<t /><p class="bodytext">This man Elkanah went up with all his family to make the yearly sacrifice to the <sc>Lordsc> and to keep his vow,

I prayed for this boy, and the <sc>Lordsc> has given me the request that I asked of him.

<p class="bodytext">Now Samuel was ministering before the <sc>Lordsc>. The boy was dressed in a linen ephod.

<p class="bodytext">Now Samuel did not yet know the <sc>Lordsc>; the word of the <sc>Lordsc> had not yet been revealed to him.

However, Eli called Samuel and said, &#8220;Samuel, my son!&#8221; He replied, &#8220;Here I am.&#8221;

<t /><p class="bodytext">Now the Philistines had captured the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

<p class="bodytext">Then Samuel said, &#8220;Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the <sc>Lordsc> on your behalf.&#8221;

<t /><p class="bodytext">In his old age Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel.

<p class="bodytext">So Samuel spoke all the words of the <sc>Lordsc> to the people who were asking him for a king.

We will be like all the other nations. Our king will judge us and lead us<n id="1" /> and fight our battles.&#8221;p>

<p class="bodytext">So Samuel listened to everything the people said and then reported it to the <sc>Lordsc>.<n id="1" />

Now the day before Saul arrived, the <sc>Lordsc> had told<n id="1" /> Samuel:

<p class="bodytext">Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot.

<p class="bodytext">The Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and he became very angry.

<p class="bodytext">&#8220;So now, take your positions and watch this great thing that the <sc>Lordsc> is about to do in your sight.

<p class="bodytext">Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to<n id="1" /> Shur, which is next to Egypt.

He captured King Agag of the Amalekites alive, but he executed all Agag&#8217;s people<n id="1" /> with the sword.

Now please forgive my sin! Go back with me so I can worship<n id="1" /> the <sc>Lordsc>.&#8221;p>

<p class="bodytext">When they arrived, Samuel<n id="1" /> noticed<n id="2" /> Eliab and said to himself,<n id="3" /> &#8220;Surely, here before the <sc>Lordsc> stands his chosen king!&#8221;<n id="4" />

When Saul and all the Israelites<n id="1" /> heard these words of the Philistine, they were upset and very afraid.p>