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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, it means he must flee. Sure enough, Saul again calls for David’s death at a feast, and then even throws a javelin at Jonathan. David is now truly a hunted man.

Notes in 1 Samuel 20:1-42

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, and they prophesy. David’s inner feelings about this incident are reflected in Psalm 59.

Notes on 1 Samuel 19:1-24

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.

Notes on 1 Samuel 17:31-58

Goliath, one of the few remaining Anakim or giants, had joined the Philistines and challenged the Israelite army to send someone to fight him in single combat. David hears his taunts and tries to discover why no one will confront him.

Notes on 1 Samuel 17:1-30

A turning point in Israel’s history, Samuel anoints the young shepherd David, while the Holy Spirit departs from King Saul, furthering his decline into depression, jealousy and madness.

Notes on 1 Samuel 16:1-23