Category Archives: Readings

David secures a place of safety for his family in Moab, and then returns to Judah at the direction of the seer Gad. Meanwhile, Doeg informs King Saul about the High Priest Ahimelech’s aid to David. Saul orders the High … Continue reading →

David flees to the Philistine court of King Achish in Gath, Goliath’s home city. His identity is discovered, and he has to feign madness, which causes Achish to send him away. Psalm 34 and 56 are written based on this … Continue reading →

David is now an outlaw. He seeks aid from the priests tending the Tabernacle, but Saul’s servant Doeg the Edomite sees him there. David and his companions receive the shewbread to eat, and David is given Goliath’s sword. Notes on … Continue reading →

Jonathan promises to find out Saul’s true feelings toward David. He tells David to stay hidden in a field. To keep their meeting secret, he will shoot arrows to communicate – if the arrow falls beyond where David is hiding, … Continue reading →

King Saul publicly calls for David’s death. Jonathan warns him to flee, and Michal deceives her father to allow David to escape. But in pursuit, first Saul’s messengers and then Saul himself are stopped and overcome by the Holy Spirit, … Continue reading →

Influenced by an evil spirit of melancholy, King Saul grows increasingly suspicious of David, as David’s popularity grows. Finally Saul plots to have David killed. Notes on 1 Samuel 18:1-30

David confronts Goliath with only his staff, his sling and five smooth stones. David’s shot penetrates Goliath’s forehead and he falls. Then David decapitates Goliath with his own sword, and the Philistines are routed by Israel in a miraculous victory. … Continue reading →