1:1 Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim- zophim, of Mount Ephriam, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite.^1:2 And he had two women; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah^: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.^1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to YHWH of Hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of YHWH were there.^1:4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his woman, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions^:1:5 But to Hannah he gave a head portion because he loved Hannah^: but YHWH had shut up her womb.^1:6 And her rival also vexed her to grief, to make her fret because YHWH had shut up her womb.^1:7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the House of YHWH, so she vexed her, therefore she wept and did not eat.^1:8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, Hannah, why do you weep? and aren't you eating? and why is your heart grieved? am I not better to you than 10 sons? ^1:9 So Hannah got up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat on a seat by a gatepost of the Sanctuary of YHWH.^1:10 And she was in bitterness of herself and prayed to YHWH, and cried many tears.^1:11 And she vowed a vow and said, O YHWH of Hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your female slave and remember me, and will not forget your handmaid, but will give to your female slave a man child, then I will give him to YHWH all the days of his life and there will no razor come upon his head.^1:12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before YHWH, that Eli observed her mouth.^1:13 Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard^: therefore Eli thought she had been intoxicated.^1:14 So Eli said to her, how long will you be drunk? put away your wine from yourself.^1:15 And Hannah answered and said, no my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit^: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out myself before YHWH.^1:16 Count not your female slave for a daughter of Belial, because out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken here.^1:17 Then Eli answered and said, go in peace^: and the Elohim of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked of him.^1:18 And she replied, let your handmaid find favor in your sight. So the woman went her way and did eat, and her countenance was no longer sad.^1:19 And they got up in the morning early, and worshipped before YHWH and returned, and came to their house in Ramah^: and Elkanah had sexual relations with Hannah his woman; and YHWH remembered her.^1:20 Therefore it came to pass, when the time was come after Hannah had conceived, that she gendered a son and called his name Samuel saying, because I have asked him of YHWH.^1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house went up to offer to YHWH the yearly sacrifice, and his Votive-Offering.^1:22 But Hannah did not go up because she said to her husband, I will not go up until the child is weaned, and then I will bring him so that he may appear before YHWH, and there remain for the ages.^1:23 And Elkanah her husband said to her, do what seems good to you; stay here until you have weaned him; only YHWH establish his Word. So the woman stayed, and nursed her son until she weaned him.^1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with 3 young bulls, and one ephah [3/5th bushel] of flour, and a bottle of wine and brought him to the House of YHWH in Shiloh^: and the child was young.^1:25 And they killed a young bull and brought the child to Eli.^1:26 And she said, oh my lord, as you live my lord I am the woman that stood by you here, praying to YHWH.^1:27 Because this child I prayed for, and YHWH has given me my petition that I asked of him^:1:28 Therefore I also have lent him to YHWH; as long as he lives he will be lent to YHWH. And he worshipped YHWH there.

2:1 And Hannah prayed and said, my heart rejoices in YHWH, my flask is exalted in YHWH^: my mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your deliverance.^2:2 There is none Holy as YHWH because there are none beside you^: neither is there any rock (with flat surface) [Urim-Thummim] like our Elohim.^2:3 Talk no more so proudly; let not arrogant speech come out of your mouth, because YHWH is an Elohim of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.^2:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.^2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased, so that the barren has born 7; and she that has many children is grown feeble.^2:6 YHWH kills, and makes alive^: he brings down to the grave, and resurrects.^2:7 YHWH makes poor, and makes rich^: he brings low and lifts up.^2:8 He raises up the poor out from the dust, and lifts up the beggar from the dung-hill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the Throne of Glory^: for the molten support of the land are YHWH's, and he has set the world upon them.^2:9 He will guard the feet of his saints and the wicked will be silent in darkness; for by human strength will no man prevail.^2:10 The adversaries of YHWH will be broken to pieces; out of the skies will he thunder upon them^: YHWH will Judge the ends of the earth; and he will give strength to his King, and exalt the horn of his anointed.^2:11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did serve unto YHWH before Eli the priest.^2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not YHWH.^2:13 And the priests' custom with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came and while the flesh was in boiling, with a flesh- hook of three-pronged teeth in his hand;^2:14 he thrust it into the pan, kettle, caldron, or pot, and all that the flesh-hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came there.^2:15 Also before they burned the fat, the priest's servant came and said to the man that sacrificed, give flesh to roast for the priest, because he will not have boiled flesh from you, but raw.^2:16 And if any man replied to him, let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as you desire; then he would answer him, no, but you will give it to me now^: and if not, I will take it by force.^2:17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before YHWH because men abhorred the Meat- Offering of YHWH.^2:18 But Samuel served before YHWH, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.^2:19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.^2:20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his woman and said, YHWH give you seed of this woman for the loan that is lent to YHWH. And they went back to their own home.^2:21 And YHWH visited Hannah, so that she conceived and gendered 3 sons and 2 daughters. And the child Samuel grew before YHWH.^2:22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women that assembled at the entrance of the Tabernacle at the Appointed Place.^2:23 And he said to them, why do you do such things? for I hear of your bad dealings by all this people.^2:24 No, my sons; for it is not a good report that I hear^: you make YHWH's people alienated.^2:25 If one man sin against another, the judge will judge him^: but if a man sin against YHWH, who will intervene for him? Notwithstanding they did not listen to the voice of their father because YHWH would execute them.^2:26 But the child Samuel grew up, and was in favor both with YHWH, and also with men.^2:27 And there came a man from Elohim to Eli and said to him, this is what YHWH declares, Did I plainly appear to the house of your father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? ^2:28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon my Altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod [with Urim-Thummim] before me? and did I give to the house of your father all the Burnt-Offerings made by fire from the children of Israel?^2:29 Therefore kick you at my sacrifice and at my offering that I have commanded in my habitation; and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chief of all the offerings of Israel my people? ^2:30 Therefore YHWH Elohim of Israel declares, I said indeed that your house and the house of your forefather, should walk before me for the ages, but now YHWH says, Be it far from me. Because them who honor me I will honor, and they that despise me will be lightly esteemed.^2:31 Look, the days come, that I will cut off your arm, and the arm of your father's house, that there will not be an old man in your house.^2:32 And you will see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth that Elohim will give to Israel. And there will not be an old man in your house for the ages.^2:33 And the man of yours, who I will not cut off from my Altar, will be to consume your eyes, and to grieve your heart, and all the increase of your house will die in the flower of their age.^2:34 And this will be a sign to you that will come upon your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they will die, the both of them.^2:35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that will do according to what is in my heart and in my mind^: and I will build him a faithful house; and he will walk before my anointed for the ages.^2:36 And it will come to pass, that everyone that is left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread. And will say, join me, I ask you, to one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

3:1 And the child Samuel served YHWH before Eli. And the Word of YHWH was rare in those days because there was no oracle [from Urim-Thummim] bursting down.^3:2 And it came about at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place and his eyes began to wax dim, so that he could not see.^3:3 And the lamp of Elohim had not yet gone out in the Sanctuary of YHWH, where the Ark of Elohim was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;^3:4 that YHWH called Samuel and he answered, here I am.^3:5 And he ran to Eli and said, here I am, because you called me. But he replied, I did not call you so go lie down again. And he went and lay down.^3:6 And YHWH called again, Samuel. And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, here I am because you did call me. And he answered; I called not my son, now lie down again.^3:7 Now Samuel did not know YHWH, neither was the Word of YHWH revealed to him yet.^3:8 And YHWH called Samuel again the 3rd time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, here I am because you did call me. And Eli perceived that YHWH had called the child.^3:9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, go lie down, and it will be if he calls you, that you will say, speak YHWH, because your slave hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.^3:10 And YHWH came, and stood and called as he did the other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, speak, for your slave hears.^3:11 And YHWH said to Samuel, See, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that hears it will tingle.^3:12 In that day I will perform against Eli all the things that I have spoken concerning his house^: when I begin, I will also make an end.^3:13 Because I have told him that I will judge his house for the ages because of the depravity that he knows of, because his sons made themselves cursed, and he restrained them not.^3:14 And therefore I have adjured to the house of Eli, that the depravity of Eli's house will not be covered with sacrifice nor offering for the ages.^3:15 Then Samuel lay until the morning and opened the doors of the House of YHWH. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.^3:16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, Samuel my son. And he answered, here I am.^3:17 And he said, what is the thing that YHWH has said to you? I ask you to hide it not from me. Elohim do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me from all the things that he said to you.^3:18 So Samuel told him every word and hid nothing from him. And he replied, it is YHWH^: let him do what seems good to him.^3:19 And Samuel grew and YHWH was with him and did not let any of his Words fail.^3:20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of YHWH.^3:21 Then YHWH appeared again in Shiloh^: for YHWH revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of YHWH.

4:1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and camped beside Ebenezer^: and the Philistines camped in Aphek.^4:2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel^: and when they joined battle, Israel was attacked before the Philistines, and they killed of the army in the field about 4000 men.^4:3 And when the people were come into the camp, the Elders of Israel said, why has YHWH attacked us today before the Philistines? Let us fetch the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH out of Shiloh to us so that, when it comes among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.^4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH of Hosts that resides between the cherubim^: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the Ark of the Covenant of Elohim.^4:5 And when the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.^4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout they said, what does this noise mean from this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the Ark of YHWH was come into the camp.^4:7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said; Elohim has come into the camp. And they said, woe to us! because there has not been such a thing as this before.^4:8 Woe to us! who will deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Elohim? these are the Elohim that attacked the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.^4:9 Be strong, and behave yourselves like men, O you Philistines, that you be not slaves to the Hebrews, as they have been to you, behave yourselves like men, and fight.^4:10 And the Philistines fought and Israel was beaten, and they fled every man to his tent, and there was a very great slaughter because there fell of Israel 30,000 footmen.^4:11 And the Ark of Elohim was seized and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed.^4:12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh that same day with his clothes torn, and with earth upon his head.^4:13 And when he came, lo, Eli sat on a seat by the roadside watching^: for his heart trembled because of the Ark of Elohim. And when the man came to the city, and told them, then the entire city cried out.^4:14 And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, what is the meaning of this noise? And the man came in quickly, and told Eli.^4:15 Now Eli was 98 years old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see.^4:16 Then the man said to Eli, I am he that came out from the army, and I escaped today out of the army. And he asked, what has been done there my son?^4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people, and your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas are dead, and the Ark of Elohim is captured.^4:18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the Ark of Elohim, that he fell from off his seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck broke and he died, because he was an old man and very heavy. And he had judged Israel 40 years.^4:19 And his daughter in law, Phinehas' woman was with child, near to be giving birth^: and when she heard the report that the Ark of Elohim was captured, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and went into childbirth, because her pains came upon her.^4:20 And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said to her, fear not because you have gendered a son. But she answered not; neither did she regard it.^4:21 And she named the child Ichabod saying, the glory has departed from Israel, because the Ark of Elohim was captured, and because of her father in law and her husband.^4:22 And she said, the glory has departed from Israel because the Ark of Elohim is captured.

5:1 And the Philistines took the Ark of Elohim and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.^5:2 When the Philistines seized the Ark of Elohim, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.^5:3 And when they of Ashdod got up early the next day, lo, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the Ark of YHWH. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.^5:4 And when they got up early on the next morning, lo, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the Ark of YHWH, and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold, only the stump of Dagon was left to him.^5:5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.^5:6 But the hand of YHWH was heavy upon them of Ashdod and he destroyed them, and scourged them with tumors, even Ashdod and its territories thereof.^5:7 And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so they said, the Ark of Elohim of Israel will not stay with us because his hand is harsh upon us, and upon Dagon our elohim.^5:8 They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines to them and said, what will we do with the Ark of Elohim of Israel? And they answered, let the Ark of Elohim of Israel be carried about to Gath. And they carried the Ark of the Elohim of Israel to that area.^5:9 And it was so, that after they had carried it there, the hand of YHWH was against that city with a very great destruction^: and he killed the men of the city, both small and great and they had tumors break out on them.^5:10 Therefore they sent the Ark of Elohim to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the Ark of Elohim came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out saying, they have brought here the Ark of Elohim of Israel to us, to kill us and our people.^5:11 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, send away the Ark of Elohim of Israel. Let it go back again to its own place, so that it does not kill our people and us. Because there was a deadly destruction throughout the entire city; the hand of Elohim was very heavy there.^5:12 And the men that did not die were scourged with the tumors, and the cry of the city went up to the skies.

6:1 Now the Ark of YHWH was in the country of the Philistines 7 months.^6:2 And the Philistines called for the pagan priests and the diviners saying, what will we do to the Ark of YHWH? tell us how we will send it to its place.^6:3 And they replied, if you send away the Ark of Elohim from Israel, send it away not empty, but by all means return it with a trespass offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be revealed to you why his hand is not removed from you.^6:4 Then they asked, what will be the trespass offering that we will return with it? They answered, 5 golden tumors, and 5 golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for one plague was on all of you, and on your lords.^6:5 Therefore you will make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that corrupt the land, and you will give glory to the Elohim of Israel so that perhaps he will lighten his hand from off of you, and from off your elohim and from off your land.^6:6 Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had acted severely among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?^6:7 So now make a new cart, and take two milk cows, on which there has come no yoke, and tie the cows to the cart and bring their calves' home from them.^6:8 And take the Ark of YHWH, and lay it on the cart and put the jewels of gold that you return to him for a trespass offering in a box by its side, and send it away so that it may go.^6:9 And see, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Bethshemesh, then he has done us this great evil^: but if not, then we will know that it is not his hand that scourged us but it was by chance that this happened to us.^6:10 And the men did so; and took two milk cows and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home.^6:11 And they laid the Ark of YHWH upon the cart and the box with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors.^6:12 And the cows took the straight road to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Bethshemesh.^6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the Ark and rejoiced to see it.^6:14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite and stood there, where there was a great stone^: and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a Burnt-Offering to YHWH.^6:15 And the Levites took down the Ark of YHWH, and the box that was with it, where the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone, and the men of Bethshemesh offered Burnt-Offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that same day to YHWH.^6:16 And when the 5 lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron that same day.^6:17 And these are the golden tumors that the Philistines returned for a trespass offering to YHWH; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one.^6:18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the 5 lords. Both of fenced cities and of country villages, even to the great stone of Abel, on which they set down the Ark of YHWH^: which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.^6:19 And he struck the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the Ark of YHWH, he even killed of the people 50,070 men^: and the people mourned, because YHWH had struck many of the people with a great slaughter.^6:20 And the men of Bethshemesh said, who is able to stand before this Holy YHWH Elohim? and to whom will he go up from us? ^6:21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim saying, the Philistines have brought back the Ark of YHWH; come down and pick it up for you.

7:1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came and picked up the Ark of YHWH, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the Ark of YHWH.^7:2 And it came about, while the Ark remained in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long because it was 20 years, and all the House of Israel mourned after YHWH.^7:3 And Samuel spoke to all the House of Israel saying, if you do return to YHWH with all your hearts, then put away the foreign elohim and Ashtaroth from among you. And prepare your hearts to YHWH, and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.^7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served YHWH only.^7:5 And Samuel said, gather all Israel to Mizpeh and I will pray for you to YHWH.^7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water and poured it out before YHWH, and fasted on that day and said there, we have sinned against YHWH. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.^7:7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.^7:8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, cease not to cry to YHWH Elohim for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.^7:9 And Samuel took a young lamb, and offered it for a Burnt-Offering wholly to YHWH^: and Samuel cried to YHWH for Israel; and YHWH heard him.^7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the Burnt-Offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel^: but YHWH thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and struck them; and they were beaten before Israel.^7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines and attacked them, until they came under Bethcar.^7:12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer saying, here has YHWH helped us.^7:13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the territory of Israel^: and the hand of YHWH was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.^7:14 And the cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel; from Ekron even to Gath; and its borders did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.^7:15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.^7:16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.^7:17 And his return was to Ramah, because his house was there and he judged Israel, and there he built an Altar to YHWH.

8:1 And it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel.^8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second, Abiah^: they were judges in Beersheba.^8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after unjust gain, and took bribes and perverted judgment.^8:4 Then all the Elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel to Ramah,^8:5 And said to him, look, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways, so now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the other nations.^8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed to YHWH.^8:7 And YHWH replied to Samuel, Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, so that I should not reign over them.^8:8 According to all the works that they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day in which they have forsaken me, and served other elohim, so do they also to you.^8:9 Now therefore listen to their voice, although still protest solemnly to them, and show them the manner of the king that will reign over them.^8:10 And Samuel told all the Words of YHWH to the people that asked of him a king.^8:11 And he said, this will be the manner of the king that will reign over you^: he will take your sons and appoint them for himself, for his chariots and to be his horsemen; and some will run before his chariots.^8:12 And he will appoint himself captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.^8:13 And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks and bakers.^8:14 And he will take your fields and your vineyards, and your olive-yards, even the best of them and give them to his slaves.^8:15 And he will take the 10th of your seed and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his slaves.^8:16 And he will take your male and female slaves, and your good young men and your donkeys, and put them to his work.^8:17 He will take the 10th of your sheep^: and you will be his slaves.^8:18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king that you will have chosen for yourself, and YHWH will not answer you in that day.^8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel and they said, no, but we will have a king over us;^8:20 so that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us and go out before us, and fight our battles.^8:21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people and he rehearsed them in the ears of YHWH.^8:22 Then YHWH replied to Samuel, Listen to their voice and appoint them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel, let everyone go back to his city.

9:1 Now there was a man from Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.^9:2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice young and excellent man, and there was not among the children of Israel a better one than him, and from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.^9:3 And the donkeys of Kish (Saul's dad) were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, now take one of the slaves with you and get up and go look for the donkeys.^9:4 And he passed through Mount Ephriam, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and they were not there, and he passed through the land of the Benjamites but they did not find them.^9:5 And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his slave that was with him, come and let us return, unless my dad stops caring for the donkeys and starts worrying about us.^9:6 And he replied to him, look now, there is in this city a man of Elohim, and he is an honorable man; all that he says comes to pass, so now let us go there, perhaps he can reveal to us the way that we should go.^9:7 Then Saul replied to his slave, but look, if we go, what will we bring the man? for our bread is spent in our vessels, and there is no present to bring to the man of Elohim, what do we have? ^9:8 And the slave answered Saul again and said, see, I have here at hand the 4th part of a shekel of silver [1/10 ounce]^: that is what I can give to the man of Elohim, to tell us our journey.^9:9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of Elohim he spoke like this, come, and let us go to the seer, because he that is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)^9:10 Then Saul replied to his slave, well said, come, let us go. So they went to the city where the man of Elohim was.^9:11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young female slaves going out to draw water, and said to them, is the seer here?^9:12 And they answered them and said, he is, see, he is ahead of you so hurry now because he came today to the city because there is a sacrifice of the people today in the high place.^9:13 As soon as you are come into the city you will immediately find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. Because the people will not eat until he comes, because he will bless the sacrifice and afterwards they eat that are invited. So now go up there, because about this time you will find him.^9:14 And they went up into the city^: and when they were come into the city, see, Samuel came out opposite them to go up to the high place.^9:15 Now YHWH had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came saying,^9:16 Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man out from the land of Benjamin, and you will anoint him to be ruler over my people Israel. And that he may save my people from the hands of the Philistines, for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come to me.^9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, YHWH replied to him, See the man who I spoke to you about! this same one will reign over my people.^9:18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate and said, tell me I ask you, where is the seer's house?^9:19 And Samuel answered Saul and said, I am the seer, go up ahead of me to the high place, because you will eat with me today, and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.^9:20 And as for your donkeys that were lost 3 days ago, do not set your mind on them because they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you, and on your father's entire house?^9:21 And Saul answered and said, am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Therefore why do you speak to me like this?^9:22 And Samuel took Saul and his slave and brought them to the parlor, and made them sit in the chief place among them that were invited, which were about 30 people.^9:23 And Samuel said to the cook, bring the portion that I gave you, of which I said to you, set it by you.^9:24 And the cook took up the shoulder, and what was on it and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, see what is left! set it before you and eat, for to this appointed season it is kept for you saying, the people I have called, and Saul eats with Samuel on that day.^9:25 And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel conversed with Saul upon the top of the house.^9:26 And they got up early and it came to pass about daybreak, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house saying, up, that I may send you away. And Saul got up and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, outside.^9:27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, tell the slave to pass on ahead of us, (and he passed on,) but you stand still awhile, so that I may reveal to you the Word of Elohim.

10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it on his head and hugged him and said, is it not because YHWH has anointed you to be ruler over his inheritance?^10:2 When you are gone from me today, then you will find two men by Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah. And they will say to you, the donkeys that you went to find are found^: and lo, your dad has left the care of the donkeys, and is concerned for you saying, what will I do for my son?^10:3 Then you will go yonder from here, and you will come to the plain of Tabor. And there you will meet 3 men going up to Elohim to Bethel, one carrying 3 young male goats, and another carrying 3 loaves of bread and another carrying a bottle of wine.^10:4 And they will greet you, and give you 2 loaves of bread; which you will receive from their hands.^10:5 After that you will come to the hill of Elohim, where the garrison of the Philistines is. And it will come about when you are come here to the city, that you will meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a guitar, tambourine, flute, and a harp before them; and they will prophesy.^10:6 And the Spirit of YHWH will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and will be turned into another man.^10:7 And let it be, when these signs have come to you, that you do as occasion serves you, because Elohim is with you.^10:8 And you will go down before me to Gilgal; and look, I will come down to you, to offer Burnt-Offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of Peace-Offerings^: 7 days will you remain until I come to you, and reveal to you what you will do.^10:9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, Elohim gave him another heart, and all those signs came about that day.^10:10 And when they came there to the hill, see, a company of prophets met him, and the Spirit of Elohim came upon him, and he prophesied among them.^10:11 Then it came about, when all that knew him from the past saw that he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, what is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? ^10:12 And one responded and said, but who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"^10:13 Then after he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.^10:14 And Saul's uncle said to him and to his slave, where did you go? And he replied, to find the donkeys^: and when we saw that they were nowhere, we came to Samuel.^10:15 Then Saul's uncle said, tell me I ask you, what did Samuel say to you? ^10:16 And Saul replied to his uncle, he told us plainly that the donkeys were found. But of the matter of the kingship of which Samuel spoke, he did not tell him.^10:17 And Samuel called the people together to YHWH at Mizpeh;^10:18 and said to the children of Israel, Thus says YHWH Elohim of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you.^10:19 And you have this day rejected your Elohim, who himself saved you from all your adversities and your troubles; and you have said to him, no, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before YHWH by your tribes, and by your thousands.^10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.^10:21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken^: and when they looked for him, he could not be found.^10:22 Therefore they inquired of YHWH further if the man should still come here. And YHWH answered, see, he has hidden himself among the vessels.^10:23 And they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upwards.^10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, you see him who YHWH has chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted and said, Elohim save the king.^10:25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom and wrote it in a scroll, and laid it up before YHWH. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.^10:26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts Elohim had touched.^10:27 But the children of Belial said, how would this man rescue us? And they despised him and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

11:1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead^: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, cut out an alliance with us, and we will serve you.^11:2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, on this condition I will make an alliance with you, that I may gore out all your right eyes, and lay it for a scorn upon all Israel.^11:3 And the Elders of Jabesh said to him, give us 7 days' respite so that we may send messengers to all the territories of Israel^: and then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.^11:4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the news in the ears of the people^: and all the people lifted up their voices and wept.^11:5 And lo, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, what sickens the people so that they weep? And they told him the news of the men of Jabesh.^11:6 And the Spirit of Elohim came upon Saul when he heard those reports, and his nostril's flared greatly.^11:7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers saying, whoever comes not out after Saul and after Samuel, so will it be done to his oxen. And the fear of YHWH fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.^11:8 And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah 30,000.^11:9 And they said to the messengers that came, now will you say to the men of Jabeshgilead, tomorrow by the time the sun is hot you will have help. And the messengers came and reported it to the people of Jabesh, and they were glad.^11:10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, tomorrow we will come out to you, and you will do with us all that seems good to you.^11:11 And it was so on the next day that Saul formed the people into 3 companies. And they came into the middle of the camp in the morning watch, and killed the Ammonites until the heat of the day^: and it came about that they that remained were scattered, so that any two of them were not left together.^11:12 And the people said to Samuel, who are they that said, shall Saul reign over us? bring those men so that we may put them to death.^11:13 But Saul said, there will not a man be put to death this day because today YHWH has brought about deliverance in Israel.^11:14 Then said Samuel to the people, come, and let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.^11:15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before YHWH in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of Peace-Offerings before YHWH; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

12:1 And Samuel said to all Israel, see, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you.^12:2 And now, look, the king walks before you, and I am old and gray-headed; and see, my sons are with you^: and I have walked before you from my childhood to this day.^12:3 Now here I am, witness against me before YHWH and before his anointed^: whose ox have I taken? or whose donkey have I taken? or who have I defrauded? who have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind my eyes with? and I will restore it to you.^12:4 And they said, you have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything from any man's hand.^12:5 And he replied to them, YHWH is witness against you and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand. And they answered, "a witness".^12:6 Then Samuel said to the people, it is YHWH that appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your forefathers up out of the land of Egypt.^12:7 Now therefore stand still, so that I may reason with you before YHWH of all the righteous acts of YHWH that he did for you and for your ancestors.^12:8 When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your forefathers cried to YHWH, then YHWH sent Moses and Aaron that brought out your ancestors from Egypt, and made them live in this place.^12:9 And when they forgot YHWH Elohim, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the army from Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.^12:10 Then they cried to YHWH and said, we have sinned because we have forsaken YHWH, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth^: but now rescue us out of the hand of our enemies and we will serve you.^12:11 And YHWH sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and rescued you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and you lived in safety.^12:12 And when you saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, no; but a king will reign over us, when YHWH Elohim was your king.^12:13 Now therefore see the king who you have chosen, and who you have desired! and look, YHWH has set a king over you.^12:14 If you will fear YHWH and serve him, and obey his Voice and not rebel against the commandment of YHWH, then will both you and also the king that reigns over you continue following YHWH Elohim.^12:15 But if you will not obey the Voice of YHWH, but rebel against the commandment of YHWH, then will the hand of YHWH be against you, as it was against your ancestors.^12:16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing that YHWH will do before your eyes.^12:17 Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call to YHWH, and he will send thunder and rain so that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, and what you have done in the sight of YHWH, in asking for yourself a king.^12:18 So Samuel called to YHWH; and YHWH sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared YHWH and Samuel.^12:19 And all the people said to Samuel, pray for your slaves to YHWH Elohim, so that we do not die, because we have added to all our sins this bad, to ask for ourselves a king.^12:20 And Samuel said to the people, fear not, you have done all this wickedness^: yet turn not aside from following YHWH, but serve YHWH with all your heart.^12:21 And turn not aside, because then you would go after unreal things, which cannot profit nor deliver because they are unreal.^12:22 Now YHWH will not forsake his people for his Great Name's sake because it has pleased YHWH to make you his people.^12:23 Moreover as for me, Elohim forbid that I should sin against YHWH in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way.^12:24 Only fear YHWH, and serve him in Truth with all your heart, for consider how many great things he has done for you.^12:25 But if you will still do wickedly, you will be consumed, both you and your king.

13:1 Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned 2 years over Israel,^13:2 Saul chose himself 3000 men from Israel; of which 2000 were with Saul in Michmash and in Mount Bethel, and 1000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin^: and the rest of the people he sent every man back to his tent.^13:3 And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the ram's horn throughout all the land saying, let the Hebrews hear.^13:4 And all Israel has heard saying, Saul has beaten the garrison of the Philistines, and also Israel has been abhorred by the Philistines, and the people are called after Saul to Gilgal.^13:5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots, and 6000 horsemen, and a nation as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude^: and they came up and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.^13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (because the people were distressed,) then the people hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in underground cellars, and in cisterns.^13:7 And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal and all the people followed him trembling.^13:8 And he waited 7 days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed^: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were dispersed from him.^13:9 And Saul said, bring here a Burnt-Offering to me and Peace-Offerings. And he offered the Burnt-Offering.^13:10 And it came about, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the Burnt- Offering, look, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him so that he might salute him.^13:11 And Samuel said, what have you done? And Saul replied, because I saw that the people were dispersed from me, and that you came not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;^13:12 Therefore I thought, the Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated unto YHWH so I forced myself therefore, and offered a Burnt-Offering.^13:13 And Samuel replied to Saul, you have done foolishly, you have not observed the commandment of YHWH Elohim that he commanded you^: for now would YHWH have established your kingdom on Israel for the ages.^13:14 But now your kingdom will not continue^: YHWH has secured himself a man after his own heart, and YHWH has commanded him to be ruler over his people, because you have not observed what YHWH commanded you.^13:15 Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about 600 men.^13:16 And Saul and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, stayed in Gibeah of Benjamin, but the Philistines camped in Michmash.^13:17 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in 3 companies^: one company turned to the road that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual^:13:18 And another company turned the journey to Bethhoron^: and another company turned to the road of the border that looks to the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.^13:19 Now there were no craftsmen found throughout all the land of Israel because the Philistines said, unless the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.^13:20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plowshare, and his digger, and his ax, and his mattock.^13:21 Still they had a file for the mattocks, and for the diggers, and for the forks and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.^13:22 So it came about in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hands of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan, but with Saul and Jonathan his son swords were attained.^13:23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the Ford of Michmash.

14:1 Now it came about one day that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man that carried his armor, come and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he did not tell his dad.^14:2 And Saul stayed in the extreme end of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree that is in Migron, and the people that were with him were about 600 men.^14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, YHWH's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. But the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.^14:4 And between the fords, by which Jonathan desired to go over to the Philistines' garrison there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side^: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.^14:5 The forefront of the one was situated northward opposite Michmash, and the other southward opposite Gibeah.^14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that carried his armor, come and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised^: it may be that YHWH will work for us because there is no hindrance for YHWH to rescue by many or by few.^14:7 And the bearer of his weapons replied to him, do all that is in your heart; turn for you; lo, I am with you, as your own heart.^14:8 Then Jonathan said, look, we will pass over to these men and we will reveal ourselves to them.^14:9 If then they say to us, stand still until we have come to you, then we have stood in our place, and will not go up to them.^14:10 But if they say, come up to us; then we will go up because YHWH has delivered them into our hands, and this will be a sign for us.^14:11 And both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines^: and the Philistines said, look, the Hebrews come out of the caves where they have hidden themselves.^14:12 And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and said, come up to us and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan replied to his armor- bearer, come up after me because YHWH has delivered them into the hand of Israel.^14:13 And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor-bearer was behind him, and they dropped before Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed behind him.^14:14 And that first slaughter that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, was about 20 men, within as it were a half-acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.^14:15 And there was fear in the camp, in the field and among all the people^: the garrison and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked^: so it was a very great trembling.^14:16 And the lookouts of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin watched; and lo, the multitude melted away, and they departed striking down one another.^14:17 Then Saul said to the people that were with him^: count now and see who has gone from us. And when they had counted, they noted that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there.^14:18 And Saul said to Ahiah, bring here the Ark of Elohim. Because the Ark of Elohim was at that time with the children of Israel.^14:19 And it came about, while Saul talked to the priest, that the noise that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased^: and Saul said to the priest, withdraw your hand.^14:20 And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle^: and lo, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great tumult.^14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time that went up with them into the camp from the surrounding country, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.^14:22 Likewise all the men of Israel that had hidden themselves in Mount Ephriam, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.^14:23 So YHWH rescued Israel that day and the battle passed over to Bethaven.^14:24 Now the men of Israel were distressed that day because Saul had adjured the people saying, cursed is the man that eats any food until sunset, that I may be avenged on my enemies. So none of the people ate any food.^14:25 And all they of the land came to a forest, and there was honey upon the ground.^14:26 And when the people were come into the forest, look, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth because the people feared the oath.^14:27 But Jonathan did not hear when his dad charged the people with the oath^: therefore he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand, and dipped it in a honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were lighted up [his vitality revived].^14:28 Then answered one of the people and said, your dad adjured the people with an oath saying, cursed is the man that eats any food this day. And the people were faint.^14:29 Then Jonathan replied, my dad has troubled the land^: see, I ask you, how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.^14:30 How much more, if only the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found? for would there not now have been a much greater killing among the Philistines?^14:31 And they attacked the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon^: and the people were very faint.^14:32 And the people flew upon the plunder, and took sheep, oxen, calves, and slaughtered them on the ground, and the people did eat them with the blood.^14:33 Then they told Saul saying, see, the people sin against YHWH, in that they eat with the blood. And he replied, you have acted treacherously^: roll a great stone unto me this day.^14:34 And Saul said, disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, bring me here every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slaughter them here and eat; and sin not against YHWH in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man their ox with him that night, and slaughtered them there.^14:35 And Saul built an altar to YHWH^: the same was the first altar that he built to YHWH.^14:36 And Saul said, let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they replied, do whatever seems good to you. Then the priest said, let us draw near here to Elohim.^14:37 And Saul inquired [by Urim- Thummim] of Elohim, will I go down after the Philistines? will you deliver them into the hand of Israel? But He answered him not that day.^14:38 And Saul said, draw near now, all the corners (rulers) of the people^: and know and consider how this sin has been this day.^14:39 Because, as YHWH lives that rescued Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he will certainly die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.^14:40 Then Saul said to all Israel, you will be on one side and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people replied to Saul, do what seems good to you.^14:41 Then Saul said to YHWH, O Elohim of Israel, give truth. And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot but the people were escaped.^14:42 Then Saul said, cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan, and Jonathan was taken.^14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand, and lo, I must die? ^14:44 And Saul answered, Elohim do so and more also^: because you will certainly die Jonathan.^14:45 And the people said to Saul, would Jonathan die who has produced this great deliverance in Israel? Elohim forbid^: as YHWH lives, there will not one hair of his head fall to the ground because he has produced with Elohim this day. So the people rescued Jonathan so that he did not die.^14:46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own region.^14:47 So Saul took the kingship over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines^: and wherever he turned himself, he vexed them.^14:48 And he gathered an army and attacked the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.^14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishui, and Melchishua^: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal^:14:50 And the name of Saul's woman was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz^: and the name of the captain of his army was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.^14:51 And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.^14:52 And there was sharp battle against the Philistines all the days of Saul^: and when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he subscribed him for himself.

15:1 Samuel also said to Saul, YHWH sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel^: now therefore listen to the Voice of the Words of YHWH.^15:2 Thus says YHWH of Hosts; I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the road, when he came up from Egypt.^15:3 Now go and attack Amalek, and Devote to Destruction all that they have, and spare them not; but kill both man, woman, infant and nursing baby [total genocide], ox and sheep, camel and donkey.^15:4 And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, 200,000 footmen, and 10,000 men of Judah.^15:5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid in ambush in the valley.^15:6 And Saul said to the Kenites, go, depart, get yourselves down from among the Amalekites, unless I destroy you with them, because you showed kindness to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.^15:7 Then Saul attacked the Amalekites from Havilah until you come to Shur that is opposite Egypt.^15:8 And he captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and Devoted to Destruction all the people with the edge of the sword.^15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep and of the oxen, and of the fatlings and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not Devote them to Destruction^: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they Devoted to Destruction.^15:10 Then came the Word of YHWH to Samuel saying,^15:11 It sorrows me that I have set up Saul to be king because he is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel and he cried to YHWH all night.^15:12 And Samuel got up early to meet Saul in the morning, and it is declared to Samuel saying, Saul has come in to Carmel, and lo, he is setting up to himself a monument, and goes around and passes over, and goes down to Gilgal.^15:13 Then Samuel came to Saul^: and Saul said to him, blessed are you of YHWH^: I have performed the commandment of YHWH.^15:14 But Samuel replied, what means then this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?^15:15 And Saul said, they have brought them from the Amalekites because the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice to YHWH Elohim; and the rest we have Devoted to Destruction.^15:16 Then Samuel said to Saul, be quiet now and I will tell you what YHWH has said to me this night. And he replied to him, keep speaking.^15:17 And Samuel said, when you were little in your own sight, were you not made the ruler of the tribes of Israel, and YHWH anointed you king over Israel?^15:18 And YHWH sent you on a journey and said, Go and Devote to Destruction the sinful Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.^15:19 Therefore why then did you not obey the Voice of YHWH, but did fly upon the spoil, and did badly in the sight of YHWH?^15:20 Then Saul said to Samuel, yes, I have obeyed The Voice of YHWH, and have gone the way that YHWH sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have Devoted to Destruction the Amalekites.^15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things that should have been Devoted to Destruction, to sacrifice to YHWH Elohim in Gilgal.^15:22 But Samuel replied, has YHWH as great delight in Burnt-Offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the Voice of YHWH? look, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to pay attention than the fat of rams.^15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as wickedness and teraphim (idolatry). Because you have rejected the Word of YHWH, he has also rejected you from being king.^15:24 Then Saul replied to Samuel, I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of YHWH and your words^: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice instead.^15:25 Now therefore, I ask you, pardon my sin and turn back with me so that I may worship YHWH.^15:26 But Samuel said to Saul, I will not return with you because you have rejected the Word of YHWH, and YHWH has rejected you from being king over Israel.^15:27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it tore.^15:28 And Samuel said to him, YHWH has torn the Kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, one that is better than you.^15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor regret^: for he is not a man that he should repent.^15:30 Then he replied, I have sinned but still honor me now, I beg you, before the Elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn back with me so that I may worship YHWH Elohim.^15:31 So Samuel turned back after Saul; and Saul worshipped YHWH.^15:32 Then Samuel said, bring you here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came to him showing delight. And Agag said, surely the bitterness of death is past.^15:33 And Samuel replied, as your sword has made women childless, so will your mother be childless among women. And Samuel cut Agag in pieces before YHWH in Gilgal.^15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.^15:35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death^: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and YHWH regretted that he had appointed Saul king over Israel.

16:1 And YHWH said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill your horn with oil and go, I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, because I have seen among his sons for myself a king.^16:2 Then Samuel replied, how can I go? if Saul hears of it, he will kill me. And YHWH said, take a heifer with you and say, I am come to sacrifice to YHWH.^16:3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice and I will show you what you will do^: and you will anoint for me the one that I will name.^16:4 Samuel did what YHWH spoke and came to Bethlehem. And the Elders of the town trembled at his coming and asked, do you come in peace?^16:5 And he replied, in peace I am come to sacrifice to YHWH^: consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice. And he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.^16:6 And it came about, when they had arrived, that he looked on Eliab and said, certainly before YHWH is his anointed.^16:7 But YHWH said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or on how tall he is, because I have rejected him, because YHWH sees not as a man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but YHWH looks on the heart.^16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, neither has YHWH chosen this one.^16:9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, neither has YHWH chosen this one.^16:10 Again, Jesse made 7 of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, YHWH has not chosen these.^16:11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, are all your children here? And he replied, there remains still the youngest, and see, he shepherds the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, send and fetch for him, because we will not sit down until he comes here.^16:12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and with beautiful eyes and handsome appearance. And YHWH said, Arise, anoint him, for this is the one.^16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the center of his brothers^: and the Spirit of YHWH came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel got up and went back to Ramah.^16:14 But the Spirit of YHWH departed from Saul, and a bad spirit from YHWH terrified him.^16:15 And Saul's slaves said to him, see now, a bad spirit from Elohim terrifies you.^16:16 Let our master now command your slaves that are before you, to seek out a man who is an accomplished player on the lyre. Then it will come about when the bad spirit from Elohim is upon you that he will play with his hands, and you will then feel better.^16:17 Then Saul replied to his slaves, provide for me now a man that can play well, and bring him here to me.^16:18 Then answered one of the slaves and said, look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is accomplished in playing, and a mighty man of ability, and a person of battle, discerning in matters and a man of form, and YHWH is with him.^16:19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, send me David your son that is with the sheep.^16:20 And Jesse took a donkey packed with bread and a bottle of wine, and a young male goat, and sent them by David his son to Saul.^16:21 And David came to Saul and stood before him^: and he loved him greatly and he became his armor- bearer.^16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse saying, let David I ask you, stand before me because he has found favor in my sight.^16:23 And it came about when the bad spirit from Elohim was upon Saul, that David took a lyre and played with his hands^: so Saul was refreshed and felt better, and the bad spirit departed from him.

17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, that belongs to Judah, and camped between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim (coast of Dammim).^17:2 Then Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and camped by the Valley of Elah, and set the battle in formation against the Philistines.^17:3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side^: and there was a valley between them.^17:4 And there went out a great man from the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was 9 1/2 feet.^17:5 And he had a helmet of brass on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was 5000 shekels [125 pounds] of brass.^17:6 And he had leg armor of brass on his legs, and a javelin of brass between his shoulders.^17:7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's rod; and his spear's head weighed 600 shekels [15 pounds] of iron^: and one bearing a shield went before him.^17:8 And he stood and cried to the armies of Israel and said to them, why are you come out to set your battle in its formation? Am I not a Philistine, and you slaves to Saul? choose yourself a man for you, and let him come down to me.^17:9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your slaves^: but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you will be our slaves and serve us.^17:10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.^17:11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were broken-spirited, and greatly afraid.^17:12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had 8 sons^: and the man in the days of Saul had become aged among his fellow men;^17:13 And the 3 eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle^: and the names of his 3 sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.^17:14 And David was the youngest and the 3 eldest followed Saul.^17:15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his dad's sheep at Bethlehem.^17:16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening and presented himself for 40 days.^17:17 And Jesse said to David his son, now take for your brothers an ephah [3/5 bushel] of this parched grain and these 10 loaves, and run to the camp to your brothers;^17:18 And carry these 10 cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and look how your brothers are faring, and bring back news of them.^17:19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.^17:20 Then David got up early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper, and picked up and went as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench as the army was going out to fight, and shouted for the battle.^17:21 Because Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in its formation, army against army.^17:22 And David left his goods in the hand of the guard of the equipment, and ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers.^17:23 And as he talked with them, lo, there came up the great man, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines and spoke according to the same words as before, and David heard them.^17:24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man fled from him and were very afraid.^17:25 And the men of Israel said, have you seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up^: and it will be, that the man who kills him, the king will make him wealthy with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.^17:26 And David spoke to the men that stood by him saying, what will be done to the man that kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? Because who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living Elohim?^17:27 And the people spoke to him according to this word saying, so it is done to the man who kills him.^17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's nostrils flared against David, and he said, why did you come down here? and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the willfulness of your heart because you are come down so that you might watch the battle.^17:29 And David replied, what have I done now? is it not a word?^17:30 And he turned from him toward another, and spoke the same matter, and the people answered him the same thing as before.^17:31 And when the words were heard that David spoke, they reported them before Saul, and he sent for him.^17:32 And David said to Saul, let no man's heart fail because of him, your slave will go and fight with this Philistine.^17:33 But Saul replied to David, you are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him because you are a youth and he is a man of war from his youth.^17:34 And David replied to Saul, your slave shepherded his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock.^17:35 And I went out after him and killed it, and rescued it out of its mouth^: and when the animal arose against me, I caught it by the chin, and killed it, and slew the animal.^17:36 Your slave killed both the lion and the bear, and this uncircumcised Philistine will be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living Elohim! ^17:37 David said additionally, YHWH that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul replied to David, go, and YHWH be with you.^17:38 And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.^17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he began to leave for he had not tested it. But David said to Saul, I can't go with these because I have not tested them. So David took them off.^17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose himself 5 smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag that he had, even in a purse; and his sling was in his hand^: and he drew close to the Philistine.^17:41 And the Philistine came and drew close to David, and the man that carried the shield went before him.^17:42 And when the Philistine looked around and saw David, he despised him because he was but a youth, and ruddy, being of a handsome appearance.^17:43 And the Philistine said to David, am I a dog that you come to me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his elohim.^17:44 And the Philistine said to David, come to me and I will give your flesh to the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.^17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, you come to me with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield but I come to you in the Name of YHWH of Hosts, the Elohim of the armies of Israel, who you have defied.^17:46 This day will YHWH deliver you into my hand and I will kill you, and take your head from you. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; so that all the earth may know that there is an Elohim in Israel.^17:47 And all this company will know that YHWH rescues not with sword and spear, because the battle is YHWH's, and he will give you into our hands.^17:48 And it came about, when the Philistine got up and came and drew close to befall David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to befall the Philistine.^17:49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took from there a stone, and slang it, and hit the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone penetrated into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the ground.^17:50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and hit the Philistine and killed him, but there was no sword in the hand of David.^17:51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine and took his sword, and drew it out of its sheath and executed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw their great man was dead, they fled.^17:52 And the men of Israel and of Judah got up and shouted and pursued the Philistines until you come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the road to Shaaraim, even to Gath and to Ekron.^17:53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their tents.^17:54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.^17:55 And when Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the army, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, as your life lives, O king I cannot tell.^17:56 And the king said, you inquire whose son the young man is.^17:57 And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.^17:58 And Saul said to him, whose son are you young man? And David answered, I am the son of your slave Jesse the Bethlehemite.

18:1 And it came about when he had made an end of speaking to Saul, that the mind of Jonathan was closely united with the mind of David, and Jonathan befriended him as himself.^18:2 So Saul took him that day, and would not let him return home to his dad's house.^18:3 Then Jonathan and David cut out a pledge, because he befriended him as himself.^18:4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David and his outer garments, even to his sword, bow, and to his belt.^18:5 And David went out wherever Saul sent him and conducted himself wisely, and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's slaves.^18:6 And it came about as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music.^18:7 And the women answered one another as they played and sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands".^18:8 And Saul was very angry and the saying displeased him and he said, they have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands. And what can he have more but the kingdom? ^18:9 And Saul eyed David from that day forward.^18:10 And it came about on the next day, that the bad spirit from Elohim came upon Saul, and he came under its influence in the middle of the house, and David played with his hands, as at other times and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.^18:11 And Saul cast the javelin because he thought, I will strike David even to the wall with it. But David skirted out of his presence twice.^18:12 And Saul was afraid of David because YHWH was with him, and was departed from Saul.^18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from himself, and made him his captain over a thousand and he marched out and came in before the army.^18:14 And David conducted himself wisely in all his ways and YHWH was with him.^18:15 Therefore when Saul saw that he conducted himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.^18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.^18:17 And Saul said to David, see my elder daughter Merab, I will give her to you for a woman, only be to me for a son of valor and fight the battles of YHWH. Because Saul avowed, let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him instead.^18:18 Then David said to Saul, who am I? and what is my life or my dad's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? ^18:19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab (Saul's daughter) should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a woman.^18:20 And Michal (Saul's daughter) loved David, and they told Saul and the thing pleased him.^18:21 And Saul said, I will give him to her so that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Therefore Saul said to David, you will this day be my son in law for the second time.^18:22 And Saul commanded his slaves saying, talk with David secretly and say, see, the king has delight in you and all his slaves love you, so now therefore be the king's son in law.^18:23 And Saul's slaves spoke those words in the ears of David. And David replied, does it seem to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man and treated with dishonor?^18:24 And the slaves of Saul told him saying, David spoke to us like this.^18:25 Then Saul replied, you will now say this to David, the king desires not any dowry but 100 foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.^18:26 And when his slaves told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law, so before the allotted time past,^18:27 David got up and went, he and his men, and killed of the Philistines 200 men. And David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full accomplishment to the king so that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter for a woman.^18:28 And Saul saw and knew that YHWH was with David, and that Michal (Saul's daughter) loved him.^18:29 And Saul was even still more afraid of David, and Saul became David's enemy continually.^18:30 And the chiefs of the Philistines came out, and it came to pass from the time of their coming out, David had acted more wisely than any of the slaves of Saul, and his name became very precious.

19:1 And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his slaves so that they should kill David.^19:2 But Jonathan (Saul's son) delighted much in David^: and Jonathan made known to David saying, Saul my dad seeks to kill you so now I beg you, take guard of yourself until the morning and stay in a hideout and hide yourself.^19:3 And I will go out and stand beside my dad in the field where you are, and I will talk with my dad about you, and what I learn about I will tell you.^19:4 And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his dad and said to him, let not the king sin against his slave, against David; because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been toward you very good.^19:5 Because he did put his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and YHWH accomplished a great deliverance for all Israel^: you saw it and did rejoice, so why then will you sin against innocent blood to kill David without a cause?^19:6 Then Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and Saul adjured, as YHWH lives, he will not be killed.^19:7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.^19:8 And there was war again and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and killed them with a great slaughter, and they fled from him.^19:9 And the bad spirit from YHWH was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand and David played music with his hands.^19:10 Then Saul tried to strike David, even [staking him] to the wall with the javelin, but he escaped out of Saul's presence, and he struck the javelin into the wall but David fled, and slipped into the night.^19:11 Saul also sent messengers to David's house, to watch for him and to kill him in the morning but Michal (David's woman) told him saying, if you save not your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.^19:12 So Michal let David down through a window^: and he went and fled, slipping away.^19:13 Then Michal took a family teraphim and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for the place of his head, and covered it with a cloth.^19:14 And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, he is sick.^19:15 Then Saul sent the messengers again to see David saying, bring him up to me in the bed so that I may kill him.^19:16 And when the messengers were come in, see, there was the teraphim in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for the place of his head.^19:17 Then Saul said to Michal, why have you deceived me so, and sent away my enemy so that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, he said to me, let me go; why should I kill you?^19:18 So David fled and escaped, and came to Samuel in Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed in Naioth.^19:19 And it was told Saul saying, look, David is at Naioth in Ramah.^19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of Elohim was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.^19:21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the 3rd time, and they prophesied also.^19:22 Then he went also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu^: and he asked and said, where are Samuel and David? And one replied, see, they are at Naioth in Ramah.^19:23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah^: and the Spirit of Elohim was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.^19:24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "is Saul also among the prophets"?

20:1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, what have I done? what is my depravity? and what is my sin before your dad, that he seeks my life? ^20:2 And he replied to him, Elohim forbid, you will not die^: look, my dad will do nothing either great or small, but that he will tell it to me, and why should my dad hide this thing from me? never!.^20:3 And David adjured moreover and said, your dad certainly knows that I have found favor in your eyes so he says, let not Jonathan know this unless he is grieved. But truly as YHWH lives and as you live, there is but a step between me and death.^20:4 Then Jonathan replied to David, whatever you desire I will even do it for you.^20:5 And David said to Jonathan, see, tomorrow is the new moon and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat^: but let me go so that I may hide myself in the field until the 3rd day at sunset.^20:6 If your dad at all misses me then say, David earnestly asked leave of me so that he might run to Bethlehem his city^: because there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.^20:7 If he then replies, it is good; your slave will have peace^: but if he is very angry, then be sure that bad is determined by him.^20:8 Therefore you will deal kindly with your slave; for you have brought your slave into a pledge of YHWH with you^: notwithstanding, if there is in me depravity, then kill me yourself, because why should you bring me to your dad? ^20:9 And Jonathan replied, do not think like this^: for if I knew for certain that bad were determined by my dad to come upon you, then would I not tell it to you?^20:10 Then David replied to Jonathan, who will tell me? or what if your dad answers you roughly? ^20:11 And Jonathan said to David, come and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.^20:12 Then Jonathan said to David, O YHWH Elohim of Israel, when I have sounded out my dad around this time tomorrow or the 3rd day, and see, if his feelings to David are favorable, will I not send and give you a report? ^20:13 YHWH do so and much more to Jonathan^: but if it pleases my dad to do you bad then I will report it to you and send you away, so that you may go in peace. And YHWH be with you as he has been with my dad.^20:14 And not only while I still live will you do with me the loving-kindness of YHWH, that I die not,^20:15 but also you will not cut off your kindness from my house for the ages^: no, not when YHWH has cut off the enemies of David, everyone from the face of the ground.^20:16 So Jonathan cut out a pledge with the House of David saying, let YHWH even require it at the hand of David's enemies.^20:17 And Jonathan caused David to adjure again, because he befriended him, for he cherished him as he cherished his own life.^20:18 Then Jonathan said to David, tomorrow is the new moon and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.^20:19 And when you have stayed 3 days, then you will go down quickly, and come to the place where you did hide yourself when the business was in hand, and will remain by the stone Ezel (that shows the way).^20:20 And I will shoot 3 arrows to the side, as though I shot at a mark.^20:21 And look, I will send a lad saying, go search for the arrows. If I expressly say to the lad, look, the arrows are on this side of you, take them; then you come, for there is peace to you and no hurt as YHWH lives.^20:22 But if I say to the young man, look, the arrows are beyond you; go your way, because YHWH has sent you away.^20:23 And as touching the matter that you and I have spoken of, see, YHWH is between you and me for the ages.^20:24 So David hid himself in the field^: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat the meal.^20:25 And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even on a seat by the wall^: and Jonathan got up, and Abner sat by Saul's side and David's place was empty.^20:26 Nevertheless Saul spoke not anything that day because he thought, something has befallen him, he is not clean; certainly he is not clean.^20:27 And it came about on the next day, that was the 2nd day of the month, that David's place was empty^: and Saul said to Jonathan his son, why does the son of Jesse not come to the meal, neither yesterday nor today?^20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem^:20:29 And he said, let me go I ask you, because our family has a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he has commanded me to be there. And now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away I ask of you and see my family. Therefore he came not to the king's table.^20:30 Then Saul's nostrils flared against Jonathan and he said to him, you son of the perverse rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother's nakedness?^20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the land, you will not be established, nor your kingdom. Therefore now send and fetch him to me, because he will certainly die.^20:32 And Jonathan answered Saul his dad and said to him, for what will he be killed? what has he done?^20:33 Then Saul cast a javelin at him to strike him^: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined from his dad to kill David.^20:34 So Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger, and did not eat the meal the 2nd day of the month because he was grieved for David, because his dad had done him shame.^20:35 And it came about in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David and a little boy with him.^20:36 And he said to the boy, run and search now for the arrows that I shoot. And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.^20:37 And when the boy had come to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the boy and said, is not the arrow beyond you? ^20:38 And Jonathan cried after the boy, hurry up, quickly, don't stand there. And Jonathan's servant boy gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.^20:39 But the boy knew not anything, only Jonathan and David knew the matter.^20:40 And Jonathan gave his artillery to the boy and said to him, go, carry these things back to the city.^20:41 And as soon as the boy was gone, David got up out of the place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself 3 times^: and they hugged one another, and wept one with another, until David even cried more.^20:42 And Jonathan said to David, go in peace, forasmuch as we have both adjured in the Name of YHWH saying, YHWH is between me and you, and between my seed and your seed for the ages. And he got up and left, and Jonathan went back into the city.

21:1 Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest^: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David and said to him, why are you alone and no one is with you? ^21:2 And David replied o Ahimelech the priest, the king has commanded me some business, and has said to me, let no one know anything of the business about which I send you, and what I have commanded you. And I have appointed my slaves to such and such a place.^21:3 Now therefore what is under your hand? give me 5 loaves of bread in my hand, or what there is present.^21:4 And the priest answered David and said, there is no common bread under my hand, but there is consecrated bread; if the young men have restrained themselves at least from women.^21:5 And David answered the priest and said to him, of a truth women have been withheld from us for these 3 days, through my coming out. And the vessels of the young men have become consecrated, while the bread itself is in a manner common, and the more so since today there are loaves to be consecrated in the vessel.^21:6 So the priest gave him consecrated bread because there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before YHWH, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.^21:7 Now a certain man from the slaves of Saul was there that day, detained before YHWH; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chief of the herdsmen that belonged to Saul.^21:8 And David said to Ahimelech, and is there not here under your hand spear or sword? because I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required urgency.^21:9 And the priest said, the sword of Goliath the Philistine, who you killed in the Valley of Elah, see, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the Ephod^: if you will take that, take it because there is no other except that here. And David replied, there is none like that one, give it to me.^21:10 And David got up, and fled that day for fear of Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath.^21:11 And the slaves of Achish said to him, is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances saying, Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten thousands?^21:12 And David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Achish the king of Gath.^21:13 And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself a madman in their hands, and marked on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.^21:14 Then Achish said to his slaves, lo, you see the man is mad, therefore why have you then brought him to me?^21:15 Have I need of madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? will this fellow come into my house?

22:1 David therefore departed from there and escaped to the Adullam Cave^: and when his brothers and his dad's entire house heard it, they went down there to see him.^22:2 And everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves to him; and he became a leader over them, and there were with him about 400 men.^22:3 And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab and he said to the king of Moab, let my dad and my mom, I ask you, come out and be with you, until I know what Elohim will do for me.^22:4 And he brought them before the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the while that David was in the stronghold.^22:5 And the prophet Gad said to David, remain not in the stronghold; depart, and go to the land of Judah. Then David left, and came to the Forest of Hareth.^22:6 When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul stayed in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his slaves were standing around him;)^22:7 then Saul said to his slaves that stood around him, hear now you Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give everyone of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;^22:8 That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that shows me that my son has made a league with the son of Jesse. And there is none of you that is sorry for me, or shows to me that my son has stirred up my slave against me to lie in ambush, as he does today?^22:9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite that was set over the slaves of Saul and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.^22:10 And he inquired of YHWH for him, and gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.^22:11 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob, and they came, all of them, to the king.^22:12 And Saul said, listen now you son of Ahitub. And he answered, here I am my master.^22:13 And Saul said to him, why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread, and a sword, and have inquired of Elohim for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in ambush, as he does today?^22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, and who is so faithful among all your slaves as David that is the king's son in law, and goes at your bidding and is honorable in your house?^22:15 Did I then begin to inquire of Elohim for him? be it far from me^: let not the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father because your slave knew nothing of all this, less or more.^22:16 And the king said, you will certainly die Ahimelech, you and your father's entire house.^22:17 And the king said to the footmen that stood around him, turn and kill the priests of YHWH; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not report it to me. But the slaves of the king would not put out their hand to fall upon the priests of YHWH.^22:18 And the king said to Doeg, turn you, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned and he fell upon the priests, and killed on that day 85 men that wore a linen ephod.^22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he attacked with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and babies, and oxen, donkeys, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.^22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.^22:21 And Abiathar reported to David that Saul had killed YHWH's priests.^22:22 And David said to Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the people of your dad's house.^22:23 Remain you now with me, fear not because he that seeks my life seeks your life^: but with me you will be in safeguard.

23:1 Then they told David saying, look, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they plunder the threshing- floors.^23:2 Therefore David inquired [by Urim- Thummim] of YHWH saying, will I go and attack these Philistines? And YHWH said to David, Go, and attack the Philistines and rescue Keilah.^23:3 And David's men said to him, see, we are afraid here in Judah^: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? ^23:4 Then David inquired [by Urim-Thummim] of YHWH yet again. And YHWH answered him and said, Get up and go down to Keilah because I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.^23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and attacked them with a great slaughter. So David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah.^23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with The Ephod [associated with the Urim-Thummim] in his hand.^23:7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, Elohim has delivered him into my hand because he is shut in, by entering into a town that has gates and bars.^23:8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.^23:9 And David knew that Saul devised evil against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, bring The Ephod [associated with Urim-Thummim] here.^23:10 Then David inquired, O YHWH Elohim of Israel, your slave has certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.^23:11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as your slave has heard? O YHWH Elohim of Israel, I bow to you, reveal to your slave. And YHWH replied, He will come down.^23:12 Then David inquired, will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And YHWH replied, They will deliver you up.^23:13 Then David and his men that were about 600, got up and departed out of Keilah, and went wherever they could go. And it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, and he then ceased from going out.^23:14 And David stayed in the uninhabited lands in strongholds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought for him everyday, but Elohim did not deliver him into his hand.^23:15 And David saw that Saul has come out to seek his life and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a forest.^23:16 And Jonathan Saul's son got up, and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in Elohim.^23:17 And he said to him, fear not, for the hand of Saul my dad will not find you and you will be king over Israel; and I will be next to you and this also my dad Saul knows.^23:18 And the two of them cut out a pledge before YHWH^: and David remained in the forest, and Jonathan went back to his house.^23:19 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul in Gibeah saying, does not David hide himself with us in strongholds in the forest, in the hill of Hachilah that is on the south of Jeshimon?^23:20 Now therefore, O king, come down according to all of your desires, and our part will be to deliver him into the king's hand.^23:21 And Saul replied, blessed are you of YHWH because you have had compassion on me.^23:22 Go, I ask you, and make preparations, and now observe his place where his feet stay, and who has seen him there because it is told me that he deals very shrewdly.^23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hides himself, and come back again to me with the established facts. And I will go with you^: and it will come about, if he is in the land, that I will expose him throughout all the thousands of Judah.^23:24 And they got up and went to Ziph before Saul^: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.^23:25 And Saul and his men went to find him, and they declared this to David, and he went down into the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul heard of it and pursued after David to the wilderness of Maon.^23:26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain^: and David hurried to get away for fear of Saul because Saul with his men surrounded David and his men, encircling to catch them.^23:27 But there came a messenger to Saul saying, hurry and come, because the Philistines have invaded the land.^23:28 Therefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines, that is why they called that place Selahammahlekoth [the Rock of Divisions].^23:29 And David went up from there and stayed in strongholds at Engedi.

24:1 And it came to pass when Saul was returned from following the Philistines that it was told to him saying, look, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.^24:2 Then Saul took 3000 chosen men out of all Israel, and went to find David and his men on the rocks of the mountain goats.^24:3 And he came to the sheepfold by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself [as one using a restroom]^: and David and his men remained in the back parts of the cave.^24:4 And the men of David said to him, observe the day of which YHWH said to you, look, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it will seem good to you. Then David got up and secretly cut off the skirt of Saul's robe.^24:5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart felt wounded, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.^24:6 And he said to his men, YHWH forbid that I should do this thing to my master, YHWH's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of YHWH.^24:7 So David restrained his men with these words, and permitted them not to rise up against Saul. But Saul got up out of the cave, and went on his way.^24:8 David also got up afterward and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul saying, my master the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed himself.^24:9 And David said to Saul, why do you listen to men's words saying, look, David seeks your injury?^24:10 Look, this day your eyes have seen how that YHWH had delivered you today into my hand in this cave, and some urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you and I said, I will not put out my hand against my master, because he is YHWH's anointed.^24:11 Look, my father [in law], yes look at the skirt of your robe in my hand. Because in that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and did not kill you, know you now and see that there is neither bad nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you, yet you hunt my life to take it.^24:12 YHWH judge between you and me, and YHWH avenge me of you^: but my hand will not be upon you.^24:13 As declares the proverb of the ancients, wickedness proceeds from the wicked, but my hand will not be upon you.^24:14 After who is the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.^24:15 YHWH therefore be judge, and judge between you, and me and observe and plead my cause, and rescue me out of your hand.^24:16 And it came about, when David had made an end of speaking these words to Saul, that Saul replied, is this your voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.^24:17 And he said to David, you are more righteous than I am, because you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil.^24:18 And you have made known this day how that you have dealt well with me, in that when YHWH had delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.^24:19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away in peace? therefore YHWH reward you good for what you have done to me this day.^24:20 And now, see, I know well that you will certainly be king and that the Kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.^24:21 Adjure now therefore to me by YHWH, that you will not cut off my seed after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house.^24:22 And David adjured to Saul. And Saul went home but David and his men retreated up to the stronghold.

25:1 Now Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together and mourned for him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David got up and went down to the wilderness of Paran.^25:2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very haughty, and he had 3000 sheep and 1000 goats^: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.^25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal and the name of his woman Abigail^: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful appearance^: but the man was obstinate and disagreeable in his doings, and he was of the house of Caleb.^25:4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep.^25:5 And David sent out 10 young men, and David said to the young men, travel up to Carmel and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name^:25:6 And this is what you will say to him that lives in prosperity, peace be both to you and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have.^25:7 And now I have heard that you have shearers^: now your shepherds that were with us, we did not hurt them, neither was there anything missing from them, all the while they were in Carmel.^25:8 Ask your young men and they will tell you. Therefore let the young men find favor in your eyes because we come in an agreeable journey^: give, I ask you, whatever comes to your hand to your servants, and to your son David.^25:9 And when David's young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and were then quiet.^25:10 But Nabal answered David's servants and said, who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there are many servants nowadays that break away, every man from his master.^25:11 Will I then take my bread and water, and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men who I do not know, even from where they came from?^25:12 So David's young men returned from their journey, and went back and came and told him all those sayings.^25:13 Then David said to his men, belt on every man his sword. And they belted on every man his sword; and David also belted on his sword^: and there went up after David about 400 men; and 200 remained by their implements.^25:14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's woman saying, look, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; and he railed on them.^25:15 But the men were very good to us and we were not hurt, neither anything was missed, as long as we were walking with them, when we were in the fields^:25:16 They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the while we were with them shepherding the sheep.^25:17 Now therefore know and consider what you will do because bad is determined against our master, and against his entire household; for he is such a son of Belial (worthless), that one cannot speak to him.^25:18 Then Abigail hurried, and took 200 loaves, and 2 bottles of wine, and 5 prepared sheep, and 5 measures of parched grain, and 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 cakes of figs, and put them on donkeys.^25:19 And she said to her slaves, go on before me; see, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.^25:20 And it was so, as she rode on the donkey, that she came down by the hiding place of the hill, and lo, David and his men came down against her, and she encountered them.^25:21 Now David had said, certainly in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him^: and he has repaid me bad for good.^25:22 So and more also will Elohim do to the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertains to him by the morning light any that piss against the wall.^25:23 And when Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,^25:24 and fell at his feet and said, upon me, my master, upon me let this depravity rest^: and let your maid-servant, I beg you, speak in your audience, and hear the words of your maid-servant.^25:25 Let not my master, I beg you, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal^: for as his name is, so he is; Nabal is his name, and disgrace is with him^: but I your maid- servant saw not the young men of my master, whom you did send.^25:26 Now therefore, my master, as YHWH lives and as you live, seeing YHWH has withheld you from coming to shed blood, and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now let your enemies, and they that seek bad to my master, be as Nabal.^25:27 And now this blessing that your maid- servant has brought to my master, let it even be given to the young men that walk at the feet of my master.^25:28 I beg you, forgive the transgression of your maid-servant, for YHWH will certainly make my master a faithful house; because my master fights the battles of YHWH, and bad has not been found in you all your days.^25:29 Still a man is risen to pursue you, and to seek your life^: but the life of my master will be bound in the parcel of life with YHWH Elohim. And the lives of your enemies, those will he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.^25:30 And it will come to pass, when YHWH will have done to my master according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and will have appointed you ruler over Israel;^25:31 That this will be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my master, either that you have shed blood in vain, or that my master has avenged himself^: but when YHWH will have dealt well with my master, then remember your maid-servant.^25:32 And David replied to Abigail, blessed is YHWH Elohim of Israel, which sent you this day to meet me^:25:33 And blessed is your advice, and blessed are you, which has kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with my own hand.^25:34 For in fact, as YHWH Elohim of Israel lives, which has kept me back from hurting you, except you had hurried and come to meet me, certainly there had not been left to Nabal by the morning light any that piss against the wall.^25:35 So David received of her hand what she had brought him and said to her, go up in peace to your house; see, I have listened to your voice, and have accepted your person.^25:36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and see, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk^: therefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.^25:37 But it came about in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his woman had told him these things, that his heart died within him and he became as a stone.^25:38 And it came to pass about 10 days after, that YHWH killed Nabal so that he died.^25:39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, blessed is YHWH, that has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept his slave from bad^: for YHWH has returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and talked with Abigail, to take her to himself as his woman.^25:40 And when the slaves of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her saying, David sent us to you, to take you to himself as his woman.^25:41 And she got up, and bowed herself on her face to the ground and said, see, let your maid-servant be a slave to wash the feet of the slaves of my master.^25:42 And Abigail hurried and got up, and rode upon a donkey, with 5 female slaves of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his woman.^25:43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his women.^25:44 But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's woman, to Phalti the son of Laish that was from Gallim.

26:1 And the Ziphites came to Saul to Gibeah saying, does not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah that is before Jeshimon?^26:2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having 3000 chosen men of Israel with him, to find David in the wilderness of Ziph.^26:3 And Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah that is before Jeshimon, by the road. But David remained in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.^26:4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul had definitely come.^26:5 And David got up and came to the place where Saul had camped^: and David observed the place where Saul rested, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his army^: and Saul rested in the entrenchment, and the people camped around him.^26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab saying, who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with you.^26:7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night^: and lo, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear was stuck in the ground near his head^: but Abner and the people rested around him.^26:8 Then Abishai said to David, Elohim has delivered your enemy into your hand this day^: now therefore let me kill him, I ask you, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not strike him the second time.^26:9 But David replied to Abishai, do not destroy him because who can stretch out his hand against YHWH's anointed, and be guiltless?^26:10 David said furthermore, as YHWH lives, YHWH will kill him; or his day will come to die; or he will descend into battle, and perish.^26:11 YHWH forbid that I should stretch out my hand against YHWH's anointed^: but, I ask you, take now the spear that is near his head, and the jug of water, and let us go.^26:12 So David took the spear and the jug of water from Saul's head; and they went away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither woke up, for they were all fast asleep; because a deep sleep from YHWH was fallen upon them.^26:13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off; a great distance being between them.^26:14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner saying, aren't you going to answer me Abner? Then Abner answered and said, who are you that cry to the king?^26:15 And David said to Abner, are not you a mighty man? and who is like to you in Israel? Therefore then why have you not guarded your master the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king your master.^26:16 This thing is not good that you have done. As YHWH lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not guarded your master, YHWH's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the jug of water that was near his head.^26:17 And Saul knew David's voice and said, is this your voice my son David? And David replied, it is my voice, my master O king.^26:18 And he said, why does my master so pursue after his slave? for what have I done? or what bad is in my hand? ^26:19 Now therefore, I ask you, let my master the king hear the words of his slave. If YHWH has stirred you up against me, let him accept an offering^: but if they are the children of men, cursed are they before YHWH; for they have driven me out this day from living in the inheritance of YHWH saying, go serve other elohim.^26:20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the ground before the face of YHWH, because the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as when one does hunt a partridge in the mountains.^26:21 Then Saul replied, I have sinned, return my son David^: for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day^: see, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.^26:22 And David answered and said, observe the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.^26:23 YHWH render to everyone his righteousness and his fidelity, because YHWH delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against YHWH's anointed.^26:24 And see, as your life has been dear to me this day in my eyes, so let my life be dear in the eyes of YHWH, and let him rescue me out of all trouble.^26:25 Then Saul replied to David, blessed are you, my son David^: you will both do great things, and also will still prevail. So David went on his way and Saul returned to his place.

27:1 And David said in his heart, I will now perish one day by the hand of Saul^: there is nothing better for me except I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines. And Saul will then despair of me, to seek me anymore in any territory of Israel, so I will escape out of his hand.^27:2 So David got up and he passed over with the 600 men that were with him to Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.^27:3 And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two women, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's [former] wife.^27:4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath, and he sought no more for him again.^27:5 And David said to Achish, if I have now found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may live there^: for why should your slave live in the royal city with you? ^27:6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day^: therefore Ziklag pertains to the kings of Judah to this day.^27:7 And the time that David lived in the country of the Philistines was one full year and 4 months.^27:8 And David went up and his men, and they made attacks on the Geshurite, Gerizite, and the Amalekite, (for they are inhabitants of the land from ancient times), as you come into Shur and to the land of Egypt.^27:9 And David attacked the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels, and the apparel, and returned and came to Achish.^27:10 And Achish said, where have you made a road today? And David replied, against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.^27:11 But David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring reports to Gath, thinking, unless they should tell on us saying, so did David and so will be his custom all the while he lives in the country of the Philistines.^27:12 And Achish believed David saying, he has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he will be my slave for the ages.

28:1 And it came about in those days that the Philis