Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 3:1 (New International Version) The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. Such is the lament about the state of life in Israel when Samuel was a boy. Prophets were not having visions; they were not telling […]

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1 Samuel 11:1-2 (New Century Version) 1 About a month later Nahash the Ammonite and his army surrounded the city of Jabesh in Gilead. All the people of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” 2 But he answered, “I will make a treaty with you only if […]

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1 Samuel 2:12 (New International Version) Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD. This is the first line in a (hi)story about the sons of  the priest Eli. The details that follow are not of much importance. Given this first line, one thing is sure – the story can’t end […]

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1 Samuel 25:30-31  (New International Version) 30 When the LORD has done for my master (David) every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him (David) leader over Israel, 31 my master (David) will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the […]

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1 Samuel 30:23-25 (New International Version) 23 David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with […]

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1 Samuel 3:19 (New International  Version) The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. I love this expression “he let none of his words fall to the ground.” Samuel, through the power of God, had none of his words wasted or falling to […]

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