and told them: “You have carried out all the instructions of Moses the Lord’s servant, and you have obeyed all I have told you.

but you must not make an agreement with the people who live in this land. You should tear down the altars where they worship.’ But you have disobeyed me. Why would you do such a thing?

When the Lord’s messenger finished speaking these words to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly.

Hear the sound of those who divide the sheep among the watering places; there they tell of the Lord’s victorious deeds, the victorious deeds of his warriors in Israel. Then the Lord’s people went down to the city gates –

I said to you, “I am the Lord your God! Do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living!” But you have disobeyed me.’”

God answered Manoah’s prayer. God’s angelic messenger visited the woman again while she was sitting in the field. But her husband Manoah was not with her.

The Danites said to him, “Don’t say another word to us, or some very angry men will attack you, and you and your family will die.”

So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, weeping loudly and uncontrollably.

May the Lord enable each of you to find security in the home of a new husband!” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept loudly.

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

So now do as they say. But seriously warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.”

The Lord said to Samuel, “Do as they say and install a king over them.” Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Each of you go back to his own city.”

When the messengers went to Gibeah (where Saul lived) and informed the people of these matters, all the people wept loudly.

Samuel said to all Israel, “I have done everything you requested. I have given you a king.

But if you don’t obey the Lord and rebel against what the Lord says, the hand of the Lord will be against both you and your king.

So Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord made it thunder and rain that day. All the people were very afraid of both the Lord and Samuel.

Then Samuel said to Saul, “I was the one the Lord sent to anoint you as king over his people Israel. Now listen to what the Lord says.

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 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have disobeyed what the Lord commanded and what you said as well. For I was afraid of the army, and I followed their wishes.

Then David took from her hand what she had brought to him. He said to her, “Go back to your home in peace. Be assured that I have listened to you and responded favorably.”