1 When the Philistines had taken the ark of the Hebrews captive, as I said earlier, they carried it to the city of Ashdod; and put it by their own god; who was called Dagon; as one of their spoils. But when they went into his temple the next morning, to worship their god, they found him paying the same worship to the ark: for he lay stretched out, as having fallen down from the base on which he had stood. So they took him up, and set him on his base again; and were much troubled at what had happened. And as they frequently came to Dagon, and found him still lying stretched out, in a posture of adoration to the ark, they were in very great distress and confusion. Eventually God sent a very destructive disease upon the city and country of Ashdod: for they died of the dysentery or diarrhea; a severe illness, that brought death upon them very suddenly; for before the soul could, as usual in easy deaths, be well released from the body, they brought up their entrails, and vomited up what they had eaten, and what was entirely corrupted by the disease. And as to the fruits of their country, a great multitude of mice arose out of the earth and hurt them; and spared neither the plants, nor the fruits. Now while the people of Ashdod were under these misfortunes, and were not able to support themselves under their calamities, they perceived that they suffered thus because of the ark; and that the victory they had gotten, and their having taken the ark captive, had not happened for their good. They therefore sent to the people of Askelon, and asked them to receive the ark among them. This desire of the people of Ashdod was not disagreeable to those of Askelon: so they granted them that favour. But when they had gotten the ark, they were in the same miserable condition. For the ark carried along with it the disasters that the people of Ashdod had suffered, to those who received it from them. Those of Askelon also sent it away from themselves to others. It did not stay among those others either. For since they were pursued by the same disasters, they still sent it to the neighbouring cities. So that the ark went round, in this way, to the five cities of the Philistines: as though it exacted these disasters as a tribute to be paid it for its coming among them. 2 When those that had experienced these miseries were tired out with them, and when those that heard of them were taught in this way not to admit the ark among them, since they paid such a heavy price for it; eventually they sought for some plan and method to rid themselves of it. So the governors of the five cities, Gath, and Ekron, and Askelon; as well as those of Gaza and Ashdod met together, and considered what was fit to be done. And at first they thought proper to send the ark back to its own people; as acknowledging that God had avenged its cause; that the miseries they had undergone came along with it; and that these were sent on their cities because of it, and together with it. However there were those that said, they should not do so, nor allow themselves to be deluded, by attributing their miseries to it: because it could not have such power and force upon them. For if God had cared for it so much, it would not have been delivered into the hands of men. So they exhorted them to be quiet, and to take patiently what had happened to them; and to suppose there was no other cause of it but nature; which at certain recurring periods produces such changes in human bodies, in the earth, in plants, and in all things that grow out of the earth. But the counsel that prevailed over those already described, was that of certain men, who were believed to have distinguished themselves in former times for their understanding and prudence; and who in their present circumstances seemed above all the rest to speak properly. These men said it was not right either to send the ark away, or to retain it; but to dedicate five golden images, one for every city, as a thank-offering to God; on account of his having taken care of their preservation, and having kept them alive when their lives were likely to be taken away by such illnesses as they were not able to bear up against. They also wanted them to make five golden mice, like those that devoured and destroyed their country: to put them in a bag, and lay them upon the ark: to make them a new cart also for it, and to yoke milking cows to it: but to shut up their calves, and keep them from them; for fear that by following after them, they might prove a hindrance to their mothers; and that the mothers might return more quickly, out of longing for those calves: then to drive these milking cows that carried the ark, and leave it at a place where three ways meet; and to leave it to the cows to go along which of those ways they pleased; that if they went the way to the Hebrews, and ascended to their country, they should suppose that the ark was the cause of their misfortunes: but if they turned into another road, they said, “We will follow it, and conclude that it has no such force in it.” 3 So they determined that these men spoke well; and they immediately acted on their advice. And when they had done as has been already described, they brought the cart to a place where three ways met; and left it there, and went away. But the cows went the right way, and as if some persons had driven them; while the rulers of the Philistines followed after them; wanting to know where they would stop; and to whom they would go. Now there was a certain village of the tribe of Judah, whose name was Bethshemesh; and the cows went to that village: and though there was a great and good plain before them to proceed in, they went no farther, but stopped the cart there. This was a sight to those of that village; and they were very glad. Because it was then summertime, and all the inhabitants were in their fields, gathering in their fruits, they stopped the labours of their hands for joy, as soon as they saw the ark, and ran to the cart: and taking the ark down, and the vessel that had the images in it, and the mice, they set them upon a certain rock, which was in the plain. And when they had offered a splendid sacrifice to God, and feasted, they offered the cart and the cows as a burnt offering. And when the lords of the Philistines saw this they returned. 4 But now it was that the anger of God overtook them, and struck seventy persons dead of the village of Bethshemesh: who not being Priests, and so not worthy to touch the ark, had approached to it. Those of that village wept for these that had thus suffered; and made such a lamentation as was naturally to be expected over such a great misfortune that was sent from God: and everyone mourned for his own relation. And since they acknowledged themselves unworthy to have the ark stay with them, they sent to the public senate of the Israelites, and informed them that the ark was restored by the Philistines. When they learned of this, they brought it away to Kirjathjearim; a city in the neighbourhood of Bethshemesh. In this city lived one Abinadab, by birth a Levite, and who was greatly commended for his righteous and religious course of life: so they brought the ark to his house, as to a place fit for God himself to live in, since a righteous man lived in it. His sons also ministered to the divine service at the ark; and were the principal curators of it for twenty years;1 for so many years it continued in Kirjathjearim; having been but four months2 with the Philistines.
1 Now while the city of Kirjathjearim had the ark with them, the whole body of the people devoted themselves all that time to offering prayers and sacrifices to God and appeared deeply concerned and zealous about His worship. So Samuel the Prophet, seeing how willing they were to fulfill their duty, thought this was the right moment to speak to them while they were in this good disposition about reclaiming their freedom and the blessings that came with it. Accordingly, he spoke in a way that would most likely stir their desire and persuade them to act: “You Israelites,” he said, “to whom the Philistines remain grievous enemies, yet to whom God has begun to show favor—it is not enough to desire freedom, but you must take the proper steps to achieve it. You should not merely wish to free yourselves from your oppressors while continuing to act in ways that keep you under their rule. Be righteous, then, and cast wickedness from your hearts; and in your worship, call upon the divine majesty with all your soul; and remain steadfast in honoring Him. For if you do this, you will find prosperity, you will be freed from slavery, and you will gain victory over your enemies. But know this—these blessings will not come through weapons of war, nor through physical strength, nor by the number of your allies. God has not promised to grant these things through such means, but rather through righteousness and virtue. And if you will be such people, I guarantee that God’s promises will be fulfilled.” When Samuel had spoken, the people applauded his words and embraced his encouragement, pledging to devote themselves fully to what pleased God. So Samuel gathered them together in a certain city called Mizpeh, which means ‘watchtower’ in Hebrew. There, they drew water and poured it out before God, fasted all day, and devoted themselves to prayer. 2 This gathering did not go unnoticed by the Philistines. When they learned that such a large assembly had gathered, they marched against the Hebrews with a great army, hoping to strike them when they were unprepared. This terrified the Hebrews and threw them into confusion and fear. They ran to Samuel, saying, “We are overwhelmed with fear, and because of the defeat we suffered before, we have remained still, for fear that we might provoke our enemies’ power against us. Now, while you have brought us here to offer prayers and sacrifices, our enemies are advancing against us while we are unarmed and vulnerable. We have no other hope of deliverance except through you and through the help that God may grant us in response to your prayers.” Samuel reassured them, urging them to take heart and promising that God would aid them. He then took a young lamb and offered it as a sacrifice for the people, pleading with God to extend His protection over them in battle against the Philistines, and not to abandon them to misfortune again. God heard his prayers, and, accepting their sacrifice with favor, He granted them victory over their enemies. Now, while the altar still held the offering and the sacred fire had not yet fully consumed it, the enemy’s army marched out of their camp, confident that they would win, since the Israelites were caught off guard—without weapons and without having assembled for battle. But what happened next was beyond belief, even if someone had predicted it. First, God sent an earthquake that shook the ground beneath their enemies so violently that many lost their footing and fell, while others were swallowed up by the opening earth. Then, a deafening roar of thunder crashed down upon them, and flashes of lightning blazed around them so fiercely that it seemed ready to burn their faces. Their weapons slipped from their hands, and in terror, they fled, returning home in disgrace. So Samuel and the people pursued them to a place called Bethcar, and there he set up a stone as a memorial to their victory and their enemies’ retreat. He named it the ‘Stone of Power’ as a sign of the strength God had granted them over their enemies. 3 After this defeat, the Philistines made no further attacks against the Israelites. Fearful and mindful of what had happened, they remained still. The courage they once had against the Hebrews was now completely transferred to the Israelites. Samuel then led an expedition against the Philistines, struck down many of them, and utterly broke their pride. He reclaimed the land they had taken when they were once victorious in battle—territory stretching from the borders of Gath to the city of Ekron. Meanwhile, the remaining Canaanites at this time were at peace with the Israelites.
1 But Samuel the Prophet, after arranging the affairs of the people in an orderly way and assigning a city to each district, commanded them to come to these cities to have their disputes settled. He himself traveled to these cities twice a year, ensuring justice was served. By doing so, he kept the people in good order for a long time. 2 But as he grew older, he found himself unable to carry out his duties as before. So he entrusted the governance and care of the people to his sons. The elder was named Joel, and the younger was Abiah. He instructed them to reside and judge the people—one in the city of Bethel and the other in Beersheba—and divided the people into districts under their authority. However, these men serve as a clear example that children do not always follow in their parents’ footsteps. Sometimes good and moderate children are born to wicked parents, and sometimes the children of righteous parents turn out to be corrupt. For these men, instead of following their father’s righteous path, turned aside to corruption. They perverted justice for the sake of wealth, accepting bribes and making judgments not based on truth but on personal gain. They indulged in luxury and extravagant living. Thus, they first acted against the will of God, and secondly, they betrayed the teachings of their father, the Prophet, who had worked tirelessly to ensure the people remained righteous. 3 The people, angered by the corruption of Samuel’s sons and the harm they had inflicted on their system of governance, grew restless. They came to Samuel, who was then living in the city of Ramah, and informed him of his sons’ wrongdoing. They said, ‘You are already old and no longer able to oversee our affairs as you once did. We beg you, appoint a king to rule over us, one who can lead the nation and avenge us against the Philistines, who deserve to be punished for their past oppressions.’ These words deeply troubled Samuel, for he was devoted to justice and opposed to monarchy. He favored an aristocratic system, believing it led men to a divine and blessed way of life. The thought of their request weighed so heavily on him that he could neither eat nor sleep, spending the entire night in distress, turning their words over in his mind. 4 While he was in this state, God appeared to him and reassured him, saying, ‘Do not be troubled by what the people are asking. It is not you they reject, but Me—they do not want Me to be their only King. This has been their intention since the day they left Egypt. However, in time, they will deeply regret their decision, though their repentance will not undo what has been done for the future. They will suffer the consequences of their rejection and the ungrateful way they have treated Me and your prophetic office. So I command you to anoint the king I will name for them, but first, warn them of the hardships a monarchy will bring, and make it clear to them how greatly their circumstances will change.’ 5 When Samuel heard this, he gathered the Israelites early in the morning and told them he was to appoint a king for them. But first, he said, he must describe what would follow—the kind of rule they would endure under a king and the many hardships they would face. ‘Know this,’ he said, ‘first, your king will take your sons from you. Some will be forced to drive his chariots, others will be horsemen and bodyguards, while some will run ahead of him as commanders of thousands and hundreds. Others will be made artisans, crafting weapons, chariots, and tools. Still, others will be farmers, working his fields and tending his vineyards. You will serve his every command as if you were slaves. He will also take your daughters, making them perfumers, cooks, and bakers—forcing them into labor as if they were enslaved. Beyond this, he will seize your lands and distribute them to his officials and guards, giving your livestock to his own servants. To put it plainly, you and all that you possess will belong to your king, and you will be no better than his slaves. And when you suffer under such rule, you will remember my warning. You will cry out to God, begging for mercy and deliverance from your king, but He will not listen. He will let you suffer the consequences of your choice.’ 6 But the people were too stubborn and blinded by their desires to listen to these warnings. They refused to be swayed by Samuel’s words and insisted on having a king, dismissing his concerns about the future. They demanded that he anoint a king immediately and not trouble himself with worries about what would come later. ‘We need a king to fight our battles and take vengeance on our enemies,’ they said. ‘It makes no sense that our neighbors live under kings while we do not.’ Seeing that they would not change their minds, Samuel said, ‘Very well. Go back to your homes for now. When the time is right, I will summon you again once I have learned from God who He has chosen to be your king.’
1 There was a man from the tribe of Benjamin, Kish, of a good family and virtuous character. He had a son, Saul, a young man of handsome appearance and tall stature, yet his wisdom and understanding surpassed his outward looks. Kish’s prized female donkeys had wandered from their pasture, so he sent Saul and a servant to find them. When they searched their own tribe in vain and then other tribes with no success, Saul decided to return home, for fear that his father might worry. But his servant suggested they consult a prophet in the city of Ramah, who could reveal what became of the lost donkeys. Saul objected, saying they had no gift to offer, but the servant had a quarter shekel and insisted they go. As they approached the city gates, they met young women fetching water and asked where the prophet lived. The women directed them, urging them to hurry, as the prophet was about to dine with invited guests. Now Samuel had gathered many for this feast, for he had been praying daily for God to reveal who should be king. The day before, God told him a young man from Benjamin would arrive at that hour. So, Samuel waited on his rooftop, and when the time came, he went to supper, where he met Saul. God revealed to him that this was the man who would rule over Israel. Saul approached Samuel, greeting him and asking where the prophet lived, as he was a stranger. Samuel told him he was the prophet, led him inside, and assured him the lost donkeys had been found. He also told him that far greater things awaited him. Saul replied, ‘Sir, I am too insignificant for such honors. My tribe is too small to produce kings, and my family is among the least of them. Surely you joke and make me an object of laughter.’ Nevertheless, the prophet led him to the feast and seated him and his servant above the seventy other guests. He instructed the servants to set the royal portion before Saul. When bedtime came, the guests departed, but Saul remained with the prophet and stayed the night. 2 At dawn, Samuel woke Saul and prepared to send him home. As they left the city, Samuel asked him to send his servant ahead, for he had something to tell him in private. When Saul complied, the prophet took a vessel of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, ‘Look, you are anointed as king by God’s command, to stand against the Philistines and avenge the Hebrews for what they have suffered. As a sign, take note—when you leave here, you will meet three men on the road to Bethel, one carrying three loaves of bread, another a young goat, and the third a bottle of wine. They will greet you warmly and give you two loaves, which you shall accept. Then, at Rachel’s monument, you will meet men who will tell you the donkeys have been found. After that, when you arrive at Gabatha, you will encounter prophets and be seized by the divine spirit, prophesying with them. All who see you will be amazed and say, “How has the son of Kish attained such favor?” When these signs happen, know that God is with you. Then return to your father and kin. And when I summon you to Gilgal, come, so that we may offer thanksgiving to God for these blessings.’ After Samuel had spoken, he sent Saul away, and all happened exactly as he foretold. 3 When Saul returned to the house of his kinsman Abner, whom he loved more than the rest of his family, Abner asked about his journey. Saul told him all—how he had met Samuel, how the prophet had told him the donkeys were found—but he said nothing about the kingship, for he knew such news could stir envy, and people are slow to believe such things. Though Abner appeared friendly, Saul understood human nature—that no one remains a firm friend, not even among intimates or kin. When God raises men to great heights, even those closest to them grow envious. 4 Then Samuel gathered the people at Mizpeh and spoke to them by God’s command: ‘When God granted you freedom and subdued your enemies, you forgot His blessings and rejected Him as your king. You fail to see that it is best to be ruled by the greatest of all beings. Instead, you have chosen a man to rule over you. But know this—kings will treat their subjects like beasts, bending them to their own desires and passions, ruling with lust for power, with no concern for preserving mankind as God’s creation. But since you have resolved to do this and your rejection of God has prevailed, gather by your tribes and clans, and cast lots.’ 5 When the Israelites did so, the lot fell upon the tribe of Benjamin. Then, when lots were cast within that tribe, the family of Matri was chosen. Finally, when the lot was cast among the individuals of that family, Saul, the son of Kish, was chosen as king. But upon hearing this, Saul withdrew and hid himself. Perhaps he wished to avoid the appearance of eagerly seizing power. While many men cannot contain their joy even over minor victories and rush to display themselves, Saul, though appointed ruler over so many great tribes, concealed himself from those he was to govern. The people, puzzled and anxious, sought him earnestly. Then the prophet asked God to reveal where the young man was hiding. When God made it known, they sent men to bring him forth. When he arrived, they placed him in the midst of the people. He stood taller than all, his stature majestic. 6 Then the prophet said, ‘God has given you this man as your king. See how he stands above all, worthy of this dominion.’ The people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’ Then the prophet wrote down what was to come, read it before the king, and stored the book in the tabernacle of God so that future generations would witness its fulfillment. When Samuel had completed these matters, he dismissed the people and returned to Ramah, his homeland. Saul also returned to Gibeah, where he was born. Many good men honored him as king, but others, being wicked, despised him and mocked those who revered him. They neither brought him gifts nor spoke well of him.
1 After one month, the war which Saul had with Nahash, the King of the Ammonites, obtained him respect from all the people. For this Nahash had done a great deal of mischief to the Jews, that lived beyond Jordan; by the expedition he had made against them, with a great and warlike army. He also reduced their cities into slavery; and that not only by subduing them for the present, which he did by force and violence; but weakening them by subtlety and cunning, that they might not be able afterward to get clear of the slavery they were under to him. For he put out the right eyes of those that either delivered themselves to him upon terms, or were taken by him in war: and he did this, so that when their left eyes were covered by their shields, they might be wholly useless in war. Now when the King of the Ammonites had served those beyond Jordan in this manner, he led his army against those that were called Gileadites; and having pitched his camp at the metropolis of his enemies, which was the city Jabesh, he sent ambassadors to them, commanding them either to deliver themselves up, on condition that their right eyes be plucked out; or to undergo a siege, and to have their cities overthrown. He gave them their choice, whether they would cut off a small member of their body; or universally perish. However the Gileadites were so frightened at these offers, that they did not have the courage to say anything to either of them; neither that they would deliver themselves up, nor that they would fight him. But they asked him to give them a seven-day respite, that they might send ambassadors to their countrymen, and request their assistance; and if they came to assist them, they would fight: but if that assistance were impossible to obtain from them, they said they would deliver themselves up to suffer whatever he pleased to inflict upon them. 2 So Nahash, despising the multitude of the Gileadites, and the answer they gave, allowed them a respite; and gave them leave to send to whomever they pleased for assistance. So they immediately sent to the Israelites, city by city; and informed them what Nahash had threatened to do to them, and what great distress they were in. Now the people fell into tears, and grief, at the hearing of what the ambassadors from Jabesh said; and the terror they were in permitted them to do nothing more. But when the messengers had come to the city of King Saul, and declared the dangers in which the inhabitants of Jabesh were, the people were in the same affliction as those in the other cities: for they lamented the calamity of those related to them. And when Saul had returned from his farming, into the city, he found his fellow-citizens weeping: and when, after asking, he had learned the cause of the confusion and sadness they were in, he was seized with a divine fury, and sent away the ambassadors from the inhabitants of Jabesh, and promised them to come to their assistance on the third day; and to beat their enemies before sunrise: that the sun, upon its rising, might see that they had already conquered, and were freed from the fears they were under. But he told some of them to stay and guide them along the right way to Jabesh. 3 So wanting to turn the people to this war against the Ammonites by fear of the losses they should otherwise undergo; and that they might assemble more quickly, he cut the sinews of his oxen; and threatened to do the same to all such as did not come with their armour to Jordan the next day, and follow him and Samuel the Prophet wherever they should lead them. So they came together, out of fear of the losses they were threatened with, at the appointed time. And the multitude were numbered at the city Bezek. And he found the number of those that were gathered together, besides that of the tribe of Judah, to be seven hundred thousand; while those of that tribe were seventy thousand. So he passed over Jordan, and proceeded in marching all that night, thirty furlongs; and came to Jabesh before sunrise. So he divided the army into three companies; and attacked their enemies on every side, suddenly, and when they expected no such thing. And joining battle with them, they killed a great many of the Ammonites; as well as their King Nahash. This glorious action was done by Saul; and was related with great commendation of him to all the Hebrews; and he then gained a wonderful reputation for his valour. For although there were some of them that despised him before, they now changed their minds, and honoured him, and esteemed him as the best of men. For he did not content himself with having saved the inhabitants of Jabesh only; but he made an expedition into the country of the Ammonites, and laid it all waste, and took a large amount of plunder; and so returned to his own country most gloriously. So the people were greatly pleased at these excellent performances of Saul’s; and rejoiced that they had made him their King. They also made a clamour against those that pretended he would be of no advantage to their affairs; and they said, where are these men now? let them be brought to punishment: with all the similar things that crowds usually say, when they are elevated with prosperity, against those that lately had despised the authors of it. But Saul, although he appreciated the goodwill and affection of these men, nevertheless swore that he would not see any of his countrymen killed that day: since it was absurd to mix this victory, which God had given them, with the blood and slaughter of those that were of the same lineage with themselves: and that it was more agreeable to be men of a friendly disposition, and so to turn to feasting. 4 And when Samuel had told them that he ought to confirm the kingdom to Saul by a second ordination of him, they all came together to the city of Gilgal: for he commanded them to come there. So the Prophet anointed Saul with the holy oil, in the sight of the multitude, and declared him to be King the second time. And so the government of the Hebrews was changed into a Regal government. For in the days of Moses, and his disciple Joshua, who was their general, they continued under an aristocracy. But after the death of Joshua, for eighteen years in all,5 the multitude had no settled form of government; but were in a state of anarchy. After which they returned to their former government: they then allowed themselves to be judged by the man who appeared to be the best warrior, and most courageous: which was why they called this interval of their government the Judges. 5 Then Samuel the Prophet called another assembly also, and said to them, “I solemnly put you under oath by God Almighty, who brought those excellent brothers, I mean Moses and Aaron, into the world; and delivered our fathers from the Egyptians, and from the slavery they endured under them; that you will not speak what you say to gratify me; nor suppress anything out of fear of me; nor be overcome by any other emotion: but tell me what I have ever done that was cruel or unjust? or what have I done out of financial gain, or covetousness, or to gratify others? Bear witness against me, if I have taken an ox, or a sheep, or any such thing: although taking such things to support men is considered blameless. Or have I taken a donkey for my own use, from anyone, causing him distress? Accuse me of any such crime now we are in your King’s presence.” But they cried out, that “No such thing had been done by him; but that he had presided over the nation in a holy and righteous way.” 6 At this Samuel, after they had all given this testimony about him, said, “Since you grant that you are not able to accuse me of any wrongdoing so far, come on now, and listen while I speak freely to you. You have been guilty of great impiety against God, in asking for a King. You ought to remember, that our grandfather Jacob came down into Egypt because of a famine, with only seventy people from our family; and that their descendants multiplied there to many ten thousands; whom the Egyptians brought into slavery, and hard oppression; that God himself, upon the prayers of our fathers, sent Moses and Aaron, who were brothers; and gave them power to deliver the multitude out of their distress; and this without a King. These brought us into this very land which you now possess. And when you enjoyed these advantages from God, you betrayed his worship, and religion: indeed moreover, when you were brought under the hands of your enemies, he delivered you, first by making you superior to the Assyrians, and their forces: he then made you to overcome the Ammonites, and the Moabites: and last of all the Philistines. And these things have been achieved under the leadership of Jephtha and Gideon. What madness therefore possessed you to flee from God, and to desire to be under a King; Yet I have appointed the man he chose for you as King. However, so that I may make it plain to you that God is angry and displeased at your choice of Kingly government, I will ask him, that he shall declare this very plainly to you, by strange signals: for I will ask God to show you what none of you has ever seen here before, I mean a winter storm in the middle of harvest.” Now as soon as he had said this, God gave such great signals by thunder and lightning, and the descent of hail, as attested the truth of all that the Prophet had said; so much that they were amazed and terrified, and confessed they had sinned, and had fallen into that sin through ignorance; and begged the Prophet, as one that was a tender and gentle father to them, to make God so merciful as to forgive this sin of theirs; which they had added to those other offences by which they had affronted him, and transgressed against him. So he promised them that he would beg God, and persuade him to forgive them these sins of theirs. However, he advised them to be righteous, and to be good; and ever to remember the miseries that had happened to them on account of their departure from virtue: as also to remember the strange signs God had shown them; and the body of laws that Moses had given them; if they had any desire of being preserved and made happy with their King. But he said, that if they should grow careless of these things, great judgments would come from God upon them, and upon their King. And when Samuel had thus prophesied to the Hebrews, he dismissed them to their own homes: having confirmed the kingdom to Saul the second time.
1 Saul chose three thousand men from the multitude—two thousand to serve as his personal guard in Bethel, and the remaining thousand he assigned to his son Jonathan as his guard in Gibeah. There, Jonathan besieged and captured a Philistine garrison near Gilgal. The Philistines had previously defeated the Jews, confiscated their weapons, and placed garrisons in the strongest locations. They had also forbidden the Hebrews from using iron tools or making any weapons. Because of this, farmers had to go to the Philistines whenever they needed to sharpen their plows, spades, or other tools. When the Philistines heard that their garrison had been slaughtered, they were enraged and considered it a grave insult. In retaliation, they marched against the Jews with three hundred thousand foot soldiers, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand cavalry, setting up camp at Michmash. When Saul learned of this, he went down to Gilgal and called upon the people to reclaim their freedom, urging them to war against the Philistines. He downplayed their numbers, believing they were not too numerous to defeat. However, when Saul’s men saw the sheer size of the Philistine army, they were struck with terror. Some hid in caves and underground dens, while the majority fled beyond the Jordan into the land of Gad and Reuben. 2 Saul sent for the prophet Samuel, asking him to come and consult with him about the war and public affairs. Samuel instructed him to wait seven days until he arrived to offer sacrifices before they went to battle. Saul waited, but when Samuel delayed longer than expected and his soldiers began to desert, he took matters into his own hands, offering the sacrifices himself. When Samuel arrived, Saul went out to meet him, but the prophet rebuked him for disobeying God’s command. He told Saul that because he had not waited as instructed, he had acted rashly and performed divine duties improperly. Saul defended himself, saying, ‘I waited the appointed time, but as my men were deserting and the Philistine army loomed over Gilgal, I was forced to act.’ Samuel replied, ‘Had you remained obedient and not disregarded God’s instructions, your reign would have endured for generations. But because you acted hastily, your kingdom will not last.’ With that, Samuel left, grieved at what had happened. Saul returned to Gibeah with Jonathan, but had only six hundred men, most of whom lacked weapons due to the scarcity of iron and blacksmiths, as the Philistines had forbidden their trade. The Philistines divided their forces into three companies and raided the Hebrew lands, while Saul, Jonathan, and the high priest Abijah, a descendant of Eli, sat on a high hill watching the devastation but unable to intervene with their small force. Jonathan then proposed to his armor-bearer that they sneak into the enemy camp and cause a disturbance. The armor-bearer, willing to follow him even to death, agreed. So Jonathan led the way, descending the hill toward the enemy camp. 3 The Philistine camp was set atop a rocky precipice with three peaks, surrounded by a natural barrier that made it seem impenetrable. Because of its formidable location, the Philistines had grown careless and left their outposts unguarded. Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, ‘If they call us up to them, take it as a sign that God has given us victory. But if they say nothing, we will turn back.’ At dawn, as they approached, the Philistines spotted them and mocked, saying, ‘Look, the Hebrews are crawling out of their hiding places!’ Then they called out, ‘Come up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!’ Taking this as a divine sign, Jonathan and his armor-bearer emerged from hiding and climbed the sheer rock face, an approach the Philistines had considered impossible. Once inside the camp, they struck swiftly, killing about twenty men in their sleep, throwing the enemy into chaos. Some, in their panic, discarded their weapons and fled. Since the army was composed of soldiers from multiple nations, many mistook each other for enemies and began fighting among themselves. Some fell in battle, while others, trying to escape, plunged off the cliffs to their deaths. 4 Saul’s watchmen saw the chaos in the Philistine camp and reported it to the king. He immediately inquired if any of his men had left camp, and upon learning that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were absent, he ordered the high priest to consult God about their chances of victory. The priest prophesied that they would prevail, so Saul led his forces in pursuit of the Philistines, attacking them as they continued to kill each other. When the Hebrews who had previously fled heard that Saul was winning, they emerged from hiding and rejoined him. As their numbers swelled to ten thousand, they pursued the scattered Philistines across the land. However, Saul then made a grievous mistake. Either out of ignorance or reckless enthusiasm over his unexpected victory, he declared a curse, saying, ‘Cursed be any man who stops fighting to eat before nightfall!’ Because of this oath, his troops, though exhausted, refrained from eating as they pursued the enemy. As they entered a forest in Ephraim, thick with beehives, Jonathan, unaware of his father’s command, broke off a piece of honeycomb and ate it. When informed of the curse, he stopped eating and said, ‘My father has done wrong. Had the men been allowed to eat, we would have fought with greater strength and killed even more of our enemies.’ 5 By nightfall, after having slaughtered tens of thousands of Philistines, the Hebrews looted the enemy camp. They took livestock, killed them, and ate the meat before properly draining the blood, an act forbidden by God. When the scribes informed Saul that the people were sinning, he ordered a large stone to be placed in the center of the camp and commanded that all sacrifices be made there to prevent further wrongdoing. The people obeyed, and Saul built an altar, offering burnt offerings to God—his first altar. Wanting to press the attack before dawn, he sought guidance from God through the high priest, but received no answer. Saul then declared, ‘Surely there is hidden sin among us, preventing God from responding. I swear that even if the guilty party is my own son Jonathan, I will put him to death.’ The people agreed, and lots were cast, revealing Jonathan as the offender. Saul asked what sin he had committed, and Jonathan replied, ‘Father, I did nothing but taste a honeycomb while pursuing the enemy, unaware of your oath.’ Saul, bound by his own words, swore to execute him. Jonathan, undeterred, said, ‘I accept my fate. If my death fulfills your vow and preserves God’s favor, so be it.’ But the people, unwilling to see their hero perish, intervened, saying, ‘Shall we let the one who led us to victory die? Never!’ They swore to protect him, and through their prayers, God forgave his transgression. 6 After killing sixty thousand Philistines, Saul returned home and reigned in peace. He waged war against the neighboring nations, defeating the Ammonites, Moabites, Philistines, Edomites, Amalekites, and the king of Zobah. He had three sons—Jonathan, Ishui, and Melchi-Shua—and two daughters, Merab and Michal. His cousin Abner, son of Ner, served as the captain of his army. Ner and Kish, Saul’s father, were brothers. Saul gathered chariots and horsemen, and in every battle, he emerged victorious, greatly advancing the power and prosperity of Israel. He surrounded himself with young men of great height and handsome appearance, choosing them as his personal guards.
1 Samuel came to Saul and said, ‘I was sent by God to remind you that He has chosen you above all others and made you king. Therefore, you must obey Him and submit to His authority, for though you rule over the tribes, God rules over you and all things. Because the Amalekites caused great harm to the Hebrews in the wilderness when they left Egypt, God commands you to punish them. Wage war against them, leave none alive, and pursue them through every generation, killing even women and infants. This is their punishment for what they did to our ancestors. Spare nothing—neither cattle nor possessions—but devote all to God, erasing the name of Amalek completely, as commanded by Moses.’ 2 Saul vowed to obey and, believing his faithfulness would be shown through both his actions and his swiftness, wasted no time. He assembled his forces and, after numbering them in Gilgal, found four hundred thousand Israelites, plus thirty thousand from Judah. He invaded Amalekite territory, setting ambushes by the river to not only defeat them in battle but also attack them unexpectedly as they fled. When the battle commenced, Saul crushed the Amalekites, pursued them, and destroyed them all. He then attacked their cities, besieging them with war machines, underground mines, and high outer walls. Some he starved into surrender, others he conquered by force. Then he turned to slaughtering women and children, believing his actions neither cruel nor unjust, for they were his enemies, and it was God’s command—a command dangerous to disobey. However, he spared Agag, the Amalekite king, captivated by his height and handsome appearance. Yet this was not in accordance with God’s will. In yielding to human sentiment, Saul disobeyed, pitying the one man whom God had condemned. The people also shared in this disobedience, for they spared the best of the livestock, taking them as plunder instead of destroying them, as commanded. They kept whatever was valuable and destroyed only what they deemed worthless. 3 Saul ravaged the Amalekites from Pelusium in Egypt to the Red Sea, devastating their lands. However, he spared the Sichemites, even though they lived in Midian’s heartland. Before the battle, Saul had warned them to leave, for fear that they might suffer the Amalekites’ fate. He did this because they were the kin of Raguel, Moses’ father-in-law. 4 Saul returned home in triumph, believing he had fulfilled God’s command perfectly. But God was displeased that Agag had been spared and that the people had taken the Amalekites’ cattle as plunder, for they had acted without His permission. It was intolerable that they should conquer by the power He gave them, only to then disregard His commands. God told Samuel, ‘I regret making Saul king, for he has disobeyed Me and followed his own desires.’ Samuel was troubled and pleaded with God all night to show Saul mercy. But God refused, unwilling to grant forgiveness, for leniency toward such disobedience only encourages greater offenses. At dawn, Samuel went to meet Saul in Gilgal. When Saul saw him, he ran to him, embraced him, and said, ‘I give thanks to God for victory! I have done all He commanded.’ Samuel replied, ‘Then why do I hear the bleating of sheep and the lowing of cattle in your camp?’ Saul answered, ‘The people kept them for sacrifices, but as for the Amalekites, I have wiped them out, leaving none alive except their king, whom I have brought to you so we may decide his fate together.’ But Samuel rebuked him, saying, ‘God does not delight in sacrifices but in obedience. He desires righteousness, not offerings. What pleases Him is not the quantity or grandeur of gifts, but that His commands are followed without question. To disobey Him and then offer sacrifices from stolen plunder is an insult, not an act of devotion. Because you have rejected His word, He has rejected you as king.’ 5 Saul admitted his sin, saying, ‘I was afraid of the people, so I did not restrain them from seizing the plunder. Forgive me, and I will not disobey again.’ He pleaded with Samuel to return with him to offer thank-offerings to God, but Samuel refused, knowing God had turned away from Saul. Desperate, Saul grabbed Samuel’s cloak, and as Samuel pulled away, it tore. Samuel said, ‘As my cloak is torn, your kingdom will likewise be torn from you and given to another who is righteous. God does not change His decrees, for He is not swayed by human weakness.’ Saul acknowledged his wrongdoing but asked Samuel to honor him before the people and join him in worship. Samuel agreed, and together they worshiped God. 6 Agag, the Amalekite king, was then brought before Samuel. Agag, believing he had escaped death, asked, ‘Is the bitterness of death past?’ But Samuel answered, ‘As you have made many Hebrew mothers weep for their killed children, your own mother will likewise weep for you.’ He then ordered Agag’s immediate execution at Gilgal. Afterward, Samuel returned to Ramah.
1 Now, because Saul was aware of the miserable condition he had brought himself into; and that he had made God his enemy; he went up to his royal palace at Gibeah: which name denotes a Hill: and after that day he no longer came into the Prophet’s presence. And when Samuel mourned for him, God told him to give up his concern for him; and to take the holy oil, and go to Bethlehem, to Jesse, the son of Obed, and to anoint the son he would point out to him, for their future King. But Samuel said, he was afraid that Saul, when he learned of it, would kill him; either by some private method, or even openly. But upon God’s suggesting to him a safe way of going there, he came to the previously named city. And when they all greeted him, and asked, why he had come? He told them, he came to sacrifice to God. So when he had gotten the sacrifice ready, he called Jesse and his sons to partake of those sacrifices. And when he saw that his eldest son was a tall and handsome man, he guessed by his beauty that he was the person who was to be their future King. But he was mistaken in judging about God’s providence. For when Samuel enquired of God, whether he should anoint this youth, whom he so admired, and esteemed worthy of the kingdom? God said, “Men do not see as God sees. You indeed have regard to the fine appearance of this youth: and therefore consider him worthy of the kingdom: while I propose the kingdom as a reward, not of the beauty of bodies, but of the virtue of souls: and I look for someone who is perfectly beautiful in that respect: I mean one who is beautiful in piety, and righteousness, and fortitude, and obedience: for the beauty of the soul consists in them.” When God had said this, Samuel told Jesse to show him all his sons. So he had five other sons come to him. Of all these Eliab was the eldest: Aminadab the second: Shammah the third: Nathanael the fourth: the fifth was called Rael: and the sixth Asam. And when the Prophet saw that these were no less handsome than the eldest, he enquired of God, which of them he had chosen for their King? And when God said it was none of them: he asked Jesse, whether he had any other sons besides these? and when he said that he had one more, named David: but that he was a shepherd, and took care of the flocks: Samuel told them to call him immediately: because until he came they could not possibly sit down to the feast. Now as soon as his father had sent for David, and he had come, he appeared to be of a yellow complexion, with keen eyesight, and a handsome person in other respects also. This is the man, Samuel said privately to himself, whom God has chosen to make our King. So he sat down to the feast; and seated the youth below him: and Jesse also, with his other sons. After which he took oil, in the presence of David, and anointed him; and whispered in his ear, and told him that God chose him to be their King: and exhorted him to be righteous, and obedient to his commands: because in this way his Kingdom would continue for a long time: and that his house should be of great splendor, and celebrated in the world: that he should overthrow the Philistines: and that whatever nations he went to war against, he should be the conqueror, and survive the fight: and that while he lived he should enjoy a glorious name; and leave such a name to his descendants also. 2 So Samuel, when he had given him these admonitions, went away. But the divine power departed from Saul, and passed to David. David began to prophesy when the divine spirit passed to him. But as for Saul, some strange and demonic disorders came upon him: and brought upon him suffocating attacks that threatened to choke him. For which the physicians could find no other remedy but this; that if any person could soothe those afflictions by singing, and playing upon the harp, they advised them to enquire for such a person: and to observe when these demons came upon him, and disturbed him; and to take care that such a person might stand over him, and play on the harp, and recite hymns to him. Accordingly Saul did not delay; but commanded them to seek out such a man. And when a certain bystander said, that he had seen in the city of Bethlehem, a son of Jesse, who was still only a child, but handsome and beautiful, and in other respects one that was deserving of great regard; who was skilful in playing on the harp, and in singing of hymns; and an excellent soldier in war: he sent to Jesse, and asked him to take David away from the flocks, and send him to him: for he wanted to see him: as having heard a favourable account of his beauty and his valour. So Jesse sent his son; and gave him presents to carry to Saul. And when he had come, Saul was pleased with him, and made him his armour-bearer: and held him in very high esteem: for he soothed his affliction, and was the only physician for the trouble he had from the demons, whenever it came upon him; and this by reciting hymns, and playing upon the harp, and bringing Saul to his right mind again. However, he sent to Jesse, the father of the child, and asked him to allow David to stay with him: because he was delighted with his sight and company. Jesse agreed to this stay so that he would not oppose Saul.
1 The Philistines gathered their forces again not long after, assembling a vast army and waging war against Israel. They camped between Shochoh and Azekah. Saul led his army to oppose them, setting up camp on a hill that forced the Philistines to abandon their position and camp on a similar hill opposite him. A valley lay between the two armies. Then a man from the Philistine camp stepped forward—Goliath of Gath, a giant of enormous stature, standing over four cubits and a span tall. His armor was massive, including a breastplate weighing five thousand shekels, a bronze helmet, and greaves to cover his limbs. His spear was so heavy that he carried it on his shoulders rather than in his hand, and his lance weighed six hundred shekels. He was accompanied by men who bore his armor. Goliath stood between the armies and called out to Saul and the Hebrews: ‘Why risk your entire army in battle? Send one man to fight me. If he wins, we will serve you; if I win, you will serve us. Settle this war with a single champion rather than the bloodshed of many.’ Then he returned to his camp. The next day, and for forty days after, he repeated this challenge. Though Saul’s army prepared for battle, they were too afraid to fight. 2 While the war with the Philistines continued, Saul sent David back to his father Jesse, keeping only Jesse’s three eldest sons to fight alongside him. David returned to tending his flocks, but before long, his father sent him to the Hebrew camp to bring provisions to his brothers and check on their well-being. While David was there, Goliath once again stepped forward and mocked the Hebrews, challenging them and insulting their lack of a champion. As David spoke with his brothers, he heard Goliath’s taunts and grew indignant. He declared that he was ready to fight him. Eliab, his eldest brother, scolded him, saying he was speaking rashly and should return to his flocks. Embarrassed, David stepped away but continued to ask soldiers about the challenge. When word of his willingness to fight reached Saul, the king sent for him. Saul asked what he had to say, and David replied, ‘Your Majesty, do not be afraid. I will put an end to this man’s arrogance. I will fight him and bring him down, no matter how tall or strong he is. When he falls, your army will gain great glory, for he will be killed not by a seasoned warrior but by one who is still a boy, untrained in battle, unfit to command troops, and barely more than a child.’ 3 Saul marveled at David’s confidence but doubted his ability because of his youth, saying he was too inexperienced to fight a warrior like Goliath. David answered, ‘I do not rely on my own strength but on God’s. I have already seen His power. Once, a lion attacked my flock and carried off a lamb. I chased it, snatched the lamb from its mouth, and when it leaped upon me, I seized it by the tail and struck it down. I did the same to a bear. This Philistine will be no different, for he has mocked our army and blasphemed our God, who will deliver him into my hands.’ 4 Saul prayed that David’s courage would be met with God’s favor and said, ‘Go, and may the Lord be with you.’ He then outfitted David with his own armor, but David, unaccustomed to its weight, found it cumbersome and said, ‘Let this armor be yours, Your Majesty, for you are fit to wear it. Allow me to fight in the way I know best.’ He removed the armor, took his staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, placed them in his shepherd’s bag, and armed himself with his sling. As he approached Goliath, the Philistine sneered and mocked him, saying, ‘Do you come at me like I am a dog, with sticks and stones?’ David replied, ‘No, not a dog, but something worse.’ Enraged, Goliath cursed David in the name of his gods and threatened to feed his body to the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. David answered, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and armor, but I come to you in the name of the living God, who will deliver you into my hands. Today, I will cut off your head and leave your body for the wild animals. All will see that God is the protector of Israel, and that victory comes not from weapons but from His power.’ Goliath, weighed down by his armor, moved forward slowly, convinced he would crush his unarmed opponent with ease. 5 But David did not stand alone—he was accompanied by an invisible ally, God Himself. Taking one of the stones from his bag, he placed it in his sling and launched it at Goliath. The stone struck his forehead and sank deep into his skull, stunning him and causing him to fall face-first to the ground. David ran up, stood over his fallen enemy, took Goliath’s own sword, and beheaded him. Seeing their champion killed, the Philistines panicked and fled, fearing their total defeat. They abandoned the battlefield in disgrace, trying to save themselves. The Hebrew army, led by Saul, let out a great shout and charged after them, slaughtering many and chasing the survivors to the borders of Gath and the gates of Ekron. Thirty thousand Philistines were killed, and twice as many wounded. Saul then led his men to their abandoned camp, tore down their fortifications, and set it ablaze. Meanwhile, David took Goliath’s head back to his tent and dedicated the giant’s sword to God at the tabernacle.
1 Now the women caused Saul’s envy and hatred toward David. For they came to meet their victorious army with cymbals, and drums, and all demonstrations of joy, and sang as follows: the wives said, that “Saul has killed his many thousands of the Philistines.” The virgins replied, that “David had killed his ten thousands.” Now when the King heard them singing thus; and that he had himself the smallest share in their commendations; and that the greater number, the ten thousands, were ascribed to the young man; and when he considered, that there was nothing more lacking to David, after such great praise, but the Kingdom; he began to be afraid, and suspicious of David. Accordingly he removed him from the station he was in before: for he was his armour-bearer: which out of fear seemed to him much too near a station for him: and so he made him captain over a thousand; and bestowed on him a post, better indeed in itself, but, as he thought, more for his own security. For he wanted to send him against the enemy, and into battles: as hoping he would be killed in such dangerous conflicts. 2 But David had God going along with him wherever he went: and accordingly he greatly prospered in his undertakings: and it was visible that he had mighty success: so much that Saul’s daughter, who was still a virgin, fell in love with him: and her affection so far prevailed over her, that it could not be concealed: and her father became acquainted with it. Now Saul heard this gladly: as intending to use it as a trap for David: and he hoped that it would prove the cause of destruction and of hazards to him. So he told those that informed him of his daughter’s affection, that he would willingly give David the virgin in marriage: and said, “I promise to give my daughter to him in marriage, if he will bring me six hundred heads of my enemies: supposing that when such a generous reward was offered to him; and when he aimed to win great glory for himself by undertaking a thing so dangerous and incredible, he would immediately set about it, and so perish by the Philistines: and my plans against him will succeed just as I wish, for I shall be freed from him, and get him killed, not by myself but by another man.” So he ordered his servants to find out how David would receive this proposal of marrying the young woman. Accordingly they began to tell him: that King Saul loved him, and all the people loved him too;0 and that he wanted to become related to him through marriage to this young woman. He gave this answer to them: “Does it seem to you a small thing to be made the King’s son-in-law? It does not seem so to me: especially when I am one of a family that is low, and without any glory or honour.” Now when Saul was informed by his servants what answer David had made; he said, “Tell him, that I do not want any money, nor dowry from him: which would be rather to put my daughter up for sale, than to give her in marriage: but I desire only a son-in-law who has courage, and all other kinds of virtue; which he saw David possessed: and that his desire was to receive from him, on account of his marrying his daughter, neither gold, nor silver; nor that he should bring such wealth out of his father’s household; but only some revenge on the Philistines, and indeed six hundred of their heads: since no more desirable or glorious present could be brought to him: and that he would much rather obtain this, than any of the accustomed dowries for his daughter; namely, that she should be married to a man of that character; and to one who had a testimony as having conquered his enemies.” 3 When these words of Saul were brought to David, he was pleased with them: and supposed that Saul was really eager to become related to him. So, unwilling to wait and deliberate any longer, or to consider whether what was proposed was possible, or was difficult or not; he and his companions immediately set upon the enemy, and went about doing what was proposed as the condition of the marriage. Accordingly, because it was God who made all things easy and possible to David, he killed many and cut off the heads of six hundred of them; and came to the King, and by showing him these heads of the Philistines required that he might have his daughter in marriage. Accordingly, because Saul had no way of escaping his commitments; as thinking it a base thing either to seem a liar when he promised him this marriage; or to appear to have acted treacherously toward him in setting him a task that was practically impossible, in order to have him killed: he gave him his daughter in marriage; her name was Michal.
1 Saul could not remain at peace for long. Seeing that David was greatly esteemed by both God and the people, he became fearful. Unable to hide his anxiety over his kingdom and his life, he resolved to have David killed. He ordered his son Jonathan and his most trusted servants to assassinate him. But Jonathan was astonished at his father’s sudden change—from favoring David to plotting his death. Loving and admiring David for his virtue, he warned him of Saul’s intentions. He advised him to stay away the next day while he spoke to his father, hoping to reason with him and uncover the cause of his anger. He would remind Saul of all the good David had done for Israel and for him personally, arguing that if David deserved pardon even for the greatest offenses, how much more should he be spared when he had done no wrong? Jonathan promised to relay his father’s decision. David heeded his advice and remained out of sight. 2 The next day, Jonathan approached Saul while he was in a good mood and brought up David. ‘Father, what offense has David committed, great or small, that warrants his death? He has been your protector, your champion against the Philistines. He saved Israel from disgrace when he alone had the courage to answer the enemy’s challenge. He has killed many of our enemies, earning my sister’s hand in marriage as his reward. His death would not only be unjust, but it would also bring sorrow upon our family—your daughter would be left a widow before she could fully enjoy married life. Consider these things and do not harm a man who, in the first place, saved your life by casting out the evil spirit that tormented you, and in the second place, has delivered us from our enemies. It is base to forget such kindness.’ Saul was moved by these words and swore to Jonathan that David would not be harmed. The power of reason overcame his anger and fear. Jonathan brought David back to the palace, and he resumed serving Saul as before. 3 Soon after, the Philistines launched another attack on Israel. Saul sent David with an army, and he defeated them soundly, returning victorious. But instead of celebrating his success, Saul was troubled, fearing that David’s growing renown made him even more of a threat. When the evil spirit returned to torment him, he summoned David to play the harp and sing hymns in his bedchamber. As David played, Saul, with a spear in hand, hurled it at him with great force. But David, sensing the attack, evaded it and fled to his home, staying there the rest of the day. 4 That night, Saul sent men to watch David’s house, intending to capture and kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, learned of her father’s plan. Fearing for both David’s life and her own, she warned him, ‘Do not let the sunrise find you here, for if it does, it will be your last. Escape now while the night protects you—may God extend it for your sake. If my father finds you, you are as good as dead.’ She then let him down from a window by a rope, allowing him to flee. To buy him more time, she placed a goat’s liver under the bedclothes and covered them to make it seem as if David were still there, breathing like an asthmatic. When Saul’s men came at dawn to seize him, she told them he was ill. Seeing the covered bed and mistaking the liver’s movements for his breathing, they reported back to Saul. But he ordered them to bring David to him in his sickbed so he could kill him himself. When they uncovered the bed and discovered the deception, they informed the king. Saul confronted his daughter, accusing her of aiding his enemy. She excused herself, saying she had acted out of fear, claiming David had threatened to kill her if she did not help him escape. This explanation appeased Saul. Meanwhile, David fled to the prophet Samuel in Ramah and told him of Saul’s repeated attempts to take his life, despite his loyalty and success in battle. He understood that Saul’s hatred stemmed from envy, not from any wrongdoing on his part. 5 When Samuel learned of the king’s actions, he left Ramah and took David with him to Naioth, where they stayed. When Saul was told where David was, he sent soldiers to capture him. But when they arrived and found Samuel among a congregation of prophets, the divine spirit came upon them, and they too began to prophesy. When Saul heard this, he sent more men, but they also prophesied. He sent a third group, who met the same fate. Enraged, Saul went himself, but before he even arrived, Samuel caused him to prophesy as well. When he reached them, he was overcome by the spirit, stripped off his garments, and lay on the ground all day and night, completely overcome in the presence of Samuel and David. 6 David left Naioth and went to Jonathan, lamenting, ‘Why does your father seek my life? What have I done to deserve death?’ Jonathan urged him not to believe such rumors, insisting that Saul would have confided in him if he had planned to kill him, as he consulted him on all other matters. But David swore it was true, urging Jonathan to believe him and help him escape rather than dismiss his warning. He reasoned that Saul had hidden his intentions from Jonathan because he knew of their friendship. 7 Realizing the danger was real, Jonathan asked, ‘What would you have me do?’ David replied, ‘Tomorrow is the new moon feast, and I am expected to dine with the king. If it pleases you, I will hide outside the city instead. If your father inquires about my absence, say that I went to Bethlehem to celebrate a festival with my family and that you gave me permission. If he accepts this calmly, then I am safe. But if he becomes angry, you will know he intends to kill me. Then you must warn me, as my friend, for you have pledged loyalty to me, as a master does to his servant. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself rather than deliver me to your father.’ 8 Jonathan, offended at the suggestion, swore to do as David asked and to warn him if his father showed hostility. To prove his sincerity, he led David into the open field, where he swore an oath: ‘May God be my witness that I will test my father’s intentions and reveal the truth to you. If he means you no harm, I will tell you. But if he plans evil, I will warn you so you may escape. May God be with you as He is now and always. If I die, remember this covenant and show kindness to my descendants as you have to me.’ After this, he told David to hide in a specific place where he practiced his exercises. ‘When I learn my father’s true thoughts, I will come with a servant and shoot three arrows. If I tell him, “The arrows are beyond you,” then flee, for danger awaits. But if I say, “They are close to you,” then you are safe. No matter what happens, remember our bond and protect my family when you prosper.’ David agreed and went into hiding. 9 The next evening, Saul attended the new moon feast, sitting with Jonathan on one side and Abner, his captain, on the other. Noticing David’s empty seat, he said nothing at first, assuming he had not purified himself according to custom. But when David was absent again the following night, Saul asked Jonathan why he had not come. Jonathan replied, ‘He went to Bethlehem to join his family in their festival, and I gave him leave to go.’ At this, Saul’s rage erupted. He insulted Jonathan, calling him the son of a traitor and an enemy, accusing him of siding with David and endangering their family’s rule. He insisted that David must die, for as long as he lived, their throne was insecure. When Jonathan asked, ‘What has he done to deserve death?’ Saul, consumed by anger, hurled his spear at his own son. Though his attack was thwarted, it became clear that he was determined to kill David. 10 Jonathan left the feast in anguish, eating nothing that night. He wept, mourning both his own near-death and David’s impending fate. At dawn, he went to the field, pretending to practice his exercises but truly seeking to warn David. He shot three arrows and told his servant they had landed beyond him, signaling David to flee. Once the servant had gone, Jonathan met David in secret. David bowed before him, calling him the preserver of his life. They embraced and wept, lamenting their impending separation, which felt as bitter as death itself. After reaffirming their oaths, they parted ways.
1 David fled from Saul to escape the death that threatened him and arrived at Nob, where he sought Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech, seeing him alone without servants or companions, was surprised and asked why he had come alone. David answered, ‘The king has sent me on a secret mission, and I required no one to accompany me. I have arranged for my men to meet me at a certain place.’ He then asked for food, saying that providing for him would be an act of friendship. After receiving what he needed, he also inquired whether Ahimelech had any weapons. Now, at Nob, there was a servant of Saul’s, a Syrian named Doeg, who tended the king’s mules. Ahimelech replied that there were no weapons there except for the sword of Goliath, which David had taken from the Philistine and dedicated to God. 2 After taking the sword, David fled from Israel to the land of the Philistines, where Achish was king. When the king’s servants recognized him and informed Achish that this was David, the slayer of tens of thousands of Philistines, David feared for his life, realizing he had escaped one danger only to face another. To avoid suspicion, he feigned madness—letting saliva run down his beard and behaving erratically before the king. Seeing this, Achish grew angry at his servants and rebuked them, saying, ‘Why have you brought me a madman? Send him away at once!’ So David was expelled from the city. 3 Escaping from Gath, David went to the land of Judah and hid in a cave near the city of Adullam. He sent word to his brothers, and they, along with their entire family, came to him. Many others who were in distress, in debt, or fearful of Saul’s rule also gathered around him, forming a band of about four hundred men. Encouraged by this support, David moved to Moab and asked the king to shelter his parents until his fate was determined. The Moabite king granted his request and treated David’s parents with honor during their stay. 4 Meanwhile, a prophet commanded David to leave the wilderness and return to the land of Judah. He obeyed and settled in the city of Hareth. When Saul heard that David had gathered followers, he was deeply disturbed, knowing that David was bold and fearless. Fearing what he might do, Saul gathered his commanders and close allies on a hill near his palace at a place called Aroura. Addressing them, he said, ‘Men of my own tribe, remember the favors I have granted you. I have given you land, appointed you as leaders, and honored you with high positions. Do you expect greater rewards from the son of Jesse? I know you all favor him—even my own son Jonathan conspires with him. I am aware of their oaths and covenants, yet none of you have warned me or shown concern for my safety. Instead, you remain silent, waiting to see how things unfold.’ At this, no one responded except Doeg the Syrian, who tended the king’s mules. He said, ‘I saw David when he came to Nob and met Ahimelech the high priest. Ahimelech consulted God for him, gave him food, and provided him with the sword of Goliath before sending him away safely.’ 5 Enraged, Saul summoned Ahimelech and his entire family, demanding, ‘What have I done to you that you have turned against me? Why did you aid the son of Jesse, supplying him with food and weapons while he plotted to take my kingdom? Why did you seek divine counsel for him, knowing he had fled from me and despised my rule?’ But Ahimelech did not deny his actions. He answered boldly, ‘I did not aid him as your enemy but as your faithful servant. David is not your adversary but your most loyal soldier, the captain of a thousand men, and your own son-in-law. No one bestows such honors on an enemy. I have often inquired of God for him, as I have for others. When he told me he was on a mission from you, I did not refuse him, for I believed I was serving you, not opposing you. Do not suspect me of treachery—what I did was an act of kindness toward one whom I believed to be your friend, not your enemy.’ 6 But Saul, blinded by fear, refused to be persuaded. He ordered his guards to kill Ahimelech and all his family. However, they hesitated, fearing God more than the king. Seeing their reluctance, Saul commanded Doeg the Syrian to carry out the execution. Doeg, along with others as wicked as himself, slaughtered Ahimelech and his family—three hundred and eighty-five in total. Saul then sent men to Nob, the city of the priests, and massacred all its inhabitants, including women and children, burning the city to the ground. Only one son of Ahimelech, named Abiathar, escaped. Thus, God’s prophecy to Eli was fulfilled, that his descendants would be cut off because of the sins of his sons. 7 In committing this atrocity, Saul demonstrated the corruption of power. Once, as a private citizen, he had been just and reverent, aware that God sees both actions and thoughts. But as king, he abandoned these beliefs, acting with arrogance and defiance. Rulers, when they rise to power, often discard their former humility and take on pride and cruelty, as if no longer accountable to God. They reward those who serve them, only to later destroy them out of envy. They execute not only the guilty but also the innocent, based on unfounded accusations. Saul, the first king of Israel after the judges, became the prime example of this corruption. By murdering three hundred priests and prophets over a mere suspicion against Ahimelech, and by destroying an entire city, he sought to strip the temple of its servants and leave it abandoned. 8 Abiathar, the sole survivor of Saul’s massacre, fled to David and recounted the slaughter of his family. David, upon hearing this, said, ‘I knew what would happen the moment I saw Doeg there. I suspected he would falsely accuse the high priest to the king, and I regret that I was the cause of this tragedy.’ He then invited Abiathar to stay with him, assuring him that he would find safety there, better than anywhere else.
1 Around this time, David learned that the Philistines had raided the city of Keilah and plundered it. He offered to fight them, seeking God’s guidance through the prophet. When God promised him victory, David and his men attacked the Philistines, killing many and recovering their stolen goods. He stayed in Keilah until the people had safely gathered their crops and fruit. However, news of David’s actions spread quickly, reaching King Saul. Upon hearing that David was in Keilah, Saul rejoiced and said, ‘God has delivered him into my hands, for he has entered a city with walls and gates.’ He ordered his forces to march on Keilah, intending to besiege and destroy it to capture David. But when David learned of Saul’s plan and consulted God, he was told that the people of Keilah would betray him. So he and his four hundred men fled to the wilderness near Engedi. When Saul heard of David’s escape, he abandoned his attack on Keilah. 2 David moved to a place called the New Place in Ziph. There, Jonathan, Saul’s son, came to visit him, encouraging him to remain hopeful and not lose heart. Jonathan assured him that he would one day be king and that all the forces of Israel would be under his command. However, he warned that such greatness comes only through struggle. The two swore an oath of lifelong loyalty and called upon God as their witness. With Jonathan’s words easing his fears, David remained in Ziph while Jonathan returned home. But the people of Ziph sought to win Saul’s favor and informed him that David was hiding in their land. They promised to capture and deliver him if the king came to them. Saul thanked them for their loyalty and sent men to track David in the wilderness, promising to follow once they found him. However, their treachery failed. Though they were in no danger from David, they betrayed a man beloved by God purely for their own gain. Learning of their intentions, David fled to a large rock in the wilderness of Maon before Saul arrived. 3 Saul pursued David to Maon, but as he closed in, he received urgent news that the Philistines had launched another attack on Israel. Forced to abandon his pursuit, Saul returned to fight his nation’s enemies, deeming it more important to battle the Philistines than to continue hunting David. This unexpected turn allowed David to escape and flee to the wilderness of Engedi. 4 After Saul had repelled the Philistine invasion, messengers informed him that David was hiding in Engedi. Gathering three thousand of his best soldiers, Saul set out to capture him. Along the way, he came across a large cave and, needing privacy, entered it alone. Inside, unknown to him, David and his men were hiding. One of David’s followers whispered that this was a divine opportunity to kill Saul and end his exile. But instead of taking his life, David crept forward and silently cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. Immediately, he regretted even this act, saying, ‘It is not right to harm my king, the one God has chosen. Though he seeks my life, I will not do the same to him.’ After Saul left the cave, David followed and called out to him. Saul turned, and David bowed to the ground, saying, ‘Your Majesty, do not listen to those who falsely accuse me. Judge me by my actions, not by lies. Today, God placed you in my hands, yet I spared you. If I had wanted to kill you, I could have. See, I hold a piece of your robe—I could have taken your life instead. Why do you pursue me unjustly? Let God judge between us.’ Saul was moved by David’s mercy and wept, saying, ‘You have repaid my evil with kindness. Today, you have shown the righteousness of the ancients, who believed even enemies should be spared when captured. Now I know that God has chosen you to rule Israel. Swear to me that when you take the throne, you will not destroy my descendants or erase my family’s name.’ David swore as Saul requested, and Saul returned to his kingdom, while David and his men retreated to the hills of Mastheroth. 5 Around this time, the prophet Samuel died. He was deeply revered by the Hebrews, and the nation mourned him for many days. His funeral was solemn, marked by great lamentation, as the people felt his loss personally. He was buried in his hometown of Ramah. Samuel had been a righteous and gentle man, beloved by God. He had governed Israel alone for twelve years after Eli’s death and then for eighteen years alongside King Saul. And so ended the life of Samuel. 6 There was a wealthy man named Nabal from Maon, who owned three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. David and his men had protected Nabal’s flocks, ensuring they suffered no harm. David had ordered his followers to take nothing from Nabal’s property, believing he was a good man deserving of such kindness. But Nabal was harsh and ill-tempered, more like a cynic than a nobleman. His wife, Abigail, was the opposite—wise, beautiful, and kind. When it came time for Nabal to shear his sheep, David sent ten men to greet him, offer blessings, and request provisions, reminding him that his shepherds had been protected. But Nabal scornfully replied, ‘Who is this David, the son of Jesse? Are fugitives now demanding gifts from their masters?’ Enraged by his insult, David ordered four hundred men to prepare for battle, leaving two hundred behind to guard their supplies. He swore that by nightfall, Nabal’s household would be destroyed. 7 One of Nabal’s servants, fearing disaster, told Abigail of his master’s folly. He recounted how David’s men had protected them and how Nabal had insulted them in return. Realizing the danger, Abigail quickly loaded donkeys with gifts of food and set out to meet David without telling her husband, who was too drunk to understand. As she descended a hill, she met David and his men on their way to attack. She dismounted, bowed before him, and pleaded, ‘Do not heed my husband’s words—his name means “fool,” and he has acted accordingly. But God has prevented you from shedding innocent blood. Let this gift be a token of peace, and may you spare us. For God has great plans for you, and when you become king, you will not want this act of vengeance on your conscience.’ David, moved by her wisdom, said, ‘It was God’s mercy that sent you today. If not for you, none of Nabal’s household would have survived the night. You have turned my anger aside, and I will grant your request. But know this—though I spare him now, he will not escape God’s judgment.’ 8 Abigail returned home to find Nabal feasting and drunk. She said nothing that night but told him everything the next morning. At her words, his heart failed, and he became as lifeless as a stone. Ten days later, he died. When David heard of his death, he said, ‘God has repaid Nabal for his wickedness while keeping me from shedding blood. The Lord judges all men, rewarding the good and punishing the evil.’ He then sent messengers to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. She humbly accepted, saying she was unworthy even to wash his feet. She came with her servants and became his wife, both for her virtue and her beauty. David had already married a woman from Jezreel named Ahinoam. Meanwhile, Saul had given his daughter Michal, who had been David’s wife, to another man, Phalti of Gallim. 9 Later, the Ziphites informed Saul that David had returned to their land and that they could capture him if he came. Saul marched with three thousand soldiers and camped at Hachilah. David, learning of Saul’s approach, sent spies to locate his camp. That night, he secretly entered Saul’s camp with Abishai, his nephew. They found Saul asleep, his spear beside him, with Abner and his guards surrounding him. Abishai urged David to kill him, but David refused, saying, ‘It is a sin to harm the one God has anointed. Let God judge him in His own time.’ Instead, he took Saul’s spear and water jug and left undetected. From a nearby hill, he called out to Saul’s men, rebuking Abner for failing to protect the king. Saul, realizing David had spared him again, admitted his wrongdoing and swore not to harm him. David returned the spear and jug, declaring, ‘God will judge between us, for He knows I had the chance to kill you but did not.’ 10 Having spared Saul twice, David knew he could not stay in Israel safely. He fled with his six hundred men to Achish, king of Gath, who received him warmly and gave him the town of Ziklag. David lived there for over four months, raiding nearby Amalekite and Geshurite lands but leaving no survivors to report his actions. He told Achish he was raiding Judah’s southern tribes, leading the Philistine king to believe David had turned against Israel. Achish, convinced of David’s loyalty, believed he would serve him forever.
1 Around this time, the Philistines prepared for war against Israel, summoning their allies to gather at Reggan, near the city of Shunem, to launch a surprise attack. Achish, king of Gath, asked David to join them with his men. David readily agreed, saying it was time to repay the king’s kindness and hospitality. Achish, trusting David, promised to make him the captain of his personal guard if the battle went well, hoping to secure his loyalty. 2 Meanwhile, Saul had expelled all fortune-tellers, necromancers, and those practicing divination from Israel, except the prophets. But when he heard that the Philistines had encamped near Shunem, he marched his forces to Mount Gilboa to oppose them. However, upon seeing the size of the enemy’s army, he became deeply troubled, feeling his own forces were outmatched. Seeking guidance, he inquired of God through the prophets but received no answer. Fear consumed him, and in desperation, he ordered his servants to find a necromancer who could summon the dead to reveal the outcome of the battle. His men informed him of a woman in Endor who practiced such arts but remained unknown in the camp. Disguising himself and taking two trusted servants, Saul visited the woman at night and asked her to summon a spirit of his choosing. Initially, she resisted, reminding him that the king had outlawed such practices and warning that he might be setting a trap to have her punished. Saul swore an oath that she would not be harmed and requested that she summon Samuel. Not knowing who Samuel was, the woman called forth a spirit from the realm of the dead. When she saw him, she was terrified and realized Saul’s true identity. Samuel, appearing as an old man in a priestly robe, confronted Saul, asking why he had disturbed him. Saul confessed his distress, saying he was abandoned by God, with no dreams or prophecies to guide him. ‘I have come to you for answers, for you always cared for me,’ he pleaded. Samuel replied, ‘Why seek counsel from me when God has forsaken you? David will be king, and Israel will fall to the Philistines. Because you disobeyed God in the war against Amalek and ignored His commandments, your kingdom is lost. Tomorrow, you and your sons will die in battle, and you will join me in the afterlife.’ 3 Upon hearing this, Saul collapsed in despair, unable to speak. Whether from grief or exhaustion—having eaten nothing for the past day and night—he lay motionless. The woman, fearing for him, urged him to eat, reminding him that she had risked her life to grant his request. When he refused, she insisted, finally persuading him. She had only one calf, which she had raised herself, being a poor woman. She slaughtered it, prepared a meal, and served it to Saul and his men. After eating, Saul returned to camp before dawn. 4 The woman’s kindness is worth noting. Despite Saul’s decree banning her livelihood, despite never having met him before, and despite knowing he was doomed to die, she treated him with compassion. She did not reject him or hold a grudge but offered comfort, gave him strength, and sacrificed her only calf for his sake—without expecting any reward. This serves as a lesson: true generosity is not about seeking favors but about helping those in need. It is such kindness that wins God’s favor. Having discussed this, I now return to our main story, which offers insight into courage, leadership, and the pursuit of virtue. 5 The Philistines, having assembled their forces by nation and rank, prepared for battle. King Achish arrived last, followed by David and his six hundred men. When the Philistine commanders saw them, they questioned Achish, asking why these Hebrews were among them. Achish defended David, saying he had defected from Saul and had been loyal ever since. However, the commanders objected, warning that David might betray them to regain Saul’s favor. ‘This is the David whom the Israelites praise in song for killing tens of thousands of our people,’ they reminded him. They insisted he be sent away to prevent any risk. Seeing their point, Achish called David and said, ‘I trust you and have found no fault in you. However, the other leaders do not approve. Return to Ziklag and guard my land against invaders—that will be your service to me.’ David obeyed and returned to Ziklag, but while he had been away, the Amalekites had raided and burned the town, carrying off its people and livestock. 6 When David discovered Ziklag in ruins, with his wives and the families of his men taken captive, he tore his clothes in grief. His men wept until they had no strength left, blaming him for their loss and even speaking of stoning him. But David turned to God for guidance. He called for Abiathar the high priest to seek an oracle, asking whether he should pursue the Amalekites. Abiathar replied that God would grant him victory. With renewed determination, David set out with four hundred men, leaving two hundred behind to guard their supplies. Along the way, they found an Egyptian slave who had been abandoned by his Amalekite master three days earlier. Weak from hunger, the man was revived with food and water. In gratitude, he revealed that he had been part of the raid on Ziklag. David promised to spare him if he guided them to the Amalekite camp. When they arrived, they found the enemy feasting, drunk, and scattered. David launched a surprise attack at dawn, slaughtering them until nightfall. Only four hundred Amalekites escaped on camels. David recovered all that had been taken, including the captives, livestock, and goods. When they returned to their camp, some of the four hundred men refused to share the spoils with those who had stayed behind. But David declared, ‘It is unjust to withhold from those who guarded our supplies. We all share in the victory God has given us.’ From that day forward, this law became custom in Israel. Upon returning to Ziklag, David sent gifts from the spoils to his allies and friends in Judah. 7 Meanwhile, the Philistines and Israelites clashed in battle. The Philistines prevailed, killing many Hebrews. Saul and his sons fought with valor, knowing their only glory lay in dying honorably. Surrounded and outnumbered, they fought fiercely, killing many Philistines before being overwhelmed. Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchisua, Saul’s sons, were killed. Seeing his army routed and his sons dead, Saul fled with a small force but was pursued by Philistine archers and javelin throwers. Wounded and unable to escape, he ordered his armor-bearer to kill him before the enemy could capture and humiliate him. When the armor-bearer refused, Saul fell upon his own sword. A young Amalekite later found him and, at Saul’s request, finished him off. The armor-bearer, seeing Saul dead, took his own life. None of Saul’s bodyguards survived. When the Hebrews beyond the Jordan learned of Saul’s death, they abandoned their cities, allowing the Philistines to occupy them. 8 The next day, the Philistines stripped the dead, finding the bodies of Saul and his sons. They beheaded them and sent messengers across their land to proclaim their victory. They placed Saul’s armor in the temple of Astarte and hung his body and those of his sons on the walls of Beth-shan, later called Scythopolis. When the people of Jabesh-Gilead heard this, they could not bear to see their former king dishonored. The bravest among them journeyed overnight to Beth-shan, retrieved the bodies, and carried them back to Jabesh. They buried them in Aroura and mourned for seven days, fasting and weeping over the loss of Saul and his sons. 9 Thus ended the reign of Saul, just as Samuel had foretold—his downfall caused by his disobedience regarding the Amalekites and his massacre of the priests of Nob. He ruled for eighteen years while Samuel was alive and another two years after his death, before meeting his tragic end in battle.
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