Chapters of the Bible

The Philistines place the captured Ark in the temple of their god Dagon. Dagon's idol falls over and is broken. Plagues and tumors afflict the cities where the Ark is kept, terrifying the Philistines.

The terrified Philistines return the Ark to Israel on a new cart pulled by two cows. The people of Beth Shemesh rejoice, but God strikes down 70 men who looked irreverently inside the Ark.

Samuel gathers Israel at Mizpah for a national repentance. The Philistines attack, but God sends thunder, confusing the enemy. Samuel sets up a memorial stone named Ebenezer ("stone of help").

The elders of Israel reject God's rule and demand that Samuel appoint a human king "like all the other nations." God warns Samuel that a human king will oppress them, but He grants their request.

Saul, a handsome man from the tribe of Benjamin, goes out looking for his father's lost donkeys. Guided by God, he encounters Samuel, who privately anoints him as the future king of Israel.

Samuel publicly gathers Israel at Mizpah and presents Saul as the chosen king. Saul prophesies with a band of prophets. Samuel warns the people again about the dangers of having a human king.

The Ammonites besiege Jabesh Gilead, threatening to put out the right eye of every man. Saul rallies the tribes and leads a swift, decisive victory, confirming his leadership to all Israel.

Samuel delivers his farewell address, publicly challenging Israel to witness against any injustice he committed. He warns them that if they and their king disobey God, they will face destruction.

King Saul disobeys God by offering a burnt offering himself instead of waiting for Samuel, an act of impatience and presumption. Samuel severely rebukes Saul, stating his kingdom will not endure.

Jonathan, Saul's brave son, and his armor-bearer miraculously attack a Philistine garrison alone, throwing the enemy camp into chaos. Saul nearly kills Jonathan for breaking a foolish oath he made.

God commands Saul to utterly destroy the wicked Amalekites without taking any plunder. Saul disobeys, sparing King Agag and the best livestock. Samuel declares God has rejected Saul as king.

God commands Samuel to go to Jesse of Bethlehem and anoint a new king. Samuel chooses David, the youngest son and a humble shepherd, who is then filled with the Spirit of the Lord.