The Israelites asked the Lord (for the ark of God’s covenant was there in those days;

The Israelites regretted what had happened to their brother Benjamin. They said, “Today we cut off an entire tribe from Israel!

Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he used to give meat portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.

Those who are well-fed hire themselves out to earn food, but the hungry no longer lack. Even the barren woman gives birth to seven, but the one with many children withers away.

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

However, Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He replied, “Here I am.”

The ark of God was taken, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were killed.

Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes looked straight ahead; he was unable to see.

So the Israelites removed the Baals and images of Ashtoreth. They served only the Lord.

In his old age Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel.

The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second son was Abijah. They were judges in Beer Sheba.

But his sons did not follow his ways. Instead, they made money dishonestly, accepted bribes, and perverted justice.

When Saul counted them at Bezek, the Israelites were 300,000 strong and the men of Judah numbered 30,000.

Saul was [thirty] years old when he began to reign; he ruled over Israel for [forty] years.

Saul, his son Jonathan, and the army that remained with them stayed in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped in Micmash.

Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan!” Jonathan was indicated by lot.

When the Israelites returned from their hot pursuit of the Philistines, they looted their camp.

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

Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech had fled to David at Keilah, he had brought with him an ephod.

Then Jonathan son of Saul left and went to David at Horesh. He encouraged him through God.