Study Desk

The Philistine blacksmiths charged 1/3 ounce of silver for sharpening plows and hoes and 1/6 ounce of silver for sharpening picks, axes, and the iron tip on ox goads.

Saul was talking to Ahijah the priest waiting for advice from God . But the noise and confusion in the Philistine camp was growing and growing. Saul was becoming impatient. Finally, he said to Ahijah the priest, "That's enough. Put your hand down and stop praying ."

It would have been much better for the men to eat the food that they took from their enemies today. We could have killed more Philistines."

Then Saul built an altar for the Lord . Saul himself began building that altar for the Lord .

Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." Jonathan told Saul, "I only tasted a little honey from the end of my stick. Should I die for doing that?"

Now I beg you, forgive me for doing this sin. Come back with me, so I may worship the Lord ."

After that Samuel never saw Saul again. Samuel was very sad for Saul. And the Lord was very sorry that he had made Saul king of Israel.

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

Then he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" Jesse answered, "No, I have another son—my youngest, but he is out taking care of the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him. Bring him here. We won't sit down to eat until he arrives."

Give us the command and we will look for someone who can play the harp. If the evil spirit from God comes on you, this person will play music for you. Then you will feel better."

So Jesse got some things as a gift for Saul. Jesse got a donkey, some bread and a leather bag full of wine, and a young goat. He gave them to David and sent him to Saul.

The Philistines gathered their armies together for war. They met at Socoh in Judah. Their camp was between Socoh and Azekah, at a town called Ephes Dammim.

Each day Goliath would come out and shout a challenge to the Israelite soldiers. He would say, "Why are all of your soldiers lined up ready for battle? You are Saul's servants. I am a Philistine. So choose one man and send him to fight me.

The Philistine came out every morning and evening and stood before the Israelite army. Goliath insulted Israel like this for 40 days.

Also take these ten pieces of cheese for the officer who commands your brothers' group of 1000 soldiers. See how your brothers are doing. Bring back something to show me your brothers are all right.

The Israelites and Philistines were lined up and ready for battle.

David asked the men standing near him, "What did he say? What is the reward for killing this Philistine and taking away this shame from Israel? Who is this Goliath anyway? He is only some foreigner, nothing but a Philistine. Why does he think he can speak against the army of the living God?"

So the Israelite told David about the reward for killing Goliath.

Goliath said to David, "What is that stick for? Did you come to chase me away like a dog?" Then Goliath used the names of his gods to say curses against David.

David would go out to fight against the Philistines. On the way home, after the battles, women in every town in Israel would come out to meet him. They sang and danced for joy as they played their tambourines and lyres. They did this right in front of Saul!