This passage recounts the Israelites' preparation to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, emphasizing obedience to God and the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of God's presence. The crossing is a physical and spiritual transition, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel.
This passage narrates the fall of Jericho, highlighting faith and obedience. The Israelites followed God's instructions to march around the city for six days, and on the seventh day, they circled it seven times and shouted, leading to the collapse of the city walls.
This passage focuses on Achan's sin of disobeying God's command regarding the spoils of Jericho and the consequences for both him and the community of Israel. Achan's actions brought defeat to all of Israel, illustrating how one person's disobedience can affect the entire community.
This passage recounts the battle against the Amorite kings, during which Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to allow the Israelites to achieve victory. It demonstrates God's sovereignty and willingness to intervene for His people.
This chapter contains Joshua's address to the leaders of Israel, reminding them of their covenant with God. He emphasizes faithfulness to God and warns against intermingling with other nations and their gods.
This passage describes Joshua gathering the tribes at Shechem to remind them of their covenant with God. It emphasizes remembering God's faithfulness, choosing whom to serve, and committing to worship Yahweh alone.
This passage recounts the story of Deborah, a prophetess and judge, who leads the Israelites to victory against the Canaanites. God intervenes, causing confusion among Sisera's forces, and Sisera is ultimately killed by Jael.
This chapter narrates how God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. It details Gideon's initial doubts and his request for signs to confirm his divine calling. The passage highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, and the struggle against idolatry.
This passage describes how Gideon, with a drastically reduced army of only 300 men, achieved a significant victory over the Midianites through a surprise attack orchestrated by God. It emphasizes that the victory was due to divine intervention rather than human strength.
This chapter tells the story of the miraculous birth of Samson to Manoah and his wife, who had been barren. An angel of the Lord announced his birth and that he was to be a Nazarite from birth, destined to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines.
This passage focuses on Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman, which led to conflict with the Philistines despite the Israelites being forbidden to intermarry with them. The passage also narrates the story of the riddle Samson posed to the Philistines during his wedding feast.
This chapter recounts Samson's acts of revenge against the Philistines after his wife was given to another man. It highlights his extraordinary strength, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, as he fought against the Philistines.
This passage narrates Samson's relationship with Delilah, who was bribed by the Philistines to discover the secret of his strength. It details how Delilah's persistence led Samson to reveal that his strength was tied to his Nazarite vow, specifically his uncut hair, resulting in his betrayal and capture by the Philistines.
This passage concludes Samson's story, describing how his hair began to grow back in prison. It culminates in Samson's final prayer for strength, which he used to pull down the pillars of a Philistine temple, killing himself and many Philistines, thus delivering Israel from their oppression.
This chapter introduces Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, during a time of famine in Israel. After the deaths of Naomi's husband and sons in Moab, Ruth demonstrates her unwavering loyalty to Naomi by choosing to return with her to Bethlehem, embracing Naomi's people and God.
This chapter narrates Ruth's gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband. Boaz shows her kindness and protection, recognizing her hard work and loyalty to Naomi. The passage highlights the theme of God's providence in their lives.
This passage narrates the events following Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's fields. Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor and request him to act as her kinsman-redeemer. Ruth follows Naomi's instructions, leading to a significant encounter with Boaz where she asks him to "spread his wings" over her, a cultural request for marriage and protection. Boaz acknowledges her virtuous character and his role as a redeemer but mentions a closer relative with the first right of redemption.
This chapter concludes the Book of Ruth by detailing the legal proceedings at the city gate where Boaz arranges to redeem Ruth and the land of her deceased husband. Boaz interacts with the closer kinsman-redeemer, who initially agrees but relinquishes his right when he learns he would also have to marry Ruth. Boaz then publicly declares his intention to marry Ruth and raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance. The community witnesses this act of redemption, and Ruth bears a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David.
This passage introduces Hannah, one of Elkanah's wives, who is barren and deeply grieved by her inability to have children. During their annual trip to Shiloh, Hannah fervently prays to the Lord for a son, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord's service. Eli, the priest, initially misunderstands her prayer but then blesses her. God answers Hannah's prayer, and she gives birth to a son named Samuel. After he is weaned, Hannah brings Samuel to Eli at Shiloh and dedicates him to the Lord, fulfilling her vow.
This chapter recounts the moment when God calls the young boy Samuel, who is serving in the temple under Eli. In a time when the word of the Lord was rare, God called Samuel by name multiple times. Initially, Samuel believes it is Eli calling him, but Eli eventually realizes it is the Lord and instructs Samuel on how to respond. Samuel answers, "Speak; for your servant hears". God then reveals to Samuel the judgment that will come upon Eli's house due to his sons' wickedness. Samuel grows, and the Lord is with him, establishing him as a prophet to Israel.
This passage describes the time when Samuel was old, and his sons, whom he had appointed as judges, were corrupt. As a result, the elders of Israel gather and approach Samuel in Ramah, demanding that he appoint a king to judge them like all the other nations. This request signifies the people's desire to move away from a theocratic system where God was their ultimate ruler.
This chapter details Samuel's reaction to the Israelites' demand for a king. Displeased, Samuel prays to the Lord, who tells him that in asking for a king, the people are rejecting God's reign over them. God instructs Samuel to warn the people of the ways a king will rule over them, including imposing taxes and conscripting their children. Despite Samuel's warnings, the people insist on having a king so they can be like other nations. God then instructs Samuel to heed their voice and appoint a king for them.
This passage introduces Saul, the son of Kish, who is sent to find his father's lost donkeys. Meanwhile, God reveals to Samuel that he will send him a man from Benjamin whom he is to anoint as prince over Israel, who will deliver them from the Philistines. When Samuel meets Saul, God identifies him as the chosen leader. Saul seeks guidance from Samuel regarding the lost donkeys, and Samuel reveals to him that the donkeys have been found and that Saul has a special destiny in Israel.
This chapter describes the formal anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel by Samuel. Samuel pours oil on Saul's head, kisses him, and declares him anointed as prince over God's inheritance. Samuel gives Saul specific signs that will confirm his calling. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Saul, and he prophesies. While some in Israel acknowledge Saul's kingship, others express skepticism and disdain. Saul, however, holds his peace.
This passage recounts Jonathan's courageous plan to attack a Philistine garrison with only his armor-bearer, driven by his faith that God can save Israel regardless of their numbers. Their daring act leads to confusion among the Philistines and a significant victory for Israel, highlighting divine intervention in the battle.
This chapter describes the pivotal moment when God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king, David, from among Jesse's sons, as God has rejected Saul. God emphasizes to Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearance. David, the youngest, a shepherd, is chosen, and the Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon him from that day forward.
This passage introduces the challenge posed by the Philistine giant Goliath, who taunts the Israelite army. David, a young shepherd, arrives at the battlefield and, fueled by his faith in God, volunteers to fight Goliath, despite the fear and skepticism of others, including King Saul.
This chapter narrates the confrontation between David and Goliath. David, relying on God rather than armor, faces the giant with his sling and stones. David defeats Goliath by striking him with a stone, and then beheads him, resulting in a great victory for Israel and demonstrating the power of faith and courage.
This passage describes the immediate aftermath of David's victory over Goliath. Jonathan and David form a deep and loyal friendship. However, Saul becomes increasingly jealous of David's popularity and military successes, leading to suspicion and attempts on David's life, foreshadowing the conflict between them.
This chapter focuses on the strong covenant of friendship between David and Jonathan amidst Saul's growing hostility towards David. Jonathan helps David discern Saul's deadly intentions and reaffirms his loyalty, even making a covenant to protect David. Their emotional farewell highlights the depth of their bond.
This passage recounts an encounter in the wilderness of En Gedi where David has the opportunity to kill Saul, who is unknowingly vulnerable in a cave where David and his men are hiding. Despite his men urging him to take revenge, David chooses not to harm Saul, respecting Saul's position as the Lord's anointed. David later reveals his restraint to Saul, appealing to his conscience.