Study Desk

"You must not turn away, for then you would go after futile things which cannot profit or rescue, because they are futile.

"The LORD will not abandon His people for His great name's sake, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.

"But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man (David) after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as leader and ruler over His people, because you have not kept (obeyed) what the LORD commanded you."

But the men of Israel were hard-pressed that day, because Saul had put the people under a curse, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and before I have taken vengeance on my enemies." So none of the people ate any food.

When the people entered the forest, the honey was dripping, but no man put his hand to his mouth [to taste it], because the people feared the oath [of Saul].

Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land [with his foolish curse]. See how my energy is restored because I tasted a little of this honey.

"For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), And disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you as king."

Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; for I have transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Then Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" Jesse replied, "There is still one left, the youngest; he is tending the sheep." Samuel said to Jesse, "Send word and bring him; because we will not sit down [to eat the sacrificial meal] until he comes here."

David said to Saul, "Let no man's courage fail because of him (Goliath). Your servant will go out and fight with this Philistine."

Then David fastened his sword over his armor and tried to walk, [but he could not,] because he was not used to them. And David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, because I am not used to them." So David took them off.

When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he derided and disparaged him because he was [just] a young man, with a ruddy complexion, and a handsome appearance.

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul.

But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he publicly associated with them.

"If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked permission from me to go to Bethlehem, his city, because it is the yearly sacrifice there for the entire family.'

"Therefore show kindness to your servant, because you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity (guilt) in me, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father [to be killed]?"

Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, for Jonathan loved him as himself.

Then Jonathan said to David, "Tomorrow is the New Moon [festival], and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.