After the murder of Ish-bosheth, David is anointed as King over all Israel and Judah. David takes Jerusalem and moves the Ark there, but not without a disastrous failure. As the LORD gives David victory over his enemies, in his own house there are those who despise him. As David begins his reign in victory…

Even though David is anointed King in Judah, Abner tries to install Saul’s son Ish-bosheth as king over the rest of Israel. Because of Ish-bosheth’s incompetence, Abner swings his allegiance to David but is murdered by Joab the leader of David’s forces. Even though David’s reign begins with many challenges, he remains faithful to the…

As David rescues his family from an Amalekite raiding party, Saul and his sons are killed by the Philistines. When David gets the news, he laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

Realizing that Saul will not relent in trying to kill him, David goes – once again – to Achish in Gath. This time, the Philistine King takes David in because he is a fugitive outlaw. David deceives Achish in his intentions in order to accomplish his own purposes. In the meantime, Saul consults a medium…

Saul has Doeg the Edomite slaughter the priests and all in the city of Nob for helping David – an unthinkably treacherous sin. He then continues to pursue David. But the LORD continually helps David escape. Even when David has two chances to kill Saul, he acts righteously, knowing that it is not his right…

In jealousy and fear, Saul turns on David and starts to conspire in ways to kill him. All those who love David – Michal and Jonathan – help him escape Saul’s treachery. When it is clear that Saul is not going to relent, David begins his “wilderness wanderings.”

In the most “famous” chapter of 1 Samuel, David defeats the giant Philistine Goliath and wins the favor of Saul and Israel. Yet Saul, in his jealousy, soon turns on David to try to kill him or ensnare him.

Saul rebels against the Word of the LORD and Samuel pronounces the LORD’s final judgment against him: “For you have rejected the Word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” In the background, David, son of Jesse, – “a man after the LORDs own heart” is anointed to…

As Saul acts presumptuously and foolishly, his son Jonathan leads the nation to victory. These chapters summarize the events that lead to the downfall and rejection of Saul as King.

The LORD’s choice of Saul as the first King of Israel is confirmed with signs given through Samuel. Yet, Saul is reluctant to take on his responsibility. Nevertheless, in his first major test as King, the LORD grants Saul victory over the Ammonites. Finally, Samuel encourages the people to remain faithful to the LORD so…