Daily Bible Reading “Saul Inquires of the Witch of Endor” (1 Samuel 28:1-14)

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Saul Inquires of the Witch of Endor

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 28:1-14. The Philistines gathered their armies together to fight against Israel. Saul freaked out when he saw the size of the Philistine army.

Achish, the Philistine’s king, let David know that he was expecting him and his men to support them in the battle. David asssured Achish of his abilities. Achish showed his trust in David by telling David that he was the keeper of his head forever.

We learned several lessons back that Samuel passed away and the people mourned over him and buried him in Ramah. This Scripture reminds us of Samuel’s passing.

We are also told that Saul had done away with those who had familiar spirits and the wizards from the land.

The Philistines gathered their troops at Shunem and Saul’s army gathered at Gilboa. When Saul saw how many Philistines there were, he was filled with fear.

Saul prayed to God, but God didn’t answer him. The LORD didn’t reveal anything to Saul by dreams, prophets, or by Urim. Urim were the stones that were kept in a pouch on the high-priest’s breastplate, which were used in determining God’s decision in certain questions and issues.

So Saul asked his servants to find him a woman with a familiar spirit, one who evokes the dead, that he could go and inquire of her. Saul’s servants told him there was a woman at Endor who had these capabilities.

Saul disguised himself by dressing in other garments. He took two of his men with him and went to visit the woman of Endor at night. The woman asked Saul if he was trying to get her killed. She reminded him that Saul had done away with all those who had a familiar spirit and the wizards. Saul swore to her before the LORD that she wouldn’t be punished for her work.

The woman agreed to perform the task and asked Saul who he wanted her to bring up. Saul asked her to bring up Samuel. When the woman saw Samuel she cried out asking Saul why he had deceived her.

Saul told her not to be afraid and asked her what she saw. She told Saul that she saw gods ascending from the earth. Saul asked her what the man looked like. She told Saul that it was an older man with a mantle covering him. Saul thought it was Samuel and he bowed down to him.

Why would a king, a man appointed by God, go to see a sorcerer? What was God going to think about Saul’s actions? There are many Scriptures that tell us that sorcery, witchcraft, and such are evil and we shouldn’t fool around with evil spirits.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 28:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

Things to think about:

What armies were about to go to war?

What happened when Saul saw how many Philistines there were?

When God didn’t answer Saul’s cries for help, what did Saul do?

Why did Saul turn to other sources when he felt he wasn’t hearing from the Lord?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel we are perplexed at Saul’s decision to seek guidance from other sources. Help us in our time of decision making not to become so fearful that we seek advice from those who are not guided by You. Help us to use wisdom when seeking advice from anyone besides You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

New Release:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

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Daily Bible Reading “David Dwells with the Philistines” (1 Samuel 27:1-12)

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Dwells with the Philistines

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 27:1-12. David was still concerned that one day he would die by the hand of Saul. So David fled to the land of the Philistines. He and six hundred men went to the king of Gath, Achish, who was the son of Maoch.

David and his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, and the men along with their families resided at Gath.

Saul heard that David was at Gath so he didn’t search for him anymore.

After a while David went to Achish and asked him if he had found favor in his eyes if he would give him a place in the country where he and his men could live. Achish gave David and his men Ziklag.

David and his men lived in the land of the Philistines for sixteen months.

David and his men invaded the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites. They left neither man nor woman alive. They took all the cattle, sheep, oxen, donkey, camels, and apparel.

David came back and told Achish what he had done. Achish believed him and told David that he could be his servant forever. Achish thought that the people of Israel would be against David because of his actions.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 27:1-12

1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.
2 And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s wife.
4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.
5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?
6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.
7 And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.
8 And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.
9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.
10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
11 And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.

Things to think about:

Why did David go to the land of the Philistines?

How many did David carry with him?

What did David and his men do to seal the deal with Achish?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel, we don’t understand why some things happen. But, we know that there is a plan behind all of this. Help us not to question things we don’t understand that may be Your will. Help us to trust You to work things out in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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New Release:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David and Saul Make Amends” (1 Samuel 26:13-25)

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David and Saul Make Amends

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 26:13-25. After David took Saul’s sword, he went and stood on the other side of the hill. David cried out to Abner asking him wasn’t he supposed to be protecting the king.

David told Abner to look where the king’s sword and water were. He told Abner that he deserved to die for his failure to protect the king from harm.

Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is this thy voice, my son David?” David answered him saying, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.”

David asked Saul why he was hunting him down, had he done anything to harm the king?

Saul told David he had sinned. Saul realized that he was a fool, because David preserved Saul’s life. David had always honored Saul as God’s anointed.

David told Saul to send one of his men to get his sword. David asked Saul to preserve his life as he had preserved Saul’s life.

Saul answered David saying, “Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail.” They each departed and went their own way.

For more information about how David was feeling during this time read Psalm 54 where David cries out to God to save him from his enemies.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 26:13-25

13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:
14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?
15 And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.
16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’S anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
17 And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.
18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
19 Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.
20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.
21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
22 And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.
23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed.
24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

Things to think about:

How did David let Saul know what had happened?

What was Saul’s response to David’s voice?

What did David request of Saul?

How did Saul respond to David’s proposal to spare his life?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we study this Scripture we see that David was able to make a peace treaty with Saul once again. You spared both David and Saul’s life at this time even though both of them were in great danger. Watch over us and protect us from evil. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

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Daily Bible Reading “David Spares Saul’s Life” (1 Samuel 26:1-12)

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Spares Saul’s Life

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 26:1-12. The Ziphites came to Gibeah and asked Saul about David. They asked if he was hiding in the hill of Hachilah, close to Jeshimon.

I thought Saul and David made peace a while back, but they’re at it again. Saul gathered three thousand men and went down to Ziph to look for David in the wilderness.

Saul pitched his camp in the hill of Hachilah, close to Jeshimon. David and his men were close by in the wilderness of Ziph. David saw Saul and his men coming and thought they may be searching for him.

David sent out spies to verify where Saul and his men were camped. David planned to go to the camp where Saul and his men were sleeping. David asked which of his men would go with him to Saul’s camp. Abishai volunteered to go with David.

When they got there all the men including Saul were sound asleep. Abishai told David that God had delivered Saul into his hand. Saul was laying there sleeping in a trench with his sword stuck in the ground by his side. His men were laying around him to protect him.

Abishai wanted to steal Saul’s sword and kill him with it. But, David forbid Abishai from harming Saul. He didn’t want the responsibility of harming the anointed of the LORD to be on his hands.

David told Abishai that instead they would take Saul’s sword and his cruse of water. So they were able to steal Saul’s sword and water without anyone noticing. God had caused Saul and his men to be in a deep sleep.

David lets us know that just because we have the opportunity to get revenge on someone, it may not be God’s will for us. Sometimes it is better to let God handle the situation.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 26:1-12

1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?
2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.
4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.
5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.
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 thee.
7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.
8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?
10 David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

Things to think about:

Who came to Saul asking about David?

What was Saul’s response?

What did David do when he found out where Saul was?

Why didn’t David take advantage of the situation and kill Saul?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that David had every opportunity to do away with Saul, but he respected Saul as Your anointed. Help us to have respect for those You have appointed to do Your work. Forgive us of the times we’ve taken opportunity to get revenge on those who have wronged us. Help us to respond in ways that are pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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New Release:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

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Daily Bible Reading “David Married Abigail” 1 Samuel 25:32-44

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Married Abigail

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 25:32-44. David was pleased that the LORD sent Abigail to meet him. He was happy about Abigail’s advice, which kept him from taking vengeance against Abal and his whole house.

Abigal was the go between. She went between Nabal and David to try to make peace. She succeeded with her efforts.

Jesus is our go between. He intercedes between us and God. God sometimes sends people into our lives to keep us from doing something foolish. He sent Abigail to intercede between Nabal and David. She helped keep David from doing something he would regret later. Have you ever had to be the go between for someone, either to keep them from getting into trouble, or to get them out of trouble, or to keep them from doing something stupid that they would regret later?

David accepted Abigail’s peace offering and told her to go in peace. When Abigail returned home Nabal had a great feast. He was so drunk that Abigail didn’t want to tell him what had taken place.

She waited until the next day, after the wine wore off, to inform Nabal of her visit with David. Nabal’s heart died when she told him what took place. About ten days later the LORD smote Nabal and he died.

David was glad that God took care of Nabal and he didn’t have to take revenge on him. We are reminded in Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

David sent his servants to ask Abigail to become his wife. She came back with five of her damsels and became David’s wife. Do you think David felt responsible for her because of what happened to her husband or did he fell in love with her?

David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel to be his wife. His first wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter, was given to Phalti the son of Laish, by Saul.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 25:32-44

32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:
33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.
34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.
36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, 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 drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.
37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.
38 And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.
39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.
40 And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.
41 And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.
43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives.
44 But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David’s wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim.

Things to think about:

What was David’s response to Abigail’s advice?

What did David tell Abigail to do?

What was Nabal’s response to Abigail’s visit with David?

What happened to Nabal?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture we see that David was grateful to You for sending Abigail to stop him from taking revenge on Nabal. Thank You for putting other people on our path to keep us from doing things we shouldn’t do. Thank You for Your son, Jesus, who intercedes for us. Help us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.