Nob
After the destruction of Shiloh, Nob apparently became the city where the priests and Levites lived. Although its exact location is unknown, it was probably… Read More »Nob
After the destruction of Shiloh, Nob apparently became the city where the priests and Levites lived. Although its exact location is unknown, it was probably… Read More »Nob
What was the significance of the new moon? The new moon was the day of the first appearance of the crescent moon in the western… Read More »What was the significance of the new moon?
The sound of victory. The sight of women singing, dancing, and playing tambourines was very common following a military victory (18:6). Ancient clay figurines or… Read More »The sound of victory
Fed to the birds and beasts. In Israel, being killed and left for scavenger birds, like vultures, was considered shameful (17:46). It deprived a person… Read More »Fed to the birds and beasts
A battle of champions. To save lives, the outcomes of battles were at times decided by one-on-one combat (17:4). A champion was selected from the… Read More »A battle of champions
Why did Saul spare the Kenites? Moses’ father-in-law Jethro was a Kenite. Jethro and his son were helpful and kind to the Israelites when they… Read More »Why did Saul spare the Kenites
Jonathan shows his trust in God when he says, “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” (14:6). The Lord blesses… Read More »Jonathan shows his trust in God
Lord of lords. Beginning with Saul and David, kings ruled over Israel. But kings did not have supreme authority. That position still belonged to the… Read More »Lord of lords
A king is crowned. Saul becomes the first king of all 12 tribes of Israel in ch. 12. Only three kings (Saul, David, and Solomon)… Read More »A king is crowned
Though musical instruments were used to induce trances in pagan worship, the Israelites used them for pleasing the Lord. The instruments used by the prophets… Read More »Musical instruments
A gift for the prophet. Gift-giving was an important custom in the social dealings of the ancient world, as is often the case today in… Read More »A gift for the prophet
Ebenezer (7:12) means “stone of help.” The monument was raised to remember the victory of the Israelites over the Philistines. Samuel chose to name it… Read More »Ebenezer