1 These are David’s last words: The voice of the son of Jesse, the voice of the man God took to the top, Whom the God of Jacob made king,…

1-2 Once againGod’s anger blazed out against Israel. He tested David by telling him, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” So David gave orders to Joab and…

Hannah Pours Out Her Heart to God 1-2 There once was a man who lived in Ramathaim. He was descended from the old Zuph family in the Ephraim hills. His…

1 Hannah prayed: I’m bursting withGod-news! I’m walking on air. I’m laughing at my rivals. I’m dancing my salvation. 2-5 Nothing and no one is holy likeGod, no rock mountain…

“Speak, God. I’m Ready to Listen” 1-3 The boy Samuel was servingGodunder Eli’s direction. This was at a time when the revelation ofGodwas rarely heard or seen. One night Eli…

The Chest of God Is Taken 1-3 Whatever Samuel said was broadcast all through Israel. Israel went to war against the Philistines. Israel set up camp at Ebenezer, the Philistines…

Threatened with Mass Death 1-2 Once the Philistines had seized the Chest of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, brought it into the shrine of Dagon, and placed…

Gold Tumors and Rats 1-2 After the Chest ofGodhad been among the Philistine people for seven months, the Philistine leaders called together their religious professionals, the priests, and experts on…

1 And they did. The men of Kiriath Jearim came and got the Chest ofGodand delivered it to the house of Abinadab on the hill. They ordained his son, Eleazar,…

Rejecting God as the King 1-3 When Samuel got to be an old man, he set his sons up as judges in Israel. His firstborn son was named Joel, the…