In today’s reading, the genealogy continues…

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, the genealogy continues, briefly interrupted by the celebrated prayer of Jabez.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, the genealogies from Adam through Noah, Abraham, and the beginnings of many nations of the middle-eastern region.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading - two accounts of the same event which are virtually identical - the Philistines make war against Israel and the armies of Saul, and prevail. All three of Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed in battle, and Saul is mortally wounded. In both accounts when Saul sees that his cause is utterly lost, he commands his own armor bearer to run him through, and when he refuses, commits suicide, ending his reign.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, the Philistines amass their armies for an invasion at Jezreel, and David’s men are understandably excluded from the campaign. David takes his men back to Ziklag and discovers the aftermath of an Amalekite invasion: the city burned, their wives and children taken captive, and their possessions looted. David enquires of God and God answers… “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them.”

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, David finds sanctuary among the Philistines with Achish, King of Gath. Saul, no longer hearing from the LORD, seeks counsel from a necromancer - the witch at Endor - and learns in no uncertain terms his death is imminent.

Psalm 141 presents a cry of David to God for help and discretion, declaring his ultimate trust in the LORD.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

After a modest hiatus, we resume our daily recitals where we left off: 1 Samuel, and King Saul’s drama concerning David. In today’s reading, Samuel - priest, prophet and judge of Israel - dies, and is mourned by all the people. David and his men are aided by Abigail, whom he later marries. Saul continues his pursuit of David, and David once again thwarts him. Saul is stricken anew in his heart by his own obsessive wickedness.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, King Saul is delivered into David’s hands, and David shows him mercy. Saul, not too far gone to realize just how far he’s fallen, palavers with David, honors him, and bids him vow not to end his family line once David ascends the throne.

Psalms 57, 58 and 63 of David speak directly of these events.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, the Philistines attack the city of Keilah, and David and his company go by the word of God to defend it, saving the city and its people. Upon learning from the LORD that the inhabitants of the city will prove unfaithful to him when Saul comes, David and his company flee to the wilderness of Maon. Saul pursues, but is called away to counter another Philistine attack.

Psalm 17, 31 and 54 reflect David’s challenges during this time, calling upon the LORD for aid and defense.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, three psalms of David calling upon God to protect him from his enemies, and bring them to ruin and desolation, in spite of their diligence in their own evil work.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission