READ IT! - Introduction to 1st Samuel 27-31

Readings for this week

Monday: 1st Samuel 27

Tuesday: 1st Samuel 28

Wednesday: 1st Samuel 29

Thursday: 1st Samuel 30

Friday: 1st Samuel 31

Saturday: Psalm 90

Sunday: Psalm 91

Introduction to 1st Samuel 27-31

Chapter 27

David and his men go to Ziklag, and David goes to Achish of the Philistines, hoping Saul will leave him alone. David takes two wives with him, Abigail and Ahinoam (which is, strangely, the name of Saul’s wife).

David and his men become sort of a personal army for Achish, however, they makes several raids in the south within Philistine-allied territory. But David tricks Achish, saying he was actually raiding Judah while he was out and about.

Later, the Philistines move their army north against Saul, but they don’t let David come with them.

Chapter 28-29

Saul and his army gathered at Gilboa to face the Philistine invasion force. The text says that Saul was “filled with terror” and that he “inquired of Urim and Thummin and prophet” but got no answer from God. Saul then asked his men where he could find a “medium.”

Saul and two of his men disguised themselves, and at night they went to Endor to consult the medium. The medium suspected they were on a witch-hunt. Saul swore by the LORD that he would not harm her. Saul told her to call up the prophet Samuel, and the text says that a “a ghostly figure came up out of the earth.” When the woman saw Samuel, she shrieked and pointed at Saul and recognized him as king. Saul told her to not be afraid. Samuel is described as an old man with a robe, and he says, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul told him about the Philistines and how God wouldn't speak to him anymore, so he didn't know what to do.

The text then presents Samuel’s message... a prophet from boyhood… and even from the grave, and the message he gives refers to “the LORD” seven times. He says:

“Why do you consult me?”

“You have become the LORD’s enemy”

“The LORD has rejected you”

“Your kingdom will be given to David”

“Tomorrow you and your sons will join me in Sheol”

After Samuel’s spirit left, Saul and his men shared a covenant meal with the witch before leaving, further solidifying his alignment with evil.

Chapter 30

Meanwhile, down south, the Amalekites raid David’s family, and David takes revenge on them. And David gains favor with the clans/families of Judah by giving them the loot leftover from his revenge on the Amalekites. Later, these same people declare David king.

Chapter 31

The book concludes with the death of Saul. The battle with the Philistines takes place at Mt. Gilboa. Saul’s sons are killed, including Jonathan. Later, we learn that Ish-bosheth was the only son who survived. Saul is eventually surrounded and he commits suicide. He tells his servant-boy to stab him, but the boy is afraid, so Saul falls on his own sword. The Philistines humiliate Saul. They behead him and hang his body on a wall. Later, Saul's cousins from Jabesh-Gilead recover Saul’s body.