The Abridged Book of Samuel, Part 1

1:1-2. There was a man named Elkanah from Ephraim with two wives- Hannah and Peninnah.
Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not.

1:3. Each year, Elkanah traveled to worship and give offerings to God.

1:4-5. He would share some of the meat with Peninnah and her kids, but he gave Hannah more because he loved her more- even though they couldn't have children.

1:6-7. Every year Peninnah would make of Hannah for not being able to have kids.
It made Hannah cry and lose her appetite.

1:8. Elkanah would ask Hannah what was wrong, and say it didn't matter because he loved her anyway.

1:9. After a meal one year, Hannah stood up while the high priest Eleazar, son of Aaron, was sitting by the temple door.

1:10. Feeling crushed, Hannah cried and prayed intensely to God.

1:11. She promised that if God gave her a child, she would dedicate their life to God, and they would never cut their hair.

1:12. The priest watched her pray silently.

1:13-14. Since Hannah was praying quietly, mumbling to herself, the priest mistakenly thought she was drunk, and confronted her about it.

1:15-16. Hannah explained herself.

1:17. The priest wished her peace and said that God would answer her prayers.

1:18. Hannah left, ate something, and felt better.

1:19. The next day, they worshiped and returned home. Elkanah and Hannah had sex, and God remembered her prayer.

1:20. Eventually, Hannah became pregnant and had a son named Samuel, just like she asked.

1:21. Next year, when it was time for the annual sacrifice, Elkanah and the family got ready to leave.

1:22. Hannah decided to stay until Samuel was older, planning to dedicate him to the temple permanently then.

1:23. Hannah stayed home to breastfeed Samuel until he was older.

1:24. Once Samuel was older, Hannah took him to the temple with a bull, some flour, and wine.

1:25. After offering the bull, they brought Samuel to the priest.

1:26-27. Hannah reminded the priest who she was, and told him that God granted her the child she prayed for.

1:28. She then dedicated Samuel to God, and he worshiped God from then on.

2:1. Hannah prayed, "God has given me joy and strength.

2:2. No one is as holy as God; nobody else compares; God is like a solid rock.

2:3. Don't be too proud or talk big, because God knows everything and judges actions.

2:4. God makes strong warriors lose their power, gives people who are weak strength.

2:5. The rich now work for their food, and the poor now eat.
People who couldn't have kids now can have them, while those with many kids can't.

2:6. God can both take life and destroy it.

2:7. God can make someone poor or rich; God can both bring people down and raise people up.

2:8. God lifts up the poor and the needy with the same honor as leaders.

2:9. God protects the faithful, but those who do wrong will be silenced. Strength alone doesn't lead to success.

2:10. Those against God will be defeated- God will strike them from the heavens and judge everyone on Earth.
God gives power to the ruler and raises their status.

2:11. Elkanah went back home, but Samuel served God in the temple with Eleazar the priest.

2:12. Eleazar's kids were bad and they didn't care about God.

2:13-16. Priests used to steal meat from the sacrifices people would bring in.
They were already allowed to take some of it by law, but these evil ones would take their share before God's, and even threaten some people to steal it all.

2:17. This made God very mad.

2:18-19. Meanwhile, every year, Hannah would make Samual a new robe and bring it when she came for the annual sacrifice.

2:20. Eli blessed Elkanah and Hannah to have more children

2:21. Over the years Hannah would have five more kids. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up under God's guidance.

2:22. Eli, now old, heard about all the bad things his sons were doing- the stealing of sacrifices, and how they would sleep with women going to the Portable Sanctuary.

2:23-25. He confronted and warned his sons, but they didn't listen.

2:26. Samuel, however, continued to grow up and become more liked by God and the people.

2:27. An angel gave Eli the priest a message, "God says, 'Did you hear about Egypt?

2:28. I chose your father out of all the tribes to be my priests.

2:29. Why are you disrespecting my offerings?

2:30. I promised to make you and your descendents priests, but for now on, I will honor those who honor me, and punish those who don't.

2:31-32. Soon I will cut your family's power, and you won't have anyone to carry on the lineage.

2:33. All of you left alive will be in grief. All future family members will die young.

2:34. Your two sons are both going to die on the same day as a sign.

2:35. I'm going to choose a faithful priest who will listen and serve my chosen leader forever.

2:36. The rest of your family will beg this new priest for work just to get enough food to survive.'"

3:1. Samuel was a young assistant to Eleazar. At the time, messages from God were not common and special visions were rare.

3:2. Eleazar, who was almost blind, settled down to sleep in his usual spot.

3:3. The sacred lamp was still lit, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple, near the sacred Box of Promises.

3:4. Then God called out to Samuel, who responded, "I'm here."

3:5. Samuel ran to Eleazar and said, "I'm here; did you call me?"
But Eleazar said no, so Samuel went back to bed.

3:6. God called out again, and Samuel ran back to Eleazar, but Eleazar denied it again.

3:7. Samuel didn't yet recognize God or know how to recieve messages.

3:8. When God called Samuel for the third time, Samuel went to Eleazar again. This time, Eleazar realized that God was calling the young Samuel.

3:9. Eleazar told Samuel to go back to bed and, if called again, say, "Speak, God, your I'm listening."
Samuel went back to lie down.

3:10. God called as before.
Samuel said, "Speak God, your servant is listening."

3:11. God told Samuel they were going to do something in Israel that would shock everyone.

3:12-14. God explained that they would fulfill their warnings to Eleazar's family, from start to finish, and there was no way to apologize or stop it from happening.

3:15. Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then went to the temple. He was scared to tell Eleazar about the message.

3:16-17. Eleazar asked Samuel to share everything God said, and not hold anything back.

3:18. Samuel told Eleazar everything, and he accepted it with humilty.

3:19. God was with Samuel as they grew, and all the things that were threatened happened.

3:20. Everyone in Israel came to recognize Samuel as a true prophet of God.

3:21. God continued to reveal themselves to Samuel.

4:1. Samuel's message reached all of Israel.
The Israelites went to battle their invaders, the Philistines.

4:2. The Philistines lined up to fight Israel and won, killing about four thousand Israelites on the battlefield.

4:3. When the soldiers got back to camp, the Israelite leaders wondered why they had been defeated by the Philistines.
They decided to go get the Box of Promises- the chest created by Moses, which you can talk to God with- and bring it with them, hoping it would help them win.

4:4. Eleazar's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, brought it back with them.

4:5. The arrival of the Box of Promises in camp made the Israelites cheer so loud the ground shook.

4:6-8. The Philistines heard the commotion and wondered what it was all about. They saw the Box, and were afraid, because they had never faced God in war before, and they had heard the stories of what God had done to Egypt and other lands.

4:9. They encouraged themselves to be strong.

4:10-11. The Philistines fought and the Israelites were beaten, with everyone running back to their tents.
Israel suffered huge losses.
30,000 foot soldiers were killed, including Eleazar's sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
Also, the Box of Promises was stolen by the Philistines.

4:12-13. Someone ran to tell the town. When the messenger told them what had happened, everyone was shocked.

4:14-15. Eleazar, who was now ninety-eight and blind, heard the noise and asked what was going on.

4:16-17. The messenger explained that a bunch of people died, including his sons, and delivered the news that the Box of Promises was stolen by the Philistines.

4:18. As soon as he heard about the Box being stolen, he fell off his chair, broke his neck, and died.
He was old and had led Israel for forty years.

4:19. Phinehas’ pregnant wife heard the Box was taken and her husband was dead.
She went into labor and struggled with the birth.

4:20. As she was dying, the women with her said she had a son, but she didn’t answer or notice.

4:21-22. She named the baby Ichabod, and said Israel had lost it's glory.

5:1-2. After the Philistines took the Box of Promises, they put it inside their temple dedicated to their own god.

5:3. When the people got up early the next day, they found the statue of their god face down on the floor in front of the Box. They put the statue back up.

5:4. The next morning, they found their god face down before the Box again, but this time its head and hands had broken off and were on the floor; only the statue's main part was left.

5:5. Because of this, even today, the priests of that city don't go into that temple.

5:6. God was tough on the people of the city and the area around it; causing destruction and giving them skin diseases.

5:7. When the people experienced these events, they decided the Box couldn't stay because it was causing them and their god a lot of trouble.

5:8. So, they gathered all the leaders of the Philistines and asked what to do. The leaders decided to move the Box to another city, and they did so.

5:9. However, when they brought the Box there, God cursed that city too, spreading panic and giving skin dieseases.

5:10. So they sent it to a third city, but the people of that city didn't want to go anywhere near it.

5:11. The leaders of the Philistines were gathered again and they demanded that the Box be sent back to avoid any further issues.

5:12. The people who hadn't died from the curse continued to suffer with their skin diseases.

6:1-2. After the Box had been controlled by the Philistines for seven months, they consulted their priests on how to get rid of it.

6:3. They said, "If you're going to send the Box back to the people of Israel, don't send it empty. Instead, send a gift that shows you're sorry. Then you will get better, and you’ll understand why you've been suffering."

6:4. The leaders asked, "What kind of gift?"
The priests said, "Five gold tumors and five gold rats- just like the curses.

6:5. Make replicas of the tumors on your skin of gold, and respect God, and maybe They'll stop.

6:6. Don't be stubborn like the Egyptian leaders were. Remember how long they suffered before they finally let the Israelites go?

6:7. Now, get a new cart ready and two mother cows that have never worked before. Hook the cows to the cart, but keep their calves separated from them.

6:8. Place the Box on Promises on the cart, along with a chest beside it containing the gold gifts you're sending as an apology.

6:9. Let it go on its own, but watch where it goes. If it heads towards the Israeli territory, you'll know your suffering was caused by their God. But if it doesn't, then it was just bad luck.

6:10-11. So, they did exactly that.

6:12. The cows went straight towards Israels, mooing loudly without going off the road. The Philistine leaders followed them to the border.

6:13. The locals of Beth Shemesh were collecting wheat and clebrated when they saw the Box.

6:14. The cart stopped in a field belonging to someone named Joshua near a big rock. They cut up the cart, used it for fire, and sacrificed the cows to show their respect to God.

6:15. Some priests took down the Box of Promises and the box with the gold objects and put them on the big rock. The people made sacrifices.

6:16. The Philistine leaders saw all this and went back home.

6:17-18. The Philistines had sent 5 gold tumors- one for each major city, and 5 gold rats- one for each leader.
The big rock is still there today, in Joshua's field.

6:19. But some local Israelites were killed for looking inside the Box of Promises, and people were sad.

6:20. The locals didn't really know what to do with the Box.

6:21. So they sent and asked for someone to come take it.

7:1. People from the city of Kiriath Jearim went and got it, and delievered it to someone named Abinadab's house. His child, named Eleazar, was chosen to watch after it.

7:2. The Box stayed in the city for twenty years, causing everyone in Israel to be good and seek God.

7:3. Samuel spoke to all the Israelites, "If you're truly sorry, get rid of foreign idols and dedicate yourselves to serving God alone, and God will save you from the Philistines."

7:4. So the Israelites got rid of their idols and only worshipped God.

7:5. Samuel told everyone to meet at a city called Mizpah, and he would speak to God on their behalf.

7:6. At Mizpah, Samuel led Israel through several rituals to show their apology.

7:7. When their enemies, the Philistines, found out about the gathering at Mizpah, they decided to attack. This news scared the Israelites.

7:8. They asked Samuel to ask God to save them from the Philistines.

7:9. Samuel offered a young lamb as a sacrifice and asked God for help. God said yes.

7:10. As Samuel was making the sacrifice, the Philistines approached for battle, but God caused such loud thunder that the Philistines panicked and were easily defeated by the Israelites.

7:11. The Israelites chased and beat the Philistines down the road.

7:12. Samuel a stone as a boundary at that spot.

7:13. The Philistines were beaten and God didn't let them enter Israeli lands again while Samuel was alive.

7:14. The lands the Philistines had taken from Israel were returned. They also made peace with other hostile nations.

7:15. Samuel acted as the leader for Israel throughout his life.

7:16. He traveled all around, acting as a judge and leading the people.

7:17. He always returned to his hometown, where he also led the people and built an altar to God.

8:1. As Samuel got older, he made his sons judges over Israel.

8:2. His eldest was named Joel and his second child was Abijah.

8:3. However, his sons didn't follow his example. They were greedy, took bribes, and twisted the law for their own benefit.

8:4. So, all the community leaders in Israel met and approached Samuel in Ramah.

8:5. They told Samuel, "You're getting old, and your sons aren't like you. We want a king like other countries have."

8:6. Samuel wasn't happy when they asked for a king, so he prayed to God.

8:7. God said to Samuel: "Hear what the people are saying; it's not you they're turning down, but me as their leader.

8:8. They've been ignoring me and following other beliefs since I freed them from Egypt, and now they're doing the same to you.

8:9. Listen to them, but also warn them about what having a leader over them will really involve."

8:10. Samuel then relayed everything God had said.

8:11. He explained, "Here's what a leader will do: They will recruit your children for military service and for their war chariots.

8:12. They'll appoint some as military officers and others will work their farmland, harvest crops, and produce military equipment.

8:13. They'll take your children to work as makeup assistants, cooks, and bakers.

8:14. They'll take the best parts of your farms and businesses and give them to their own people.

8:15. They'll take a portion of your produce and wines and distribute them to their followers.

8:16. They'll take your workers and the best of your livestock for themselves.

8:17. They'll demand a share of your livestock, and eventually, you'll end up working for them.

8:18. And when you regret this choice and ask for relief, God won't respond."

8:19. But the people ignored Samuel’s warnings. "No," they insisted. "We must have a king.

8:20. That way, we'll be like other nations, with a king to guide us and fight our battles for us."

8:21. Samuel relayed all of this back to God.

8:22. God instructed, "Do as they wish and give them a king." Then Samuel told the Israelites to go home.

9:1-2. There was a man named Kish from the Tribe of Benjamin, and Kish had a son named Saul, who was the most impressive among their peers in Israel.

9:3. When his donkeys went missing, Kish told Saul to take a helper and search for them.

9:4. They wandered all around but couldn't find them.

9:5-6. Eventually, Saul wanted to return home, worried his father was worried about them being gone so long, but the helper suggested visiting a priest for guidance as one last shot.

9:9. It was common to go to a prophet or priest like a fortune teller in the day.

9:7-8. Saul knew they had no gift to give if they did went to go see this person, but the helper held up a silver coin and offered to use it.

9:10. They left to meet the priest.

9:11. They saw some girls getting water from a river, and asked about the priest.

9:12-13. The girls told them he had just arrived in town, but they should hurry because there was a big meal and sacrifice tonight, and they should find him before.

9:14. As they entered the town, Saul and the helper saw Samuel, who was heading to the temple.

9:15-16. The day before, God had let Samuel know that he would see the person to crown the king the next day.

9:17. God pointed Saul out to Samuel right away.

9:18-20. Saul asked Samuel where the priest's house was.
Samuel revealed it was himself.
Samuel invited Saul to eat dinner with them tonight and handle business the next day, and that the donkeys were found.
Samuel said, "All of Israel has been waiting on you."

9:21. Saul said, "What?"

9:22. Samuel took Saul and the helper inside and gave them the best seats among the thirty guests there.

9:23-24. Samuel asked the cook to bring a special steak of meat he had set aside, and Saul ate.

9:25. After the meal, they had a quick chat on the roof of Samuel's house.

9:26. In the morning, Samuel woke Saul to send him on his way after getting prepared.

9:27. As they were leaving town, Samuel asked for a moment alone with Saul to share a message from God.

10:1. Samuel took a bottle of oil, poured it on Saul's head, kissed him, and said, "God has chosen you to rule.

10:2. When you leave me today, you'll meet two people by a tomb at the border. They'll tell you the donkeys you were looking for are found and now your dad's worried about you.

10:3. You will then continue until you reach the big tree. You'll find three people going to worship; one with three goats, one with three loaves of bread, and one with a wine skin.

10:4. They'll say hi and give you two bread loaves.

10:5. Afterwards, you'll arrive at a Philistine checkpoint. As you get near, you'll come across a group of prophets with musical instruments, and they'll be giving messages from God.

10:6. God's Spirit will come powerfully upon you, you'll join their prophesying, and you'll be completely transformed.

10:7. After these events happen, do whatever feels right because God is with you.

10:8. Go to Gilgal, and I'll meet you there later to offer sacrifices, but you must wait seven days until I tell you your next steps."

10:9. When Saul left Samuel, God changed his heart for the good, and all these things happened that same day.

10:10. When Saul got to the checkpoint and the prophets met him; God's Spirit came powerfully on him, and he began to prophesy with them.

10:11-12. Everyone who knew Saul before was surprised to see him prophesying.

10:13. Next, Saul went to the temple.

10:14. Saul's uncle saw him and asked where they had been.
Saul said, "Looking for the donkeys. We couldn't find them so we visited Samuel."

10:15. The uncle asked what Samuel said.

10:16. Saul told them about the donkeys, but not about the "king" stuff.

10:17-18. Meanwhile, Samuel gathered the Israelites at Mizpah, and said, "God says, 'I brought you guys out of Egypt and freed you from others who've oppressed you.

10:19. But now you've turned away from me. You've demanded a ruler, so come and stand before God.'"

10:20-21. Samuel walked to the tribe of Benjamin, the family of Kish, and looked for Saul, but they couldn't find him.

10:22. God said, "He's hiding in the luggage."

10:23. They found Saul and brought him out, and he was taller than anyone else there.

10:24. Samuel told the crowd, "This is who God has selected! No one here is like them!" Then everyone cheered, "Long live the king!"

10:25. Samuel explained how being a king works to the people, wrote the rules on a scroll, and placed it before God. Then he sent everyone home.

10:26. Saul went back home.

10:27. However, some skeptics questioned, "Can this person really lead us?" They looked down on Saul and didn't bring him any gifts. Saul, though, didn't respond.

11:1. The Ammonites, led by Nahash, surrounded and attacked a city called Jabesh. The people of Jabesh offered surrender.

11:2. Nahash answered, "I'll agree only if I can cut out the right eye of each of you as a way to shame all of Israel."

11:3. Jabesh's leaders asked for a week to seek help from the rest of Israel; if no help came, they'd surrender.

11:4. When Saul's town heard the news, everyone cried.

11:5. Saul, coming back from working with oxen, saw the tears and asked what was wrong. They told him the situation.

11:6. Saul got very angry when he heard this because he felt God's spirit strongly.

11:7. Saul cut up a pair of oxen and sent the parts around Israel with a warning to follow him and the prophet Samuel or face consequences. This scared everyone into uniting.

11:8. Saul gathered an army- 300,000 from Israel and 30,000 from Judah.

11:9. He told the Jabesh messengers that help would come by the next day. Jabesh was overjoyed.

11:10. Jabesh then tricked the Ammonites, saying they'd give up the following day.

11:11. Early the next morning, Saul split his army into three groups, attacked the Ammonites, and defeated them by midday, scattering the survivors.

11:12. People asked Samuel to kill those who doubted Saul's leadership.

11:13. But Saul said no one should die since they had just won a big victory.

11:14. Samuel told everyone to go to confirm Saul as their king.

11:15. They all went, officially made Saul king, offered sacrifices, and celebrated together.

12:1. Samuel said, "I have listened- now you have a king.

12:2. But now, I'm old and grey, I've led you since I was young.

12:3. I'm right here. If I've wronged anyone, taken anything, or accepted a bribe, tell me in front of God and the chosen king, and I'll make it right."

12:4. "You haven't wronged or taken anything from us," they answered.

12:5. Samuel declared, "God is a witness, and so is the chosen king- that I'm innocent."
The crowd agreed.

12:6-7. Samuel said, "I'm going to remind you of all the good things God did for you and your ancestors.

12:8. When your ancestors lived in Egypt and needed help, God sent Moses and Aaron who led them to freedom.

12:9. But they forgot God, so God allowed them to be defeated by other nations.

12:10. They begged God for help, admitting they had turned away and followed other gods but promised to follow God if they were saved from their enemies.

12:11. God then sent several judges, including myself, who saved them from danger so they could live safely.

12:12. Yet when Nahash of Ammon threatened you, you rejected God as king and demanded a human king.

12:13. Here's the king you chose.

12:14. If you and your king respect God, follow the rules, and don't rebel, that's great!

12:15. But if you don't listen and rebel, you'll face the consequences as your ancestors did.

12:16. Watch the amazing thing God is going to do right before your eyes!

12:17. It's harvest time, isn't it? I'll ask God for thunder and rain, showing you the error of asking for a king."

12:18. Samuel asked God, and God sent thunder and rain that day. This made the people respect both God and Samuel.

12:19. Everyone pleaded with Samuel to ask God for mercy so they wouldn't die, admitting that asking for a king was a bad move on top of their other mistakes.

12:20. Samuel reassured them, "Don't be scared. Despite your mistakes, stick with God and devote yourselves.

12:21. Don't chase after worthless idols. They're useless and can't save you.

12:22. God won't abandon you.

12:23. As for me, I'll keep praying for you and teaching you the right way to live.

12:24. But remember to always respect God, serve with all your heart, and think about all the good things God has done for you.

12:25. However, if you keep making bad choices, both you and your king will be removed."

13:1. Saul was thirty when he started to rule as king, and he led Israel for 42 years.

13:2. Saul kept an active army of 2,000 with him, and gave his son Jonathan an army of 1,000, and sent the rest of the soliders home.

13:3-4. Jonathan attacked a Philistine base. When the Philistines found out, Saul had the trumpets blown to announce war and gathered everyone.

13:5. The Philistines got ready to battle Israel with 3000 chariots and a huge army.

13:6. The Israelites saw they were in deep trouble and outnumbered, so they hid in caves, bushes, rocks, pits, and cisterns.

13:7. Saul stayed at base, trembling with his soldiers.

13:8. He waited seven days for Samuel, as agreed, but Samuel didn't show up and his soldiers started to leave.

13:9. Saul decided to do the offering himself.

13:10. Right when he finished, Samuel got there, and Saul went to say hello.

13:11-12. "What did you do?" Samuel asked.
Saul explained, "I saw my soldiers leaving, you hadn't arrived, and the Philistines were getting closer, and I hadn't asked for God's help. So I thought I had to make the offering."

13:13. "You messed up," Samuel said. "You didn't follow God's order; if you had, your rule would have lasted forever.

13:14. But now, your kingship won't last; God has picked someone else who is more to their liking because you didn't follow the instructions."

13:15. Then Samuel left for home, and Saul counted his remaining soldiers- about six hundred.

13:16. They camped overnight with Philistines close.

13:17-18. The Philistines sent out raiding groups in three directions.

13:19-21. There were no blacksmiths in Israel because the Philistines had forbidden them in an effort to prevent making weapons. They even had to go to the Philistines to sharpen their farming tools.

13:22. On the day of the fight, none of Saul's or Jonathan's soldiers had a sword or spear; only Saul and Jonathan were armed.

13:23. A squad of Philistines advanced from the distance.

14:1. One day, Jonathan went to go scope out a Philistine outpost with his assisstant. Jonathan didn't tell Saul about this plan.

14:2-3. Saul was hanging out under a pomegranate tree, with six hundred people with him, including Ahijah, a priest from the line of Aaron.
Nobody knew that Jonathan had sneaked away.

14:4-5. The valley that Jonathan planned to use to get to target base was surrounded by Philistines on both sides.

14:6. Jonathan told their assistant, "Let's go see those Philistine soldiers. Maybe God will help us. God can save us- whether we have many people or just a few."

14:7. The assisstant said, "Sure."

14:8. Jonathan said, "Okay, let's show ourselves to those soldiers.

14:9. If they tell us to stay put until they come to us, we'll wait.

14:10. But if they invite us to come to them, we'll take that as a sign that God has given us the advantage over them."

14:11. So, Jonathan and the assisstant showed themselves to the Philistine lookout. The Philistines shouted, "Look! They're coming out of hiding!"

14:12. The Philistine soldiers called out to Jonathan and the assisstant, "Come up here, and we’ll show you a thing or two." Jonathan said, "Follow me- God is on our side."

14:13. Jonathan climbed, using hands and feet, the assisstant right behind them. Jonathan knocked the Philistines down, and the assisstant killed them.

14:14. In the first battle, Jonathan and the assisstant took down about twenty men in a small field.

14:15. God spread a tremendous fear among the entire army and even reached those in distant outposts and raiding parties.

14:16. The lookouts with Saul saw the army scattering in every direction.

14:17. Saul ordered a headcount to see who was missing and found it was Jonathan and their assisstant.

14:18. Saul told Ahijah to bring the Box of Promises, which was currently with the Israelites.

14:19. As Saul spoke to the priest, the noise from the Philistine camp grew louder and louder.

14:20. Saul and his followers rallied and went into the fight. They found total chaos among the Philistines, who were fighting each other.

14:21. Other Israelites who had previously sided with the Philistines switched and joined Saul and Jonathan.

14:22. When the Israelites hiding in the hills heard the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the chase.

14:23. God saved Israel that day.

14:24. Saul’s men were upset because Saul had made them swear not to eat until evening, because he wanted to take revenge first. So no one ate all day.

14:25. When the entire army went into a forest, they found honey on the ground.

14:26. Even with honey everywhere, no one ate because they were afraid of breaking Saul's oath.

14:27. Jonathan hadn't heard about the oath and dipped his staff into some honey, which made him feel better.

14:28. A soldier then informed Jonathan about Saul’s oath, explaining why the troops were weak.

14:29-30. Jonathan criticized Saul, suggesting that if the men had eaten, they would have been stronger to defeat the Philistines, and been able to carry more treasure back.

14:31. After defeating the Philistines, the Israelites were worn out.

14:32. They rushed the process and, without proper preparation, they ate livestock with the blood still in it.

14:33. Someone warned Saul that was incredibly disrespectful to God.

14:34. Saul had a large stone rolled over and told the people to properly prepare their meat there. Everyone complied and slaughtered their livestock correctly that night.

14:35. Saul then built an alter to God, which was the first time he had done so.

14:36. Saul wanted to attack the Philistines at night, but the priest suggested asking God first.

14:37. Saul asked for God's guidance on attacking the Philistines but got no answer.

14:38. Saul suspected someone had done something wrong and gathered his leaders to investigate.

14:39. Saul swore that whoever was guilty, even if it was his own child Jonathan, would face death. But no one spoke up.

14:40. Saul separated himself and Jonathon from the rest of the Israelites.

14:41. Saul prayed asking God to chose the group with the guilty person. Him and Jonathon were condemned, clearing the others.

14:42. Saul wanted to random select between himself and Jonathan, and Jonathan was chosen.

14:43. Saul asked Jonathan what they had done, and Jonathan admitted to just tasting some honey.

14:44. Saul declared that Jonathan must face severe consequences.

14:45. But the soldiers defended Jonathan, saying he shouldn’t die because he had helped win the battle with God's assistance. So, they saved Jonathan from any punishment.

14:46. Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and they returned to their territory.

14:47-48. Saul, once in command, fought against all surrounding enemies, achieving victory and punishing them.

14:49-51. Saul's wife was named Ahinoam, and his other children were Ishvi, Malki-Shua, Merab, and Michal.
The head of Saul's army was his cousin Abner.

14:52. Throughout Saul's reign, the fighting with the Philistines was harsh, and Saul recruited strong and brave individuals into his service.

15:1. Samuel told Saul, "I'm the one who chose you to be the king for Israel's people; so pay attention to this message.

15:2. Here's what God says: 'I will take action against the Amalekites for what they did to you after you left Egypt.

15:3. Go and attack and wipe out everything they own. Show no mercy; eliminate everyone, including men, women, children, and even their livestock."

15:4. Saul gathered his troops- 200,000 soldiers with another 10,000 from Judah.

15:5. Saul went to the Amalekite city and prepared to attack from a valley.

15:6. He warned another nation to move away from the Amalekites to avoid being harmed because they had been kind to the Israelites previously. They moved away.

15:7. Saul fought the Amalekites up and down their nation.

15:8. Saul captured the Amalekite king, but killed all of the people.

15:9. They didn't entirely listen- instead of destroying everything, they kept the best of the animals and anything that was valuable, and destroyed everything else.

15:10. Then God spoke to Samuel:

15:11. "I regret making Saul king since they've ignored my directions." Samuel was upset and prayed all night.

15:12. The next morning, Samuel went looking for Saul but discovered he had gone build a monument for himself.

15:13. When Samuel found him, Saul said, "May you be blessed! I've followed God's directions."

15:14. Samuel asked, "Then why do I hear sheep and cows?"

15:15. Saul explained, "The troops took the best animals from the Amalekites to sacrifice to your God, but we destroyed the rest."

15:16. Samuel interrupted, "Listen to what God told me last night.

15:17. You were chosen to lead Israel's tribes. You were anointed as king.

15:18. God told you to destroy them completely.

15:19. Why didn't you listen to God? Why did you keep the treasure and do wrong?"

15:20. Saul insisted, "I did follow God's command. I wiped out the Amalekites and captured the king.

15:21. And the troops only kept the best animals to sacrifice to give to God. What's the issue?"

15:22. Samuel answered, "God prefers obedience over sacrifices. Following directions is better than offering rams.

15:23. Because you ignored God's command, God has removed you as king."

15:24. Saul admitted his mistake, and said the people scared him into doing it.

15:25. He asked Samuel to forgive him and return with him to worship God.

15:26. Samuel said, "Too late."

15:27. Samuel turned to leave, and Saul tried grabbing him out of desperation, but he caught his robe and it ripped.

15:28. Samuel said, "God has taken the crown from you and given it to someone better.

15:29. God doesn't lie or change their mind like humans do."

15:30. Saul admitted his wrongdoing, and asked for Samuel to lead a group prayer.

15:31. Samuel agreed and went back with Saul to worship.

15:32. Then Samuel ordered the Agag the King to be brought to him. Agag arrived, thinking he was safe from death.

15:33. Samuel executed Agag.

15:34. Samuel and Saul went their separate ways.

15:35. For the rest of his life, Samuel didn't visit Saul, though he thought of him and grieved for him.
God regretted making Saul the king of Israel.

16:1. God told Samuel to get over Saul and stop mourning.
God told Samuel to get some oil and go to someone named Jesse who lived in Bethlehem. One of Jesse's sons was going to become the new king.

16:2. Samuel was scared to go, thinking Saul might kill him if he found out. God told him to take a cow and say he was there to make a sacrifice.

16:3. God told Samuel to invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and there God would show Samuel which son to choose.

16:4. Samuel did as God suggested. When he got to Bethlehem, the local leaders were nervous and asked if he came with good intentions.

16:5. Samuel assured them he had come in peace, and got everybody ready for the offering.

16:6. When Samuel saw Jesse's son Eliab, he thought he must be the chosen one.

16:7. But God told Samuel not to judge by the outside, by looks or height, but inside, at the heart. Eliab had not been chosen.

16:8-10. Jesse brought out more of his sons, and after Samuel had seen seven of his sons total, and none were chosen, he asked if he had any more.

16:11. Jesse mentioned the youngest was out with the sheep. Samuel told him to get him.

16:12. They brought in the youngest, named David, who was good-looking. God told Samuel to anoint David, confirming he was the chosen one.

16:13. Samuel used the oil to anoint David in front of his brothers, and from then on, David was empowered by God's spirit. Afterward, Samuel went back home.

16:14. Meanwhile, the spirit of God had left Saul, and he was attacked by a demon God sent.

16:15. Saul's helpers noticed the demon.

16:16. They suggested finding someone who could play the harp to help soothe Saul when the demon attacked.

16:17. Saul agreed and asked his attendants to find a skilled harp player.

16:18. One of the attendants knew of Jesse's son, David, a talented harpist and a strong and articulate young man favored by God.

16:19. Saul sent a message to Jesse to send him David, who was with the sheep.

16:20. Jesse sent David along with some food and wine as gifts for Saul.

16:21-22. Once David arrived, Saul grew very fond of him, and David became one of Saul's trusted assisstants. Jesse allowed David to stay with Saul.

16:23. Whenever Saul was attacked, David would play the harp, which make the demon go away.

17:1. The Philistines prepared for battle and set up camp in Judah.

17:2. Saul and the Israelites also set up camp, ready to face the Philistines.

17:3. The Philistines took position on one hill and the Israelites on another, with the valley in between.

17:4. A giant named Goliath, over nine feet tall, stepped out from the Philistine side.

17:5-7. He wore full bronze armor, and had a bronze javelin on his back. His spear was huge. Someone carried his shield ahead for him.

17:8-10. Goliath called out to the Israelite troops, taunting someone to come out for a one on one battle- winner take all.

17:11. Saul and the Israelites were scared and worried after hearing Goliath's challenge.

17:16. Goliath continued his challenge every day for forty days.

17:12-13. Now, David, was the youngest son of Jesse.
His three oldest brothers had already joined the army.

17:14-15. Being the youngest, he sometimes traveled with Saul, and spent the other times at home as a shepherd.

17:17. One day, Jesse asked David to take food to his brothers on the battlefield.

17:18. He included snacks for the commanders and wanted news of how his sons were doing.

17:19. He gave him directions, and set him off.

17:20. David left early, doing his chores first, and delivered the items as his father requested.

17:21. The two armies lined up and were yelling at each other.

17:22. David left his supplies with the keeper, ran up to the front line, and greeted his brothers.

17:23-24. During the conversation, David heard Goliath insulting Israel as usual, and the Israelite soldiers ran away in fear.

17:25. David heard about a big reward, including treasure, tax exepmtions, and marriage to the king's daughter.

17:26-27. David asked why they were letting him insult Israel's army.

17:28. Eliab, David's oldest brother, scolded David, and said he was just here to cause trouble and watch the battle.

17:29-30. David defended his right to speak, and continued asking about the situation.

17:31. Saul heard about David's questions and sent for him.

17:32. David offered to fight Goliath, encouraging the Israelites not to lose hope.

17:33. Saul doubted David's ability due to his youth and inexperience.

17:34-37. David told Saul about his experience protecting his sheep from a lion and a bear. He was confident he could defeat Goliath using the same force that helped him against the animals. Saul then blessed David and allowed him to proceed.

17:38-39. Saul tried to equip David with his armor, but David didn't want it.

17:40. He picked five smooth stones for his slingshot and approached Goliath.

17:41. Goliath moved toward David.

17:42-43. Goliath laughed at David because of his youth and appearance, and said it was insulting they would even send him.

17:44. Goliath said he was going to feed David's dead body to the animals.

17:45-47. David said God was on his side, and said he was going to cut off Goliath's head, and God was going to get all the credit.

17:48. As Goliath approached, David quickly went to face him.

17:49. David used his slingshot to hit Goliath in the head, which knocked him to the ground.

17:50-51. David defeated Goliath with just a slingshot and stone, not even needing a sword, but still used one to cut off his head to be sure.
David stood triumphantly over Goliath. The Philistines ran away, having seen their champion defeated.

17:52. The Israelites gained momentum, pursuing the Philistines and leaving many dead on their escape.

17:53. After the fight, the Israelites raided the Philistine camp.

17:54. David kept Goliath's head and put his weapons in his tent.

17:55-56. Having watched David, Saul asked his commander about David's background, and to find out more information.

17:57. David was brought to Saul with Goliath's head still in hand.

17:58. Saul asked about his father, and David introduced himself as Jesse's son.

18:1. After David finished talking with Saul, Saul's son Jonathan fell in love with David.

18:2. From then on, Saul made David stay with him and didn't let him go back to his family's home.

18:3. Jonathan and David made a promise to each other because Jonathan loved David deeply.

18:4. Jonathan took off his clothes and weapons, and gave them to David.

18:5. David did his tasks so well that Saul promoted him in the military, making everyone happy.

18:6. After David defeated a Philistine enemy, women from all over Israel celebrated, singing and dancing for King Saul and David.

18:7. They sang, "Saul has killed thousands, and David has killed ten times as many."

18:8. Saul got really mad, upset that David was getting more credit for victories and worried David would take over as king.

18:9. From then on, Saul watched David with suspicion.

18:10-11. The next day, Saul was being attacked by a demon, and David played music for him. Saul grabbed a spear, and charged at David, but he dodged twice.

18:12. Saul was scared of David he knew God favored David now.

18:13. Saul sent David away to lead a group of a thousand soldiers, and David did well in battle.

18:14. David succeeded in all he did because God supported him.

18:15. Saul was intimidated by David's success.

18:16. Everyone in Israel and Judah loved David for his leadership in battle.

18:17. Saul tried to offer his daughter Merab to David, on the condition David would continue to fight. He hoped staying in the military would lead to David's death, because he knew he couldn't do anything directly.

18:18. But David felt unworthy of marrying the king's daughter.

18:19. When it was time for Saul's daughter Merab to marry David, she was married to someone else instead.

18:20. Saul's other daughter Michal loved David, and Saul approved.

18:21. Saul thought of offering Michal to David, hoping she would would distract him and throw him off, leading to his death.

18:22. Saul told his servants to talk to David about marrying Michal.

18:23. When they told David, he responded that it didn't feel right for him, a peasant, to marry royalty.

18:24. The servants took the message back to Saul.

18:25. Saul said it would be fair if David killed 100 enemy soliders first and brought back their genetalia as proof. Again, he hoped David would simply die in the process.

18:26. David agreed, happy about the opportunity.

18:27. David and his men defeated twice the number of enemies required and presented their penis skin as proof to Saul.

18:28-29. Saul saw that the people believed God was with David, and saw that Michal loved him, making Saul even more afraid of David, and seeing him as his enemy for the rest of his life.

18:30. David continued to outshine all of Saul's commanders in battle, which made him very famous.

19:1-2. Saul sent his son Jonathan to kill David. But Jonathan loved David, so he gave him a warning to go and hide.

19:3. He said, "I'll go talk to Dad. I'll let you know what's going on."

19:4-5. Jonathan defended David to Saul, and begged him not to kill an innocent person who's helped them a lot.

19:6. Saul promised not to kill David.

19:7. Jonathan then told David everything, and David traveled with Saul again.

19:8. War started again, and David fought the Philistines, defeating them so badly they ran away.

19:9-10. But Saul was attacked a demon, David played the harp to help him. But Saul attacked him again with a spear. David ran away.

19:11. Saul sent people to watch David's house and kill him in the morning. But David's spouse Michal warned him, "You need to flee tonight, or you'll be gone tomorrow."

19:12. Michal helped David out the window, and David ran away.

19:13. She put a statue in the bed, covered it and put goat hair on the head.

19:14. When Saul's men came to take David, Michal told them he was sick.

19:15. Saul sent them back and ordered, "Bring him in his bed, and I'll get rid of him."

19:16. But the men found the statue in the bed with goat hair.

19:17. Saul confronted Michal and asked why she would trick her father. Michal said David had threatened her.

19:18. David ran away and told Samuel everything Saul did. They both went to another city and hid out there.

19:19-20. News got to Saul where they were, so he sent people to catch him. But when they saw prophets with Samuel, God made them start prophesying too.

19:21. Saul heard and sent more people, and they prophesied as well. A third group went and also started prophesying.

19:22-23. Eventually, Saul went himself, but God's spirit came to him too, and he started prophesying on the way.

19:24. He took off his clothes and prophesied in front of Samuel, lying there all day and night.

20:1. David ran away to Jonathan and said, "Your Dad is still trying to kill me!"

20:2. Jonathan said, "No, he said he'd leave you alone, and he'd never lie!"

20:3. But David promised and said, "Your father knows you like me so he's trying to keep it from you. But he was close to killing me last time."

20:4. Jonathan said, "What do you want me to do?"

20:5. David said, "Tomorrow is the festival, and I'm supposed to be at the dinner with the king. But I'll hide in the field for a few days.

20:6. If your father notices I'm gone, tell him I asked to go home, for a family sacrifice.

20:7. If he's okay with that, I'm safe. But if he gets angry, it means he wants to hurt me.

20:8. Please help me. We have a promise before God.
If I've done something bad, you can kill me yourself. Why let your father do it?"

20:9. Jonathan said, "No, of course not. I will tell you if I find out my father is planning to hurt you."

20:10. David asked, "How will I know?"

20:11. "Let's go to the field," Jonathan said, and they went there.

20:12. Jonathan promised, "I'll find out my father's feelings about you by the day after tomorrow. If it's good news, I'll let you know.

20:13. But if he wants to hurt you, I'll tell you and make sure you can get away safely. May God be with you.

20:14-15. Please always show me kindness, so I won’t be killed, and never don't stop being kind to my family, even after all your enemies are gone."

20:16. Jonathan blessed David's family, asking God to help.

20:17. Jonathan and David reaffirmed their promise of love to each other.

20:18. Jonathan said, "I'll miss you tomorrow at the festival.

20:19. But the day after, go to the place where you first hid and wait by the big stone.

20:20. I'll shoot three arrows as if I'm aiming at a target, as a sign.

20:21. If they're close, it's safe to come out; there's no danger.

20:22. If they're far, you must leave, because that's the signal from God.

20:23. And remember what we talked about—God is watching over our agreement forever."

20:24. David hid in the field, and when the festival came, the king sat down to eat.

20:25. Saul sat in his usual spot, with Jonathan across and Abner to the side, but David's seat was empty.

20:26. Saul didn't say anything that day, thinking David must be busy.

20:27. When David's seat was empty again the next day, Saul asked Jonathan why David hadn't come to eat.

20:28-29. Jonathan said, "David had to go home because his family is having a sacrifice."

20:30. Saul got really mad at Jonathan and accused him of choosing David's side.

20:31. Saul said, "As long as David lives, your reign isn't secure. Send for him; he must die!"

20:32. Jonathan asked, "Why? What has David done?"

20:33. But Saul threw his spear at Jonathan, wanting to kill him. Now Jonathan knew his father was set on killing David.

20:34. Jonathan left the meal in anger, didn't eat that day, and felt terrible about how his father treated David.

20:35. The next morning, Jonathan went to meet David.

20:36. He brought a kid and told him to run and fetch the arrows he would shoot.

20:37-39. He shot the arrow very far, and told the boy to go find it. Only Jonathan and David knew the whole plan.

20:40. Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy, telling him to take them back to town.

20:41. After the boy was gone, David came out. They both bowed and cried together, with David sobbing.

20:42. Jonathan told David to go in peace because they had sworn their love under God.
David left, and Jonathan returned to town.

21:1. David, on the run, ended up running into Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech was scared to see him without the king, and asked why he was alone.

21:2. David said, "The king gave me a secret job and told me not to tell anyone about my task or my orders. My people are waiting to meet me now.

21:3. What food do you have? I need five loaves of bread or anything you've got."

21:4. The priest said, "I don't have any regular bread, only holy bread- so only if your group hasn't had sex recently."

21:5. David said, "Yes, I usually don't have sex on the road. We always keep our gear ritually clean."

21:6. The priest gave David the holy bread.

21:7. Meanwhile Saul's chief shepherd, was there, held back by a job.

21:8. David also asked, "Is there a spear or sword around? I couldn't bring my weapons because I had to hurry for the king's task."

21:9. The priest answered, "The only weapon here is Goliath's sword, the one you took from him. It's back there, wrapped in a cloth. You can take it if you want; it's the only sword available."
David said, "It's the best; give it to me."

21:10. David ran and went to Achish, the king of Gath.

21:11. Achish's servants recognized David and said, "You are David, the famous king- celebrated in songs. They sing about your defeat of tens of thousands of soldiers, many more than Saul."

21:12. Hearing this, David became very scared of Achish.

21:13. So, David pretended to be crazy, scratching on the walls and drooling.

21:14-15. Achish noticed this and said to his people, "Look at them! They've lost their mind! Why did you bring them to me? There's enough crazy people around here!"

22:1. David ran away from Gath and hid in a cave. His siblings and other family members came to find him there.

22:2. People who were upset, in debt, or unhappy gathered around him, and he became their leader. He had about 400 people with him.

22:3. David then moved to Moab and asked the king, "Can my parents stay with you while I figure out what God wants me to do?"

22:4. David left them there, and went to go hide.

22:5. However, the prophet Gad told David, "Don't stay in your hiding. Go to Judah." So David left and headed to the forest.

22:6. Saul found out where David and his people were. Saul was holding a spear, sitting under a tree on a hill, surrounded by his officials.

22:7. Saul told them, "Do you think David will give you all land and vineyards? Will he make you leaders?

22:8. Is that why you're secretly against me? No one tells me when my son makes a deal with David. None of you care about me or tells me that my son has encouraged my servant to attack me, like they're doing now."

22:9-10. Someone had seen David take the bread and the sword, and told Saul.

22:11-12. Saul called for that priest, Ahimelech, and all of his family.

22:13. Saul said, "Why did you help David, the enemy?"

22:14. Ahimelech answered, "I didn't know- I thought David was a good guy.

22:15. You've had me help him before. Please- I didn't mean any harm and didn't know what was going on."

22:16. But Saul said, "You and your whole family must die."

22:17. Saul told his guards to kill the priestsl. But his officials didn't want to harm the priests.

22:18. Saul then ordered the informant, "You do it yourself." The informant, named, Doeg, killed all 85 of them.

22:19. He continued and attacked the whole city, killing all women, children, and animals.

22:20. But Ahimelech's son Abiathar escaped and ran to David.

22:21. He told David that Saul had killed the priests.

22:22. David told Abiathar, "When I saw Doeg there, I knew he would tell Saul. I'm responsible for the death of your family.

22:23. Stay with me; don't be afraid. The person after you is after me too. You'll be safe here."

23:1. Someone told David, "The Philistines are attacking a nearby city and stealing the grain."

23:2. David asked God, "Should I go fight?"
God replied, "Yes, go fight them."

23:3. David's followers said they were scared, saying, "We're already scared here in Judah; it'll be worse if we face the Philistines!"

23:4. David asked God again, and God assured him.

23:5. David's group fought and defeated the Philistines, taking their animals and saving the town's people.

23:6. Abiathar brought a religious robe with him when he escaped to David in Keilah.

23:7. Saul heard about David's victory and thought, "David has trapped themselves in a town with strong defenses. This is my chance."

23:8. Saul summoned his troops to fight and surround David.

23:9. When David found out Saul had plans against him, he told Abiathar to bring the religious garment.

23:10-12. David asked God, "Saul is planning to destroy the city because of me. Will the people turn me in?" God said yes.

23:13. David and his followers, about 600 people left. Saul heard, and didn't go.

23:14. David stayed in deserts and hills, with Saul trying to find him, but God kept David safe.

23:15. While hiding, David heard Saul was actively trying to kill him.

23:16-17. Jonathan visited David, encouraging him and assuring him he would become king and not be harmed by Saul. Jonathan said even Saul knew David would be king, and that Jonathan wanted be second to him.

23:18. David and Jonathan promised loyalty to each other, then Jonathan left and David stayed hidden.

23:19. At another city, they told Saul that David was hiding nearby and offered to help capture him.

23:20. They invited Saul to come and promised to hand David over.

23:21. Saul blessed them for their loyalty.

23:22. Saul instructed them to be certain of David's whereabouts and report back with exact details.

23:23. He ordered them to find all David's hiding spots and promised to join the search once they had solid information.

23:24. So they went ahead to scout the area, but David was actually in the nearby desert.

23:25. Saul and his troops searched. When David found out, they moved on, and Saul followed.

23:26. Saul was close to capturing David, but they were on opposite sides of a mountain, and David was trying to escape.

23:27. Just then, a messenger told Saul that the Philistines were attacking again.

23:28. Saul stopped chasing David to fight the Philistines.

23:29. David left there and continued to be on the run.

24:1. After Saul came back from chasing the Philistines, someone told him where David was hiding.

24:2. Saul then took 3,000 elite troops from all over Israel to search for David and his followers.

24:3. On the way, he stopped by some sheep pens, where there was a cave. He went inside to use the bathroom. David and his people were deeper inside that same cave.

24:4. David’s soldiers said, "This is your chance!" David sneaked up and secretly cut off a piece of Saul's robe.

24:5. But later, David felt guilty for cutting Saul's robe.

24:6. He said, "God said to never hurt the chosen king."

24:7. David insisted his men not attack Saul. After this, Saul left the cave and went on his way.

24:8. Then David left the cave, called out to Saul, "My king!" Saul looked back, and David bowed deeply, showing respect.

24:9. David asked Saul, "Why do you believe those who say I want to harm you?

24:10. You saw it yourself today how they let you end up in my hands in the cave. I could have hurt you, but I didn't. I said, 'I won't hurt my leader because they are chosen.'"

24:11. Look at this piece of your robe I cut. I didn't hurt you. You see, I'm not trying to do you wrong or rebel against you, yet you're trying to kill me.

24:12-13. Let God decide who's right between us. God may decide to avenge any wrongs done to me, but I won't lay a hand on you.

24:14. Who are you really after, king of Israel? Are you chasing a worthless dead dog? A single flea?

24:15. Let God judge and decide between us. May they see my cause and support it; may they clear my name by saving me from you."

24:16. When David finished speaking, Saul said, "Is that your voice, David, my child?" And he cried loudly.

24:17. "You are better than me," Saul said. "You've been kind to me, but I've been cruel to you.

24:18. You just showed how you did good to me; they let me be at your mercy, but you didn't hurt me.

24:19. No one has your level of mercy. May God reward you for your kindness today.

24:20. I know you'll become king, and the rule of Israel will be secure in your hands.

24:21. Promise me by them that you won't destroy my descendants or erase my name from my family."

24:22. David promised Saul. Then, Saul went home, but David and his group went to their hideout.

25:1. Samuel passed away, and all of Israel grieved for him. They buried him at his house in his hometown. After that, David went to the desert.

25:2. A rich person in the area had lots of goats and sheep. They were being sheared.

25:3. The person’s name was Nabal, and their spouse was Abigail, who was smart and good-looking. Nabal, was unfriendly and bad when dealing with others.

25:4. David, while in the desert, learned that Nabal was shearing his sheep.

25:5. David sent ten young people to visit Nabal and to speak on David’s behalf.

25:6-8. They were instructed to wish Nabal well and ask for donations.

25:9. They got there and asked.

25:10-11. Nabal sent them away, because he hadn't heard of David, and didn't want to share his food with strangers.

25:12. David’s messengers returned and told him everything that was said.

25:13. David told his people to arm themselves. They did, and about 400 went with David, leaving 200 behind with their gear.

25:14-16. One of the servants told Nabal's spouse, Abigail, about the situation, including how nice and protective David’s men had been to them- how David’s men had been like a guard for them day and night while they tended the sheep.

25:17. They told Abigail to think about doing something before they were all punished for Nabal being an asshole.

25:18. Without wasting time, Abigail gathered food and drinks and put them on donkeys.

25:19. She instructed her people to go ahead, saying she’d follow, without telling Nabal.

25:20. She met David and his army in a mountain pass.

25:21. David had been regretting protecting Nabal’s property for nothing in return, and was planning on getting revenge.

25:22. Just then was when Abigail arrived and quickly got off her donkey.

25:23-26. She bowed down to David, taking responsibility and begging to speak. She apologize for Nabal being a jerk, and for not seeing David’s messengers, and thanked them for not being violent.

25:27-28. Abigail gave a gift them, and asked for forgiveness.

25:29. She encouraged David. She said that despite being pursued, God would protect him and throw away his enemies’ lives like a stone from a sling.

25:29-31. Abigail prayed for David's safety, and asked for him to remember her when he became king.

25:32-35. David thanked God and Abigail. He accepted her gifts and allowed her to leave in peace, agreeing to her request.

25:36. As Abigail arrived home, she found Nabal partying and drunk, so she waited until morning to tell him about the events.

25:37. The next day, when Nabal was sober, Abigail informed him of what had happened. He had a shock and became unresponsive.

25:38. Shortly after, God killed Nabal and he passed away.

25:39. When David heard of Nabal's death, he felt vindicated for refraining from wrong actions against Nabal and saw this as God's justice.

25:40. David then sent messengers to ask Abigail to marry him.

25:41-42. Abigail humbly accepted, and quickly went with David’s messengers to become his spouse, with her servants accompanying her.

25:43. Meanwhile, David also married Ahinoam from Jezreel, so Abigail and Ahinoam both became David’s spouses.

25:44. Saul, on the other hand, had remarried Michal, who was married to David, to someone else.

26:1. The people from a city called Ziph told Saul where David was hiding.

26:2. Saul traveled to the Ziph with 3,000 soldiers to look for David.

26:3. Saul set up camp on the road, and David stayed hidden in the desert. David noticed Saul had followed him.

26:4. David sent scouts who confirmed Saul was really there.

26:5. David went to the place where Saul was camping. He saw where Saul and the army commander were sleeping with the army around them.

26:6. David asked someone named Abishai to join him, who agreed.

26:7. At night, David and Abishai entered the camp and found Saul asleep. His spear was sticking out the ground by his head. He was surrounded by his soldiers.

26:8. Abishai looked at the sleeping Saul, and said to David, "Here's your chance- one blow- that's all it will take. Let me do it."

26:9-10. But David said, "Don't! You can't attack the chosen king out of respect for God. God will deal with them—either they'll die naturally or die in battle.

26:11. I will not attack someone God has chosen. Grab the spear and water jug by their head, and let's leave."

26:12. David took the spear and water jug, and they left without being seen or waking anyone because God had put them into a deep sleep.

26:13. David crossed to the opposite hilltop, far enough away to be safe.

26:14. He yelled, "What are you gonna do?"
Abner, the commander, yelled back, "Who's asking?"

26:15. David said, "You are a top soldier in Israel, right? Why didn't you protect your king? Someone managed to get into your camp to harm them.

26:16. This isn't good. All of you deserve to die for failing to protect your leader, the one chosen by God. Look! The king's spear and water jug are missing!"

26:17. Saul recognized David's voice and asked if it was him. David confirmed, and said,

26:18. "Why are you chasing me? What have I done wrong?

26:19. Listen to me. If God is upset with me, then I'll make it right.
But if others are lying about me, they are the ones who should be punished.
They're the ones who have forced me out of my rightful place and told me to worship other gods.

26:20. Don't chase me away far from where God is. Does the king of Israel really need to waste time chasing a tiny insect or hunting a bird in the mountains?"

26:21. Saul said, "I've made a mistake. Come back, David. Because you didn't harm me today, I won't try to hurt you again. I've been foolish and wrong."

26:22. David replied, "Here's your spear. Send one of your young men to get it.