Afterward David&#8217;s conscience bothered him<n id="1" /> because he had cut off an edge of Saul&#8217;s robe.

You have explained today how you have treated me well. The <sc>Lordsc> delivered me into your hand, but you did not kill me.

So now swear to me in the <sc>Lordsc>&#8217;s name<n id="1" /> that you will not kill<n id="2" /> my descendants after me or destroy my name from the house of my father.&#8221;p>

The <sc>Lordsc> rewards each man for his integrity and loyalty.<n id="1" /> Even though today the <sc>Lordsc> delivered you into my hand, I was not willing to extend my hand against the <sc>Lordsc>&#8217;s chosen one.

<t /><p class="bodytext">The sons of Eli were wicked men.<n id="1" /> They did not recognize the <sc>Lordsc>&#8217;s authority.<n id="2" />

So Samuel led<n id="1" /> Israel all the days of his life.

<p class="bodytext">Then Samuel called the people together before the <sc>Lordsc> at Mizpah.

Jonathan made a covenant with David, for he loved him as much as he did his own life.<n id="1" />

<p class="bodytext">When David heard in the desert that Nabal was shearing his sheep,

After about ten days the <sc>Lordsc> struck Nabal down and he died.p>

So they sent the ark of God to Ekron.p> <p class="bodytext">But when the ark of God arrived at Ekron, the residents of Ekron cried out saying, &#8220;They have brought the ark of the God of Israel here<n id="1" /> to kill our<n id="2" /> people!&#8221;

When you enter the town, you can find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people won&#8217;t eat until he arrives, for he must bless the sacrifice. Once that happens, those who have been invited will eat. Now go on up, for<n id="1" /> this is the time when you can find him!&#8221;p>

He said to the Israelites, &#8220;This is what the <sc>Lordsc> God of Israel says, &#8216;I brought Israel up from Egypt and I delivered you from the power<n id="1" /> of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.

Here I am. Bring a charge against me before the <sc>Lordsc> and before his chosen king.<n id="1" /> Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I wronged? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I taken a bribe so that I would overlook something? Tell me,<n id="2" /> and I will return it to you!&#8221;p>

When Jacob entered Egypt, your ancestors cried out to the <sc>Lordsc>. The <sc>Lordsc> sent Moses and Aaron, and they led your ancestors out of Egypt and settled them in this place.p>

Then they cried out to the <sc>Lordsc> and admitted,<n id="1" /> &#8216;We have sinned, for we have forsaken the <sc>Lordsc> and have served the Baals and the images of Ashtoreth.<n id="2" /> Now deliver us from the hand of our enemies so that we may serve you.&#8217;<n id="3" />

Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor bearer, &#8220;Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!&#8221;<n id="1" /> Then Jonathan said to his armor bearer, &#8220;Come up behind me, for the <sc>Lordsc> has given<n id="2" /> them into the hand of Israel!&#8221;p>

But Jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take. He extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he ate it,<n id="1" /> his eyes gleamed.<n id="2" />

<p class="bodytext">The men of Israel said, &#8220;Have you seen this man who is coming up? He does so<n id="1" /> to defy Israel. But the king will make the man who can strike him down very wealthy! He will give him his daughter in marriage, and he will make his father&#8217;s house exempt from tax obligations in Israel.&#8221;p>

He risked his life<n id="1" /> when he struck down the Philistine and the <sc>Lordsc> gave all Israel a great victory. When you saw it, you were happy. So why would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?&#8221;p>