In the same way that I valued your life this day, may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all danger.”

Eli’s eyes had begun to fail, so that he was unable to see well. At that time he was lying down in his place,

Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes looked straight ahead; he was unable to see.

The men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you and you can do with us whatever you wish.”

“So now, take your positions and watch this great thing that the Lord is about to do in your sight.

Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Instead you have greedily rushed upon the plunder! You have done what is wrong in the Lord’s estimation.”

Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul about this, it pleased him.

The Philistines assembled all their troops at Aphek, while Israel camped at the spring that is in Jezreel.

So turn and leave in peace. You must not do anything that the leaders of the Philistines consider improper!”

On every mission on which Saul sent him, David achieved success. So Saul appointed him over the men of war. This pleased not only all the army, but also Saul’s servants.

She said, “May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad.

Any one of you that I do not cut off from my altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and will cause you grief. All of those born to your family will die in the prime of life.

So Samuel told him everything. He did not hold back anything from him. Eli said, “The Lord will do what he pleases.”

Now the residents of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they were pleased at the sight.

But this request displeased Samuel, for they said, “Give us a king to lead us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord.

But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “The only way I will make a treaty with you is if you let me gouge out the right eye of every one of you and in so doing humiliate all Israel!”

Then Jonathan said, “My father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed when I tasted just a little of this honey.

Samuel said, “Is it not true that when you were insignificant in your own eyes, you became head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord chose you as king over Israel.

So Jesse had him brought in. Now he was ruddy, with attractive eyes and a handsome appearance. The Lord said, “Go and anoint him. This is the one!”

Then Saul sent word to Jesse saying, “Let David be my servant, for I really like him.”