Day 101 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 11 April 2023 reflections
Day 101, 11 Apr 2022
1) 1 Samuel 15 - 17
1 Samuel 15-17
1 SAMUEL 15
The Lord Rejects Saul
1 (1Sa 9:16; 10:1) Samuel said to Saul, "The Lord sent me to anoint you to be
king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of
the words of the Lord.
2 (Dt 25:17-19; Ex 17:8-16) Thus says the Lord of Hosts,
'I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way,
when he came up from Egypt.
3 (Nu 24:20; Dt 20:16-18) Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy
all that they have, and do not have compassion on them but put to death
both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' "
4 (Jos 15:24) So Saul summoned the people together, and numbered them
in Telaim, 200000 foot soldiers and 10000 men of Judah.
5 Then Saul came to the city of Amalek and laid an ambush in the valley.
6 (Jdg 1:16; Ex 18:19) Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart, go down from
among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness
to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites
departed from among the Amalekites.
7 (Ge 16:7; 25:18) Then Saul struck the Amalekites from Havilah
until you come to Shur, which is near Egypt.
8 (1Sa 30:1; Nu 24:7) He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive
and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
9 (1Sa 15:15; 15:3) But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best
of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, and lambs. And of all that was good, they were
not willing to utterly destroy them. But everything that was despised
and weak, that they completely destroyed.
10 Then came the word of the Lord to Samuel, saying,
11 (Ge 6:6; 1Sa 13:13) "I regret that I have set up Saul to be king because
he has turned back from following Me, and he has not carried out My words."
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried to the Lord all night.
12 (Jos 15:55; 1Sa 25:2) When Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning,
it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul came to Carmel and set himself up
a monument. Then he turned and has passed on down to Gilgal."
13 (Ge 14:19; Jdg 17:2) Samuel came to Saul. And Saul said to him,
"Blessed are you of the Lord. I have carried out the word of the Lord."
14 Samuel said, "Then what is the sound of this flock of sheep in my ears?
And the sound of the cattle which I am hearing?"
15 (1Sa 15:9; 15:21) And Saul said, "They have brought them from
the Amalekites. For the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen,
to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have utterly destroyed."
16 Then Samuel said to Saul,
"Stop, and I will tell you what the Lord spoke to me this night."
And he said to him, "Speak."
17 (1Sa 9:21; 10:22) Samuel said, "When you were little in your own sight,
were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed
you king over Israel?
18 And the Lord sent you on a journey, and said, 'Go and utterly destroy
the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are destroyed.'
19 (1Sa 14:32) Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? And why
did you rush upon the spoil and do evil in the sight of the Lord?"
20 (1Sa 15:13) And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord.
And I have followed in the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought
Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
21 (1Sa 15:15; Ex 32:22-23) But the people took from the plunder sheep
and oxen, the first fruits of the banned things to sacrifice
to the Lord your God in Gilgal."
22 (Hos 6:6; Jer 7:22-23; Mic 6:6-8) Samuel said,
"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Obedience is better than sacrifice,
a listening ear than the fat of rams.
23 (1Sa 13:14 ) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king."
24 (2Sa 12:13; Pr 29:25) Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. For
I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and your words,
because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
25 (Ex 10:17) Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me,
that I may worship the Lord."
26 (1Sa 13:14; 16:1) Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you.
For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected
you from being king over Israel."
27 As Samuel turned about to go, he seized the edge of his robe and it tore.
28 (1Sa 28:17-18) Samuel said to him, "The Lord has torn the kingdom
of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours
who is better than you.
29 (Nu 23:19; Eze 24:14; Titus 1:2) Also the Strength of Israel will not
lie nor repent. For He is not a man, that He should repent."
30 (Jn 5:44; 12:43) Then he said, "I have sinned, yet please honor me
before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn back with me,
that I may worship the Lord your God."
31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul worshipped the Lord.
32 Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag the king of the Amalekites."
And Agag came to him reluctantly. But Agag said,
"Surely the bitterness of death is past."
33 (Jdg 1:7; Ge 9:6) Samuel said,
"As your sword has made women childless,
so will your mother be childless among women."
And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal.
34 (1Sa 11:4) Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up
to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
35 (1Sa 15:11; 16:1) Now Samuel did not see Saul up to the day of his death.
But Samuel mourned for Saul and the Lord regretted that he had made Saul
king over Israel.
1 Samuel 15
[1] Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king
over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of
the words of the LORD.
[2] Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to
Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
[3] Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and
spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and
sheep, camel and ass.
[4] And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two
hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
[5] And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
[6] And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the
Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the
children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed
from among the Amalekites.
[7] And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur,
that is over against Egypt.
[8] And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed
all the people with the edge of the sword.
[9] But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of
the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and
would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse,
that they destroyed utterly.
[10] Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
[11] It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned
back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it
grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
[12] And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told
Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and
is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.
[13] And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the
LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.
[14] And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine
ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
[15] And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the
people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the
LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
[16] Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD
hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
[17] And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou
not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king
over Israel?
[18] And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy
the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
[19] Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly
upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
[20] And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD,
and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king
of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
[21] But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the
things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD
thy God in Gilgal.
[22] And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better
than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
[23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as
iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he
hath also rejected thee from being king.
[24] And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the
commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and
obeyed their voice.
[25] Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that
I may worship the LORD.
[26] And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast
rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being
king over Israel.
[27] And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of
his mantle, and it rent.
[28] And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from
thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better
than thou.
[29] And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not
a man, that he should repent.
[30] Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the
elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may
worship the LORD thy God.
[31] So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.
[32] Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the
Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the
bitterness of death is past.
[33] And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy
mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the
LORD in Gilgal.
[34] Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of
Saul.
[35] And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death:
nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made
Saul king over Israel.
1 SAMUEL 16
Samuel Anoints David as King
1 (1Sa 15:23; 15:35) The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn
for Saul, since I have rejected him from ruling over Israel?
Fill your horn with oil and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite,
for I have chosen a king for Myself from among his sons."
2 (1Sa 9:12; 20:29) Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears it,
he will kill me."
And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice
to the Lord.'
3 (1Sa 9:16; Ex 4:15) Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you
what you will do. And you will anoint for Me him whom I tell to you."
4 (1Ki 2:13; 2Ki 9:22) Samuel did that which the Lord spoke,
and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the town trembled at his coming,
and said, "Do you come in peace?"
5 (Ex 19:10; Jos 3:5) And he said, "I have come in peace to sacrifice
to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice."
And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice.
6 (1Sa 17:13) When they came, he looked on Eliab, and said,
"Surely the anointed of the Lord is before Him."
7 (1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9) But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look
on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because
I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees. For man looks
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
8 (1Sa 17:13) Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel.
And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one."
9 (1Sa 17:13) Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said,
"Neither has the Lord chosen this one."
10 So Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.
And Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen these."
11 (2Sa 7:8; Ps 78:70-71) Samuel said to Jesse,
"Are these all your young men?"
And he said, "There remains yet the youngest,
and there he is shepherding the flock."
Then Samuel said to Jesse,
"Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here."
12 (1Sa 9:17; 17:42) So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy
with beautiful eyes and a good appearance.
And the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him, for this is he."
13 (1Sa 10:1; 10:6) Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him
in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord came on David
from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
David Serves Saul
14 (Jdg 9:23; 1Sa 18:10) Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul
and an evil spirit from the Lord terrified him.
15 So the servants of Saul said to him, "See, an evil spirit from
God troubles you.
16 (2Ki 3:15; 1Sa 16:21-23) Let our lord now tell your servants, who are
before you, that they might seek out a man experienced in playing the lyre.
And it will come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is on you,
that he will play with his hand, and you will be well."
17 Saul said to his servants, "Find me now a man that can play well,
and bring him to me."
18 (1Sa 3:19; 17:32-36) Then one from the servants answered, and said,
"I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is experienced in playing
music, a mighty man of valor, a man of battle, and skillful in words, even
a man of fine appearance. And the Lord is with him."
19 (1Sa 16:11; 17:15) Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said,
"Send me David your son, who is with the sheep."
20 (1Sa 10:27; Pr 18:16) Jesse took a donkey laden with bread,
a bottle of wine, and a young goat and he sent them with his son David to Saul.
21 (Ge 41:46; Pr 22:29) David came to Saul, and stood before him.
And Saul loved him greatly and he became his armor bearer.
22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David stand before me, for he has found
favor in my sight."
23 It happened that when the evil spirit from God came on Saul,
David would take the lyre in his hand and play. So Saul was refreshed
and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
1 Samuel 16
[1] 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 Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a
king among his sons.
[2] And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he Will kill me. And the
LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the
LORD.
[3] And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt
do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
[4] And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the
elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
[5] And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify
yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and
his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
[6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and
said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.
[7] But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the
height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh
on the heart.
[8] Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he
said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
[9] Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD
chosen this.
[10] Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel
said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
[11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said,
There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And
Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he
come hither.
[12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a
beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise,
anoint him: for this is he.
[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his
brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
[14] But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from
the LORD troubled him.
[15] And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God
troubleth thee.
[16] Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek
out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass,
when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his
hand, and thou shalt be well.
[17] And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play
well, and bring him to me.
[18] Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son
of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant
man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the
LORD is with him.
[19] Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy
son, which is with the sheep.
[20] And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a
kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
[21] And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly;
and he became his armourbearer.
[22] And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before
me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
[23] And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that
David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was
well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
1 SAMUEL 17
David and Goliath
1 (Jos 15:35; 1Sa 13:5; 1Ch 11:13) Now the Philistines gathered their armies
for battle, and were gathered at Sokoh, which belongs to Judah. And they
camped between Sokoh and Azekah in Ephes Dammim.
2 (1Sa 21:9; 17:19) Saul and Israel's fighting men were gathered,
and they camped in the Valley of Elah. And they drew up in battle order
to meet the Philistines. 3Now the Philistines were standing at the base
of the mountain on the one side, and Israel was standing at the base
of the mountain on the other side, and the valley was between them.
4 (Jos 11:22) There went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines,
Goliath was his name, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
[About 9 feet 9 inches, or 3 meters.]
5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed
with a coat of mail. Now the weight of the bronze coat was 5000 shekels.
[About 125 pounds, or 58 kilograms.]
6 (1Sa 17:45) He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a bronze javelin
between his shoulders.
7 (2Sa 21:19; 1Sa 17:41) The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam.
His iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels.
[About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms.]
And a shield-bearer was walking before him.
8 (1Sa 8:17) He stood and called out to the ranks of Israel,
"Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am not I the Philistine,
and you the servants of Saul? Choose for yourselves a man
and let him come down to me.
9 (1Sa 11:1) If he is able to fight with me and to strike me down,
then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him
and strike him down, then you will be our servants and will serve us."
10 (1Sa 17:45; 2Sa 21:21) The Philistine said, "I defy the battle lines
of Israel this day. Give me a man, and let us fight together."
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine,
they were filled with terror and were greatly afraid.
12 (Ge 35:19; 1Sa 16:18) Now David was the son of that Ephrathite
of Bethlehem in Judah whose name was Jesse, who had eight sons.
And the man was old in the days of Saul and advanced in years.
13 (1Ch 2:13) The three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed
Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons that went
to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab,
and the third was Shammah.
14 (1Sa 16:11) As for David, he was the youngest.
The three eldest followed Saul,
15 (1Sa 16:11) but David would go back and forth from Saul
to shepherd his father's flock in Bethlehem.
16 The Philistine stepped forward morning and evening
and took his stand daily for forty days.
17 (1Sa 25:18) Then Jesse said to David his son, "Take now for your brothers
an ephah [Likely about 36 pounds, or 16 kilograms.] of this parched grain
and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers.
18 (Ge 37:14; 1Sa 16:20) Carry these ten cheeses
to the captain of their thousand, and look into your brothers' health,
and bring back news of them."
19 Now Saul, and they, and all Israel's fighting men were
in the Valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines.
20 (1Sa 26:5) So David rose up early in the morning and left the flock
with a keeper. And he carried away the food and went as Jesse had
commanded him. And when he came to the encampment,
the army was going out to the battle line, and they shouted a war cry.
21 And Israel and the Philistines ordered themselves in battle lines,
army against army.
22 David left his things with the keeper of the equipment,
and he ran to the battle line. And he went and greeted his brothers.
23 As he was speaking with them, the champion, Goliath,
the Philistine from Gath, was going up from the battle line
of the Philistines. And he spoke these same words and David heard them.
24 When all Israel's fighting men saw the man, they fled from him,
and were very afraid.
25 (Jos 15:16) The men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who has
come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel, and it will be that the man
who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, will give him
his daughter, and will make his father's house exempt from taxes in Israel."
26 (Dt 5:26; 1Sa 11:2) David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying,
"What will be done for the man that kills this Philistine
and takes away this reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised
Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
27 And the people answered him in the same way, saying,
"So will it be done to the man who kills him."
28 (Ge 37:4; 37:8) Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men.
And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said,
"Why have you come down here? And with whom have you left those
few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the evil of your heart.
For you have come down that you might see the battle."
29 David said, "What have I done now? Was it not only a word?"
30 (1Sa 17:26-27) And he turned from him toward another
and spoke in the same way. And the people answered him again as at the first.
31 When the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul
and he sent for him.
1 Samuel 17
[1] 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.
[2] And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by
the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
[3] And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel
stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.
[4] And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named
Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
[5] And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a
coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
[6] And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between
his shoulders.
[7] And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's
head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went
before him.
[8] And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them,
Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and
ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
[9] If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your
servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our
servants, and serve us.
[10] And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me
a man, that we may fight together.
[11] When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were
dismayed, and greatly afraid.
[12] Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name
was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man
in the days of Saul.
[13] And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the
battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab
the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
[14] And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
[15] But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at
Bethlehem.
[16] And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself
forty days.
[17] And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah
of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy
brethren;
[18] And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and
look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
[19] Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of
Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
[20] And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a
keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the
trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the
battle.
[21] For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army
against army.
[22] And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage,
and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
[23] And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the
Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines,
and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.
[24] And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and
were sore afraid.
[25] And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up?
surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who
killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him
his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.
[26] And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be
done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach
from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy
the armies of the living God?
[27] And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be
done to the man that killeth him.
[28] And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down
hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I
know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down
that thou mightest see the battle.
[29] And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
[30] And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner:
and the people answered him again after the former manner.
[31] And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them
before Saul: and he sent for him.
1 SAMUEL 17
32 (1Sa 16:18; Dt 20:1-3) David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail
because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."
33 (Nu 13:31) Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against
this Philistine to fight with him. For you are but a youth,
and he has been a man of war from his youth."
34 David said to Saul, "Your servant was a shepherd for my father's flock,
and the lion came and the bear, and took a lamb out of the flock.
35 (Am 3:12) And I went out after him, and struck him,
and delivered it out of his mouth. And when he arose against me,
I took hold of his beard, struck him, and killed him.
36 (1Sa 17:10; 17:26) Your servant slew both the lion and the bear.
And this uncircumcised Philistine will be as one of them,
because he has reviled the armies of the living God."
37 (1Sa 20:13; 1Ch 22:11) David said, "The Lord who delivered me out
of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear,
He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."
And Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."
38 Saul clothed David with his armor. And he put a helmet of bronze
on his head. He also clothed him with a coat of mail.
39 David secured his sword to his armor and tried to walk,
but he was not used to it, for he had not tested them.
And David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these,
for I have not tested them." So David took them off.
40 (Jdg 20:16) He took his staff in his hand and chose for himself
five smooth stones out of the brook. And he put them in his shepherd's bag,
even in a pouch. And his sling was in his hand.
Then he drew near to the Philistine.
41 The Philistine came walking and drew near to David,
and the man bearing the shield went before him.
42 (1Sa 16:12; Ps 123:3-4) When the Philistine looked and saw David,
he despised him. For he was a youth and ruddy with a handsome appearance.
43 (1Sa 24:14; 2Sa 3:8) The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you
come to me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 (1Ki 20:10-11) The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give
your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the field."
45 (2Ch 32:8; 1Sa 17:10) Then David said to the Philistine,
"You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a shield,
but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have reviled.
46 (Dt 28:26; Jos 4:24) This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand.
And I will strike you down and cut off your head. Then I will give
the corpses of the Philistine camp this day to the birds of the air
and to the beasts of the earth so that all the earth may
know that there is a God in Israel.
47 (Hos 1:7; Zec 4:6) And then all this assembly will know that it is not
by sword and spear that the Lord saves. For the battle belongs to the Lord,
and He will give you into our hands."
48 When the Philistine arose and came near to meet David,
David hurried and ran toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
49 David put his hand in his bag and took from there a stone.
And he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead.
Therefore the stone sunk into his forehead and he fell
upon his face to the ground.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone.
And he struck down the Philistine and slew him,
but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51 (1Sa 21:9; Heb 11:34) Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine.
Then he took his sword and drew it from out of its sheath,
and he finished him off and he cut off his head with it.
When the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
52 (Jos 15:11) And the fighting men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted.
And they pursued the Philistines from the entrance of the Valley of Elah
as far as the gates of Ekron. So the Philistine dead lay slain on the road
to Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.
53 Then the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines
and they plundered their tents.
54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem,
but he put his armor in his tent.
55 (1Sa 16:21-22) When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine,
he said to Abner, the commander of the army, "Whose son is this youth, Abner?"
And Abner said, "As your soul lives, O king, I do not know."
56 The king said, "Inquire whose son the young man is."
57 So when David returned from slaying the Philistine, Abner took him
and brought him before Saul with the Philistine's head in his hand.
58 (1Sa 17:12) Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?"
And David answered, "I am the son of your servant, Jesse the Bethlehemite."
[32] And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy
servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
[33] And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine
to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his
youth.
[34] And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and
there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
[35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his
mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote
him, and slew him.
[36] Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised
Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the
living God.
[37] David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the
lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of
this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
[38] And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass
upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
[39] And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for
he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for
I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
[40] And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out
of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a
scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
[41] And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that
bare the shield went before him.
[42] And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him:
for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
[43] And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me
with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
[44] And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh
unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
[45] Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and
with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD
of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
[46] This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite
thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the
host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild
beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in
Israel.
[47] And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword
and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our
hands.
[48] And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh
to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the
Philistine.
[49] And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang
it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his
forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
[50] So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone,
and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand
of David.
[51] Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword,
and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head
therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
[52] And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the
Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And
the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto
Gath, and unto Ekron.
[53] And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines,
and they spoiled their tents.
[54] And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem;
but he put his armour in his tent.
[55] And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto
Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner
said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
[56] And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
[57] And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took
him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his
hand.
[58] And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David
answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 April 2023 Titled
Seize the Opportunity
2 Timothy 4:1 - 5
1 (Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing
and His kingdom:
2 (Titus 1:13; 2:15) Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season,
reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 (1Ti 1:10) For the time will come when people will not endure sound
doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance
with their own desires, having itching ears,
4 (1Ti 1:4; 4:7) and they will turn their ears away from the truth
and turn to myths.
5 (Ac 21:8; 2Ti 1:8) But be self-controlled in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
and prove your ministry.
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
While waiting to enter the university, twenty-year-old Shin Yi decided to
commit three months of her break to serving in a youth mission organization.
It seemed like an odd time to do this, given the COVID-19 restrictions that
prevented face-to-face meetings. But Shin Yi soon found a way. "We couldn't
meet up with students on the streets, in shopping malls, or fast-food centers
like we usually did," she shared. "But we continued to keep in touch with the
Christian students via Zoom to pray for one another
and with the non-believers via phone calls."
Shin Yi did what the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to do: "Do the work
of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). Paul warned that people would find teachers
who would tell them what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to hear
(vv. 3-4). Yet Timothy was called to take courage and "be prepared in season
and out of season." He was to "correct, rebuke and encourage-with great
patience and careful instruction" (v. 2).
Though not all of us are called to be evangelists or preachers, each one of
us can play a part in sharing our faith with those around us. Unbelievers are
perishing without Christ. Believers need strengthening and encouragement.
With God's help, let's proclaim His good news whenever and wherever we can.
By: Poh Fang Chia
Reflect & Pray
What discourages you from sharing your faith?
How might remembering that Jesus is coming back
help you to overcome your fear?
Dear Jesus, help me to seize every opportunity
to share Your words with others that they may find hope and comfort in You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy
Acts 4:12
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.
Application
a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?
b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?
c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 8:9
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich,
yet for your sakes He became poor,
that through His poverty you might be rich.
9 For ye know the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich,
yet for your sakes he became poor,
that ye through his poverty might be rich.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Eph 1:3-8a
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him
before the foundation of the world, to be holy
and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons
to Himself through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure
of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace
which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished
3 Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 according as he hath chosen us in him
before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love:
5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children
by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure
of his will,
6 to the praise of the glory of his grace,
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 wherein he hath abounded
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 day of Prayers from 18 March 2023 to 18 April 2023
DAY 25 APRIL 11
Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, is a large communications hub in
Northeast Africa. Prior to the secession of the south in 2011. Sudan
was the largest country in Africa. After decades of civil
war, the country signed an agreement to separate the predominantly Christian
south from the Muslim north, which had been seeking to become an Islamic state
since the 1960s. Sudan is a ripe harvest field, home to hundreds of unreached
people groups. As a major trade center Khartoumis the seedbed for the nation.
People Foucus Group
Sudanese Arab
Bela
Fur
Gaaliln
Guhayna
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for a breakthrough in vision and leadership that will result in
thousands of Christ-exacting, multiplying house churches
in the 34 languages of this city, especially among the listed UUPGs.
- Pray for the establishment of 24/7 prayer and for hearts to be opened
for Jesus followers to hear from heaven.
- Pray for leadership schools to be developed, and for church planters
to be sent out into every sector of society.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in signs, wonders, and power.
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and be humble about what responsibilities the Lord gives you
and pray to overcome obstacles.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, help me to seize every opportunity
to share Your words with others that they may find hope and comfort in You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as the only source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand His sacrifice.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as forgiveness.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
People Focus Group
Sudanese Arab
Bela
Fur
Gaaliln
Guhayna
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for a breakthrough in vision and leadership that will result in
thousands of Christ-exacting, multiplying house churches
in the 34 languages of this city, especially among the listed UUPGs.
- Pray for the establishment of 24/7 prayer and for hearts to be opened
for Jesus followers to hear from heaven.
- Pray for leadership schools to be developed, and for church planters
to be sent out into every sector of society.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in signs, wonders, and power.
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in your country.
Pray that the members of various churches in Azerbaijan
will bear with on another in Love.
(Eph 4:2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love; )
1) 1 Samuel 15 - 17
1 Samuel 15-17
1 SAMUEL 15
The Lord Rejects Saul
1 (1Sa 9:16; 10:1) Samuel said to Saul, "The Lord sent me to anoint you to be
king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of
the words of the Lord.
2 (Dt 25:17-19; Ex 17:8-16) Thus says the Lord of Hosts,
'I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way,
when he came up from Egypt.
3 (Nu 24:20; Dt 20:16-18) Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy
all that they have, and do not have compassion on them but put to death
both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' "
4 (Jos 15:24) So Saul summoned the people together, and numbered them
in Telaim, 200000 foot soldiers and 10000 men of Judah.
5 Then Saul came to the city of Amalek and laid an ambush in the valley.
6 (Jdg 1:16; Ex 18:19) Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart, go down from
among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness
to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites
departed from among the Amalekites.
7 (Ge 16:7; 25:18) Then Saul struck the Amalekites from Havilah
until you come to Shur, which is near Egypt.
8 (1Sa 30:1; Nu 24:7) He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive
and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
9 (1Sa 15:15; 15:3) But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best
of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, and lambs. And of all that was good, they were
not willing to utterly destroy them. But everything that was despised
and weak, that they completely destroyed.
10 Then came the word of the Lord to Samuel, saying,
11 (Ge 6:6; 1Sa 13:13) "I regret that I have set up Saul to be king because
he has turned back from following Me, and he has not carried out My words."
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried to the Lord all night.
12 (Jos 15:55; 1Sa 25:2) When Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning,
it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul came to Carmel and set himself up
a monument. Then he turned and has passed on down to Gilgal."
13 (Ge 14:19; Jdg 17:2) Samuel came to Saul. And Saul said to him,
"Blessed are you of the Lord. I have carried out the word of the Lord."
14 Samuel said, "Then what is the sound of this flock of sheep in my ears?
And the sound of the cattle which I am hearing?"
15 (1Sa 15:9; 15:21) And Saul said, "They have brought them from
the Amalekites. For the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen,
to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have utterly destroyed."
16 Then Samuel said to Saul,
"Stop, and I will tell you what the Lord spoke to me this night."
And he said to him, "Speak."
17 (1Sa 9:21; 10:22) Samuel said, "When you were little in your own sight,
were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed
you king over Israel?
18 And the Lord sent you on a journey, and said, 'Go and utterly destroy
the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are destroyed.'
19 (1Sa 14:32) Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? And why
did you rush upon the spoil and do evil in the sight of the Lord?"
20 (1Sa 15:13) And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord.
And I have followed in the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought
Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
21 (1Sa 15:15; Ex 32:22-23) But the people took from the plunder sheep
and oxen, the first fruits of the banned things to sacrifice
to the Lord your God in Gilgal."
22 (Hos 6:6; Jer 7:22-23; Mic 6:6-8) Samuel said,
"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Obedience is better than sacrifice,
a listening ear than the fat of rams.
23 (1Sa 13:14 ) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king."
24 (2Sa 12:13; Pr 29:25) Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. For
I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and your words,
because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
25 (Ex 10:17) Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me,
that I may worship the Lord."
26 (1Sa 13:14; 16:1) Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you.
For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected
you from being king over Israel."
27 As Samuel turned about to go, he seized the edge of his robe and it tore.
28 (1Sa 28:17-18) Samuel said to him, "The Lord has torn the kingdom
of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours
who is better than you.
29 (Nu 23:19; Eze 24:14; Titus 1:2) Also the Strength of Israel will not
lie nor repent. For He is not a man, that He should repent."
30 (Jn 5:44; 12:43) Then he said, "I have sinned, yet please honor me
before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn back with me,
that I may worship the Lord your God."
31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul worshipped the Lord.
32 Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag the king of the Amalekites."
And Agag came to him reluctantly. But Agag said,
"Surely the bitterness of death is past."
33 (Jdg 1:7; Ge 9:6) Samuel said,
"As your sword has made women childless,
so will your mother be childless among women."
And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal.
34 (1Sa 11:4) Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up
to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
35 (1Sa 15:11; 16:1) Now Samuel did not see Saul up to the day of his death.
But Samuel mourned for Saul and the Lord regretted that he had made Saul
king over Israel.
1 Samuel 15
[1] Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king
over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of
the words of the LORD.
[2] Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to
Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
[3] Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and
spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and
sheep, camel and ass.
[4] And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two
hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
[5] And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
[6] And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the
Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the
children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed
from among the Amalekites.
[7] And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur,
that is over against Egypt.
[8] And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed
all the people with the edge of the sword.
[9] But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of
the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and
would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse,
that they destroyed utterly.
[10] Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
[11] It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned
back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it
grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
[12] And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told
Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and
is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.
[13] And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the
LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.
[14] And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine
ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
[15] And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the
people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the
LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
[16] Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD
hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
[17] And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou
not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king
over Israel?
[18] And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy
the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
[19] Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly
upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
[20] And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD,
and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king
of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
[21] But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the
things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD
thy God in Gilgal.
[22] And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better
than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
[23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as
iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he
hath also rejected thee from being king.
[24] And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the
commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and
obeyed their voice.
[25] Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that
I may worship the LORD.
[26] And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast
rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being
king over Israel.
[27] And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of
his mantle, and it rent.
[28] And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from
thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better
than thou.
[29] And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not
a man, that he should repent.
[30] Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the
elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may
worship the LORD thy God.
[31] So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.
[32] Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the
Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the
bitterness of death is past.
[33] And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy
mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the
LORD in Gilgal.
[34] Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of
Saul.
[35] And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death:
nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made
Saul king over Israel.
1 SAMUEL 16
Samuel Anoints David as King
1 (1Sa 15:23; 15:35) The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn
for Saul, since I have rejected him from ruling over Israel?
Fill your horn with oil and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite,
for I have chosen a king for Myself from among his sons."
2 (1Sa 9:12; 20:29) Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears it,
he will kill me."
And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice
to the Lord.'
3 (1Sa 9:16; Ex 4:15) Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you
what you will do. And you will anoint for Me him whom I tell to you."
4 (1Ki 2:13; 2Ki 9:22) Samuel did that which the Lord spoke,
and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the town trembled at his coming,
and said, "Do you come in peace?"
5 (Ex 19:10; Jos 3:5) And he said, "I have come in peace to sacrifice
to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice."
And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice.
6 (1Sa 17:13) When they came, he looked on Eliab, and said,
"Surely the anointed of the Lord is before Him."
7 (1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9) But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look
on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because
I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees. For man looks
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
8 (1Sa 17:13) Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel.
And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one."
9 (1Sa 17:13) Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said,
"Neither has the Lord chosen this one."
10 So Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.
And Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen these."
11 (2Sa 7:8; Ps 78:70-71) Samuel said to Jesse,
"Are these all your young men?"
And he said, "There remains yet the youngest,
and there he is shepherding the flock."
Then Samuel said to Jesse,
"Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here."
12 (1Sa 9:17; 17:42) So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy
with beautiful eyes and a good appearance.
And the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him, for this is he."
13 (1Sa 10:1; 10:6) Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him
in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord came on David
from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
David Serves Saul
14 (Jdg 9:23; 1Sa 18:10) Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul
and an evil spirit from the Lord terrified him.
15 So the servants of Saul said to him, "See, an evil spirit from
God troubles you.
16 (2Ki 3:15; 1Sa 16:21-23) Let our lord now tell your servants, who are
before you, that they might seek out a man experienced in playing the lyre.
And it will come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is on you,
that he will play with his hand, and you will be well."
17 Saul said to his servants, "Find me now a man that can play well,
and bring him to me."
18 (1Sa 3:19; 17:32-36) Then one from the servants answered, and said,
"I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is experienced in playing
music, a mighty man of valor, a man of battle, and skillful in words, even
a man of fine appearance. And the Lord is with him."
19 (1Sa 16:11; 17:15) Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said,
"Send me David your son, who is with the sheep."
20 (1Sa 10:27; Pr 18:16) Jesse took a donkey laden with bread,
a bottle of wine, and a young goat and he sent them with his son David to Saul.
21 (Ge 41:46; Pr 22:29) David came to Saul, and stood before him.
And Saul loved him greatly and he became his armor bearer.
22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David stand before me, for he has found
favor in my sight."
23 It happened that when the evil spirit from God came on Saul,
David would take the lyre in his hand and play. So Saul was refreshed
and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
1 Samuel 16
[1] 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 Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a
king among his sons.
[2] And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he Will kill me. And the
LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the
LORD.
[3] And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt
do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
[4] And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the
elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
[5] And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify
yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and
his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
[6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and
said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.
[7] But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the
height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh
on the heart.
[8] Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he
said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
[9] Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD
chosen this.
[10] Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel
said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
[11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said,
There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And
Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he
come hither.
[12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a
beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise,
anoint him: for this is he.
[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his
brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
[14] But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from
the LORD troubled him.
[15] And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God
troubleth thee.
[16] Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek
out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass,
when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his
hand, and thou shalt be well.
[17] And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play
well, and bring him to me.
[18] Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son
of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant
man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the
LORD is with him.
[19] Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy
son, which is with the sheep.
[20] And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a
kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
[21] And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly;
and he became his armourbearer.
[22] And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before
me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
[23] And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that
David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was
well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
1 SAMUEL 17
David and Goliath
1 (Jos 15:35; 1Sa 13:5; 1Ch 11:13) Now the Philistines gathered their armies
for battle, and were gathered at Sokoh, which belongs to Judah. And they
camped between Sokoh and Azekah in Ephes Dammim.
2 (1Sa 21:9; 17:19) Saul and Israel's fighting men were gathered,
and they camped in the Valley of Elah. And they drew up in battle order
to meet the Philistines. 3Now the Philistines were standing at the base
of the mountain on the one side, and Israel was standing at the base
of the mountain on the other side, and the valley was between them.
4 (Jos 11:22) There went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines,
Goliath was his name, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
[About 9 feet 9 inches, or 3 meters.]
5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed
with a coat of mail. Now the weight of the bronze coat was 5000 shekels.
[About 125 pounds, or 58 kilograms.]
6 (1Sa 17:45) He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a bronze javelin
between his shoulders.
7 (2Sa 21:19; 1Sa 17:41) The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam.
His iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels.
[About 15 pounds, or 6.9 kilograms.]
And a shield-bearer was walking before him.
8 (1Sa 8:17) He stood and called out to the ranks of Israel,
"Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am not I the Philistine,
and you the servants of Saul? Choose for yourselves a man
and let him come down to me.
9 (1Sa 11:1) If he is able to fight with me and to strike me down,
then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him
and strike him down, then you will be our servants and will serve us."
10 (1Sa 17:45; 2Sa 21:21) The Philistine said, "I defy the battle lines
of Israel this day. Give me a man, and let us fight together."
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine,
they were filled with terror and were greatly afraid.
12 (Ge 35:19; 1Sa 16:18) Now David was the son of that Ephrathite
of Bethlehem in Judah whose name was Jesse, who had eight sons.
And the man was old in the days of Saul and advanced in years.
13 (1Ch 2:13) The three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed
Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons that went
to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab,
and the third was Shammah.
14 (1Sa 16:11) As for David, he was the youngest.
The three eldest followed Saul,
15 (1Sa 16:11) but David would go back and forth from Saul
to shepherd his father's flock in Bethlehem.
16 The Philistine stepped forward morning and evening
and took his stand daily for forty days.
17 (1Sa 25:18) Then Jesse said to David his son, "Take now for your brothers
an ephah [Likely about 36 pounds, or 16 kilograms.] of this parched grain
and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers.
18 (Ge 37:14; 1Sa 16:20) Carry these ten cheeses
to the captain of their thousand, and look into your brothers' health,
and bring back news of them."
19 Now Saul, and they, and all Israel's fighting men were
in the Valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines.
20 (1Sa 26:5) So David rose up early in the morning and left the flock
with a keeper. And he carried away the food and went as Jesse had
commanded him. And when he came to the encampment,
the army was going out to the battle line, and they shouted a war cry.
21 And Israel and the Philistines ordered themselves in battle lines,
army against army.
22 David left his things with the keeper of the equipment,
and he ran to the battle line. And he went and greeted his brothers.
23 As he was speaking with them, the champion, Goliath,
the Philistine from Gath, was going up from the battle line
of the Philistines. And he spoke these same words and David heard them.
24 When all Israel's fighting men saw the man, they fled from him,
and were very afraid.
25 (Jos 15:16) The men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who has
come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel, and it will be that the man
who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, will give him
his daughter, and will make his father's house exempt from taxes in Israel."
26 (Dt 5:26; 1Sa 11:2) David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying,
"What will be done for the man that kills this Philistine
and takes away this reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised
Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
27 And the people answered him in the same way, saying,
"So will it be done to the man who kills him."
28 (Ge 37:4; 37:8) Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men.
And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said,
"Why have you come down here? And with whom have you left those
few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the evil of your heart.
For you have come down that you might see the battle."
29 David said, "What have I done now? Was it not only a word?"
30 (1Sa 17:26-27) And he turned from him toward another
and spoke in the same way. And the people answered him again as at the first.
31 When the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul
and he sent for him.
1 Samuel 17
[1] 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.
[2] And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by
the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
[3] And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel
stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.
[4] And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named
Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
[5] And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a
coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
[6] And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between
his shoulders.
[7] And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's
head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went
before him.
[8] And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them,
Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and
ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
[9] If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your
servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our
servants, and serve us.
[10] And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me
a man, that we may fight together.
[11] When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were
dismayed, and greatly afraid.
[12] Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name
was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man
in the days of Saul.
[13] And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the
battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab
the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
[14] And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
[15] But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at
Bethlehem.
[16] And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself
forty days.
[17] And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah
of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy
brethren;
[18] And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and
look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
[19] Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of
Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
[20] And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a
keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the
trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the
battle.
[21] For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army
against army.
[22] And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage,
and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
[23] And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the
Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines,
and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.
[24] And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and
were sore afraid.
[25] And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up?
surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who
killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him
his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.
[26] And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be
done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach
from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy
the armies of the living God?
[27] And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be
done to the man that killeth him.
[28] And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down
hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I
know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down
that thou mightest see the battle.
[29] And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
[30] And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner:
and the people answered him again after the former manner.
[31] And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them
before Saul: and he sent for him.
1 SAMUEL 17
32 (1Sa 16:18; Dt 20:1-3) David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail
because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."
33 (Nu 13:31) Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against
this Philistine to fight with him. For you are but a youth,
and he has been a man of war from his youth."
34 David said to Saul, "Your servant was a shepherd for my father's flock,
and the lion came and the bear, and took a lamb out of the flock.
35 (Am 3:12) And I went out after him, and struck him,
and delivered it out of his mouth. And when he arose against me,
I took hold of his beard, struck him, and killed him.
36 (1Sa 17:10; 17:26) Your servant slew both the lion and the bear.
And this uncircumcised Philistine will be as one of them,
because he has reviled the armies of the living God."
37 (1Sa 20:13; 1Ch 22:11) David said, "The Lord who delivered me out
of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear,
He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."
And Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."
38 Saul clothed David with his armor. And he put a helmet of bronze
on his head. He also clothed him with a coat of mail.
39 David secured his sword to his armor and tried to walk,
but he was not used to it, for he had not tested them.
And David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these,
for I have not tested them." So David took them off.
40 (Jdg 20:16) He took his staff in his hand and chose for himself
five smooth stones out of the brook. And he put them in his shepherd's bag,
even in a pouch. And his sling was in his hand.
Then he drew near to the Philistine.
41 The Philistine came walking and drew near to David,
and the man bearing the shield went before him.
42 (1Sa 16:12; Ps 123:3-4) When the Philistine looked and saw David,
he despised him. For he was a youth and ruddy with a handsome appearance.
43 (1Sa 24:14; 2Sa 3:8) The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you
come to me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 (1Ki 20:10-11) The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give
your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the field."
45 (2Ch 32:8; 1Sa 17:10) Then David said to the Philistine,
"You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a shield,
but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have reviled.
46 (Dt 28:26; Jos 4:24) This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand.
And I will strike you down and cut off your head. Then I will give
the corpses of the Philistine camp this day to the birds of the air
and to the beasts of the earth so that all the earth may
know that there is a God in Israel.
47 (Hos 1:7; Zec 4:6) And then all this assembly will know that it is not
by sword and spear that the Lord saves. For the battle belongs to the Lord,
and He will give you into our hands."
48 When the Philistine arose and came near to meet David,
David hurried and ran toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
49 David put his hand in his bag and took from there a stone.
And he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead.
Therefore the stone sunk into his forehead and he fell
upon his face to the ground.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone.
And he struck down the Philistine and slew him,
but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51 (1Sa 21:9; Heb 11:34) Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine.
Then he took his sword and drew it from out of its sheath,
and he finished him off and he cut off his head with it.
When the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
52 (Jos 15:11) And the fighting men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted.
And they pursued the Philistines from the entrance of the Valley of Elah
as far as the gates of Ekron. So the Philistine dead lay slain on the road
to Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.
53 Then the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines
and they plundered their tents.
54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem,
but he put his armor in his tent.
55 (1Sa 16:21-22) When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine,
he said to Abner, the commander of the army, "Whose son is this youth, Abner?"
And Abner said, "As your soul lives, O king, I do not know."
56 The king said, "Inquire whose son the young man is."
57 So when David returned from slaying the Philistine, Abner took him
and brought him before Saul with the Philistine's head in his hand.
58 (1Sa 17:12) Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?"
And David answered, "I am the son of your servant, Jesse the Bethlehemite."
[32] And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy
servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
[33] And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine
to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his
youth.
[34] And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and
there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
[35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his
mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote
him, and slew him.
[36] Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised
Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the
living God.
[37] David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the
lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of
this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
[38] And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass
upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
[39] And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for
he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for
I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
[40] And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out
of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a
scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
[41] And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that
bare the shield went before him.
[42] And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him:
for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
[43] And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me
with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
[44] And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh
unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
[45] Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and
with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD
of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
[46] This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite
thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the
host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild
beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in
Israel.
[47] And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword
and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our
hands.
[48] And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh
to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the
Philistine.
[49] And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang
it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his
forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
[50] So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone,
and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand
of David.
[51] Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword,
and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head
therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
[52] And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the
Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And
the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto
Gath, and unto Ekron.
[53] And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines,
and they spoiled their tents.
[54] And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem;
but he put his armour in his tent.
[55] And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto
Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner
said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
[56] And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
[57] And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took
him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his
hand.
[58] And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David
answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 April 2023 Titled
Seize the Opportunity
2 Timothy 4:1 - 5
1 (Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing
and His kingdom:
2 (Titus 1:13; 2:15) Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season,
reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 (1Ti 1:10) For the time will come when people will not endure sound
doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance
with their own desires, having itching ears,
4 (1Ti 1:4; 4:7) and they will turn their ears away from the truth
and turn to myths.
5 (Ac 21:8; 2Ti 1:8) But be self-controlled in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
and prove your ministry.
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
While waiting to enter the university, twenty-year-old Shin Yi decided to
commit three months of her break to serving in a youth mission organization.
It seemed like an odd time to do this, given the COVID-19 restrictions that
prevented face-to-face meetings. But Shin Yi soon found a way. "We couldn't
meet up with students on the streets, in shopping malls, or fast-food centers
like we usually did," she shared. "But we continued to keep in touch with the
Christian students via Zoom to pray for one another
and with the non-believers via phone calls."
Shin Yi did what the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to do: "Do the work
of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). Paul warned that people would find teachers
who would tell them what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to hear
(vv. 3-4). Yet Timothy was called to take courage and "be prepared in season
and out of season." He was to "correct, rebuke and encourage-with great
patience and careful instruction" (v. 2).
Though not all of us are called to be evangelists or preachers, each one of
us can play a part in sharing our faith with those around us. Unbelievers are
perishing without Christ. Believers need strengthening and encouragement.
With God's help, let's proclaim His good news whenever and wherever we can.
By: Poh Fang Chia
Reflect & Pray
What discourages you from sharing your faith?
How might remembering that Jesus is coming back
help you to overcome your fear?
Dear Jesus, help me to seize every opportunity
to share Your words with others that they may find hope and comfort in You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy
Acts 4:12
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.
Application
a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?
b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?
c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 8:9
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich,
yet for your sakes He became poor,
that through His poverty you might be rich.
9 For ye know the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich,
yet for your sakes he became poor,
that ye through his poverty might be rich.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Eph 1:3-8a
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him
before the foundation of the world, to be holy
and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons
to Himself through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure
of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace
which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished
3 Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 according as he hath chosen us in him
before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love:
5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children
by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure
of his will,
6 to the praise of the glory of his grace,
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 wherein he hath abounded
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 day of Prayers from 18 March 2023 to 18 April 2023
DAY 25 APRIL 11
Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, is a large communications hub in
Northeast Africa. Prior to the secession of the south in 2011. Sudan
was the largest country in Africa. After decades of civil
war, the country signed an agreement to separate the predominantly Christian
south from the Muslim north, which had been seeking to become an Islamic state
since the 1960s. Sudan is a ripe harvest field, home to hundreds of unreached
people groups. As a major trade center Khartoumis the seedbed for the nation.
People Foucus Group
Sudanese Arab
Bela
Fur
Gaaliln
Guhayna
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for a breakthrough in vision and leadership that will result in
thousands of Christ-exacting, multiplying house churches
in the 34 languages of this city, especially among the listed UUPGs.
- Pray for the establishment of 24/7 prayer and for hearts to be opened
for Jesus followers to hear from heaven.
- Pray for leadership schools to be developed, and for church planters
to be sent out into every sector of society.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in signs, wonders, and power.
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and be humble about what responsibilities the Lord gives you
and pray to overcome obstacles.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, help me to seize every opportunity
to share Your words with others that they may find hope and comfort in You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as the only source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand His sacrifice.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as forgiveness.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
People Focus Group
Sudanese Arab
Bela
Fur
Gaaliln
Guhayna
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for a breakthrough in vision and leadership that will result in
thousands of Christ-exacting, multiplying house churches
in the 34 languages of this city, especially among the listed UUPGs.
- Pray for the establishment of 24/7 prayer and for hearts to be opened
for Jesus followers to hear from heaven.
- Pray for leadership schools to be developed, and for church planters
to be sent out into every sector of society.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in signs, wonders, and power.
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in your country.
Pray that the members of various churches in Azerbaijan
will bear with on another in Love.
(Eph 4:2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love; )
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