When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the leaders of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the Israelites heard about this, they were afraid of the Philistines.

Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost that was at Geba and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul alerted all the land saying, “Let the Hebrews pay attention!”

Then Samuel said, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience? Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams.

Then David said, “O Lord God of Israel, your servant has clearly heard that Saul is planning to come to Keilah to destroy the city because of me.

When David heard in the desert that Nabal was shearing his sheep,

This ought not to be, my sons! For the report that I hear circulating among the Lord’s people is not good.

But the people refused to heed Samuel’s warning. Instead they said, “No! There will be a king over us!

So Samuel listened to everything the people said and then reported it to the Lord.

The Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and he became very angry.

Samuel replied, “If that is the case, then what is this sound of sheep in my ears and the sound of cattle that I hear?”

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.”

When Saul and all the Israelites heard these words of the Philistine, they were upset and very afraid.

When David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, he called for him.

Saul accepted Jonathan’s advice and took an oath, “As surely as the Lord lives, he will not be put to death.”

Then Saul said, “Listen, son of Ahitub.” He replied, “Here I am, my lord.”

When the residents of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,

When the woman came to Saul and saw how terrified he was, she said to him, “Your servant has done what you asked. I took my life into my own hands and did what you told me.

Now Hannah was speaking from her heart. Although her lips were moving, her voice was inaudible. Eli therefore thought she was drunk.

He said to them, “Why do you behave in this way? For I hear about these evil things from all these people.

Then the Lord came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening!”