The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 86 Ever notice these books don't end with happily ever afters?   Remember that we are reading an entire story of God told over many years.  The individual books help us follow that story, but we do well in remembering it's still one complete story. Today, we're finishing 1 Samuel.  As we read, we'll see how far Saul has fallen.  Ultimately, what God said would happen, happens. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 28-31 & Psalm 86 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 28 This chapter is devoted entirely to Saul's encounter with a medium. Notice that Saul had previously expelled mediums and wizards.  This could be a sign of his former faithfulness. Saul's fear overwhelmed him.  He is up against a Philistine army he does not think he can defeat. Since Saul could not hear from God, he seeks a medium to "inquire of her."  What did he want to know (from God or the medium)?  He asks Samuel what he should do.  So, is that asking whether to...

DAY 84 No daily notes today.  You'll notice in today's reading that David is on the run.  He is traveling from place to place to escape Saul. Do you have any notes that you'd like to share? DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 21-24 & Psalm 84 OTHER OBSERVATIONS When Jonathan and David meet again, Jonathan tells David that he knows David will be king.  He also tells him that his father, Saul, knows David will be king.  Later, after David spares Saul's life, Saul will confess this. That makes these chapters all the more disturbing. Why is Saul so bent on pursuing David?  At one point, only the threat of a Philistine raid takes Saul away from his chasing David.  Is is merely jealousy?  Madness?  That evil spirit?  What is Saul hoping to (re)gain by killing David?  Did you notice how quickly Saul turns from his anger against David at the end of Chapter 24?   How long do you think that will last? Stay blessed....

DAY 83 The relationship between Saul and David worsens.  David is now Saul's enemy.   DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 18-20 & Psalm 83 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 18 Saul's delight for David quickly turns.  Saul is jealous of David's success and the fact that everyone else seems to like David more than him. Of course, we have to think about what this evil spirit from the Lord might mean. Saul tries to kill David.  He even devises a plan to have him married into the royal family so that he can create a snare for him. What does it say about David that, even after Saul has tried to kill him, he still finds it an honor to be married to the family? David escapes Saul's traps.  So, from here on out, the text says that Saul considered David an enemy.  Think he knows what it means to love your enemies? 1 Samuel 19 Verse 5 reminds us of David's fight with Goliath.  At this point, David has fought other times.  What makes that ...

DAY 82 It's time to meet David.  In today's reading he is anointed king; he will be king later.  He also takes a place in Saul's court and gets a major victory against some tall guy. Pay attention to how the text begins to illustrate the fall of Samuel while describing the rise of David.  Keep note of some of what's said about each man; those little commentaries about their character or their attitude.   DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 15-17 + Psalm 82 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 15:1-9 Samuel told Saul to totally annihilate the Amalekites. "Do not spare them." Some commentaries have said that even the animals should be killed because the people were sorcerers.  They would use the animals in their rituals. Kenites were descendants of Jethro Saul spares King Agag and the people keep the best of the animals. uh oh. 1 Samuel 15:10-23 Samuel is angry to find out, from God, that Saul has not followed through with the commands of God.  He cr...

DAY 81 Well, that didn't last too long.  Saul's story began with humility and favor.  Today, a bit of impatience gets the best of him and things begin to unravel. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 13-14 & Psalm 81 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 13 Remember when Samuel told Saul to wait 7 days for him (10:8)?  Then again, remember 11:1?  I'll let you think on that. Saul, feeling the people "slip away" (literally, scattering), decides he must take the responsibility to do the offerings.  As he finishes, Samuel arrives.   Consequently, Samuel prophesies that Saul's "kingdom will not continue."   1 Samuel 14 Saul's son, Jonathan, shows himself to be a military hero.  He sends the Philistines into panic and, as a result, the Hebrews work together to defeat them. Saul commands his troops to take an oath to not eat anything before sundown. Jonathan does not hear this and eats; he even gets others to eat because the troops are "faint...

DAY 80 Today, we're reading about Saul's inauguration as king.  In a few short chapters, we read about where he comes from, what makes him different than others, maybe a bit about his humility and his first act of military power. Let us know if you notice anything else? DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 9-12 & Psalm 80 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 9 We are introduced to Saul.  His family is wealthy and he is a handsome young man. Saul goes to search for his father's lost donkeys, but ends up meeting Samuel.  So far, Samuel does not give Saul any indication what is to come.  He only treats Saul to a special dinner that has already been prepared with other guests.   He also gives him a place to sleep and assures him the donkeys are okay! 1 Samuel 10 Samuel anoints Saul as king of Israel.  That day Saul begins to prophesy as he joins a band of prophets. Notice some of the expected behavior of prophets. For some reason, Saul told his un...