Skip to content

Day 101 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 10 April 2024 reflections

Day 101, 10 April 2024



1) 1 Chronicles 9:35-39

1 Samuel 13, 14



1 Chronicles 9:35-39



35 Now Jeiel the father of Gibeon,

whose wife's name was Maakah, dwelt in Gibeon.

36 His firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,

37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.

38 Mikloth became the father of Shimeam. These also dwelt in Jerusalem

with their own families near their brothers.

39 (1Sa 13:22) Ner became the father of Kish; Kish the father of Saul;

Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.



[35] And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife's name was

Maachah:

[36] And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and

Nadab,

[37] And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

[38] And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at

Jerusalem, over against their brethren.

[39] And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and

Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.



1 Samuel 13, 1 Samuel 14



1 SAMUEL 13



Saul Fails His Commission

1 Saul was thirty years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned 42 years over Israel. [Lit. “The son of a year

was Saul in his ruling and two years he ruled over Israel.”]

[Most translations read in Saul’s age and length of reign

from external evidence (Josephus) or from the New Testament

(Paul, who mentions a forty-year reign for Saul in Ac 13:21).

2 (1Sa 10:26; 13:5) Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel.

2000 were with Saul in Mikmash and in mountains of Bethel,

and a 1000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin.

The rest of the people he sent each to his tent.

3 (1Sa 10:5; Jdg 3:27) Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines

that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew

the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear."

4 (Ge 34:30; Ex 5:21) All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison

of the Philistines, and that Israel had become odious to the Philistines.

And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.

5 (Jos 11:4; 1Sa 14:23) The Philistines gathered together to fight

with Israel, 30000 chariots and 6000 horsemen, with people

like the sand which is on the seashore in multitude.

And they came up and camped in Mikmash, east of Beth Aven.



[1] Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,

[2] Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were

with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan

in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his

tent.

[3] And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and

the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the

land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

[4] And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the

Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the

Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.

[5] And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel,

thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand

which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in

Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven.



6 (Jdg 6:2; Heb 11:38) When Israel's fighting men saw that they

were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people

hid themselves in caves, in hollows, among rocks, and in cellars

and cisterns.

7 Some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him,

trembling.

8 (1Sa 10:8) He waited seven days, according to the set time that Samuel

had appointed. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people

were scattered from him.

9 (1Ki 3:4; Dt 12:6) Saul said, "Bring here to me the burnt offering

and the peace offerings." Then he offered the burnt offering.

10 (1Sa 15:13) When he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel came.

And Saul went out to meet him to greet him.

11 (1Sa 13:2; 13:5) Samuel said, "What have you done?"

And Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me,

and that you did not come to the appointed assembly days, and the Philistines

are gathering themselves together at Mikmash,

12 therefore I said, 'The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,

and I have not yet appeased the face of the Lord.'

So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering."

13 (2Ch 16:9; 1Sa 15:11) Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly.

You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God,

which He commanded you. Truly now, the Lord would have established

your kingdom over Israel forever.

14 (1Sa 15:28; Ac 13:22) But now your kingdom will not continue.

The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart

and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over His people,

because you have not kept that which the Lord commanded you."

15 (1Sa 13:2; 14:2) Samuel arose, and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah

of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him,

about six hundred men.

Israel Unarmed

16 Now Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were with them,

were staying in Gibeah of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Mikmash.

17 (Jos 18:23; 1Sa 14:15) Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines

in three companies. One company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah,

to the land of Shual.

18 (Ne 11:34; Jos 18:13-14) And another company turned the way to Beth Horon.

And another company turned to the way of the border that looks to the Valley

of Zeboyim toward the wilderness.



[6] When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people

were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in

thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

[7] And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him

trembling.

[8] And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had

appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from

him.

[9] And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings.

And he offered the burnt offering.

[10] And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the

burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he

might salute him.

[11] And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that

the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days

appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at

Michmash;

[12] Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,

and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore,

and offered a burnt offering.

[13] And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept

the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would

the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

[14] But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man

after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his

people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

[15] And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin.

And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred

men.

[16] And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with

them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

[17] And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three

companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the

land of Shual:

[18] And another company turned the way to Beth-horon: and another company

turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward

the wilderness.



19 (2Ki 24:14; Jdg 5:8) Now there was no blacksmith found throughout

all the land of Israel. For the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make

for themselves swords or spears."

20 So all the children of Israel went down to the Philistines, to sharpen

every man his plow-point, his axe, his adze and his hoe.

21 The sharpening charge was two-thirds of a shekel

(About 1/4 ounce, or 8 grams.) for plow-points, axes, pitchforks, and adzes,

and to fix an ox-goad.

22 (Jdg 5:8) So it came to pass on the day of battle, that neither sword

nor spear were found in the hand of any of the people who were with

Saul and Jonathan. But they were found in the hand of Saul

and Jonathan his son.

23 (Isa 10:28; 1Sa 14:1) And the garrison of the Philistines had marched

out to the ravine of Mikmash.



[19] Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the

Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

[20] But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every

man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.

[21] Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the

forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.

[22] So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword

nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and

Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

[23] And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of

Michmash.



1 SAMUEL 14



Jonathan Defeats the Philistines



1 A day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man that

bore his armor, "Come, and let us cross over to the Philistine garrison

which is on the other side." But he did not tell his father.

2 (1Sa 13:15-16) Now Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah

under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people

that were with him were about six hundred men.

3 (1Sa 2:28; 4:21) And Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother,

the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh,

was wearing the ephod. But the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.

4 (1Sa 13:23) Between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over

to the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side,

and a sharp rock on the other side. And the name of the one was Bozez,

and the name of the other Seneh.

5 The crag of the one rose north opposite Mikmash,

and the other faced southward opposite Geba.

6 (1Sa 17:26; 17:36) Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor,

"Come, and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised.

Perhaps the Lord will work for us. For the Lord is not limited

to save by many or by few."

7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart.

Turn yourself, and I will be with you according to your heart."

8 (Jdg 7:9-14) Then Jonathan said, "Now we will cross over to these men,

and we will reveal ourselves to them.

9 If they say to us, 'Wait until we come to you,' then we will stand still

in our place, and we will not go up to them.

10 (Ge 24:14) But if they say, 'Come up to us,' then we will go up,

for the Lord has delivered them into our hand, and this will be a sign to us."

11 (1Sa 13:6; 14:22) So the two of them revealed themselves to the garrison

of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, "Look, the Hebrews are coming

out of the caves where they have hidden themselves."

12 (1Sa 17:43-44; 2Sa 5:24) The men of the garrison answered Jonathan

and his armor bearer, and said,

"Come up to us, and we will teach you something."

So Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me.

For the Lord has delivered them into the hand of Israel."

13 Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet with his armor

bearer behind him. And they fell before Jonathan. And his armor bearer

was dealing death blows after him.

14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made,

was about twenty men within about a half-acre field.

15 (1Sa 13:17; Ge 35:5) There was trembling in the camp, in the field,

and among all the people. The garrison and the raiders also trembled,

and the ground quaked. It was the fear of God.

16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold,

the multitude melted away, and they went even here and there.

17 Then Saul said to the people that were with him,

"Number now, and see who has gone from us."

And when they had numbered, Jonathan nor his armor bearer were there.

18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring here the ark of God." For the ark of God was

at that time with the children of Israel.

19 (Nu 27:21) It came to pass, while Saul talked to the priest,

that the noise which was in the camp of the Philistines went on

and increased. So Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand."

20 (Jdg 7:22; 2Ch 20:23) Saul and all the people who were

with him assembled, and they went to the battle. And every man's sword

was against his fellow, so that there was very great confusion.

21 (1Sa 29:4) Even the Hebrews who were with the Philistines the days

before, who went up with them into the camp from the country round

about, even they also turned to be with the children of Israel that were

with Saul and Jonathan.

22 (1Sa 13:6) Also all of Israel's fighting men, who had hidden themselves

in mountains of Ephraim, heard that the Philistines fled, and even they

followed hard after them in the battle.

23 (Ex 14:30; 1Sa 13:5) So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle

passed beyond Beth Aven.



[1] Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto

the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the

Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his

father.

[2] And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate

tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six

hundred men;

[3] And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas,

the son of Eli, the LORD's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the

people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

[4] And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the

Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp

rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of

the other Seneh.

[5] The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash,

and the other southward over against Gibeah.

[6] And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let

us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD

will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or

by few.

[7] And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn

thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

[8] Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we

will discover ourselves unto them.

[9] If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand

still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

[10] But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD

hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.

[11] And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the

Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of

the holes where they had hid themselves.

[12] And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and

said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto

his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into

the hand of Israel.

[13] And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his

armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer

slew after him.

[14] And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was

about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of

oxen might plow.

[15] And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the

people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth

quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

[16] And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the

multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

[17] Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see

who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his

armourbearer were not there.

[18] And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of

God was at that time with the children of Israel.

[19] And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise

that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said

unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.

[20] And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves,

and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his

fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.

[21] Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time,

which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even

they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

[22] Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount

Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed

hard after them in the battle.

[23] So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto

Beth-aven.



Saul's Rash Oath



24 (Jos 6:26) Now Israel's fighting men were distressed that day.

For Saul had placed the people under a curse, saying,

"Cursed is the man that eats any food before it is evening,

and I have been avenged on my enemies."

So none of the people tasted any food.

25 All the people of the land came to the forest, and there was honey

on the ground.

26 When the people came into the forest there was flowing honey.

But no man put his hand to his mouth, because the people feared the oath.

27 (1Sa 30:12; 14:43) But Jonathan had not heard when his father made

the people swear. Therefore he put forward the end of the rod that was

in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb. Then he put his hand to his

mouth, and his eyes were brightened.

28 Then one of the people answered, and said, "Your father surely made

the people swear, saying, 'Cursed is the man that eats any food this day.' "

And the people were weary.

29 (1Ki 18:18) Then said Jonathan, "My father has troubled the land.

See how my eyes have brightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

30 How much more, if the people had surely eaten freely today of the spoil

of their enemies which they found? But now the defeat of the Philistines

has not been great."

31 (Jos 10:12) And they struck the Philistines that day from Mikmash

to Aijalon, and the people were very weary.

32 (Lev 3:17; 1Sa 15:19) The people rushed upon the spoil;

they took sheep, oxen, and calves and slew them on the ground.

And the people ate them with the blood.

33 Then they reported to Saul, saying, "Look, the people are sinning against

the Lord by eating the blood."

And he said, "You have dealt faithlessly. Roll a great stone to me this day."

34 Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the people, and say to them,

'Bring to me here every man his ox or sheep. And slaughter them here,

and eat. But you shall not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.' '

And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night,

and slew them there.

35 (1Sa 7:17) And Saul built an altar to the Lord. It was the first altar

that he built to the Lord.

36 Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night

and plunder them until the morning light. And let us not leave a man of them."

And they said, "Do whatever seems good to you."

Then the priest said, "Let us draw near here to God."

37 (1Sa 28:6) Saul asked of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines?

Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But He did not answer him

that day.

38 (1Sa 10:19-20) Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people,

and observe and see how this sin has come about this day.

39 (1Sa 14:44; 2Sa 12:5) For, as the Lord lives, who saves Israel,

even if it is in Jonathan my son, he will surely die."

But there was not one who answered him from among all the people.

40 Then he said to all Israel, "You will be on one side, and I and Jonathan

my son will be on the other side."

And the people said to Saul, "Do what seems good to you."

41 (Ac 1:24; Jos 7:16-18) Therefore Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel,

“Give a perfect lot.” And Saul and Jonathan were taken,

but the people escaped.

42 Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son."

And Jonathan was taken.

43 (Jos 7:19; 1Sa 14:27) Then Saul said to Jonathan,

"Tell me what you have done."

And Jonathan told him, and said,

"I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was

in my hand. Here I am. I must die."

44 (Ru 1:17; 1Sa 14:39) Saul said, "May God do so to me and more also,

for you will surely die, Jonathan."

45 (2Sa 14:11; 1Ki 1:52) The people said to Saul, "Will Jonathan die, who has

worked this great salvation in Israel? God forbid. As the Lord lives,

there will not one hair of his head fall to the ground.

For he has worked with God this day." So the people rescued Jonathan,

and he did not die.

46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines, and the Philistines

went to their own place.

47 (2Sa 10:6) So Saul took the kingdom over Israel and fought against

all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the Ammonites,

against Edom and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines.

Whatever place he turned himself, he defeated them.

48 He gathered an army, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel

out of the hand of its plunderers.



[24] And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured

the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening,

that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any

food.

[25] And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the

ground.

[26] And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped;

but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

[27] But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the

oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and

dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were

enlightened.

[28] Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged

the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this

day. And the people were faint.

[29] Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you,

how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this

honey.

[30] How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil

of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater

slaughter among the Philistines?

[31] And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and

the people were very faint.

[32] And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and

calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the

blood.

[33] Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD,

in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a

great stone unto me this day.

[34] And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them,

Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them

here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And

all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them

there.

[35] And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar

that he built unto the LORD.

[36] And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil

them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they

said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us

draw near hither unto God.

[37] And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines?

wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that

day.

[38] And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and

know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

[39] For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan

my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people

that answered him.

[40] Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my

son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what

seemeth good unto thee.

[41] Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot.

And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

[42] And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan

was taken.

[43] Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan

told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod

that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

[44] And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die,

Jonathan.

[45] And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought

this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall

not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God

this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

[46] Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines

went to their own place.

[47] So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his

enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and

against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines:

and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.

[48] And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel

out of the hands of them that spoiled them.



Saul's Family



49 (1Sa 31:2; 1Ch 8:33) Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi,

and Malki-Shua. And the names of his two daughters were Merab,

the firstborn, and Michal, the youngest.

50 (2Sa 2:8) And the name of the wife of Saul was Ahinoam,

the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the captain of his army

was Abner, the son of Ner, the uncle of Saul.

51 (1Sa 9:1; 9:21) Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner

was the son of Abiel.

52 (1Sa 8:11) There was strong war against the Philistines

all the days of Saul, and when Saul saw any strong man,

or any valiant man, he took him into his service.



[49] Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the

names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and

the name of the younger Michal:

[50] And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and

the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

[51] And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the

son of Abiel.

[52] And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul:

and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.



2) Our Daily Bread for 10 April 2024 titled



Eyes to See
By Amy Boucher Pye



Isaiah 42:5-9



5 (Ac 17:25; Job 12:10) Thus says God the Lord,

who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it,

who gives breath to the people on it,

and spirit to those who walk in it:

6 (Lk 2:32; Isa 49:6; 49:8) I the Lord have called You in righteousness,

and will hold Your hand,

and will keep You and appoint You

for a covenant of the people,

for a light of the nations,

7 (Isa 35:5; 61:1; 49:9) to open the blind eyes,

to bring out the prisoners from the prison,

and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8 (Isa 48:11; Ex 20:3-5) I am the Lord, that is My name;

and My glory I will not give to another,

nor My praise to graven images.

9 (Isa 43:19) See, the former things have come to pass,

and new things I declare;

before they spring forth

I tell you of them.



[5] Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them

out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he

that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk

therein:

[6] I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand,

and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light

of the Gentiles;

[7] To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and

them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

[8] I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another,

neither my praise to graven images.

[9] Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do declare:

before they spring forth I tell you of them.



Genevieve had to be the "eyes" for her three children, each born with

congenital cataracts. Whenever she took them into their village

in the Republic of Benin of western Africa, she strapped the baby onto

her back and held on to the arm and hand of her older two, always looking for

danger. In a culture where blindness was thought to be caused by witchcraft,

Genevieve despaired and cried out to God for help.



Then a man from her village told her about Mercy Ships, a ministry that

provides vital surgeries to honour Jesus' model of bringing hope and healing

to the poor. Uncertain if they could help, she approached them.

When the children woke up after their surgeries, they could see!



God's story has always been about coming alongside those shrouded in darkness

and bringing His light. The prophet Isaiah declared that God would be

"a light for the Gentiles" (Isaiah 42:6). He would "open eyes that are blind"

(v. 7), restoring not only physical sight but spiritual vision as well. And

He promised to "take hold" of His people's hand (v. 6). He restored sight

to the blind and brought light to those living in the darkness.



If you feel overcome by darkness, cling to hope as you embrace the promises

of our loving Father while asking for His light to bring illumination.



How has God opened your eyes, physically or spiritually?

How can He remove the blinders you may have?



Heavenly Father, You desire that no one would

live in darkness. Release Your love on those who are blinded in any way,

that they might see.



Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness



Luke 17:3 - 4



3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."

"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,

forgive him.

4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,

'I repent,' you must forgive him."



3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;

and if he repent, forgive him.

4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;

thou shalt forgive him.



The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'

disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through

Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,

21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,

"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?

Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)

The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to

develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be

forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if

he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!

But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,

forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"

And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They

were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the

outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.

We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far

- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're

forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".

He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance

for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.

That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our

checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.

Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God

and been forgiven, we are to forgive.



Application



a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I

have forgiven ? Why?



b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as

Jesus calls me to?





4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Romans 13:7-8



7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes

are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,

and honor to whom honour is due.

8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,

for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.



7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;

custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth

another hath fulfilled the law.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Eternal Faithfulness



Ps 117



1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.



1 O praise the LORD,

All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.

2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:

And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.

Praise ye the LORD.



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 10 March 2024 to 8 April 2024



1 Timothy 2:1-7



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 Saviour,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle

(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and truth.



[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 Saviour,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle

(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and truth.



How can we keep praying?



Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.



Ask those who are serving Christ among

Muslim people how you can pray for them.



When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray

for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also

participate in 30 Days.



What should you pray for?



Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom

in the places they govern.



Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have

access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.



Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be

saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.



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



10th Day of the Month



a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of

Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.



(

John 3:16



16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."



16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.



)



b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,

soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.





Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will give you victory.



Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, You desire that no one would

live in darkness. Release Your love on those who are blinded in any way,

that they might see."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a determined forgiver

without keeping scoreboards.



Pray to the Lord and pray to pay those who you owe.



Pray to the Lord and pray to fell His mercies.



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



Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.



Ask those who are serving Christ among

Muslim people how you can pray for them.



When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray

for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also

participate in 30 Days.



Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom

in the places they govern.



Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have

access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.



Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be

saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.



Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of

Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.



Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,

soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.



Pray for the protection of Christians in Cameroon living in villages

along the northwestern border where Islamists' attacks have occured.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - Edge of Destruction / Brink of Disaster

Here's a review of Doctor Who: The Edge of Destruction / The Brink of

Disaster (sometimes listed as simply "The Edge of Destruction"):



Background



Airing in February 1964, "The Edge of Destruction"

(originally titled "Inside the Ship") is the third Doctor Who serial

and the first written by Script Editor David Whitaker. It marks

a turning point in the show, introducing a more psychological

and character-driven approach to storytelling compared to the historical

adventures of the first two serials.



Story



The TARDIS crew – the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara – find themselves

disoriented and suspicious of each other. A broken safety switch on the

TARDIS disrupts the crew's mental state, leading to paranoia, fear,

and even violence. The Doctor must not only fix the TARDIS

but also navigate the fractured relationships within his crew.



Review



"The Edge of Destruction" is a unique and experimental story in Doctor Who

history. Here are some key points to consider:



Psychological Thriller: This serial departs from the sci-fi adventure

format of the previous stories. It delves into the psychological effects

of the malfunctioning TARDIS, creating a tense and claustrophobic

atmosphere.



Character Development: "The Edge of Destruction" focuses heavily

on character development. We see the Doctor's resourcefulness

and his struggle to maintain control. The companions also grapple

with fear and suspicion, revealing their inner strengths and weaknesses.



Mixed Pacing: The story starts slow, establishing the mystery

and the characters' growing unease. The pace picks up as the situation

becomes more desperate.



Controversial Elements: Some viewers find the acting and dialogue a bit

over-the-top, especially the Doctor's uncharacteristically aggressive

behaviour.



Reception



Positive: Praised for its originality, psychological depth, and focus

on character development. It's also considered a turning point for the

show's direction.



Negative: Criticised for its slow pacing, melodramatic acting,

and departure from the established format.



Overall Thoughts



"The Edge of Destruction" is a bold experiment in Doctor Who history.

While not without its flaws, it offers a unique and thought-provoking

story that delves into the characters' psyches. It represents

a significant step in the show's evolution from pure sci-fi adventure

to a more complex and character-driven format.



Would I recommend watching it?:



If you're interested in the history of Doctor Who and seeing the show evolve,

"The Edge of Destruction" is a valuable watch. However, if you prefer

fast-paced adventures with clear heroes and villains, you might find it

slow and confusing.



Here are some additional points to consider:



The Historical Context: Remember, this serial aired in 1964. Television

production values and storytelling techniques have changed significantly

since then.

The Doctor's Character: This is still the early days of the First Doctor.

His personality and relationship with his companions are still being

established. He might come across as more ruthless or even cruel compared

to later incarnations.



Ultimately, whether you enjoy "The Edge of Destruction" depends on your

personal preferences. It's a unique and experimental story that

offers a different flavour of Doctor Who.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Macra Terror

"Doctor Who - The Macra Terror" is a classic four-part serial from the Fourth

Season of the original series, first broadcast in 1967. Set on a futuristic

human colony, the story follows the Doctor and his companions as they uncover

a sinister plot orchestrated by giant crab-like creatures known as the Macra.



Here's a breakdown of each episode individually:



Episode 1:

The first episode effectively sets up the premise of the story, introducing the

idyllic colony of New New York and the strange occurrences that hint at darker

forces at play. The tension builds steadily as the Doctor and his companions

investigate the mysterious disappearances and encounter the mind-controlling

Episode 2 continues to ramp up the suspense as the Doctor and his companions

delve deeper into the secrets of the colony. The introduction of the Macra as

the primary antagonists adds a sense of danger and urgency to the story. The

episode effectively explores themes of conformity and manipulation, showcasing

the insidious nature of the Macra's control over the colony's inhabitants.

Despite some pacing issues, it's a solid installment

that keeps viewers engaged.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 3:

This episode sees the tension reach its peak as the Doctor and his companions

confront the Macra head-on. The action sequences are well-executed, and the

stakes feel higher than ever as the truth behind the colony's facade is

revealed. The Doctor's resourcefulness and quick thinking are on full display

as he devises a plan to defeat the Macra and free the colony from their

influence. Overall, it's a thrilling installment that delivers on both suspense

and excitement.

Rating: 9/10



Episode 4:

The final episode brings the story to a satisfying conclusion as the Doctor

and his companions confront the true masterminds behind the Macra's plot. The

resolution is both action-packed and emotionally resonant, with moments of

sacrifice and heroism from the main characters. The episode ties up loose ends

effectively and leaves viewers with a sense of closure, while also setting the

stage for future adventures. Overall, it's a strong ending to a memorable

serial.

Rating: 8/10



Overall, "Doctor Who - The Macra Terror" is a gripping and atmospheric serial

that effectively combines elements of science fiction and horror. While some

episodes may have pacing issues, the story remains engaging throughout,

making it a classic installment in the Doctor Who canon.



Total Rating: 8/10