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Day 102 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 11 April 2024 reflections

Day 102, 11 April 2024



1) 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 16, 1 Samuel 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.



[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.



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.



[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 2024 Titled



Singing Meadows




Psalm 65:8-13



8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Those who dwell in the uttermost parts

are in awe because of Your signs;

You make the going out of the morning and evening rejoice.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) You visit the earth, and water it;

You enrich it

with the river of God, which is full of water;

You prepare their grain,

for thus You have established it.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) You water its furrows abundantly;

You settle its ridges;

You soften it with showers;

You bless its sprouting.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) You crown the year with Your goodness,

and Your paths drip abundance.

12 They drip on the pastures of the wilderness,

and the hills clothe themselves with rejoicing.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks;

the valleys also are covered with grain;

they shout for joy, they also sing.



[8] They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens:

thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

[9] Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with

the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when

thou hast so provided for it.

[10] Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows

thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing

thereof.

[11] Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

[12] They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills

rejoice on every side.

[13] The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over

with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.



I've often affectionately joked with my mother-in-law about her ability to

talk to her dogs. She responds to their barks with loving understanding.

Perhaps now she and dog owners everywhere will also listen for their canine

pals to laugh. Scientists have discovered that many animals, including dogs,

cows, foxes, seals, and parakeets, all have "vocal play signals"-otherwise

known as laughter. Identifying these accompanying sounds helps distinguish

an animal's play behaviours from what might otherwise look like fighting

to a human observer.



That animals express laughter and joy gives us a delightful glimmer of what

it might look like for other parts of creation to praise God in their own

way. As King David looked over his surroundings, it seemed to him "the hills

[were] clothed with gladness" and the meadows and valleys were "[shouting]

for joy" (Psalm 65:12-13). David recognised that God had cared for

and enriched the land, providing both beauty and sustenance.



Even though our physical surroundings don't "sing" in a literal way, they

bear witness to God's active work in His creation and, in turn, invite us

to give praise to Him with our voices. May we-as part of the "whole earth"

-be "filled with awe at [His] wonders" and respond to Him with "songs of joy"

(v. 8-). We can trust that He'll hear and understand them.



By: Kirsten Holmberg



Reflect & Pray



How do your physical surroundings encourage you to praise God?

Where have you seen His handiwork elsewhere?



Thank You, God, for Your continued work in creation.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray



Mark 11:25



25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,

so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.



25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.



"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try

to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"

"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck

a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,

my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,

worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the

absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's

Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness

of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered

communication between God and his people.

When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated

unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,

however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others

through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness

of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;

we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity

in our lives.



Application



a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?



b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,

whether or not I can work toward?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



1 Cor 13:3



3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,

and if I give my body to be burned,

and have not love, it profits me nothing.



3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,

and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,

it profiteth me nothing.



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



God's Inexhaustible Strength



Ps 18:30-34



30 As for God, His way has integrity;

the word of the Lord is proven;

He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.

31 For who is God except the Lord?

Or who is a rock besides our God?

32 It is God who clothes me with strength,

and gives my way integrity.

33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

and causes me to stand on my high places.

34 He trains my hands for war,

so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.



30 As for God, his way is perfect:

The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

31 For who is God save the LORD?

Or who is a rock save our God?

32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,

And maketh my way perfect.

33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,

And setteth me upon my high places.

34 He teacheth my hands to war,

So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.



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



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 and obedient about what responsibilities

the Lord gives you and pray to overcome obstacles.



Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, God, for Your continued work in creation."



Pray to the Lord and pray to forgive those who sinned against you.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be full of love.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be full of His strength.



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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,

city or community, and in your country.



Pray for provision, wisdom and strength on behalf of those ministering

to Syrian refugees in Jordan.



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 - Marco Polo

Due to the unfortunate circumstance of all episodes of "Doctor Who

- Marco Polo" being lost, a complete review based on viewing the

serial is impossible. However, I can delve into what information

we do have and why it's considered a significant, albeit unseen,

part of Doctor Who history.



The Story:



Airing in 1964, "Marco Polo" is a seven-episode historical serial

set in the court of Kublai Khan during the reign of Marco Polo.

The Doctor and his companions, Ian, Barbara, and Susan,

become entangled in political intrigue and must navigate

the dangers of the Mongol Empire.



What We Know (and Can Speculate On):



Production Quality: Despite being lost, surviving production photos

and audience reviews suggest "Marco Polo" boasted high production

values for its time. The elaborate costumes and sets likely created

a visually immersive experience.



Character Development: Reviews point to strong character development,

particularly for Marco Polo himself. The Doctor's relationship with

his companions is also believed to have grown throughout the serial.



Historical Context: While historical accuracy wasn't a major focus

for Doctor Who in its early days, "Marco Polo" likely explored themes

of cultural exchange and political power struggles within the Mongol

Empire.



The Legacy of a Lost Serial:



Fan Favorite (Despite Being Unseen): "Marco Polo" holds a special place

in the hearts of many Doctor Who fans based on audio recordings, scripts,

and fan recollections.

First Doctor High Point: The First Doctor, played by William Hartnell,

is considered to be at his best in "Marco Polo." His performance is said

to be both authoritative and nuanced.

A Stepping Stone: "Marco Polo" is believed to be a turning point

for the show, moving away from pure historical adventures

and introducing more complex narratives.



The Importance of "Marco Polo":



Even though we can't watch it, "Marco Polo" remains significant

for several reasons:



Influence on the Show: It helped shape the classic era of Doctor Who

by focusing on character development and more nuanced storytelling.

Fan Dedication: The enduring fan interest in "Marco Polo" highlights

the power of storytelling and the show's ability to capture imaginations.

A Hope for Rediscovery: There's always a chance that lost episodes

might resurface someday, fueling a sense of mystery and anticipation

among fans.



While a traditional review based on viewing the serial is impossible,

"Marco Polo" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Doctor Who

and the power of imagination to fill the gaps left by lost media.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Faceless Ones

"Doctor Who - The Faceless Ones" is a six-part serial from the Fourth Season

of the original series, originally aired in 1967. In this story,

the Second Doctor and his companions become embroiled in a mystery involving

missing persons at Gatwick Airport and a sinister alien plot.



Here's a review of each episode individually:



Episode 1:

The first episode effectively establishes the central mystery

of the story, as the Doctor and his companions arrive at Gatwick Airport

and encounter strange occurrences involving missing passengers.

The introduction of the Chameleons and their ability to assume human

identities adds an intriguing layer of suspense to the narrative.

Overall, it's a strong start that sets the stage for the ensuing

adventure.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 2:

Episode 2 builds upon the mystery established in the first episode,

as the Doctor and his companions continue their investigation into

the disappearances at Gatwick Airport. The tension escalates

as they uncover more clues and encounter the enigmatic figure of Spencer,

who seems to be connected to the Chameleons' activities. Despite some

pacing issues, it's an engaging installment that keeps viewers guessing.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 3:

This episode sees the Doctor and his companions delving deeper

into the Chameleons' plot as they infiltrate their headquarters

and uncover their true intentions. The action sequences

are well-executed, and the stakes feel higher than ever

as the Doctor races against time to thwart the Chameleons' plans.

While there are moments of excitement, the pacing occasionally

falters, slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 4:

Episode 4 ramps up the tension as the Doctor and his companions face off

against the Chameleons in a desperate bid to save the missing passengers.

The stakes feel higher than ever as the true extent of the Chameleons'

deception is revealed, leading to a thrilling climax that leaves viewers

on the edge of their seats. Despite some pacing issues, it's a satisfying

installment that delivers on both suspense and excitement.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 5:

This episode sees the story reach its climax as the Doctor confronts

the Chameleons and exposes their plot to the authorities. The action

sequences are well-staged, and the resolution is both satisfying

and emotionally resonant, with moments of sacrifice and heroism

from the main characters. While there are moments of excitement,

the pacing occasionally falters, slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 6:

The final episode brings the story to a satisfying conclusion

as the Doctor and his companions bid farewell to their new friends

and prepare to embark on their next adventure.

The resolution is both poignant and bittersweet, with the Doctor

reflecting on the consequences of their actions

and the toll it has taken on those involved.

While there are moments of excitement, the pacing occasionally falters,

slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 7/10



Overall, "Doctor Who - The Faceless Ones" is a gripping

and atmospheric serial that effectively combines elements

of mystery and suspense. While some episodes may have pacing issues,

the story remains engaging throughout, making it a memorable installment

in the Doctor Who canon.



Total Rating: 7/10