Bible Commentary
Commentary provides insight and explanation of biblical passages, helping readers understand historical context, divine meaning, and practical application for daily life.
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1 Samuel 15
Saul defeats the Amalekites but disobeys God by sparing King Agag and the best livestock; consequently, Samuel confronts him, declares that “obedience is better than sacrifice,” and announces God’s rejection of Saul as king.
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1 Samuel 14
Jonathan’s bold faith sparks a miraculous victory against the Philistines, but the triumph is nearly ruined by Saul’s foolish vow and legalism, which exhausts the army and endangers Jonathan’s life until the people intervene.
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1 Samuel 13
Facing an overwhelming Philistine army and deserting troops, Saul impatiently offers an unlawful sacrifice before Samuel arrives, resulting in the divine rejection of his dynasty and the prophetic announcement of a successor “after God’s own heart.”
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1 Samuel 12
In his farewell address, Samuel vindicates his integrity, rebukes Israel for demanding a king by calling down miraculous thunder during harvest, yet assures them that if they and their king obey the Lord, God will not abandon them for His name’s sake.
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1 Samuel 11
When Nahash the Ammonite threatens to gouge out the eyes of the men of Jabesh-gilead, the Spirit of God empowers Saul to rally all Israel, crush the Ammonites in a surprise attack, and unite the nation in a celebration of kingship at Gilgal.
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1 Samuel 10
Samuel privately anoints Saul and gives him three confirming signs; later, Saul is publicly chosen by lot at Mizpah, where he is found hiding among the baggage, eventually acclaimed as king but facing some opposition.
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1 Samuel 9
While searching for his father’s lost donkeys, Saul is providentially led to the prophet Samuel, who reveals that Saul is God’s choice to be the first king of Israel and honors him at a feast.
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1 Samuel 8
The elders of Israel, citing Samuel’s age and his sons’ corruption, demand a king to be like other nations; despite Samuel’s warning about the oppression and taxation a monarchy will bring, God allows them to reject His direct rule and choose a human king.
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1 Samuel 7
After twenty years of spiritual stagnation, Samuel leads Israel in national repentance at Mizpah, resulting in a miraculous, thunderous victory over the Philistines and the establishment of the “Ebenezer” stone of help.
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1 Samuel 6
The Philistines return the Ark to Israel using a test involving two milk cows and a cart of golden guilt offerings; the cows miraculously head to Beth-shemesh, where the Israelites celebrate but are subsequently struck down for irreverently looking into the Ark.
Bible Characters
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Mark (John Mark)
John Mark was a young disciple who overcame early failure to become a trusted companion of Paul and Peter, ultimately authoring the dynamic Gospel that bears his name.
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Matthew
Matthew was a despised tax collector transformed by grace into a devoted apostle, whose Gospel bridges the Old and New Testaments by proclaiming Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.
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Nabal
Nabal was a wealthy but foolish landowner whose arrogance and refusal to show hospitality to David led to divine judgment and his sudden death.
Biblical Events
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Mark (John Mark)
John Mark was a young disciple who overcame early failure to become a trusted companion of Paul and Peter, ultimately authoring the dynamic Gospel that bears his name.
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Matthew
Matthew was a despised tax collector transformed by grace into a devoted apostle, whose Gospel bridges the Old and New Testaments by proclaiming Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.
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Nabal
Nabal was a wealthy but foolish landowner whose arrogance and refusal to show hospitality to David led to divine judgment and his sudden death.
Bible Locations
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Jezreel
Jezreel was the fertile royal seat of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, famous for the murder of Naboth and the site where divine judgment eventually wiped out their entire dynasty.
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Aphek
Aphek was a strategic military stronghold and staging ground on the Sharon Plain where the Philistines gathered to capture the Ark and where David was providentially released from the Philistine army.
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Lachish
Lachish was the second most powerful city in ancient Judah, a mighty fortress whose dramatic fall to Assyria and Babylon serves as a pivotal moment in biblical history and archaeology.
