We have plenty of straw and feed,” she added, “and room for you to spend the night.”

Also, take your flocks and your herds, just as you have requested, and leave. But bless me also.”

So Saul inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him – not by dreams nor by Urim nor by the prophets.

Moreover, the Lord says, “Both the prophets and priests are godless. I have even found them doing evil in my temple!

But if you continue to do evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”

The gray-haired and the aged are on our side, men far older than your father.

The men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us – you, your son, and your grandson. For you have delivered us from Midian’s power.”

What they loved, as well as what they hated and envied, perished long ago, and they no longer have a part in anything that happens on earth.

Chariots and horsemen also went up with him, so it was a very large entourage.

Then Pharaoh also summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the magicians of Egypt by their secret arts did the same thing.

Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”

As for me, the Lord was also angry with me on your account. He said, “You also will not be able to go there.

But Absalom said, “Call for Hushai the Arkite, and let’s hear what he has to say.”

Pay attention, all you people, both rich and poor!

For you know in your own heart that you also have cursed others many times.

You plant them like trees and they put down their roots. They grow prosperous and are very fruitful. They always talk about you, but they really care nothing about you.

“Babylon must fall because of the Israelites she has killed, just as the earth’s mortally wounded fell because of Babylon.

You too will act like drunkards; you will go into hiding; you too will seek refuge from the enemy.

So now we consider the arrogant to be happy; indeed, those who practice evil are successful. In fact, those who challenge God escape!’”

They were hungry and thirsty; they fainted from exhaustion.