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.

and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves! For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will deliver you into our hand.”

Saul became even more afraid of him. Saul continued to be at odds with David from then on.

Then Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much.

So Saul mustered all his army to go down to Keilah and besiege David and his men.

David stayed in the strongholds that were in the desert and in the hill country of the desert of Ziph. Saul looked for him all the time, but God did not deliver David into his hand.

Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned him. They buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David left and went down to the desert of Paran.

These men were very good to us. They did not insult us, nor did we sustain any loss during the entire time we were together in the field.

Both night and day they were a protective wall for us the entire time we were with them, while we were tending our flocks.