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

Why are you scorning my sacrifice and my offering that I commanded for my dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than you have me by having made yourselves fat from the best parts of all the offerings of my people Israel.’

You will see trouble in my dwelling place! Israel will experience blessings, but there will not be an old man in your house for all time.

Then I will raise up for myself a faithful priest. He will do what is in my heart and soul. I will build for him a secure dynasty and he will serve my chosen one for all time.

The Lord said to Samuel, “Look! I am about to do something in Israel; when anyone hears about it, both of his ears will tingle.

On that day I will carry out against Eli everything that I spoke about his house – from start to finish!

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

When the ark of the covenant of the Lord arrived at the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the ground shook.

It was quite a long time – some twenty years in all – that the ark stayed at Kiriath Jearim. All the people of Israel longed for the Lord.

So the Philistines were defeated; they did not invade Israel again. The hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

Year after year he used to travel the circuit of Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; he used to judge Israel in all of these places.

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his inmost person. All these signs happened on that very day.

Nahash the Ammonite marched against Jabesh Gilead. All the men of Jabesh Gilead said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us and we will serve you.”

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.

Now take your positions, so I may confront you before the Lord regarding all the Lord’s just actions toward you and your ancestors.

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.

So all Israel had to go down to the Philistines in order to get their plowshares, cutting instruments, axes, and sickles sharpened.

His armor bearer said to him, “Do everything that is on your mind. Do as you’re inclined. I’m with you all the way!”

Then Saul said, “All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today.