Study Desk

Then watch it go; if it goes toward the town of Beth Shemesh, this means that it is the God of the Israelites who has sent this terrible disaster on us. But if it doesn't, then we will know that he did not send the plague; it was only a matter of chance."

While Samuel was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack; but just then the Lord thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic.

But they did not follow their father's example; they were interested only in making money, so they accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly.

So then, listen to them, but give them strict warnings and explain how their kings will treat them."

When that time comes, you will complain bitterly because of your king, whom you yourselves chose, but the Lord will not listen to your complaints."

The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, "No! We want a king,

They went through the hill country of Ephraim and the region of Shalishah, but did not find them; so they went on through the region of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then they went through the territory of Benjamin, but still did not find them.

As for the donkeys that were lost three days ago, don't worry about them; they have already been found. But who is it that the people of Israel want so much? It is you—you and your father's family."

When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel's tomb at Zelzah in the territory of Benjamin. They will tell you that the donkeys you were looking for have been found, so that your father isn't worried any more about them but about you, and he keeps asking, ‘What shall I do about my son?'

"He told us that the animals had been found," Saul answered—but he did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about his becoming king.

I am your God, the one who rescues you from all your troubles and difficulties, but today you have rejected me and have asked me to give you a king. Very well, then, gather yourselves before the Lord by tribes and by clans.'"

Then Samuel had the families of the tribe of Benjamin come forward, and the family of Matri was picked out. Then the men of the family of Matri came forward, and Saul son of Kish was picked out. They looked for him, but when they could not find him,

But some worthless people said, "How can this fellow do us any good?" They despised Saul and did not bring him any gifts.

But Saul said, "No one will be put to death today, for this is the day the Lord rescued Israel."

But the people forgot the Lord their God, and so he let the Philistines and the king of Moab and Sisera, commander of the army of the city of Hazor, fight against your ancestors and conquer them.

But when you saw that King Nahash of Ammon was about to attack you, you rejected the Lord as your king and said to me, ‘We want a king to rule us.'

But if you do not listen to the Lord but disobey his commands, he will be against you and your king.

It's the dry season, isn't it? But I will pray, and the Lord will send thunder and rain. When this happens, you will realize that you committed a great sin against the Lord when you asked him for a king."

"Don't be afraid," Samuel answered. "Even though you have done such an evil thing, do not turn away from the Lord , but serve him with all your heart.

But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed."