Study Desk

Then Saul gathered his army and entered the battle. They found the Philistines confused, striking each other with their swords!

Jonathan had not heard the oath Saul had put on the army, so he dipped the end of his stick into the honey and lifted some out and ate it. Then he felt better.

Then he said, "Go to the men and tell them that each person must bring his ox and sheep to me and kill it here and eat it. Don't sin against the Lord by eating meat without draining the blood from it." That night everyone brought his animals and killed them there.

Then Saul said to all the leaders of his army, "Come here. Let's find out what sin has been done today.

But the soldiers said to Saul, "Must Jonathan die? Never! He is responsible for saving Israel today! As surely as the Lord lives, not even a hair of his head will fall to the ground! Today Jonathan fought against the Philistines with God's help!" So the army saved Jonathan, and he did not die.

Saul's sons were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua. His older daughter was named Merab, and his younger daughter was named Michal.

Saul's wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

All Saul's life he fought hard against the Philistines. When he saw strong or brave men, he took them into his army.

Samuel said to Saul, "The Lord sent me to appoint you king over Israel. Now listen to his message.

Then the Lord spoke his word to Samuel:

Early the next morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul. But the people told Samuel, "Saul has gone to Carmel, where he has put up a monument in his own honor. Now he has gone down to Gilgal."

But Samuel answered, "What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God than to offer the fat of sheep.

As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught his robe, and it tore.

The Lord is the Eternal One of Israel. He does not lie or change his mind. He is not a human being, so he does not change his mind."

Then Samuel left and went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah.

And Samuel never saw Saul again the rest of his life, but he was sad for Saul. And the Lord was very sorry he had made Saul king of Israel.

The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you continue to feel sorry for Saul? I have rejected him as king of Israel. Fill your container with olive oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse who lives in Bethlehem, because I have chosen one of his sons to be king."

Samuel answered, "Yes, I come in peace. I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord . Set yourselves apart to the Lord and come to the sacrifice with me." Then he set Jesse and his sons apart to the Lord , and he invited them to come to the sacrifice.

Jesse had seven of his sons pass by Samuel. But Samuel said to him, "The Lord has not chosen any of these."

So Jesse sent and had his youngest son brought in. He was a fine boy, tanned, and handsome. The Lord said to Samuel, "Go, appoint him, because he is the one."