Day 58

1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 1 Samuel 11

The Philistines send back the ark with an offering. The Lord smites and slays the Israelites in Beth-shemesh who look into the ark. Samuel exhorts Israel to forsake Ashtaroth and Baalim and serve the Lord. Israel fasts and seeks the Lord. The Philistines are subdued. Samuel judges Israel. Samuel’s sons take bribes and pervert judgment. The Israelites seek for a king to rule over them. Samuel rehearses the nature and evils of kingly rule. The Lord consents to give them a king. Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person. He is sent to seek his father’s asses. The Lord reveals to Samuel the seer that Saul is to be king. Saul goes to Samuel and is entertained by him. Samuel anoints Saul to be captain over the Lord’s inheritance. Samuel manifests the gift of seership. Saul prophesies among the prophets, and the Lord gives him a new heart. He is chosen king at Mizpeh. The Ammonites encamp against the Israelites of Jabesh-Gilead. Saul rescues them and defeats the Ammonites. His kingship is renewed in Gilgal.