1-15 Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice
- Saul gathers army of 3,000 to attack Philistines - 2,000 to go with him to Michmash and Bethel, and 1,000 to go with Jonathan to Gibeah of Benjamin. To my recollection, this is the first time Jonathan is mentioned, and the text does not identify him until v. 16.
- Jonathan defeats the Philistines at Geba, and Saul announces it to the rest of the people, who are called to join him at Gilgal.
- The Philistine gather an army of 30,000 chariots; 6,000 horsemen; and troops "like the sand on the seashore" and encamp at Michmash.
- Many of the Israelites hide in fear in caves, holes, rocks, tombs, and wells.
- Samuel is to come offer sacrifices in 7 days, at which time Saul will begin the attack.
- When Samuel does not come in time, Saul decides to offer the burnt offerings himself.
- As soon as he's finished, Samuel comes and demands an explanation.
- Saul: "I couldn't wait any longer, and I needed God's blessing."
- Samuel: For this, your kingdom will be taken away. The LORD "has sought" a man after his own heart because you disobeyed. This is really early in Saul's life as king -- practically his first test, and he fails it. Also, it seems like the decision was made about seeking a "man after God's heart" even before Samuel got there. Or, maybe it's like so many other times, when God decides to do something it's like it's already done.
- Samuel leaves Saul, but about 600 men follow Saul toward Gibeah of Benjamin.
- Philistines sent out "raiders" into Israel.
- The Philistines have made sure there are no iron smiths in Israel to sharpen their weapons, and no one but Saul and Jonathan has a sword or spear.
1-23 Jonathan Surprises and Routs the Philistines
- On his own, without the knowledge of Saul, Jonathan takes his armor-bearer to spy on a Philistine garrison camped at the pass of Michmash, trusting the LORD to defeat the garrison for them, even if there are only two of them.
- In a reflection of Jonathan's own faith, the armor-bearer states: "Do all that your mind inclines to. I am with you; as your mind is, so is mine."
- When the Philistines see them, they invite them over, a sign to Jonathan that God will give them into his hands.
- He and his armor-bearer kill 20 Philistines, sending the rest of the garrison into a panic. It also mentions an earthquake here -- I don't know if that is literal, or caused by the panic.
- Saul's lookouts can see from a distance what is happening. When they ascertain that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are missing, Saul calls for the priest (Ahijah - verse 3) to bring him the ark.
- He and his army rally and go to Jonathan's aid, and other Israelites come out of hiding, some of whom are "hiding" among the Philistines. The troops with Saul have grown from 600 (v. 2) to 10,000.
- Saul commands his troops not to eat all day until the enemy is defeated. They become faint from hunger.
- Not knowing about his father's oath, Jonathan eats honey that is found, and gains strength from it.
- When other troops tell him of the oath, Jonathan replies, "My father has troubled the land...." Already Jonathan is showing he has lost respect for his father. First he goes out on his own to defeat the Philistines, and now he reacts to the news of his father's rash oath.
- After the troops defeat the Philistines, they are so hungry they slaughter the spoil and eat the meat with the blood, which is forbidden.
- Saul commands them to bring the cattle to where he is to slaughter them there. He builds an altar, "the first altar that he built to the LORD."
- Saul wants to attack the Philistines by night, but delays the attack at the priest's advice.
- Saul inquires of God whether or not he will give him the victory, but God does not answer.
- Saul tries to find out whose sin is preventing God from giving him victory.
- When lots are taken, it comes to Jonathan, and Jonathan confesses to having eaten honey.
- Saul threatens to kill Jonathan, but the people speak up from him.
- So Saul stops pursuing the Philistines and they go back home.
- Summation of Saul's battles against Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, the Philistines. "He rescued Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them."
- Saul's family: Sons Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua; Daughters Merab and Michael; Wife Ahinoam; Army commander Abner, son of Ner, Saul's uncle. Something to remember for future readings: Abner is Saul's first cousin.
1-23 Descendants of David and Solomon
- David's sons born in Hebron, where he reigned for 7-1/2 years
- Ammon by Ahinoam the Jezreelite (Saul's wife was also named Ahinoam)
- Daniel by Abigail the Carmelite
- Absalom by Maacah, daughter of King Talmai of Geshur
- Adonijah of Haggith
- Shephatiah by Abitai
- Ithream by Eglah
- David's sons born in Jerusalem (besides the sons of concubines)
- Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon by Bath-shua (this must be an alternate spelling of Bathsheba) daughter of Ammiel
- Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Elliphelet -- doesn't mention the mother's name.
- Their sister was Tamar. Note: Apparently Michal, Saul's daughter, didn't give David any children; at least they're not mentioned here. Also -- didn't remember David having so many wives and concubines. Solomon's always the one I think of in that regard.
- Solomon's lineage: Rehoboam - Abijah - Asa - Jehoshaphat - Joram - Ahaziah - Joash - Jehoiakim - Jeconiah - Pediaiah - Zerubbabel - Hananiah - Jeshaiah - Rephaiah - Arnan - Obadiah - Shechaniah - Shemaiah - Neariah - Elioenai - 7 sons.
1-10 Paul's Visions and Revelations
- Paul relates his experience 14 years ago when he was caught up into "Paradise" (NRSV)
- To keep him humble, he was given a thorn in the flesh
- Even though he had prayed 3 times for it to be removed, the Lord told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."
- Therefore Paul was thankful for his weaknesses, because when he was weak, it enabled him to experience the power of Christ.
- Paul has to defend himself because the Corinthians do not.
- His only fault among them was that he didn't burden them -- but what parent takes from the children? It should be the other way around.
- Contrary to what you say, I never deceived you. I never took advantage of you nor did anyone I sent, such as Titus.
- My fears for you when I come:
- I will not find you as I wish; you do not find me as you wish
- There will be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder
- I will have to mourn over those who have not repented of their immorality.
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