn to God."

1Sa 17:52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. Israel and Judah rushed after the Philistines and killed them along the way as far as Gath and Ekron. 

1Sa 17:53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. When they returned, they plundered the deserted Philistine camp. 

1Sa 17:54 And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent. David takes the head of Goliath to Jerusalem, but he keeps the man's armor for himself as a trophy. 

1Sa 17:55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell. Saul wanted to know who this young man's father was.

1Sa 17:56 And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.  

1Sa 17:57 And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. David presents the head to Saul.

1Sa 17:58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite. David tells the king who his father was. "His name is Jesse, and we live in Bethlehem."

1Sa 18:1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. David meets Jonathan (the king's son), and they form a bond of friendship.

1Sa 18:2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Saul wanted David to live with them now.

1Sa 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. Jonathan and David make a friendship pact because they really liked each other. (this is not a partner affair, just a good friendship).

1Sa 18:4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. Jonathan sealed the pact by giving David his robe, sword, bow, and belt. (This would be quite a gift to David being a poor shepherd boy). Jonathan making sure David was well equipped for the future.

1Sa 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. David did whatever Saul asked him to do with success, so Saul made him commander over his army.

1Sa 18:6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. The women were there to greet King Saul and David when the Israelite army would return home after killing the Philistines. (The girls were singing and dancing for joy). 

1Sa 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. They shouted about the thousands and ten of thousands that Saul and David killed. (Who's keeping numbers)?

1Sa 18:8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? Evidently Saul was. Saul became a little jealous because the people built up David's numbers more than Saul's.  

1Sa 18:9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

1Sa 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. Saul's jealousy was building up and a tormenting spirit took him over one day and he began to rave like a mad man. (David was playing the harp to sooth Saul, but Saul has a spear in his hand and a jealous spirit in his head).

1Sa 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. Saul hurls the spear at David (apparently twice), but David deflects the spear and escapes. Another attempt by Satan failed to prevent the "seed of a woman" from coming into the world. (Genesis 3:15).

1Sa 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. Saul became afraid of David because the Lord was with David and no longer with Saul. (It appears Saul is letting Satan take him over).

1Sa 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. Saul send David away to command the troops of over 1,000 men and David leads them into battle. (This gets David away from Saul).

1Sa 18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. David succeeds in everything he did because the Lord was with him.

1Sa 18:15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. Now Saul really became paranoid and afraid of David.

1Sa 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. The people loved David. 

1Sa 18:17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. Saul is sucking David in by offering his daughter. Saul is trying to cook up a scheme to kill David by sending out against the Philistines again. (Maybe they will finally kill David and I won't need to do it myself Saul is thinking).

1Sa 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? David feels he is not worthy of the kings daughter. 

1Sa 18:19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife. When Saul was ready to give his daughter to David, he changed his mind and gave her to another man named Adriel. (Did David really think he was unworthy, or is Saul just playing games)? (This is the key to verses 20:30-31).

1Sa 18:20 And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Saul's daughter Michal has a thing for David, and Saul was happy to hear this.

1Sa 18:21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain. Now Saul is thinking that this is another way to trap and kill David, but tells David that now he has another chance to become his son-in-law! (Proverbs 26:24-26, 29:5).

1Sa 18:22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law. Saul tells his men to entice David. Tell David the king really likes him and except his offer. (Proverbs 29:12). 

1Sa 18:23 And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? David was not wealthy and did not have the money to pay a proper dowry to marry the daughter of a king.

1Sa 18:24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. Saul's men tell the king what David had said.

1Sa 18:25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. This sounds like an impossible task. No way are the Philistines going to allow circumcision on themselves by David, so David will need to kill all 100 of them to get the job done. Saul is thinking that there is no way David will kill all 100 Philistines without being killed himself. Wrong!

1Sa 18:26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired. David excepts the challenge.

1Sa 18:27 Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. David doubles the order and kills 200 Philistines, delivering all the foreskins to Saul. "David wins the girl."

1Sa 18:28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. 

1Sa 18:29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually. Now Saul is really afraid of David and figures he has an enemy for life.

1Sa 18:30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by. David continued to be successful in all his battles against the Philistines and became very famous among the people. Saul's plan is failing to kill David, but it won't stop here.

1Sa 19:1 And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. Saul is obsessed with killing David and urged his servants as well as his son Jonathan to assassinate him.

1Sa 19:2 But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: Jonathan being David's close friend warns him about the plot.

1Sa 19:3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee. Jonathan is going to do a little listening himself to see what his father is saying about David. 

1Sa 19:4 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: Jonathan builds up David and pleads for his life to his father. 

1Sa 19:5 For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? No reason to kill an innocent man that has had so many victories for you. "You were happy with him then."

1Sa 19:6 And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain. Saul makes a vow not to have him killed. 

1Sa 19:7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past. Everything back to the way it was for now. 

1Sa 19:8 And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him. David gets another victory over the Philistines.

1Sa 19:9 And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand. Saul is at it again with the evil spirit and throwing a spear at David to try and kill him.

1Sa 19:10 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night. Saul hurls a spear at David and David dodged the spear again. (David had good awareness and speed being a efficient warrior). However, it was the hand of God that was with Him to protect him.

1Sa 19:11 Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. Michal, David's wife warns him about the troops watching the house to kill him. Remember that she is the king's daughter and knew that the king was going to kill David. 

1Sa 19:12 So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. David climbs out the window and escapes.

1Sa 19:13 And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. The old idol in the bed fake out. "Don't think this will work very long."

1Sa 19:14 And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick. Michal stalls the men by telling them that David is sick in bed giving him a chance to get a head start on his escape. 

1Sa 19:15 And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him. This won't fly with Saul and he tells the troops to go get David bed and all so he could kill him. 

1Sa 19:16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. Ooops, I guess he got away, and all they have is a hairy idol.

1Sa 19:17 And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee? Saul confronts Michal about his escape and she says that David threatened to kill her if she didn't help him escape.

1Sa 19:18 So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth. David meets up with Samuel at Ramah and tells him what had happened, so Samuel took David to hide out at Naioth.

1Sa 19:19 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. Saul finds out where David is hiding out.

1Sa 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. The troops arrive and see Samuel leading a group of prophets in teachings and prayer (College for instruction for priests and prophets), suddenly the "Holy Spirit" came upon all Saul's men and they began to prophecy. "Divine intervention from the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

1Sa 19:21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. Saul tries again to capture David by sending more troops, but the same happed to them and ones after them.

1Sa 19:22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. Saul figures if you want it done right, do it yourself, and heads towards Ramah. "Not this time."

1Sa 19:23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Saul gets a taste of the "Spirit" himself, as the spirit of the Lord came upon him and he began to prophesy all the way to Naioth in Ramah! The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (Proverbs 21:1). "God is always in control."

1Sa 19:24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? Saul rips off his outer garments and laid on the ground prophesying in the presence of Samuel all day and night. (Saul getting one more chance to walk with the Lord).

1Sa 20:1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? David speaks with Jonathan asking what he had done to offend his father?

1Sa 20:2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so. Does Jonathan really know what is going on? David thinks that Saul was keeping this from Jonathan because they were good friends.

1Sa 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. David tells Jonathan that his father was up to something and wanted to kill him, even if he didn't tell Jonathan. 

1Sa 20:4 Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee. Jonathan wants to help.

1Sa 20:5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. David comes up with a little plan.

1Sa 20:6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. 

1Sa 20:7 If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. If Saul gets angry about David going home, this would show his guilt.

1Sa 20:8 Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father? David asking Jonathan to keep his word and not to betray him to his father.

1Sa 20:9 And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee? Jonathan assures David he would tell him if his father was to kill him.

1Sa 20:10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly? 

1Sa 20:11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

1Sa 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; Now Jonathan swears to God that he will help David and speak to his father.

1Sa 20:13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father. Jonathan swears the Lord strike him dead if he does not tell David what his father is up to. 

1Sa 20:14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: 

1Sa 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

1Sa 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. Jonathan wants an oath from David not to harm any of his descendants.

1Sa 20:17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

1Sa 20:18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. 

1Sa 20:19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. 

1Sa 20:20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.

1Sa 20:21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.

1Sa 20:22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away. Kind of like secret messaging with the arrows. (Today we have texting).

1Sa 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever. Promises made before the Lord.

1Sa 20:24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. 

1Sa 20:25 And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. David's seat with the king is empty, lets see what happens.

1Sa 20:26 Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean. 

1Sa 20:27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

1Sa 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: 

1Sa 20:29 And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table. Jonathan explains where David was and why.

1Sa 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? Saul flipped out and swore at Jonathan, calling him a son of a whore! You want David to be king instead of you, shaming yourself and your mother. 

1Sa 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. Saul demands that Jonathan bring David to him to kill him.  

1Sa 20:32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? Jonathan n up for David.

1Sa 20:33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. Now Saul tries to kill his own son by hurling a spear at him. Now Jonathan knew he meant business.

1Sa 20:34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame. Jonathan gets a little hot and refuses to eat leaving the table on the second day of the festival.

1Sa 20:35 And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him. 

1Sa 20:36 And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

1Sa 20:37 And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?

1Sa 20:38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. The signal was given to David that things were not well with his father.

1Sa 20:39 But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

1Sa 20:40 And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

1Sa 20:41 And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. David comes out from hiding to embrace Jonathan as they were both in tears.

1Sa 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. David and Jonathan go their separate ways as friends forever. Will they ever meet again? We will see what happens in the later chapters.

1Sa 21:1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? David travels to the town of Nob to see Ahimelech the priest as he feared for David.

1Sa 21:2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. David lies to Ahimelech about the king.

1Sa 21:3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. David is hungry and wants to eat.

1Sa 21:4 And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. If your sleeping with women, "no bread for you." (This was holy bread for the priests to eat).

1Sa 21:5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. My men never sleep with women when they are on a campaign! (Not like the campaigns today).

1Sa 21:6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. The priest gave David the day old bread to eat. These Jews were really into the tradition of the shewbread. They didn't want to break the law and it seems they would rather have David starve to death than give him this bread to eat. God does not care about their sacrificial bread, its their love (Hosea 6:6), and obedience that He wants. (Matthew 12:3-4, Mark 2:25-27, Luke 6:3-4). To many ritual and traditions of men going on today in churches. Wake up people! We have a living God who you can believe in and talk to without all the junk that man puts before you.

1Sa 21:7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul. Doeg: (meaning anxious), was detained there that day (probably for some ceremonial reason), and he was listening to David talk to Ahimelech.   

1Sa 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. David asked for a weapon because he said his business with the king was so urgent that he forgot his. (His urgent business required escaping from the king). 

1Sa 21:9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me. David gets the sword of Goliath the Philistine and there was no other sword like this one. Can David handle such a sword? Well, he used it to cut the head off Goliath.

1Sa 21:10 And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. David heads to Gath where Goliath was from.

1Sa 21:11 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? The Philistines were unhappy about David being there. Isn't he the one who killed tens of thousands? "They even call him king of the land." 

1Sa 21:12 And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. David heard the remarks and feared for his life again.

1Sa 21:13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. David starts to act a little crazy scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.

1Sa 21:14 Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Why have you brought me a madman as a guest king Achish asked his men?

1Sa 21:15 Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house? We have enough nuts running around here the king says. David continues to fear for his life.

1Sa 22:1 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. Adullam: About 10-12 miles form Bethlehem. David hiding in a cave, and his family (possibly fearing for their lives), joined him there.

1Sa 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. Others considered rejects (men in trouble or in debt), joined David till he put together about 400 men. 

1Sa 22:3 And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. David is worried about his parents and wants to make sure they are safe. 

1Sa 22:4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. 

1Sa 22:5 And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth. The prophet gives David some instructions to return to the land of Judah. So David heads for the forest of Hereth.

1Sa 22:6 When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) The news about David reaches Saul.

1Sa 22:7 Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; Saul is accusing his men of being paid off by David.

1Sa 22:8 That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? Now Saul is feeling sorry for himself and thinks his own son is plotting with David to kill him.

1Sa 22:9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. Doeg giving all the details. 

1Sa 22:10 And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. Ahimelech might be in a little trouble here. 

1Sa 22:11 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king. Saul send for Ahimelech and his whole family. 

1Sa 22:12 And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. 

1Sa 22:13 And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? Now Saul is accusing Ahimelech for conspiring against him with David. (Saul really getting a little paranoid here about everyone trying to kill him).

1Sa 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? Ahimelech is standing up for David.

1Sa 22:15 Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. Remember that David wasn't completely honest with Ahimelech. So, Ahimelech didn't know the whole story. "He was telling the king the truth."

1Sa 22:16 And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house. 

1Sa 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. Saul goes a little crazy here and orders Ahimelech and his family to be killed, but Saul's men refused to kill a priest of the Lord.

1Sa 22:18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. Saul turns to Doeg to do his dirty work, so Doeg killed them all. "Eighty five priests still wearing their priestly robes."

1Sa 22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword. Not only did he kill the priests, but he killed their families also. "This Doeg was a bad dude."

1Sa 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. However, Abiathar (one of Ahimelech's sons), managed to escape and make it back to David to tell him what happened.

1Sa 22:21 And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.

1Sa 22:22 And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house. David realized that Doeg was the snitch that told Saul.

1Sa 22:23 Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. Abiathar was probably really upset and afraid, but David assured him that he would be safe their with him. David also realized that he was the cause of the priests deaths. 

1Sa 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. It appears that David is the go to man when the Philistines are acting up even though he is on the outs with Saul.

1Sa 23:2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. Notice that David consults with the Lord before he makes any moves against the Philistines. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

1Sa 23:3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? David's men are not so keen on the idea, they tell David; we are not even safe among our own people and you want to attack our enemy.

1Sa 23:4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So, David takes into consideration what his men said and asked the Lord again what he should do. "The Lord says to go forward against the Philistines." Notice that the Lord said, "I will help you conquer the Philistines."

1Sa 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. David listened to the Lord (not man), and he had victory over the Philistines once again. 

1Sa 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. Here we go with the "ephod" again, why can't these guys just talk to God without all the fancy robes and rituals? This "ephod" was like their security blanket to connect with God. (Don't think it really did any good).

1Sa 23:7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. Saul thinks he has David trapped in the walled town. (Keilah was like a fortress). 

1Sa 23:8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. Saul heads out to trap David.

1Sa 23:9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. Here comes Abiathar (the priest), with the "ephod" again.

1Sa 23:10 Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. It seems that David is more concerned about Saul than the Philistines.

1Sa 23:11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. The Lord lets David know that Saul will come with his men. 

1Sa 23:12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. David learns of the betrayal from the leaders of Keilah from the Lord.

1Sa 23:13 Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. David and his men avoid the conflict with Saul at Keilah. David and his men are now roaming the countryside.

1Sa 23:14 And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. Saul continued to hunt David but never found him. (God kept David hidden from Saul).

1Sa 23:15 And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. 

1Sa 23:16 And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. Friends meet again: Somehow Jonathan finds David and encourages him to stay strong in the Lord. (Keep the faith).

1Sa 23:17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. Wow, Jonathan encourages David and reassured him that his father Saul would never find him and that he would be king of Israel. (With Jonathan by his side). Jonathan is securing his place when David becomes king.

1Sa 23:18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. David and Jonathan renewed their solemn pact.

1Sa 23:19 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? The men of Ziph (Ziphites), betrayed David to Saul and told where he was hiding out.

1Sa 23:20 Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand. They offer to catch David for Saul.

1Sa 23:21 And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me. Saul gives them his blessing.

1Sa 23:22 Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly. Saul knows that David is very clever and wants the men of Ziph to keep an eye on David till he gets there.

1Sa 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah. Find all his hiding places.

1Sa 23:24 And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon. David and his men are moving on to the wilderness of Maon.

1Sa 23:25 Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. Saul stays in pursuit of David.

1Sa 23:26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. Saul's men are not closing in on David. (It appears they have him surrounded).

1Sa 23:27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. Not now! Saul gets an urgent message that the Philistines were raiding Israel again.

1Sa 23:28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. Saul quit chasing David and returned to fight the Philistines. (God does work in mysterious ways).

1Sa 23:29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi. David now went to live in the strongholds of Engedi. (meaning "fountain of kid"). Engedi is near the western coast of the Dead Sea. It is a very mountainous territory, filled with caverns. Perfect place for David to hide out. Written about by David in (Psalm 63:1).

1Sa 24:1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. Saul gets another tip about where David is hiding.

1Sa 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. Sets out after David with 3,000 elite troops. (Kind of like special forces).  

1Sa 24:3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. They stop at a cave where Saul enters to relieve himself. It just so happens that David and his men are hiding out back in the same cave.

1Sa 24:4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. Here is your chance to end it David's men tell him. David sneaks up on Saul and cuts off a piece of his robe.

1Sa 24:5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. 

1Sa 24:6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. David thinks twice and decides he should not kill one of the Lords anointed. 

1Sa 24:7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. David restrains his men and let Saul leave the cave.

1Sa 24:8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. David calls out to Saul and bowed before him.

1Sa 24:9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? David asked Saul why he believes all these lies of the people saying he is trying to kill him?

1Sa 24:10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. David tells Saul that he could have killed him but didn't.

1Sa 24:11 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. David says here is the proof I do not want to kill you. 

1Sa 24:12 The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. 

1Sa 24:13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. David was righteous, and tells Saul that he would never harm him.

1Sa 24:14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. Why is the king wasting his time chasing one person. Don't you have better things to do as a king? 

1Sa 24:15 The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. The Lord is David's advocate. 

1Sa 24:16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. Saul feels what David is saying and began to cry.

1Sa 24:17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. Saul realizes David had repaid him good for evil.

1Sa 24:18 And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. Saul also realizes that David could have killed him but didn't.

1Sa 24:19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. I think Saul is counting his blessings here.

1Sa 24:20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. Saul realizes that it will be David to be king over Israel.

1Sa 24:21 Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house. Saul wants some insurance from David when he becomes king not to kill his family.

1Sa 24:22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold. David makes the promise to Saul and Saul headed home, but David went back to their stronghold. David separates from Saul and won't be his musician again, but will Saul continue to pursue David? It turns out that Saul will make the attempt to kill David one more time.

1Sa 25:1 And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. Samuel died and all Israel gathers for his funeral.

1Sa 25:2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Very wealthy man who lived near the town of Carmel. (meaning fruitful).

1Sa 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. The man was Nabal (meaning foolish). This man was not only a fool, but was crude and mean in all his dealings. However, his wife Abigail (meaning joy), was a sensible and beautiful woman.

1Sa 25:4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep. 

1Sa 25:5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: David sends a message to Nabal.

1Sa 25:6 And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. 

1Sa 25:7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. David is telling Nabal that his shepherds were among David and his men and that his men never stole or harmed any of his shepherds.

1Sa 25:8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. David wants to stalk up on some provisions for his men.

1Sa 25:9 And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. 

1Sa 25:10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Nabal don't sound to happy about David and his men.

1Sa 25:11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? Nabal is not in no hurry to help, calling David and his men a band of outlaws.

1Sa 25:12 So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. David gets the return message from Nabal.

1Sa 25:13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff. David rounds up 400 of his men with swords.

1Sa 25:14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. One of Nabal's servants tells Abigail what had happened. Remember, Abigail was the one with wisdom in the family, Nabal was just a fool.

1Sa 25:15 But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:  

1Sa 25:16 They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Abigail stood up for David and his men, "they bring us no harm and help us with protection."

1Sa 25:17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. The servant tells Abigail, "you need to do something about this or there will be trouble. Your husband is such a scoundrel and wicked man, that no one can talk to him.

1Sa 25:18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. Abigail is no fool and she quickly springs into action to solve the problem. "She's gathering food for David and his men and pacts it on donkeys."

1Sa 25:19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. Abigail does this secretly form her husband.

1Sa 25:20 And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them. Abigail meets David and his men, face to face. 

1Sa 25:21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. However, David was just saying, we did this man good and he has paid us evil for good.

1Sa 25:22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. David swears on his life these men will pay with their lives by morning.

1Sa 25:23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, Abigail comes to save the day.

1Sa 25:24 And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. She pleads with David to hear her out.

1Sa 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. She pleads with David not to listen to her husband, for he is a fool, just as his name suggests.

1Sa 25:26 Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. Wow, this poor girl Abigail is stuck with her husband knowing that he is a cursed fool.

1Sa 25:27 And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. Here are the gifts I bring you and your men.

1Sa 25:28 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days. Abigail sees David as a soldier for the Lord, not a criminal on the run. She knew that David was fighting the Lord's battles and that he never did any wrong.

1Sa 25:29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. She knows that God is with David.

1Sa 25:30 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; 

1Sa 25:31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. Abigail knows David will be king and does not want him to wipe out Nabal coming quick to anger like Saul would have done. She knows David is a just man and will be a just king.

1Sa 25:32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: David realizes that Abigail was sent by God to keep him from acting with vengance.

1Sa 25:33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. David thanks God for Abigail's good sense and lets her know it. (Sometimes women have a way of cooling things over).

1Sa 25:34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. David tells Abigail what he would have done if the Lord had not sent her. Does David have a little thing for Abigail? Hmmm.

1Sa 25:35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person. David excepts her gifts and spares her husband the fool.

1Sa 25:36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. 

1Sa 25:37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. Abigail tells Nabal what she did after he was sober from the night before and he had a stroke.

1Sa 25:38 And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died. Ten days later, the Lord struck him dead!

1Sa 25:39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. David praises the Lord who avenged the insults made by Nabal. Now David sends a message to Abigail, "he wants her to be his wife." (Talk about short engagements), looks like David did have a thing for Abigail.

1Sa 25:40 And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. The proposal is made. 

1Sa 25:41 And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. Abigail excepts the invitation and would be happy to marry David and become his wife. (She was willing to even be his servant). 

1Sa 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. She becomes David's wife, but she won't be alone.

1Sa 25:43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives. Now David has two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail. Even though polygamy was not apart of God's plan (Genesis 2:24), it appears that it was tolerated throughout the old testament. However, it will only lead to trouble.

1Sa 25:44 But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim. Meanwhile, Saul gives his daughter (who was David's wife, the one who helped him escape), to another man from Gallim, named Palti. "Saul still trying to get David out of the family."  

1Sa 26:1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon? Here we go again.

1Sa 26:2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul gathers 3,000 men to hunt down David. This guy is tuning out to be a real pain in the but.

1Sa 26:3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. David finds out Saul is hunting him down again. 

1Sa 26:4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed. David has a little plan and sends out some spies to report Sauls arrival.

1Sa 26:5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. David slipped right into the enemies camp at night to check it out. Saul and his commander Abner were sleeping right in the middle of all his men. "Saul wanted the ultimate protection." He knows that David is real clever.

1Sa 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee. David gets a volunteer to join him. Abishai agrees to go with David. 

1Sa 26:7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. These two slip right in the camp where Saul is sleeping. "Saul's spear right beside his head." Here is David's chance to end it.

1Sa 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. Abishai wants to drive the spear right through Saul, "the one strike kill."

1Sa 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? Of course David tells him no!

1Sa 26:10 David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The Lord will take care of Saul David tells Abishai.

1Sa 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. The Lord forbid me to kill Saul David tells Abishai, but lets take his spear and water jug and get the hell out of here.

1Sa 26:12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. The Lord was with David on his little covert operation and kept these guys in a deep sleep.

1Sa 26:13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them: Made sure they were a safe distance away.

1Sa 26:14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king? David shouts out to Abner (Saul's commander), to taunt him.

1Sa 26:15 And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord. Your a great warrior David shouts out to Abner, but why didn't you wake up and guard your king when someone came to kill him?

1Sa 26:16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. David is going to taunt Abner a little by telling him that he stinks as a kings protector. David yells out to Abner; "you and your men should all die." Just look around and see where the kings spear and jug of water are. You won't find them!

1Sa 26:17 And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king. 1Sa 26:18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? Saul recognized David's voice and called out to him.

1Sa 26:18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? David replies, "why are you trying to kill me?" What have I done to you?

1Sa 26:19 Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods. David being driven from the land of his people. They tell me to go and worship other gods. 

1Sa 26:20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. Must I die on foreign soil David says?

1Sa 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. Saul confessed that he sinned against David. He admits he has been a fool and very wrong.

1Sa 26:22 And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it. Here is your spear, send one of your men to fetch it.

1Sa 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed. I could have killed you David tells Saul, but I didn't because you are the anointed king.

1Sa 26:24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. I valued your life today, may the Lord value my life in all that I do.

1Sa 26:25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place. Saul gives David his blessing and says he will succeed in many heroic deeds. David left and Saul returned home. Will David ever be rid of Saul trying to kill him? In David's heart, I don't believe so, but maybe this time he got through to Saul and his men. 

1Sa 27:1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. Well, David figures that if his own people are trying to kill him, he will escape to the Philistines. Was it his lack of faith that put him on the run, after all God kept Saul from ever killing David in all his attempts. He was also promised to be the king of Israel. Maybe he has something else in mind, or just has no other choice than to hide out for a while.

1Sa 27:2 And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. David figures that Achish (a Philistine king), would probably welcome an enemy of his enemy.

1Sa 27:3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife. 

1Sa 27:4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him. Saul finally gives up on David.

1Sa 27:5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee? David wants to be a country boy.

1Sa 27:6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day. He gets a whole town given to him by the Philistine king. "The king of Israel tries to kill him, the enemy king gives him a town."

1Sa 27:7 And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months. 

1Sa 27:8 And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt. David and his men are on a raiding party. 

1Sa 27:9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish. He wiped them out and left nothing in any of the villages he attacked.

1Sa 27:10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites. David is fighting for the Lord, but he tells the Philistine king he is fighting against Israel.

1Sa 27:11 And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. David left no one behind that he attacked, so there was no one to tell where he has really been.

1Sa 27:12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever. Meanwhile, the Philistine king Achish is thinking that the people of Israel really hate David now, so he will have to stay here and serve him forever!

1Sa 28:1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men. The Philistines are getting ready for another war with Israel. King Achish wants David to join his army in battle.

1Sa 28:2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever. David agrees, and Achish makes him his bodyguard. (Offering David a lifetime position). 

1Sa 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. Samuel dies and Saul bands all mediums and those who consult with evil spirits of the dead. Remember that Saul has been haunted by an evil spirit in the past.

1Sa 28:4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. The two armies camp and face off at Shunem and Gilboa.

1Sa 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. Now when Saul seen the huge army of the Philistines, he was shocked and full of fear.

1Sa 28:6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Saul turned to the Lord for consultation, but the Lord ignored him. Even through the prophets He would not answer Saul.

1Sa 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. Now Saul sends for the witch of Endor. (Back in verse three, Saul banned all mediums). This can't turn out good.

1Sa 28:8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. Saul disguised himself so no one would know what he was doing and he went to the woman's house. He wanted her to contact dead spirits for him.

1Sa 28:9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? The woman tells him that it is against Saul to consult with spirits and he is trying to set her up.

1Sa 28:10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. He takes an oath that no one will find out and nothing will happen to the woman.

1Sa 28:11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. Saul wanted to talk to Samuel.

1Sa 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. She supposedly sees Samuel and tells Saul that she had been deceived by him, for you are Saul she screamed out.

1Sa 28:13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. Don't fear, just tell me what you see Saul says to the woman. She sees a god coming out of the earth.

1Sa 28:14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. Saul wants a description. It was an old man wrapped in a robe. Saul realized that he seen Samuel.

1Sa 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Saul crying to Samuel for help. 

1Sa 28:16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? Samuel's reply; "why ask me, the Lord has left you and has become your enemy? 

1Sa 28:17 And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: It will go down just as the Lord said. Your kingdom will be torn from you and given to David.

1Sa 28:18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. You never listen to the Lord. You refused to carry out his order against the Amalekites.

1Sa 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Even more, tomorrow the Lord will hand you and your army over to the Philistines. Not only that, but you and your sons will join me and the entire army will be defeated. "Saul didn't want to hear that."

1Sa 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. This knocked Saul right off his feet and he became faint with hunger.

1Sa 28:21 And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me. 

1Sa 28:22 Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way. The woman offered Saul a little food but he refused.

1Sa 28:23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. 

1Sa 28:24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof: The woman fixed a hot meal and baked some bread.

1Sa 28:25 And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night. Saul and his advisors finally ate something and then they left into the night.

1Sa 29:1 Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel. The Philistines are mobilized at Aphek and the Israelites at Jezreel.

1Sa 29:2 And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish. David and his men following in the rear f the Philistine army.

1Sa 29:3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this day? The Philistine commander asked king Achish what David was doing here? Achish stands up for David. 

1Sa 29:4 And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men? The Philistine commanders were angry and told the king to send him back to town. They were afraid that David would turn on them.

1Sa 29:5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands? The song once again, comes back to haunt David about killing Philistines.

1Sa 29:6 Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not. The king wants David with him in battle, but the other commanders are not going to let it happen.

1Sa 29:7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines. The king orders David back to town.

1Sa 29:8 And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king? David pleads with him to stay but it won't help.

1Sa 29:9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle. Well, sounds good to me the king tells David, but the commanders won't have it. (David has been lying to Achish, and I think his commanders knew it).

1Sa 29:10 Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart. 

1Sa 29:11 So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. David and his men head back to the land of the Philistines and the Philistine army went to Jezreel. (Divine intervention). It was God who kept David from this battle among the Philistines and Israel.

1Sa 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; This was the third day after he had left the Philistine army at Aphek, from which place, Calmet supposes, Ziklag was distant more than thirty leagues. (About 50 miles south of Aphek). The Amalekites burned it to the ground.

1Sa 30:2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. They took all the women and children without killing them.

1Sa 30:3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. 

1Sa 30:4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. The whole army along with David wept for their loss.

1Sa 30:5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. They took both of David's wives.

1Sa 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. David's men wanted to stone him because they lost their families, but God stepped in and gave David strength.

1Sa 30:7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. 

1Sa 30:8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. David consults with God about the situation. (Good move).

1Sa 30:9 So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed. 

1Sa 30:10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor. Going to split up the men so some could continue on while the others rest.

1Sa 30:11 And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water; 

1Sa 30:12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights. They fed the Egyptian man and his strength returned.

1Sa 30:13 And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick. The man was a Amalekites slave that his master abandoned.

1Sa 30:14 We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire. The man tells David what they had done. 

1Sa 30:15 And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company. The man makes a deal with David to show him where the raiders were.

1Sa 30:16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. He led David to the Amalekites as they were partying and dancing for joy.

1Sa 30:17 And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. David and his men attack the Amalekites and killed them all except 400 that fled on camels. 

1Sa 30:18 And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. David rescued his two wives and everything the Amalekites had taken.

1Sa 30:19 And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all. David recovered it all.

1Sa 30:20 And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David's spoil.

1Sa 30:21 And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them. David is a hero again.

1Sa 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. Here comes trouble among David's men. (They didn't want to share).

1Sa 30:23 Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. David tells the men not to be selfish with what the Lord had given them. (Remember others when the Lord blesses you). 

1Sa 30:24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. 

1Sa 30:25 And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day. David makes a new decree for Israel that everyone shares alike, and it is still followed today.

1Sa 30:26 And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD; David was very generous.

1Sa 30:27 To them which were in Bethel, and to them which were in south Ramoth, and to them which were in Jattir,

1Sa 30:28 And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

1Sa 30:29 And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,

1Sa 30:30 And to them which were in Hormah, and to them which were in Chorashan, and to them which were in Athach,

1Sa 30:31 And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt. David distributed the wealth among all the towns David had visited.

1Sa 31:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. The Philistines go after Israel and many were killed and many men of Israel fled.

1Sa 31:2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons. They kill three of Saul's sons.

1Sa 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. Saul was severely wounded by the Philistine archers.

1Sa 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. Saul is wounded and does not want to be caught by the Philistines and tortured. He attempts to commit suicide by falling on his sword.

1Sa 31:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. 

1Sa 31:6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together. They all die together. Saul was around 70 years of age when he died.

1Sa 31:7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. The Israelite army has fled so the Philistines moved in and occupied their town.

1Sa 31:8 And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa. 

1Sa 31:9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. Saul gets beheaded by the Philistines and his armor was taken as a trophy for their pagan temple.

1Sa 31:10 And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan. 

1Sa 31:11 And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; The word spread quick what happened to Saul.

1Sa 31:12 All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. The Israelite warriors went to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons. 

1Sa 31:13 And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. They burned the bodies and buried the bones beneath the tamarisk tree at Jabesh. This ends the reign of King Saul over Israel. "David will become the next anointed king."