Let the Prophets Speak

We discuss a second, slightly more "rationalistic" approach to understanding this fascinating chapter. In this understanding, a miracle from God has just occurred.

This unusual chapter in Tanach has many ways of understanding it, we begin a series of analysis with the approach of the mystics.

Saul hears Samuel's message, which isn't much different from Samuel's message when he was alive. God has rejected you because you disobeyed Him! No amount of fasting and ritual and summoning of spirits is going to change that!

We read of the descent of Saul into the dark world of Necromancy as he visits a witch to summon the ghost of Samuel.

We introduce one of the most unusual chapters in Tanach with an analysis of Saul's flawed understanding of theology. We begin the chapter and explain the origin of King Saul's terrible fear and anxiety.

Once again David takes refuge among the Philistines. Only this time he and his men continue the work of securing the future of Judea, right under the noses of their enemies.

Once again David has the opportunity to assassinate Saul, and once again he respects the King. Saul again has a moment of clarity, but his promises are no longer taken seriously.

Avigail convinces David not to follow the path of vengeance and violence, and teaches David that his virtue is the reason he is fit to be King. She convinces him and leaves vengeance to God Himself, saving David from sin. David takes Avigail as a wife.

Samuel passes on, and David goes out with his men to live as a nomad. David does not react well when Naval refuses to give them what they deserve.

With the chance to kill his oppressor, David instead chooses to respect Saul's position. David's speech to Saul reveals the noble character of the one who will be the founder of the dynasty that will lead Israel for all time. Saul's heart is awakened by this noble gesture, but unfortunately only temporarily.

Jonathan and David reunite, and Saul continues his chase. Round and Round the mountain they run, but Saul remains unsuccessful.

The people of Ke'ilah seek David's help and David responds putting himself and his men at risk. Saul's relentless pursuit continues.

Saul in his fit of paranoid rage takes out his wrath on the innocent priests of Nov. Only one priest, Evyatar, escapes and joins David's camp.

David begins to build his constituency while Saul's paranoia leads him down a dangerous path.

David runs to Nov and gets some supplies. and picks up the sword of Goliath. He then seeks safety in enemy territory and escapes the Philistine King of Gath by feigning insanity.

Saul in enraged when it becomes clear that Jonathan was siding with David, and attempts to kill him. Jonathan and David must say goodbye as David must flee from Saul's wrath.

David and Jonathan devise a plan to determine if Saul will choose the path of peace or the path of jealousy and violence. The two friends form a bond of peace and love meant to last forever.

Michal helps David escape her father's wrath during the night. but she cowardly refuses to defend her husband when Saul confronts her. The chapter ends with Saul's spiritual encounter with God, giving him another chance to choose a path of peace and reconciliation.

Jonathan attempts to convince his father not to hurt David, and for a short time it seems as if he might succeed. But one military victory for David brings Saul back to his state of jealousy and rage.

David becomes the son-in-law of King Saul, while Saul schemes against David.

Saul's lack of humility leads to his suspicions about David. Despite having every opportunity to graciously hand over leadership to David Saul takes the low road to jealousy.

David uses his strengths to exploit Goliath's weaknesses and he defeats the giant. Saul sees David's greatness, and now has to choose whether he will look at David as a threat or as a future successor.

Goliath and David throw taunts at each other, Goliath appeals to his gods, while David declares with humility that his success will come from the God of Israel.

Sent by his father to bring a "care package" to his brothers, David comes to the battlefield and stirs up some trouble.

Saul leads the troops to battle the Philistines, and the Israelite army is taunted by a giant warrior named Goliath of Gath.