'And [Elkanah] had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh.'

'Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of…

The call of God to the young Samuel provides an insight into how a person's heart is first engaged and then drawn to spiritual conversion and life. For so many, is the story of alienation and resistance giving way to discovery of and reconciliation with God.

'And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.'

'And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they…

'And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.'

 

'And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of…

'Hitherto hath the Lord surrounded us' - the full sense of this famous text with examples of extraordinary helps received by God's people in past and present; the background and inspiration of many today who expect great things and attempt great things for God.

'Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly:…

'Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?'  

'And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians... And ye have this day rejected your God...and…

 

'Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side.’

  Related Resources Saul and David Contrasted A fresh look at the famous defeat of Goliath showing that for the believer all events are a spiritual matter. Here it is seen that spiritual tenacity and strength co-exist with gentleness and kindness. Here also is the difference between working by flesh…

'And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.'

A fresh look at the famous defeat of Goliath showing that for the believer all events are a spiritual matter. Here it is seen that spiritual tenacity and strength co-exist with gentleness and kindness. Here also is the difference between working by flesh or spirit. Related Resource: Spiritual Lessons from…

'Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array…

'And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? ... And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go…

  Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (6) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (5) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (4) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (3)

King Saul is under God's judgement, and David has been secretly anointed as king. Here we see Jonathan's faith and humility, while pride and suspicion consume Saul. We also see Saul's classic false 'conversion' that soon fails, and David's laying all before the Lord. Related Resource: David as King

'And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.'

'So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.'

Beginning with the erosion of David's trust in his subterfuge at Nob, proceeding to the total collapse of trust in his flight to Gath, and then the repair of faith in Psalms 34 and 56, and the token of future blessing in the rescue of Keilah. Related Resource: Lessons in Faith from David…

  Related Resources Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (6) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (5) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (4)

What accounts for Saul's resistance to God? But there are the same tendencies even in us as believers. Supremely, in these chapters, are the four arguments of Abigail to deter David from sin, the same arguments so useful to us in restraining ourselves from temptation. Related Resource: Reasons for Faith

  Related Resources Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (6) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (5) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (2)

David speaks to himself in self-pity, focussing on his trials, the power of Saul and the doubtful loyalty of his 600 men. Here are lessons from Satan's assaults, and what David should have considered. Also, light on Saul and the witch of Endor. Related Resource: Faith’s Higher Reasoning

  Related Resources Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (4) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (3) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (2) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David

Related Resources: Possessing the Land

Related Resources Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (5) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (4) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (3) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David (2) Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David