GUIDED JOURNAL

Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, and after Saul’s death, his body is desecrated by the Philistines, marking the end of his reign as king of Israel.

David and his men return to Ziklag to find it destroyed and their families taken captive by the Amalekites; after seeking God’s guidance, David pursues and defeats the Amalekites, rescuing their families and recovering everything taken.

The Philistine commanders reject David’s presence in their army, fearing he might turn against them in battle, leading him to return to Ziklag without fighting in the war.

Saul, desperate for guidance, consults a medium to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel, who delivers a message of doom, foretelling Saul's defeat and death in battle.

David, fearing for his life from Saul, seeks refuge with the Philistines, where he lives under King Achish’s protection, though he continues to secretly fight against Israel’s enemies.

David again spares Saul’s life when he has the chance to kill him, demonstrating his continued trust in God’s justice and refusal to take matters into his own hands.

David encounters Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man who refuses to help David, leading to Abigail, Nabal’s wise wife, intervening to prevent bloodshed; after Nabal’s death, David marries Abigail, further solidifying his leadership.

David repeatedly evades Saul’s attempts to capture him, and despite having the chance to kill Saul in a cave, he chooses mercy, showing his trust in God’s timing and justice.

David flees from Saul and seeks refuge with Ahimelech the priest, who helps him, but Saul later kills Ahimelech and the priests, leading David to take refuge in the stronghold while gathering followers.

David and Jonathan make a covenant of friendship, with Jonathan helping David escape from Saul’s wrath, as they confirm their loyalty to each other despite Saul’s attempts to kill David.

Saul attempts to kill David multiple times, but David escapes with the help of his wife Michal and the prophet Samuel, demonstrating God’s protection and David’s continued faithfulness.

David’s success in battle earns him the love and admiration of the people, but it also sparks Saul’s jealousy and fear, leading to growing tension between the two.

David defeats the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, demonstrating that faith in God gives victory over seemingly insurmountable challenges.

God instructs Samuel to anoint David as the new king of Israel, choosing him over his older brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon David.

Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, leading to Samuel rebuking him and God rejecting Saul as king.

Jonathan, with his armour-bearer, bravely defeats a Philistine outpost, and Saul's rash vow nearly jeopardizes the victory, but the Israelites ultimately prevail against the Philistines.

Saul disobeys God's command by offering a burnt sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel, leading to Samuel's rebuke and God's decision to seek a new king for Israel.

Samuel addresses the Israelites, reminding them of God's faithfulness, warning them of the consequences of rejecting Him, and urging them to remain faithful and obedient to God as their king.

Saul leads the Israelites to victory over the Ammonites, proving his leadership and earning the support of the people as their king.

Samuel anoints Saul as king, and signs are given to confirm God’s choice, including Saul prophesying with a group of prophets, leading the people to recognize him as their new leader.

Saul is introduced as the future king of Israel when he is chosen by God after searching for his father’s lost donkeys, and is anointed by Samuel.