Childrens Bible Stories

Émile Lévy’s “Ruth and Naomi” Ruth 1–4
(1859) shows Obed being
threshing and wait until he is asleep.”
welcomed warmly by Naomi. Ruth did as she had been told and lay

down beside Boaz. In the middle of the
night, Boaz woke up and was startled to
find a woman lying at his feet. “Who are
you?” he asked.

“I am Ruth. I have come to ask for
your protection.”

Boaz was delighted, and said,
“The Lord bless you! Everyone knows you
are a woman of noble character. You have
not run after younger men, whether rich
or poor. And now, don’t be afraid. I will
take care of you.” Before long they were
married and Ruth gave birth to a son,
who was named Obed.

Everybody was pleased for Naomi,
who had no grandchildren of her own.
“Praise be to the Lord!” they said. “May
this baby become famous throughout
Israel. He will sustain you in old age.
Your daughter-in-law loves you and
is better to you than seven sons!”

“Go back, both of you! Understanding the story
May the Lord show kindness to
you, as you have shown kindness Ruth is a foreigner in Bethlehem, but her
faith in the God of Israel, together with
to your dead and to me.”
her kind heart and hard work, are
rewarded. Her marriage and the birth of a
son bring hope and happiness. As Naomi

and Ruth go from despair to fulfillment,
the village goes from famine to feast.
The bountiful harvest sees Bethlehem

living up to its name, “House of Bread.”

101

1 Samuel 1–3

Samuel is Called
to Serve God

Shiloh Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah.
Before Jerusalem became Each year they all went to Shiloh to make a sacrifice
and to worship in the tabernacle, with its great pillars.
the religious capital of
Israel, Shiloh was the Hannah was beautiful, the apple of her been answered and she was going to
main center for worship.
The tabernacle was the husband’s eye, although she had not given have a baby. In time, she gave birth to
scene of religious festivals
and sacrifices. It was also him any children. She sat by his side at the a son and she named him Samuel,
where Eli trained Samuel.
Archaeological ruins are feast and he gave her all the choicest meat. which means “Asked of the Lord.”
all that remain there today.
Peninnah watched, green with The time came for
Priest’s breastplate
As High Priest of Shiloh, envy. She had given her husband Hannah to take Samuel to

Eli wore a bejeweled children, so why was she not his Shiloh. When they got there,
breastplate. This woven
square was encrusted favorite? She went to Hannah, she approached Eli in the
with 12 gemstones—ruby,
topaz, beryl, turquoise, taunting her cruelly, “You’ll tabernacle. “I am the woman
sapphire, emerald, jacinth,
never have a baby, will you? who stood here beside you
agate, amethyst,
chrysolite, onyx, and What kind of wife are you?” praying to the Lord. Do you
jasper. Each was inscribed
Hannah was reduced to remember? I prayed for this
with the name of
a tribe of Israel. tears. She fled to the tabernacle child and the Lord has granted

where Eli, the high priest, was me what I asked of Him,” she

sitting on a chair. He watched said. “So now I give him to

her. “O Lord! Remember me!” Hannah prays to the Lord. His whole life shall
she prayed. “Please give me the Lord for a son be dedicated to the Lord.”

a son! I will give him to the Lord Hannah kissed her son

for all the days of his life, and his life will goodbye and handed him to Eli. From

be dedicated to you.” She was in such that day on, Samuel helped the high priest

a state that Eli got up from his chair and with his duties. Samuel wore a special linen

went to her. He asked her if she was drunk? tunic, with an embroidered belt, just like the

“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am other priests.

a woman who is deeply troubled. I was Each year, when Hannah came

pouring out my soul to the Lord.” back with her husband to Shiloh, she

Eli smiled at her and said, “Go in brought a coat she had made for Samuel

peace. May the God of Israel grant you to wear. And Eli blessed her, saying, “May

what you have asked Him.” Before long, the Lord give you children to take the place

Hannah discovered that her prayer had of the one you prayed for and gave to

102

1 Samuel 1–3

the Lord.” And the Lord blessed Hannah He ran back to Eli, who said, “You “His whole
with more children. must be dreaming. Go back to bed, my life shall be
child!” Obediently, Samuel did as he was dedicated
Samuel respected the Lord and worked told and had just fallen into a deep sleep to the Lord.”
hard, helping Eli as he grew older. But Eli’s when he heard the mysterious voice again,
own sons, who were priests, were dishonest calling “Samuel! Samuel!” Frightened, he
and stole offerings that were meant for the ran to Eli again. The old man sat up and
altar. Their father begged them to mend knew that it must be the Lord. He told
their ways, but they took no notice. Samuel to listen to the voice if he heard
it again.
One day, Eli had a visitor with a message
from God, “I chose your ancestors out of Samuel obeyed and, when he heard
all the tribes of Israel to be my priests. his name being called again, he said,
Why do you honor your sons more than “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
me? Why do you allow them to grow fat
on offerings that belong to me? They have “You must tell Eli that he and his
brought shame and disgrace on the name bloodline are doomed! His sons are
of the Lord.” Eli listened, but did nothing. sinful, and he failed to stop them.”

In the middle of the night, Samuel heard The next morning, Samuel told Eli
his name being called. He ran to Eli who what God had said. Eli replied sadly,
said, “I didn’t call you! Go back to sleep!” “He is the Lord. He knows best!” And, as
Samuel grew to manhood, the Lord was
Samuel jumped back into bed and was with him, and all the tribes of Israel knew
just drifting off to sleep when he heard the that he was the prophet of the Lord.
voice again. “Samuel! Samuel!” it called.

Understanding the story

Like Sarah, Rebecca, and Samson’s mother, Hannah’s infertility is
resolved by God. All four women hope for a child and eventually their
wishes come true. Each of their children has been chosen by God for a
special purpose on Earth. Hannah’s son Samuel is the first great prophet

after Moses. Like all prophets, Samuel’s role is to proclaim God’s
word and guide people towards righteousness.

103

1 Samuel 4–6

“They have The Ark is
sent us the Captured
Ark of the
The Philistines and the Israelites fought a battle on
God of the Plain of Sharon. At least four thousand Israelites died,
Israel to and the survivors asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat
kill us!”
upon us today at the hands of the Philistines?”

Iron weaponry That night, the elders talked together, Hophni and Phinehas. The Ark was
The Philistine armies knowing that the Lord had deserted captured by the Philistines.
were very organized and them. They decided, as a last resort,
fierce. Their ironworking to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Eli, the high priest, who was ninety-eight
skills also gave them a the tabernacle in Shiloh. They believed years old, was saddened by the news of his
great advantage in war. sons. But when he was told that the Ark
Harder than bronze and it would save them from their enemies. had been captured, he fell off his chair
easy to find, iron was They sent a messenger to and broke his neck. And so, the Israelites
suited to weaponry. lost the high priest, as well as the Ark.
The use of iron daggers Shiloh and, before long,
(above) and swords dealt the golden Ark arrived in The Philistines took the Ark to the town
a tough blow to the their camp. It was brought by of Ashdod and put it in the temple beside
the high priest’s two sons, Hophni their great god, Dagon. In the morning,
Israelites on the and Phinehas, and was a magnificent when they went there to pray, they saw
battlefield. Over time, sight. The soldiers stared in amazement with horror that the statue of Dagon had
the Israelites also worked and a great cheer filled the air. The fallen to the ground in front of the Ark.
out how to use iron. ground shook. The Philistines heard Dagon’s head and hands lay smashed on
the cheer from the other side of the the threshold of the temple. The Lord then
plain and they wondered what was sent a plague of boils and a plague of rats
going on. When they found out that to torment the people of Ashdod. These
the Israelites had the famous Ark brought terrible disease and death.
of the Covenant by their side, they were
filled with terror. “A god has come into The Philistines knew that it was all the
their camp!” they said. “We must attack!” fault of the Ark. “What shall we do with it?”
They advanced on the Israelites they asked each other. They persuaded the
again and a battle was fought at Ebenezer. neighboring town of Gath to give the Ark
The slaughter was terrible and the Ark a home. As soon as it arrived there, plague
did not help the Israelites. Thirty thousand and pestilence hit the town, and the people
of them died on the battlefield, including could not wait to get rid of the Ark. They
sent it on to Ekron but, as it was carried

104

1 Samuel 4–6

through the town, the people shouted, Understanding the story
“They have sent us the Ark of the God
of Israel to kill us!” The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s eternal presence and power.
The Israelites assume the Ark will deliver victory against the Philistines,
The Philistine lords called an
emergency meeting. The Ark had but instead they suffer bloody defeat. The Philistines treat the Ark as
been with them for seven months now a captured idol, but the belief that their gods are more powerful than
and had brought nothing but death and the God of Israel is short-lived. God shows both nations that He cannot
destruction. “How can we send the
terrible thing back?” they asked each other. be manipulated and the fate of their countries is in His hands.

The lords conferred, then told the
people, “Do not send it back empty.
Send a guilt offering to the God of Israel.
That will do the trick.” They told the people
to make five gold boils and five gold rats,
and put them in a chest beside the Ark, on
a cart pulled by two cows. If the cart went,
of its own accord, toward Beth Shemesh,
where the tribe of Dan lived, then the Lord
of Israel had brought the plagues. If it went
the other way, the plagues had happened
by chance.

Before long, a cart carrying the Ark
and a chest of gold boils and gold rats
set off. The cows headed straight for
Beth Shemesh. The Israelites could
not believe their eyes when they saw
the cart. It stopped right by them
and they placed the Ark on a rock,
with the chest containing the gold
boils and gold rats by its side. They
sacrificed the two cows as offerings
to the Lord.

From there, the Ark of the Covenant
was taken to Kiriath Jearim in Judah,
which was to become its home for the
next twenty years. A shrine was made
for it and a man called Eleazar, from the
tribe of Levi, was consecrated to guard it.

Model of the Ark
Featuring a pair of cherubim extending their
wings in protection, this model’s design is based on
the description of Israel’s holiest object in the Bible.
The Ark contained God’s Ten Commandments.

105

1 Samuel 8–10

Saul, King
of the Israelites

Ephraim countryside Times were hard for the tribes of Israel and
Ephraim (meaning they quarreled with each other all the time. There
“fruitful”) was a was discontent—and powerful enemies on every side.

mountainous but fertile The elders gathered and came to their missing and he was searching for them
area. Saul was looking for prophet Samuel at his home in Ramah. in the hills. When he came to the town of
“You are getting old and we do not think Zuph and heard that a seer had just arrived
the lost donkeys in the that your sons can carry on in your to bless the sacrifice, his ears pricked up.
nearby hills. This region footsteps,” they said. “We need a king, He thought that the seer might be able to
not a prophet, to lead us.” use his special powers to help him find the
was familiar to Saul donkeys. As Saul went into the town, he
because it was where he Samuel did not like the idea of a king saw an old man walking slowly up the hill.
at all and he prayed to the Lord. “Listen He asked him where he could find the seer.
was born and raised. to them,” replied the Lord. “It is not you The man replied, “I am the seer.” And, as
Ephraim was also the they have rejected but me. Just as they if he could read Saul’s mind, he went on,
name of Joseph’s second have rejected me from the moment that “Do not worry about your donkeys—they
son, whose descendants I brought them out of Egypt. They have have been found. Come with me to the
became one of Israel’s forsaken me and worshipped other gods. holy place where I am going to bless the
But warn them what kings are like.” sacrifice. You have been chosen to be the
largest tribes. first king of Israel.”
Samuel repeated God’s words to the
Pharaoh Psusennes elders, but they took no notice. “We want Saul listened in amazement. “But I am a
When the Israelites were to be like other nations, with a king to Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel.
demanding their own king, lead us and fight our battles.” And my clan is the smallest clan of the tribe
of Benjamin. Why me?” Samuel smiled but
Pharaoh Psunennes I The Lord told Samuel to do as the did not answer the question. He just led him
(c 1039–993 bce) was on people asked. He said that He had chosen up to the holy place at the top of the hill.
the Egyptian throne. He a young man named Saul, from the tribe
brought stability to Egypt, of Benjamin, to be the first king of Israel. After the sacrifice had been made,
restoring peace after a “I have decided to give my people a king. there was a splendid feast. Saul sat in the
civil war and carrying out Anoint Saul as leader of all my people. place of honor at the head of the table and
temple reconstruction. His He will deliver them from the hands of was given a special piece of meat
the Philistines.” by Samuel that had been set aside for
power was absolute. the prophet himself.
The next day was much like any other
for Saul. He had no idea what was in store. The next day, Samuel took a large
Some of his father’s donkeys had gone

106

1 Samuel 8–10

horn that was filled with oil, perfumed with with their new king. “How can he save Samuel anoints Saul
spices and myrrh. He poured it slowly over us? We’ve never even heard of him,” as leader of all God’s
Saul’s head, saying, “The Lord has anointed they hissed. “And he’s a Benjamite, of
you king of Israel, leader of all His people.” all things. He was so frightened he went people with special
And then he went on, “Now you must go and hid when he was proclaimed king!” oil from a horn
home. You will meet two men who will
tell you that your donkeys are found, but Understanding the story
that your father is worrying about you.
Then, by the great tree at Tabor, you will When Samuel anoints Saul with oil, the process represents his
see three men with three goats, three loaves consecration to God. He is now blessed to be the king. The Israelites
of bread, and a skin of wine. They will give have a leader to unify their tribes and save them from their enemies.
you two of the loaves. Then you will go But the people and the land still ultimately belong to God. Israel’s king
on and meet some prophets, chanting to
the sound of lyres, tambourines, flutes, and differs from those of other countries because Saul is ruling
harps. Join them and you too will prophesy. only as God’s representative on Earth.
The Spirit of God will come upon you.”

Samuel said goodbye to Saul and
blessed him, telling him that he would
meet him in seven days’ time. Saul went
on his way and, sure enough, all the things
that Samuel had predicted came true.

Samuel summoned all the people to
Mizpah to make the great announcement
that a king had been chosen. But as they
assembled in their thousands, Saul was
nowhere to be seen. Eventually, he was
found hiding behind some bags, pale with
fear and apprehension. Reluctantly, he
came out and stood by Samuel, head and
shoulders above the rest of the crowd.
“This is your king!” the prophet declared.
“He has been chosen by the Lord.”

Everybody cheered and shouted,
“Long live the King!” But some people
looked doubtful and shook their heads.
Then Samuel explained the rules of
kingship and wrote them down on a
scroll that he dedicated to the Lord.

People had come from all over the
country to see their new king, to swear
allegiance, and to bring him gifts. But
some of the Israelites were not happy

107

1 Samuel 11, 13

“The Lord Saul’s Downfall

has chosen

someone else Soon after Saul had been proclaimed king,
now and the Ammonites besieged the great walled town
will make of Jabesh, a few miles east of the Jordan River in Gilead.

him leader of It was a rich and fertile part of the world, He surrounded the walls with his troops.
His people.” and Nahash, the Ammonite king, wanted For weeks, nothing could get in or out of
to drive the Israelites from their stronghold. the town, and the food began to run out.

Nahash threatens the Jews at The people were starving and
Jabesh, from the Psalter of their thoughts turned to surrender.
St. Louis, created for the French Eventually, they sent messengers
king, Louis IX (1214–1270). down to Nahash saying that they
would make a treaty. But Nahash
replied, “I will only make a treaty
with you on the condition that
I gouge out the right eye of
every single man in the town!”

When the elders of Jabesh
received this ghastly message
they asked for seven days grace.
Then, at dead of night, they sent
messengers out of the city to tell
their kinsmen of their plight. When
the news reached Gibeah, where
Saul lived, he was just coming
back from the fields with his oxen.

Saul listened in horror and,
burning with rage, snatched the
messenger’s gleaming sword and
plunged it deep into the oxen.
He sent the scraps of meat, like
bleeding messages, all over the
country, calling the Israelites to
arms. In response, the tribes of
Israel flocked to Saul’s side. But it
took more than five days for them
all to arrive and only one day was

108

1 Samuel 11, 13

left before every man in Jabesh would Philistine soldiers there. News Gibeah
lose an eye. of the bloodshed soon spread and, During Saul’s reign,
before long, the entire Philistine army Gibeah (the word is similar
Saul sent word to the besieged city was being mobilized against the Israelites. to the Hebrew word for
that help was on its way. When they “hill”) was his hometown
received the message the people of Saul waited at Gilgal with his men and the capital city of
Jabesh told the Ammonites that they quaking at his side. But he could not give Israel. Gibeah is now
would surrender the next day. Meanwhile, the order to join battle before a sacred identified as Tell el-Ful.
Saul divided his men into three companies offering had been made to the Lord. The This hill is located on the
and headed toward Jabesh. Then, prophet Samuel had said that he would be Central Benjamin Plateau,
at dead of night, they surrounded the there within a week to make the blessing. which lies 3 miles (4.8 km)
Ammonite camp. At daybreak, the As the days went by and the tension rose, north of Jerusalem.
Israelites sounded their trumpets some of Saul’s men fled in fear. Finally, on
and swept in. The Ammonites, sleepy the seventh day, unable to wait any longer,
and unprepared, were swiftly defeated. Saul made the offering himself. And, just
as he finished, Samuel arrived and said,
But, despite this triumph over the “What have you done?”
Ammonites, Saul was king of the Israelites
in name only. For years the tribes of Israel “You had not arrived when you said
had been under the thumb of the rich and you would, and my men are deserting
powerful Philistines. Saul longed to free me,” Saul replied.
his people, but his army was small and his
weapons were few compared to the might Samuel looked him straight in the
of the enemy. His son, Jonathan, was one eye and said, “You have not obeyed the
of his most important lieutenants. He was Lord. If you had, your kingdom would
stationed at Gibeah, near a small Philistine have lasted forever. The Lord has chosen
outpost that caused him nothing but trouble. someone else now and will make him
leader of His people.” With that, the
One day, infuriated by the insults of prophet turned around and left. Saul
the officer in charge of the enemy outpost, watched him go, aghast, as the full
Jonathan attacked it, killing all of the meaning of his words sank in.

Understanding the story Animal sacrifice altar
In ancient times, animal
Saul acts in haste because his army is disappearing sacrifice was a common
as the Philistines grow stronger. Though Saul was king,
he was really working under Samuel’s leadership because God ritual throughout the
spoke via His prophets. Impatience makes Saul ignore Samuel’s command, Middle East. The
which proves his lack of faith in God. In addition, the Law of Moses states Canaanites crafted
that only a priest can make offerings, so again Saul’s behavior
is disobedient. As a result, God chooses a new leader. rectangular or oval altars
from uncut field stones.
This is an example of an
oval altar. Most altars
were constructed on “high
places,” such as hilltops.

109

1 Samuel 16

God Chooses David

“I will tell Saul reigned over the Israelites for more than
you which forty years, but, because he did not always obey God’s
commands, God decided to choose a new king for His people.
one to
anoint.” The prophet Samuel remembered the and handsome and Samuel thought that
day, long ago, when he had anointed the he must be the one whom God had chosen.
Star of David young Saul as king. He had not seen him But God said, “Do not consider his
The Star of David for many years now and was saddened. appearance or his height. This is not the
(or Shield of David) is the God said to him, “How long will you mourn one. Man looks at the outward appearance,
symbol of Israel. In 1948 for Saul? You know I have rejected him as but the Lord looks at the heart.”
it was officially adopted king of Israel. Fill your horn with oil and
for the modern state flag. be on your way. I am sending you to find Jesse called his next son, who was
Though its origins do not a farmer named Jesse in Bethlehem. I have named Abinadab, to step forward. He was
relate directly to David, chosen one of his sons to be king.” He told also a fine young man, but Samuel said,
his historic importance Samuel to take a heifer with him and to “The Lord has not chosen this one either.”
resulted in the star being invite Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice. Then it was the turn of the third son, named
named after him. The star “I will show you what to do,” He said. “I will Shammah. But he was not the one, and
has been seen on tombs tell you which one to anoint.” Samuel shook his head. All seven of Jesse’s
of the 3rd century ce, but sons came to Samuel in turn, but none of
its first mention was not So Samuel traveled to Bethlehem in them were chosen. The great prophet was
until the 12th century Judah. When he arrived, the elders greeted puzzled and said to Jesse, “Are these really
in a Jewish text. him in awe. They did not know why the all the sons you have?”
great prophet had come to their village.
“Do you come in peace?” they asked, “There is another one,” replied Jesse.
bowing down before him. “He is the youngest—still a child really.
He is named David and he is out in the
“Yes, I have indeed come in peace,” fields looking after the sheep.”
Samuel replied. “I have come to make
a sacrifice to the Lord.” Samuel asked him to send for his last
and youngest son immediately. He waited
They took him to find Jesse, who was calmly, holding the horn of holy oil in his
a descendant of Boaz and Ruth. Samuel hand. In a little while the door burst open
asked Jesse to call his sons together. The and a young boy ran in. He was a fine
humble farmer was amazed, not knowing looking child with ruddy cheeks and blue
why he and his sons had been singled out. eyes. Samuel looked at him and heard the
Samuel invited them all to the sacrifice, voice within him saying, “This is the one
but first he consecrated them to God. One I have chosen. Anoint him.”
by one, the young men stepped forward.
The first, who was named Eliab, was tall So Samuel poured the perfumed oil over
David’s young head and anointed him in

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1 Samuel 16

“Samuel Anoints David,”
2nd-century-ce tempera on
plaster from the National
Museum of Damascus, Syria

front of his father and his seven brothers. Understanding the story
They watched in silence, hardly able to
believe their eyes. And from that day on, God decides David will be Saul’s replacement as King of Israel.
the Spirit of the Lord was with David Though a young shepherd may seem too inexperienced to be the
wherever he went and whatever he did. country’s ruler, God knows David has the necessary qualities. David
cares for his sheep by feeding them, guiding them, and protecting
them from danger. This is exactly what God wants for His people.

111

1 Samuel 17

David and Goliath

Valley of Elah The Philistines and the Israelites drew up their
This scenic spot in Judea battle lines above the Valley of Elah in Judah and faced
was also a battlefield. The
Philistines and Israelites each other from the peaks of their separate hills.
assembled their armies on
facing hills either side of Out of the Philistine camp emerged David protested.
the narrow Valley of Elah a terrifying figure. He was at least nine Saul reluctantly agreed.
and prepared to do battle. feet (three meters) tall, with legs like tree
The valley takes its name trunks and fists like hams. He was called “Go and the Lord be with you,”
from the type of trees that Goliath and he came from Gath. He wore he said. He gave David his own
grow in nearby woodland. a massive bronze helmet and a heavy suit tunic, a coat of armor, a bronze
of armor. A huge javelin was slung on his helmet, and a sword. David tried
Sling back, while he clasped an iron-clad spear. on his unfamiliar finery, but then
Though the sling was He bellowed across the valley, “I defy the shook his head and took it all off.
a deadly weapon of war, ranks of Israel this day! Choose one man He ran down to the valley and chose
the shepherd David to come and fight with me, King Saul. five smooth stones from the stream.
would have used it only I dare you! If he is able to kill me, the He put them in his leather pouch and
to fire stones at wild Philistines will become your servants. moved toward the giant. Goliath could
animals endangering his But if I kill him, then you will become our not believe his eyes. “What’s this? I ask
flock. A stone was placed slaves.”King Saul and the Israelites listened for a man and they send a shrimp!”
in the sling before the in horror. Who could take on the Philistine
two ends were whirled giant? For forty days, Goliath appeared David replied, “You come against me
above the head at great each morning and each evening with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come
speed. When one end and repeated his challenge. against you in the name of the Lord
was released, the stone Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel,
flew toward its target One morning, David arrived in the whom you have defied. I am not scared
with devastating impact. Israelites’ camp, bringing food for his of you.” And with that he fished the largest
brothers, who were soldiers with King Saul. stone out of his pouch and put it in his
He saw Goliath for the first time and heard sling. He whirled it around and let the stone
his words. “Who is this monster who dares fly. It sped through the air and reached
to threaten the army of the Lord?” he its target, sinking into Goliath’s forehead.
asked. The Israelite soldiers told him about The giant screamed and crashed to the
Goliath. David went to the King and said ground. David ran to him, took his sword,
that he would take up the giant’s challenge. and cut off his head. Triumphantly,
he lifted it high in the air. The Philistines
“You can’t fight this Philistine brute,” fled in terror. The Israelites pursued
smiled King Saul. them, hacking them down as they
went. Then they returned to
“But I am the keeper of my father’s plunder the Philistines’ camp.
sheep and I am used to protecting them,”

112

1 Samuel 17

Understanding the story

Ancient battles were sometimes decided by one-on-one combat. Each side would
choose a champion to represent them. The outcome was seen as being the will of
the gods. Saul is scared of the champion Goliath, but the new leader David is fearless

because he has complete trust in God. With only a sling for a weapon, David
defeats the giant, proving that God protects those who keep faith in Him.

113

1 Samuel 18–19

Saul Turns
Against David

After David had killed the Philistine giant, Goliath,
he was invited to live with King Saul in Gibeah. It was
very different from the life he had been used to as a humble

shepherd boy in the fields around Bethlehem.

From the very first day, he and Saul’s son, spread throughout Israel and Judah.
Jonathan, were inseparable. Jonathan His triumph over Goliath was the stuff
loved David and shared everything with of legends and would never be forgotten.
him—giving him his finest clothes as well Women sang and danced to the music of
as his sword and bow. And Saul, seeing how their tambourines and lutes and cymbals.
close the two young men were, made David “Saul has slain his thousands!” they chanted.
an officer in the army, just like Jonathan. “And David has slain his tens of thousands!”

He gave him command of more than Although Saul had grown fond of
one thousand men, and David led them David and knew how highly regarded he
on the battlefield with great success. was, his heart sank and his stomach tied
itself in knots when he heard these words.
And, in time, Saul’s daughter, “They say that David has killed tens of
Michal, fell in love with David thousands, but that I, their king, have only
and they were married. slain thousands!” he said to himself. “That
David’s fame young man will be after my kingdom next!”

And, in his heart, Saul despaired
because he knew that the Lord, who had
chosen him so long ago, had now deserted
him. He did not understand why. All his
years as king and all the battles he had
fought seemed to stand for nothing. He
was afraid of David and knew that the
Lord was with him. He kept a jealous
and wary eye on his young son-in-law.

One day, David was playing his harp,
filling the air with sweet and soothing
music. Saul listened, his eyes heavy, almost
dropping off to sleep. But suddenly, as

114

1 Samuel 18–19

if possessed, he leapt to his feet. The hatred a life-sized statue and put it in David’s bed. Jewish harp
that had quietly gnawed away at him for She arranged goats’ hair on its head and David’s harp playing
so long erupted like a volcano. He seized drew the covers up over it so that it looked helped to soothe Saul.
a spear and hurled it at David’s head. just like a man fast asleep. Ancient versions of the
It missed by a hair’s breadth and sank deep harp were made of
into the wall. David looked at Saul, stunned Saul’s men arrived at the crack of dawn animal skin stretched over
and unable to move. Incensed, Saul grabbed the next morning. They hammered on the a soundbox with strings
another spear and tried again, but this time door, asking for David. Michal let them in attached to the frame.
David was prepared and dodged nimbly and whispered, “He is ill in bed. Please do
aside, then ran away as fast as he could. not disturb him!” They pushed her aside
and crept up the stairs, opened the bedroom
He reached his house and told his wife, door and tiptoed silently toward the bed.
Michal, what had happened. She seized her They pounced, swords at the ready, and
husband tightly and cried, “You must pulled the covers off, only to discover that
escape while you can! You must not stay they had been tricked by a statue and
here another moment! They will find you a handful of goats’ hair.
here and you will not stand a chance!”
And, when night had fallen, she lowered By then, David was far away
David out of the window on a rope, and from Gibeah. He had gone straight
he fled into the darkness. Then, she found to the prophet Samuel at his home in
Ramah and told him the whole story.

“In his heart, Saul despaired
because he knew that the Lord,

who had chosen him so long
ago, had now deserted him.”

Understanding the story

Saul cannot cope with God’s rejection.
He becomes tormented by jealousy and
believes David is going to take his throne.

In a fit of rage, he attacks David, who
escapes to safety because God is on his
side. Saul tries repeatedly to kill David,
but finds it is not possible to defy God’s will.

115

1 Samuel 20, 24

David the Outlaw

Rosh Chodesh David had fled from King Saul and taken refuge with
The Jewish calendar the prophet Samuel at Ramah. He knew that Saul was
was a lunar calendar, determined to kill him and that his life hung by a thread.
so the new moon festival,
called Rosh Chodesh, One night, he left Samuel and went secretly “Your father knows how close we
was a time to celebrate back to Gibeah to talk to Jonathan, his are. Would he tell you if he was going
the start of the month. great friend and the king’s son. “What to kill me?” retorted David.
Work came to a halt, have I done?” he asked. “What is my
offerings were made, crime? How have I wronged your father Jonathan promised to do his best to
and trumpets were and why does he want to kill me?” find out what his father was thinking. He
blown during the festival. would find David and let him know, with
“You are not going to die!” said his a signal, whether King Saul still wanted
friend. “I would know. My father tells to kill him. The two friends said goodbye,
me everything.” and David fled to the fields.

It was the new moon festival the next
day and everybody came to the feast with
King Saul. But, when they sat down to eat,
there was one empty place at the table.
Saul looked at Jonathan but said nothing.
The following day, when David had still

not appeared, Saul asked Jonathan,
“Where is David? Why has he not come
to eat with us either yesterday or today?”
Jonathan excused his friend, saying
that David had gone home to Bethlehem
to make a sacrifice with his family. Saul

stood up and banged the table in fury.
“You are on his side, aren’t you? I am
ashamed of you!” he shouted.
“You must go and find him. Bring him

to me! He must die!”
Jonathan felt his blood boil. “Why

should he die?” he protested. “What

To warn David that his life
is in danger, Jonathan fires
an arrow into the air
116

1 Samuel 20, 24

has he done?” And he got up and He took three thousand soldiers with Hideouts
stormed away from the table. him. He was determined not to let David Many natural caves like
get away again. As they neared the Salt this one could be found
The next morning, as they had Sea, Saul went inside a cave to shelter in the En Gedi landscape.
arranged, Jonathan went to the remote from the sun. It was the Cave of Adullam,
field where David was hiding. He fired an where David and his men were hiding. These were ideal
arrow high in the air. It landed far away in They watched Saul from the depths of hideouts for David
the distance—way beyond the place where the cave, where the darkness concealed and his followers.
David had concealed himself. This was the them completely. David knew that his The darkness gave
signal. It meant that David’s life was still enemy had been delivered into his hands. them protection, while
in danger and that he must flee far away. He could creep up and kill him just like that. the viewpoint made
it easy to see an
David came out from his hiding place Instead, he tiptoed up to Saul and cut enemy advancing.
and, sadly, the two young men embraced a corner of his robe. But he immediately
and wept. “Go in peace, for we have a felt stricken with guilt and said to his men, “I know that
sworn friendship with each other in the “The Lord forbade that I should do such you will
name of the Lord,” said Jonathan. They a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed,
both knew that they would never see or lift my hand against him.” surely be king
each other again. and that the
When Saul left the cave, David followed kingdom of
Jonathan turned and went back to him and called out, “My Lord the King!”
Gibeah. David set off in the other direction, Saul turned in astonishment and David Israel will
heading for the hills far away by the Salt went to him, bowing low. “See, my Lord,” be yours.”
Sea. It was a long and difficult journey he said. “Look at this! It is a corner of
by foot through the desert. But, just after your robe. I just cut it off. I could easily
he passed the oasis of En Gedi, he saw have killed you at the same time, but I
the perfect place to hide—a cave, tucked could not harm someone who has been
neatly into the crags where the wild anointed by the Lord.”
goats lived. Its entrance was concealed
by big boulders and it stretched back into Saul looked at the scrap of material.
the darkness. As time went by, men came He was overcome by shame. “You are
to join David and soon he had a band of more righteous than I am. I have treated
four hundred followers. you badly. May the Lord reward you well
for the way you treated me today. I know
When Saul heard that David was hiding that you will surely be king and that the
in the desert of En Gedi with a band of kingdom of Israel will be yours.”
loyal men, he set off to hunt him down.

Understanding the story

Jonathan accepts that David will be Saul’s successor because this is God’s
will, but Saul has lost his faith and refuses to accept David. Though David has the
opportunity to kill Saul, he cannot, because Saul is God’s anointed king. When Saul
realizes that David has spared his life, he is overcome with guilt at his own behavior.
He finally accepts the Lord’s wishes and recognizes that David deserves to be king.

117

1 Samuel 28, 31

The Death
of Saul

Samuel The great prophet Samuel died and was buried at home
Samuel became a prophet in Ramah. All of Israel mourned, including King Saul.
after receiving messages
He had not seen Samuel for many years She refused to help. “Surely you know
from the Lord as a boy. but, in the past, the prophet had guided him what King Saul has done? He tried to get rid
Though he warned of in everything he did. Now, the Philistines of us. He is scared of our powers. This must
the dangers of a ruling were gathering their forces yet again to be a trap. Do you want to get me killed?”
monarch, Samuel did take on Israel. When he saw the might of
as the Lord asked and the enemy, Saul was overcome with terror. Saul reassured her, “As surely as the
anointed Saul and David He could not eat and he prayed to the Lord Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.”
the first two kings of for guidance. But there was no answer.
Israel. He did not write Reluctantly, the witch agreed to help
the two books of Samuel, In desperation, Saul longed to contact and asked him who he was trying to get
but they were named after Samuel. But he had banished the people in touch with. Saul replied, “The great
him as recognition for his who might have been able to help him. prophet Samuel, who died not long ago.”
part in Israel’s history. The sorcerers and magicians had been
expelled. Saul asked his attendants if She peered at him in the gloom and
Mount Gilboa anyone had secret powers to summon let out a piercing scream. “You have
Situated in northern up the spirit of Samuel. “I think there is tricked me!” she shrieked. “You are Saul,
Israel overlooking the still an old witch who lives in Endor— aren’t you?”
valley of Jezreel, Mount not too far away,” one replied.
Gilboa is more like a ridge “Do not be afraid,” said Saul.
than a mountain. It was That night, when everyone was “What do you see?”
the scene for the bloody asleep, Saul disguised himself in a cloak
battle between the of sackcloth. He took two of his men and She croaked, “I see a spirit coming up
they set off for Endor. When they found out of the ground. It is an old man with
Israelites and the the witch’s shack, Saul knocked on the a white beard and he is wearing a robe.”
Philistines. The area is door. There was no reply—except for Immediately, Saul knew that it was Samuel.
steeped in Biblical history a sudden scream from a screech owl.
but tarnished by tragedy, They knocked again and waited, chilled “I am in such distress!” he cried. “The
with Saul and his sons to the bone. At last, the door creaked Philistines are gathering to fight again
open and an old woman beckoned them and God has deserted me. I beg you to
all dying here. in. A fire crackled in the hearth and a black tell me what to do.”
pot bubbled in the flames. Shivering with
fear, Saul told her why he had come. Samuel answered, “Why do you consult
me now that the Lord has turned away from
you? He has given your kingdom to David
because you were disobedient. He will hand
over both Israel and you to the Philistines.
Tomorrow you and your sons will die!”

118

1 Samuel 28, 31

Saul collapses in fear in “Saul
and the Witch of Endor” by

Anglo-American painter
Benjamin West (1738–1820).

When he heard these words, Saul and asked him to finish him off. “Draw your Understanding
collapsed in a heap on the ground, weak sword and kill me!” he pleaded. “Do not the story
with fear. He had not eaten anything all leave it to those Philistine brutes!” But the
day and all night. The old witch saw what armor bearer was terrified and would not Saul is completely hopeless
a terrible state he was in. “Let me give do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell and alone, and turns to a
you something to eat so that you can get on it, dying just as Samuel had prophesied. practice he had outlawed
your strength back.” When the meal was himself when he visits the
ready, Saul and his men tucked in gratefully. After the battle, the Philistines cut witch of Endor. Samuel’s
And that same night, before the first light off Saul’s head and stripped him of his ghost predicts Saul’s tragic
of dawn filled the sky, they set off to armor. Then they took his body, together ending the next day. All of
rejoin their army in the camp. with the bodies of his sons, and put them Saul’s bad and selfish
on display on the walls of their great decisions have taken him
The next day, the massed ranks of fortress at Beth Shan for all to see. to this point. God is no
Philistines attacked the Israelites on Mount longer on his side, and
Gilboa, above the valley at Jezreel. It was But, when the people of Jabesh in Samuel is no longer alive
a decisive victory for them and, before long, Gilead heard, they went straight there
hundreds of Israelites lay dead. Hundreds and took the bodies away. Saul had saved for him to turn to. Wounded
more had fled for their lives. Saul’s sons, them many years before and this was the and defeated, Saul kills
Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua, least they could do. Respectfully, they
were killed, and Saul himself was mortally carried the bodies back home. They himself on the battlefield,
wounded. He turned to his armor bearer buried their bones under a tamarisk surrounded by bloodshed.
tree and fasted for seven days.

119

2 Samuel 5–6

David is King

When David heard that Saul and his
son Jonathan had died, he was grief-stricken

and composed a beautiful lament.

Music in worship “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on of his men and, with the help of their
Ancient worship included your heights. scaling hooks, they climbed the shaft,
songs praising the Lord, emerging within the city walls.
accompanied by music. How the mighty have fallen!
Temple musicians played Saul and Jonathan— The men unlocked the gates and the
a variety of instruments, In life they were loved and gracious Israelites poured in and captured the city.
such as cymbals, pipes, And in death they were not parted. David made it the capital of his kingdom
They were swifter than eagles, and it became known as the City of David.
drums, and harps. This They were stronger than lions.” He became more and more powerful
Assyrian carving shows After Saul’s death, David was anointed because the Lord was always with him.
king of Judah. Saul’s surviving son, Ish- He built a splendid new palace out of
two harpists playing. Bosheth, was made king of the tribes of cedar wood and stone, with plenty of
Israel to the north. And so the country room for his wives and all their children.
Dancing was divided—Judah in the south and
In Biblical times, the Israel to the north. They warred constantly, With great rejoicing, the Ark of the
Israelites often danced but David and his people grew stronger and Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. It
to show their love of stronger. Eventually, Ish-Bosheth was killed was accompanied by a huge procession
God. The Hebrew word and David was made king of all the tribes. of people singing and dancing. Joyfully,
used for dancing in the He was thirty years old and he had already they played their harps, lyres, tambourines,
Old Testament invoked ruled Judah for more than seven years. and cymbals as the Ark was carried
the idea of tuning and David wanted to establish a new through the great walls into the city.
whirling. Dance is still capital, so he took his men and marched David took off his royal finery to join
a part of celebrations from Hebron in Judah to the great walled in the celebrations. But one of his wives,
today. The Hora (above) city of Jerusalem. It was a natural Michal, who was the daughter of Saul,
is traditionally danced stronghold, sandwiched between Judah watched from the window and did not
at Jewish weddings. and Israel, and surrounded by three valleys. like what she saw. “How the King has
But the Jebusites, the Canaanite tribe who distinguished himself today!” she shouted
lived there, barred the gates firmly against at him sarcastically. “Taking off his royal
the intruders. robes in front of those slave girls. How
The Israelites camped out while David vulgar. Whatever next?”
devised a strategy. There was a long
water shaft that went to the heart of the David looked up at her and said, “I am
city—the perfect route. He sent a few celebrating before the Lord, who chose me
as king of Israel rather than your father or
anyone from his house. I will be even more

120

2 Samuel 5–6

undignified if I want to.” And with that he sacrificing a bull and a fattened calf. He “I am
turned away and carried on dancing and made the offerings to the Lord in front celebrating
praising the Lord. of everyone. Then he blessed the people before the
in the Lord’s name and gave each of them Lord, who
The Ark was put into the innermost a loaf of bread and a little cake made chose me
part of the tabernacle, its new home in the of raisins and dates.
middle of the city. And David gave thanks, as king
of Israel”
Understanding the story

Under David, the tribes of Israel are united, and a new kingdom is established.
When David brings the Ark containing God’s commandments into Jerusalem,
he acknowledges that God is the true ruler of Israel. This act makes Jerusalem the
religious capital of Israel. Unlike Saul, David obeys and worships God. He dances

at the celebration, marking his commitment to God and the union
of his people in the Promised Land.

This section from “Tapestry
of David and Bathsheba”
(c. 1510–1515) shows David
dancing barefoot before the Ark.

121

The City of David
Today, the gold-topped Muslim shrine,
the Dome of the Rock (far right), shines
brightly next to the excavated City of David.
King David captured Jerusalem from the
Jebusites. It made a perfect royal capital,
as it was protected by valleys on three

sides and had a good water supply.

122

David then took up residence in the
fortress and called it the City of David.
He built up the area around it... And he
became more and more powerful, because
the Lord God Almighty was with him.

2 Samuel 5:9–10

123

2 Samuel 11–12

David and
Bathsheba

Bathing It was spring and the Israelite troops had won a decisive
David watches Bathsheba victory over the Ammonites. They were now besieging the
as she bathes. In ancient walled town of Ramah under their commander-in-chief, Joab.

times, bathing was David had stayed behind in Jerusalem, David persuaded Uriah to stay for
considered good for body not far away. One evening, he was walking another day. They drank wine together and
on the roof of his palace, deep in thought. talked late into the night. Once again, Uriah
and mind. The Bible Suddenly, he noticed a beautiful woman slept on the palace floor. But David could
encourages bathing as not far away. She was washing herself and not sleep. He got up as soon as the first hint
a ritual of cleansing and combing her long, dark hair. David gazed of daylight crept through his window and
purification. After washing at her, entranced. He asked his attendant went up to the roof of the palace. It was
to find out who she was. “Isn’t she his favorite place to think things out.
and drying, it was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and Pacing up and down, he remembered the
customary for women to the wife of Uriah, the Hittite?” he replied. first time he had seen Bathsheba. And then,
rub scented oil into their he made up his mind. He went down and
skin. This clay figure of Although she was the wife of one of wrote a letter to Joab, asking him to put
a woman bathing dates his most loyal soldiers, David sent for her Uriah in the front line of battle, where the
back to about 1000 bce. and courted her with sweet words. And fighting would be fiercest. David sealed the
soon, she told him that she was carrying letter and put it into Uriah’s hands, telling
Bathsheba washes herself his child. At once, David sent a messenger him to take it to Joab. Uriah was to deliver
and combs her long hair to summon Uriah back from the battlefield. his own death warrant.
124 He came to the palace and told David
what was going on in Ramah. David When Joab received the message,
listened, thanked him, and sent him home he carried out David’s orders. And, when
for the night. But, the next morning, when the Israelite troops attacked the city, Uriah
he got up, he discovered that Uriah had died alone in the first moments of battle.
slept on the floor at the entrance to the Bathsheba heard that her husband had died
palace with the servants. and she grieved deeply for him. But, after
the time of mourning was over, she agreed
When David asked him why, Uriah to marry David and, before long, gave him
replied, “My master, Joab, and all his men a baby son. But the Lord had seen all this
are in their camp, ready to risk their lives and was not pleased. He sent the prophet
for their country. How could I go home Nathan to David to show him how badly
to eat and drink and lie with my wife? he had behaved. Nathan told David a story:
I would never do such a thing.”

2 Samuel 11–12

“Once upon a time there was a rich and replied, “You are that man, David. Perfumed oil
man and a poor man. The rich man had You were anointed king of Israel and After bathing, women
large flocks of sheep, but the poor man given everything. You struck down Uriah often scented themselves.
had nothing at all—except for one tiny the Hittite and took his wife to be your Perfume was made by
ewe lamb. He had brought her up from own. Why did you despise the word of the dropping petals and seeds
the moment she was born because her Lord by doing what is evil in His eyes?” into hot olive oil. This was
mother had died and she was weak and strained and left to cool,
sickly. She shared the poor man’s food, “I have sinned against the Lord,” creating a sweet-smelling
drank from his cup, and even slept in his David replied. fragrance that was bottled to
arms. She was like a daughter to him. wear on special occasions.
“You are not going to die, but the
“A traveler arrived at the rich man’s Lord is going to bring calamity out of
house, tired and hungry after a long day your own household,” answered Nathan.
on the road. But the rich man was so
mean that he did not want to slaughter Soon after, David and Bathsheba’s
even one of his many, many sheep. baby was gripped by a terrible fever.
Instead, he took the poor man’s precious, David pleaded with the Lord to spare
solitary lamb and slit her throat. Then he his child. He fasted and prayed. But
prepared a good meal for the traveler.” after a week, the baby died. David finally
washed and changed his clothes, and
David was shocked and appalled asked for something to eat. And, in
when he heard this story. “He should
die!” he shouted. Nathan looked at him time, Bathsheba gave birth to another
son. They named him Solomon and
he was much loved by God.

Just as David had Understanding
hoped, Uriah is the story
killed in battle
The Ten Commandments
apply just as much to King

David as anyone else.
When he commits adultery

with Bathsheba and
arranges Uriah’s death,

God is angry at his
immorality. God’s
punishment is the death
of David and Bathsheba’s
baby. David has learned
a very difficult lesson and
he repents his sins. In time,
God shows forgiveness
and the couple go on
to have another baby.

125

2 Samuel 13–18

Absalom’s
Rebellion

King David had several different wives and fathered
many children. The eldest son was named Amnon.

When he became a man, Amnon fell Finally, Absalom was allowed to return
in love with his half sister, Tamar. She was to Jerusalem.
young and beautiful and the daughter of
Maccach, whom David had married when By now, Absalom was a very handsome
he was king of Judah. But he knew that his young man, with long, dark hair that curled
love was hopeless and that, according to the around his shoulders. He was admired
Law of Moses, he could never marry her. wherever he went. But he was also
ambitious and cold-hearted. He was
One day, pretending to be ill, Amnon determined to take the crown from his father.
persuaded his father to send Tamar to him
in his bedroom. When they were alone, Some people were not happy with the
he grabbed her. She struggled and tried way David was running things and Absalom
to fend him off. Afterward, he sent her away did his best to make things worse. “If only
in disgrace. She fled, broken and ashamed, I were in charge,” he would say when he
and took refuge in the house of her true heard someone complaining. “Then you
brother, Absalom. When David found out could come to me and I would put things
what had happened, he was furious, but right.” Gradually, the conspiracy gathered
did nothing to punish his son. But Absalom strength, and Absalom decided to go to
resolved to avenge his sister’s honor. He Hebron, taking two hundred men with him.
ordered his men to kill Amnon when he From there, he secretly sent messengers
was senseless with drink. far and wide, calling the tribes of Israel
to his side against David. And then he
When David heard that his eldest son proclaimed himself king and challenged
had been murdered and that another of his his father to battle.
sons was responsible, he tore his clothes in
grief and wept. He did not know what to do. David could not believe it. “We must
Absalom fled immediately and went into leave the city immediately and prepare
hiding in the city of Geshur, where his for battle,” he told his officials. So David left
mother came from. He stayed there for Jerusalem with his entire household and all
three years. David thought about him often his men, making their way across the Kidron
and longed to see him, despite everything. Valley toward the desert. They crossed
the Jordan River and made their camp in
Gilead. Absalom followed with his men.

126

2 Samuel 13–18

That night, noise of the fighting, Hair
David talked to the the mule bolted through the It was normal for the
three commanders in charge thick oak wood, and Absalom’s men and women of
of his men and said, “Be gentle hair got entangled in some low Canaan to keep their
with Absalom, for my sake.” branches. He was left dangling in midair. hair long. This carving
The next morning, the battle had begun. One of David’s soldiers saw Absalom shows an Assyrian man
The fighting was long and bloody but, swinging helplessly from a tree and he went with a typically long
finally, Absalom and his army admitted straight to Joab, the commander-in-chief, hairstyle. Hair was often
defeat. More than twenty thousand to tell him where he was. “What? You saw tightly curled into braids.
soldiers died and the rebels who Absalom? Why didn’t you kill him there
survived fled. Some of them were and then? I would have given you ten Hollow head
badly injured and did not manage shekels and a warrior’s belt!” During the Bronze Age,
to flee very far. Absalom himself But the soldier replied, “I would not have javelins were made by
was unhurt and managed to escape lifted a hand against the King’s son—even fitting a spearhead into
on a mule. But, terrified by the if you gave me one thousand shekels. The a metal cast with a hollow
King told us to be gentle with Absalom for socket to take the shaft.
his sake.” So Joab stormed off, taking three By the time of David,
javelins with him, and headed straight for
the tree where Absalom was hanging. metalworking had
Without hesitating, he plunged all three developed and stronger
of the javelins deep into Absalom’s heart. iron heads were used.
Ten of his armor bearers finished him off.
They took his body and buried it in a big
pit in the middle of the forest and covered
it with rocks.
When David heard the news of his son’s
death, he wept. “Oh my son Absalom!” he
cried. “If only I had died instead of you!”

Understanding the story

God believes that everyone should be punished for their sins
fairly and consistently, regardless of family ties and affections.
David should have punished his sons’ crimes but his love for

them makes him weak. Though Absalom plots against his
father and many Israelites switch their allegiance to him,
David still wants him to be treated gently. When Absalom dies,
David wishes it were he instead, so his son could be spared.

127

1 Kings 2–3

“Please help King Solomon’s
me to govern Wisdom
your people
After forty years reigning over Israel, David lay dying.
and to He gave his son Solomon some advice. “Be strong,” he told him.
distinguish “Show yourself to be a man and observe what the Lord requires.
between right Walk in His ways and keep His decrees and commands, His laws
and wrong.”
and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses.”

Crown When the time came and David died, people, after my father David. Please help
The ultimate symbol Solomon became king and married the me to govern your people and to distinguish
of authority and power, daughter of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. between right and wrong. Please, Lord,
a crown is passed from And the Lord appeared to Solomon give me wisdom.”
one ruler to the next. As one night in a dream and said, “Ask for
Solomon takes the crown, anything you want. I will give it to you.” The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s
David advises him to be answer. He said, “If you walk in my ways
faithful to God, so their Solomon thought long and hard. and obey my commands as David your
dynasty can continue. “You have made me king of your great father did, then I will give you a wise
This ornate gold crown and discerning heart so that there will
never have been anyone like you, nor
was buried with a will there ever be.”
princess in Afghanistan
Soon after, two women came before
in the 1st century ce. Solomon as he sat on his throne. They
were in a terrible state as they clutched
and fought over a bundle. Arguing and
spitting at each other, they appealed to
King Solomon for help in settling their
dispute. At last they calmed down and
managed to tell him their story, bit by bit.
They lived together in the same house
and had given birth to baby sons within
three days of each other. But during the
night one of the babies had died in his
sleep. Each woman claimed that it was
the other one’s baby that had died. The
two women pointed angrily at each other.

“Don’t believe a word she says!” shouted

128

1 Kings 2–3

Mediterranean Sea Horses came from Solomon received Royal trade routes
Asia Minor, and income from Aside from his great
Solomon received Solomon traded some countries using wisdom, King Solomon
timber from King with chariots to the his trade routes. was known for his
Hiram of Tyre. Hittites and Syrians. promotion of trade
Solomon
tyre imported and with neighboring
exported oil, kingdoms and countries.
Joppa grain, and wine
Jerusalem to and from His kingdom became
surrounding very wealthy as a result.
Copper came lands.
from Ezion-geber. His primary method
of trading was by sea,
ezion-geber
and he established
a great fleet of ships
at Ezion-geber. He
also used camel trains
to cross over land.

Memphis

Egypt supplied nile river Gold, frankincense,
horses and chariots. myrrh, and precious
stones came from Sheba.

Solomon’s major export
was copper. He traded this
for monkeys, parrots, gold,
and precious stones from
Africa and Arabia.

the first woman. “It was her baby that died. I don’t mind. Whatever you do, don’t Understanding
Then she crept into my room, stole my kill him!” the story
baby, and put her dead son in his place.”
But the second woman snarled, Solomon accepts that
“That’s not true! What terrible lies! “Go ahead! Cut him in half! Neither he is lacking in the skills
Your baby died and mine is alive. Here one of us shall have him. See if I care.” necessary to be king. God
he is. You can see he’s mine!” sobbed is pleased when he asks for
the second woman. Then Solomon in his wisdom spoke the gift of wisdom. If the
and gave his ruling. “Do not kill him. ownership of a property
Solomon asked an attendant to get Give the baby to the first woman. were in dispute, the judge
a sword and ordered, “Cut the infant in She is his mother.”
two and give one half to the first woman would split it evenly
and the other half to the second woman. When the people of Israel heard between opposing sides.
That should keep them happy.” of the judgement of Solomon, they When Solomon proposes
were pleased and looked at him this solution with the baby,
The first woman shrieked in horror and with great respect. They knew such he cleverly reveals the true
fell to the floor sobbing. “Please, my Lord! wisdom could come only from God. mother. His display of
Do not harm the baby. Give him to her.
wisdom earns him
the people’s respect

and admiration.

129

1 Kings 5–8

Solomon’s Temple

Transporting timber It was four years since Solomon had succeeded
Cedar was a highly David and become King of Israel. His thoughts started
turning toward the Temple that his father had longed to build.
valued timber in ancient
times because it was The Temple would replace the tabernacle overseen by their foremen. It was very hard
as a place of worship and provide a work but, finally, in the month of Ziv (the
strong and hardwearing. permanent home for the Ark of the second month of the year), Solomon laid
The inner walls of Covenant. For years, David had worked the foundation stone. It took four long years
on the idea, drawing up detailed plans for before the foundations were completed and
Solomon’s Temple were its construction in the heart of Jerusalem. another three years to build the Temple.
built of cedar. This
Solomon sent envoys with a message Gradually, the magnificent building took
8th-century-bce relief for King Hiram of Tyre. “You know that shape with Solomon supervising everything.
from the palace of the my father David was never able to build When it was finished it was twice as big as
Assyrian ruler Sargon II a temple because of the constant demands the old tabernacle. The walls inside were
of war. Now there is peace, and I am going lined with fragrant cedar wood and overlaid
shows Phoenician to build a temple in the name of the Lord with gold, while the floor was made of
oarsmen transporting my God. So please order cedars of pine. Beautiful cherubim, palm trees,
exports of cedar on Lebanon to be cut for me.” and garlands of flowers decorated the
walls and the altar. All the furnishings
their rowing boats. Hiram was pleased, saying, “Praise be of the Temple were made of gold.
to the Lord today for He has given David
King Solomon a wise son to rule over his nation.” They An inner sanctuary, the Most Holy
Although plans for the made a treaty. Hiram would send cedar, Place, was partitioned off at the rear of
Temple were first started pine, and craftsmen, and in return, the Temple for the Ark of the Covenant.
under his father David, Solomon would give him wheat and Two splendid golden cherubim, carved out
Solomon was chosen by oil for his household. of olive wood, spread out their huge wings.
God to build it as, unlike They would be the permanent guardians of
his father, Solomon had Laborers were conscripted from all the Ark. Two huge bronze pillars supported
not spilled blood in battle. over Israel. Altogether, more than thirty the roof at the entrance of the Temple,
Under his leadership, the thousand men were sent off in shifts to help their capitals festooned with chains and
Israelites enjoyed peace cut down the great cedars of Lebanon and hundreds of bronze pomegranates.
and success, and the float them on huge rafts across the sea.
Temple became a symbol The Temple was finished in the eleventh
Meanwhile, eighty thousand stonecutters year of Solomon’s reign. When all the
of Solomon’s reign. were sent to work in the quarries up in the preparations had been made, the Ark
hills, hewing vast blocks of stone for the of the Covenant, containing the Ten
foundations and the outer walls of the Commandments, was brought in by the
Temple. Another seventy thousand men priests, the elders of Israel, and the leaders
transported the stone down to Jerusalem,

130

1 Kings 5–8

Temple model Temple plan
The Temple was 52 ft (15.8 m) high, Solomon’s Temple
35 ft (10.7 m) wide, and 105 ft (32 m) followed the basic design
long. This to-scale model has a plan seen in earlier
cutaway to show the inner shrine. Canaanite temples. Walls
were lined with cedar,
while floors were laid
with cypress. The walls
and floors were overlaid
with gold. The grand
entrance was flanked by
two bronze columns

standing about 33 ft
(10 m) in height.

Doors were crafted
from olive wood and

decorated with
carvings from nature.
Gold overlay gave a
sparkling finish. A porch
led the way to a great
hall called the Holy
Place. Beyond it was a
small inner shrine called
the Holy of Holies.

of all the tribes. The priests entered to the ceiling, and the priests could “Now there
the Most Holy Place and laid the Ark not carry on with the service. It was is peace, and
underneath the outstretched wings the Glory of God filling the House of I am going
of the cherubim. God. Afterward, Solomon stood in front
of the altar and said a prayer of dedication to build
When they withdrew from the sanctuary, to God. He blessed all the people of Israel, a temple in
a great cloud suddenly appeared from and they offered sacrifices to the Lord. the name
nowhere, filling the Temple from the floor of the Lord

Understanding the story my God”

Solomon’s Temple takes seven years to build—the number that 131
represents perfection and completeness. With the Ark safely inside the
inner sanctuary, the presence of the Lord is confirmed when the great
cloud fills the Temple. Solomon completes the building work that his father,

David, had planned, making Jerusalem the focus of religious life.
The Temple in Jerusalem becomes God’s permanent home.

1 Kings 10

The Queen
of Sheba

Spices King Solomon ruled over the people of Israel
The Queen of Sheba’s for more than forty years. During his reign, people
wealth was probably from
trading goods. Spices and were prosperous and there was plenty to eat.
aromatics were very
Israel was divided into twelve districts, his splendid palace and his stables with
popular, particularly and they each paid King Solomon a tribute. their thousands of horses and chariots.
pepper (above), myrrh, His own tribe, Judah, was exempt from tax. He took her to see his huge collections
The kingdom stretched from the Euphrates of shields, all hammered out of beaten
frankincense, and River in the north to Egypt in the south. It gold. And then they returned to the
cinnamon (left). They was the land that God had promised throne room and he listened to all
were used for a variety Abraham many years before. her questions. He answered them
of things, from food with great wisdom. Nothing was too
Solomon was richer and wiser than any difficult or too much trouble for him.
preparation and other king on earth. People came from all
perfumes, to ointments, over the world to seek an audience with The Queen of Sheba was
him and to hear the wisdom that God overwhelmed—by his wisdom and by
and burial practices. had given him. Year after year they came, the magnificence of the surroundings.
A large amount of bringing with them gifts for the king. “The report I heard in my own country
Sheba’s tax revenue When the Queen of Sheba heard about about your achievements and your wisdom
came from trading spices. the wisdom and the wealth of Solomon, is true. But I did not believe these things
she could not believe it. She decided she until I came and saw with my own eyes.
Precious stones must see King Solomon for herself and she In wisdom and in wealth you have far
Precious metals and must test his wisdom. So she set off from exceeded the report I heard,” she said.
gemstones were also Sheba, on the southwest tip of Arabia, and “O Praise be to the Lord your God, who
traded as luxury goods. journeyed through the desert and north has delighted in you and placed you on
As well as gold, carnelian along the trade route known as the King’s the throne of Israel!”
(below left) and coral Highway to Jerusalem. She traveled with
(below right) were an enormous caravan of camels, laden And she gave him the gifts she had
particularly valuable for with rich and exotic gifts for Solomon. brought with her—one hundred and twenty
use in jewelry. The vast talents of pure gold and huge quantities of
quantities of gemstones When the Queen of Sheba arrived in precious stones and spices. And, in turn,
that the Queen of Sheba Jerusalem, Solomon greeted her from his Solomon heaped lavish presents on his
brought for King Solomon magnificent throne. He showed her around visitor, to take back with her to Sheba.
suggested they were
part of a trade agreement

with Israel’s ruler.

132

1 Kings 10

“Solomon and the Queen “In wisdom
of Sheba” by Frans Francken and in
wealth
the Elder (1542–1616)
you have
far exceeded

the report
I heard.”

Understanding the story Arabian origins
It had long been
Word of Solomon reaches far and wide. The Queen of Sheba decides to claimed that the
visit to witness his wealth and wisdom for herself. The wise words of Solomon Queen of Sheba
ruled over Ethiopia
and the grandeur of his palace do not disappoint. All the queen’s questions and Egypt. However,
are answered and her expectations are exceeded. The king and queen’s meeting experts now think
is a happy one, as she recognizes that Solomon has been truly blessed by the Lord. that she was from
southwest Arabia, in
what is modern-day
Yemen. She might
have looked and
dressed like this Yemeni
woman (above) in
traditional dress.

133

When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s
fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard
questions. Arriving with a very great caravan—with
camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and
precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked

with him about all she had on her mind.
2 Chronicles 9:1

134

Camel trains
Known as the “ship of the desert,” the camel

is ideal for crossing oceans of desert sand
thanks to its ability to endure the extremes

of temperature and scarcity of water.
This camel train is traveling across
Erg Chebbi, in the Sahara Desert.

135

1 Kings 16–17

Elijah in
the Wilderness

After the death of Solomon, his son
Rehoboam became king of the Israelites. But the
tribes of the north had not been happy for a long time.

“Now I Under the rule of Solomon they had been Phoenicia through the marriage of his
know that subjected to high taxes. They thought that son Ahab to Jezebel. She was the daughter
things might get better now, but their hopes of the ruler of Sidon, and she encouraged
you are were soon dashed. “My father laid on you her new husband to worship her god Baal.
a man a heavy yoke. I will make it even heavier,” When he became king, Ahab built temples
of God!” their new king told them with satisfaction. and altars to the pagan god.
So the tribes rebelled against their new
ruler. And soon, the kingdom was split in The prophet Elijah foretold what was
two once more, with Israel in the north in store for the people of Israel, because
and Judah in the south. they had turned away from the Lord. He
said that there would be a drought lasting
In time, Omri became the king of Israel for many years, and, with it, famine. Elijah
and he made Samaria the capital. He made went to King Ahab in Samaria and warned
him, “As the Lord the God of Israel lives,
an alliance with whom I serve, there will be neither dew
nor rain in the next few years except at
my word,” he said.

And God spoke to Elijah. “Leave here,
turn eastward, and hide in the
Kerith Ravine, east of the
Jordan River. You will
drink from the brook,
and I have ordered the

ravens to feed you there.” Elijah did
just as God had told him and lived happily
by the stream, being fed by the ravens and
drinking the water. All around, the crops
failed and the people began to starve. But
then the stream dried up, and the Lord said
to Elijah, “Go at once to Zarephath in Sidon

136

1 Kings 16–17

and stay there. I have commanded a and, no matter what the woman did, he Ravens
widow there to supply you with food.” got worse and worse. Finally, one night, In the Old Testament,
he stopped breathing completely and ravens were considered
So Elijah went to Zarephath in Sidon, she said to Elijah, “What do you have dirty. But God gives these
the land where Queen Jezebel had come against me? You have let my son die! creatures a purpose by
from. As he approached the gates of the And you call yourself a man of God!” sending them to feed
town, he saw a woman stooping down and Elijah. They ensure that
gathering sticks. Elijah went up to her and Elijah looked at her calmly and he does not go hungry,
greeted her. “Would you bring me a little told her to give him her son. Gently, proving that even the
water in a jar so that I may have a drink?” he carried the boy upstairs and laid most humble creature
he asked her. “And please, if you would be him out on the bed, cold and still. Then has a part in God’s plan.
so kind, bring me a piece of bread.” he stretched over the little body three
times and cried, “O Lord my God, let Oven
She shook her head. “I don’t have any Clay ovens speeded up
bread,” she said. “All I have is a handful this boy’s life return to him!” the breadmaking process.
of flour in a jar and a little oil in And immediately the
a jug. It is hardly enough for boy’s chest started Before that, people
me and my son as it is!” moving and the spread the bread on clay
color returned molds over the embers
“Don’t be afraid,” to his cheeks. of a fire, and used metal
replied Elijah. “Make His eyelids fluttered, lids to cover it. Animal
a small cake of as if he was waking
bread for me and up from a dream. dung or grasses were
then make something Finally, he stretched probably used as fuel.
for you and your son. and opened his eyes.
The Lord will make sure that
the flour and the oil do not run out Elijah carried him down and
until the rain comes.” The widow looked gave him to his mother. “Look, your son
at him doubtfully, but did as he said. And, is alive!” he said.
sure enough, her flour and oil did not run
out, and there was plenty of food for her The widow could not believe it and
and her son and Elijah until the rain came. clutched the boy to her tightly. “Now
I know that you are a man of God!”
But, some time later, her son fell ill she cried to Elijah.

Understanding the story

God brings drought and famine to punish the Israelites, but also to demonstrate
His power over Baal, the pagan god of rain. In the face of this disaster, the
people suffer greatly. The prophet Elijah never loses his faith in God and,
as a result, his supply of food and drink never run out. When the woman
blames Elijah for her son’s death, he brings the boy back to life in
the name of the Lord, and she then shares his belief in God.

137

1 Kings 18

Elijah and the
Prophets of Baal

Jezebel at the window The drought in Israel had lasted for three years.
This carving is thought It was a punishment from the Lord because the Israelites
to depict Queen Jezebel
staring out from her had been worshipping the pagan god Baal.
palace window. King
The prophet Elijah went to see King Ahab in the Lord. “Then you call on the name
Ahab had the palace built Samaria again. Ahab greeted him rudely, of your god and I will call on the name
for her at Jezreel. The saying, “Is that you, the troublemaker, the of the Lord, and we will see who wins,”
thorn in Israel’s side?” he said. “The true God will set the fire
fact that the prophets of on His altar alight.”
Baal ate with the queen “I have not made trouble for Israel,”
shows that Baal-worship replied Elijah. “But you and your father’s He let the prophets of Baal go first.
family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s They called their God’s name from early
had become the commands and have followed Baal. Now morning till the middle of the day. And they
kingdom’s religion. summon the people from all over Israel to danced around and around the altar
meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the they had made. But there was no response.
Mount Carmel four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, The wood on the altar remained unkindled,
The Carmel is a mountain who eat at Queen Jezebel’s table.” and the calf lay on top of it uncooked.
range that stretches from
Ahab sent word and summoned the Elijah could not resist taunting them.
the Jezreel Valley to the people and the prophets to Mount Carmel. “Shout louder! Perhaps he’s deep in
Mediterranean Sea. Elijah stood before them all and said, “You thought?” So the prophets shouted louder
Mount Carmel rises cannot worship both God and Baal! How and louder and slashed themselves with
to 470 ft (143 m), long will you waver between them? If the their swords and spears until they bled, as
Lord is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, was their custom. By evening they were
overlooking the sea near follow him.” But nobody said anything. exhausted, and there was still no response.
modern Haifa. In ancient The altar to Baal remained unlit.
Elijah continued, “I am the only one of
times, it was lush and the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four Then Elijah called everyone over to his
green, with oak trees, olive hundred and fifty of them.” And, although altar, but it was in ruins so he repaired it.
there were so many of them and only one He took twelve stones, one for each of
groves, and vineyards. of him, he challenged them to a contest to the tribes of Israel, and rebuilt the altar.
see who the true God was. The prophets He arranged his wood and cut his calf into
were to make an altar to Baal. Then they pieces and laid them in position. When this
were to place a sacrificial bull on top—but was done he asked for several large jars of
they must not set fire to it. He would do water to be poured over the altar until it was
exactly the same, but his altar would be to soaking wet.

138

1 Kings 18

“The Rival Sacrifices of Elijah
and the Priests of Baal” (1545)
by Lucas Cranach the Younger

He stepped forward and spoke, “O Lord, olive groves and the oak trees. When they Understanding
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be reached the very top, the Great Sea lay like the story
known today that you are God in Israel and a sheet of silver at their feet. Elijah asked
that I am your servant. Answer me, O Lord, the young man what he could see? The local pagan god
so these people will know that you, O Lord, was called Baal, meaning
are God.” Immediately, the sodden wood “I can’t see anything,” replied the “master” or “possessor.”
on his altar burst into flames, crackling servant. “Only a clear sky and a calm sea.” God was unhappy that the
around the sacrifice and leaping high in the Israelites were worshipping
air. Everyone gasped in amazement and fell “Look again,” said the prophet. But again
to the ground, crying, “The Lord—He is the servant could see nothing. Baal, so the drought
God! The Lord—He is God!” continued. The prophet
Elijah asked him the same question
Elijah gave orders for the prophets to seven times, and it was only then that Elijah challenges the
be rounded up. “Seize the prophets of Baal! the servant replied, “A cloud as small as prophets of Baal to a
Don’t let them get away!” he commanded. a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” And contest. He gives his
And the four hundred and fifty prophets of immediately, Elijah told him to go to Ahab
Baal were taken down the mountain and to say that the rains were coming. As he opponents every
slaughtered in the Kishon Valley. spoke, the sky grew black and the wind advantage, so when they
roared wildly, bringing the rain with it. Ahab are defeated, the Israelites
Meanwhile, Elijah walked up the rode off as fast as he could to his home in are witness to God’s power
mountain with his servant, through the Jezreel, but Elijah, filled with the power of
the Lord, ran ahead of Ahab. and superiority.

“O Lord, answer me, so these people will
know that you, O Lord, are God.”

139

1 Kings 21

Naboth’s Vineyard

There was a vineyard next to King Ahab’s
residence in Jezreel, which belonged to a man named

Naboth. Ahab had eyed it enviously for some time.

Palace relic “Let me have your vineyard to use for and stamping them with his own royal seal.
A number of relics were a vegetable garden since it is so close She sent them to all the elders and nobles
discovered in the remains to my palace,” he said to Naboth. who lived in the city. In them, she said that
of King Ahab’s palace. “In exchange, I will give you a better there would be a day of fasting, which
According to the Bible, vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will pay showed that someone had committed a
the palace was adorned you whatever it is worth.” serious crime. Naboth was to be seated in
with ivory. Finds include a prominent position among the people,
ornate ivory plaques and But Naboth refused point-blank. and she told the elders to make sure that
“The Lord forbids that I should give you two good-for-nothings, who could be bribed
sculptures. This piece the inheritance of my fathers,” he replied
from the palace, of a politely. He could not even think about
human-faced Sphinx it as, according to the Law of Moses,
Israelites were not allowed to sell any of
possibly used as a the ancestral lands that had been allotted
decoration for furniture, to them after the conquest of Canaan.
dates between the 8th
and 9th centuries bce. Ahab was furious and headed back
to his palace in a rage. He lay on his bed
Vineyard with his face to the wall and would not
This Assyrian carving talk to anyone, sulking like a little boy.
depicts a king and queen His wife, Jezebel, came in and could not
enjoying the fruits of their understand why her husband was lying
vineyard. Supports lift and there on his bed in the middle of the day.
guide the vines up off the “What’s wrong with you?” she asked.
ground. There were many “Why won’t you eat anything?”
vineyards at that time.
The first Biblical mention To begin with, he did not respond, but
of wine came in the story finally he turned over and told her about the
of Noah, who planted vineyard. Jezebel looked at him in disbelief.
vines after he left the Ark. “And you call yourself king of Israel! I ask
you!” she sneered. “I’ll get that vineyard
for you!” Ahab turned back to face the wall.

Jezebel knew exactly what to do.
Without delay, she sat down and wrote
dozens of letters, forging Ahab’s signature

140

1 Kings 21

to do anything, were seated opposite possession. But the Lord had already Understanding
Naboth. They would set him up, testifying spoken to the prophet Elijah, and he the story
that he had spoken against God. This was was there waiting for Ahab.
a crime that carried the death sentence. Naboth’s relatives were
“You have murdered a man and stolen given the land of the
The elders and the nobles did as they his property! And the Lord says that, just
were told, thinking that they were carrying as the dogs licked up Naboth’s blood from vineyard after the conquest
out King Ahab’s orders. And the two villains, the roadside, so they will lick up yours! of Canaan. Moses’s Law
happy to earn their money, sat opposite You have sold your soul and have done evil stated that the Israelites
Naboth and brought the charges against in the eyes of the Lord, and so disaster will must not sell any ancestral
him. “That man sitting there has cursed fall on you and your descendants. And dogs
both God and the king!” And Naboth was will devour Jezebel by the walls of Jezreel!” land. By conspiring to have
taken outside the city and stoned to death. Naboth accused of
When Ahab heard these words, he was
When Jezebel heard that her plan had appalled and deeply ashamed. He tore blasphemy, his death is a
worked and that Naboth had been killed, his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. certainty. Jezebel and King
she rushed to Ahab to tell him the good God saw that he was truly remorseful and Ahab are both to blame for
news. “Get up! The vineyard that you He spoke to Elijah again. “Because Ahab
wanted so much is yours. Naboth is dead!” has humbled himself and is truly sorry Naboth’s murder. Ahab
I will not punish him, but I will bring shows remorse, but God’s
Ahab was delighted and went straight disaster on his descendants.” punishment is passed down
to the vineyard to inspect his prized
to Ahab’s son, Ahaziah,
who dies childless, so
ending Ahab’s dynasty.

The bountiful land of the “The Lord
Jezreel Valley was the says that, just

setting for Ahab’s palace as the dogs
and Naboth’s vineyard. licked up
Naboth’s
blood from
the roadside,
so they
will lick
up yours!”

141

Chariot of gold 2 Kings 2
Elijah is taken to heaven
in a fiery chariot (seen in Elijah’s Final
this panel above from the Journey
altar made by Nicholas of
Verdun at Klosterneuburg The prophet Elijah was walking with his disciple
Priory, Austria). Chariots Elisha. He knew that his life was drawing to a close
and that the Lord would soon take him up to heaven.
were usually used for
either ceremonies or “I have to go to Bethel now, but you stay
battles. In war, two men here,” he said to Elisha.
took their positions in
the chariot. The driver But Elisha protested, “As surely as the
held the reins to control Lord lives and as long as you live, I will not
the horses, while the leave you.” So they went on together and
soldier took aim with a arrived in Bethel. The company of prophets
spear or bow and arrow. who lived there came out to meet them.
In the story, the chariot They greeted them both and said to Elisha,
is made of fire as it has “Do you know that the Lord is going to take

been sent by God. your master from you today?”

Golden chariot
This golden chariot was
made in the Persian Empire
about 500 bce. It was part
of a treasure hoard found
in what is now Tajikistan.

142

2 Kings 2

“Yes, I know,” replied Elisha, “but do I do for you before I am taken from you?” Jordan River
not speak of it.” Then Elijah told him to “What I would like, more than anything When prophet Elijah parts
stay in Bethel while he went on to Jericho. the waters of the Jordan
in the world, is to follow in your footsteps
Again, Elisha protested, “As surely as and be your spiritual heir,” Elisha replied. River, it is reminiscent
the Lord lives and as long as you live, I of other Biblical stories
will not leave you.” So they left Bethel Elijah listened and was silent for a in which waters behave
together and went to Jericho. few moments. Then he said, “You have miraculously to allow
asked a difficult thing. Yet, if you see me
When they arrived in Jericho, the with your own eyes as I am taken from a safe crossing. The
prophets who lived there met them and you, you will get what you have asked Jordan River stops flowing
said to Elisha, “Do you know that the for. Otherwise, not.” when the priests carry the
Lord is going to take your master from
you today?” At that moment a chariot of fire Ark of the Covenant to
appeared between them, pulled by blazing Jericho, while the Red
“Yes, I know,” replied Elisha, “but I horses. It separated them and Elijah went Sea divides to allow the
would rather not speak of it.” Then Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha watched Israelites to leave Egypt.
told him to stay in Jericho while he went him disappear. And that was the last he
on to the Jordan River. saw of Elijah. “Do you
know that
Again, Elisha protested, “As surely as Elisha wept and tore his clothes in the Lord
the Lord lives and as long as you live, I grief. He picked up Elijah’s cloak, which is going to
will not leave you.” So they left Jericho had fallen to the ground, and held it closely take your
together and traveled to the Jordan. to him. Then, he went back to the banks master from
When they got there, fifty prophets stood of the river and rolled the cloak up tightly, you today?”
at a respectful distance, watching them. just as the great prophet had done not
long before. He struck the water with it
They stopped by the edge of the river. and, once again, the river divided and a
Elijah took off his cloak and rolled it up. path of dry ground stretched in front of
Then he bent down and struck the surface him. He walked back to the other side.
of the water with it. Immediately, the river And the company of prophets who were
divided and a path of dry ground stretched watching said, “The spirit of Elijah is
in front of them. Elijah and Elisha walked resting in Elisha!” They went to meet
across together until they reached the other him, bowing low on the ground.
side. Then Elijah said to Elisha, “What can

Understanding the story

Elijah’s time on Earth is over, and disciple Elisha (meaning “God is salvation”)
will be his successor. Elisha is to be Elijah’s spiritual heir and literally takes up
Elijah’s mantle when he picks up the cloak left by Elijah. Elisha will continue

Elijah’s ministry. The whirlwind that carries Elijah up to heaven is another
demonstration of God’s colossal strength and power.

143

2 Kings 4

Elisha and the
Woman of Shunem

Shunem Elisha often visited Shunem in the beautiful
The town of Shunem lay Valley of Jezreel. Whenever he was there, he was
3 miles (5 km) north of invited to dinner by a rich woman and her elderly husband.

the town of Jezreel, in The woman knew that Elisha was a and life was good for the family. But, one
the rich and fertile Jezreel prophet and a holy man of God. “Let’s day, the boy went to find his father who
make a little room on the roof for him,” was supervising the harvest in the fields.
Valley. Shunem was she said to her husband. “We can put a The boy clutched his hands to his head,
situated along a busy bed and a table in it—and a chair and howling in pain. “My head! My head! It
road. Elisha was a regular a lamp. We will make it comfortable for hurts so much! I can’t bear it!” His father
visitor to the town. him and he can stay there when he wants ordered one of the servants to carry his
Shunem was also the to. It will be a home from home.” son back home as quickly as possible.

base camp for the Elisha accepted their hospitality By the time they got back to the house,
Philistines before gratefully. One evening, as he was resting the boy was almost unconscious, and the
they waged war on his bed, he thought how lucky he was. servant gave him straight to his mother.
on Mount Gilboa. He called his servant Gehazi and said, She tried to revive him, but he lay there
“How can I repay their kindness?” as white as a sheet. His breathing became
Girded loins shallower and shallower and finally stopped
When Gehazi placed “The woman has no son—no children altogether. His mother sat weeping. Then,
his robe between his legs at all,” replied Gehazi. “And her husband slowly, she took him upstairs and laid him
and under his belt, he is is an old man—too old to father a child. gently on the bed in Elisha’s room.
decribed as “girding his She would like a son more than anything
loins.” Manual workers, else in the world.” Elisha asked him to Forcing back the tears, she went to
fetch the woman immediately, and she her husband and said, “Quick! I need a
like this man in came and stood in the doorway. donkey and one of the servants! I am going
Bangladesh, still do this in to fetch Elisha!” Moments later, she set off
order to give them more “About this time next year,” Elisha told for Mount Carmel, where she knew she
her, “you will hold your very own son in would find the prophet. When she reached
freedom of movement. your arms!” The woman could not believe Elisha, she bowed down before him and
her ears. But, sure enough, about one year clutched at his feet, crying. His servant,
later she gave birth to a baby boy, just as Gehazi, came over to push her away, but
Elisha had predicted. The woman still could Elsiha rebuked him. The woman told him
not believe it and every day she gave thanks what had happened and that her son was
to the Lord for blessing her with a son. dead. Elisha listened and said to Gehazi,

The child grew, healthy and strong,

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2 Kings 4

English painter Frederic
Leighton’s “Elisha

Raising the Son of the
Shunamite” (1881)

“Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my got on the bed and lay on top of the boy. “At once, the
staff, and run back to Shunem as fast as As he stretched himself out, the boy’s body boy sneezed
you can. If you meet anyone, don’t stop, gradually started to get warm. Elisha got up loudly seven
whatever you do! When you get there, and paced to and fro across the room. Then times and
lay my staff on the boy’s face.” he went back and stretched himself on top
of the boy again. At once, the boy sneezed opened
Gehazi did exactly as his master had loudly seven times and opened his eyes. his eyes.”
told him, while Elisha followed with the
distraught woman. But when he laid the Elisha summoned Gehazi and told
staff on the boy’s face, nothing happened. him to fetch the boy’s mother. She peeped
So Gehazi rushed back to tell his master. fearfully around the door and Elisha smiled
and said, “Take your son. He is alive!” She
When Elisha reached the house, he gasped and rushed in, thanking Elisha from
climbed the stairs and went into his room. the bottom of her heart. Then she went
The boy lay on the bed. The prophet shut to her son and put her arms around him.
the door and prayed to the Lord. Then he

Understanding the story

Now Elisha has the spiritual powers of Elijah, he must put them to good use.
Elisha performs twice as many miracles as his master did, and many
of them benefit ordinary people. This reflects God’s concern for all.
The boy sneezes seven times as he is brought back to life, and this
number represents perfection and completeness.

145

2 Kings 5

Elisha and
Naaman

Naaman was a commander in the Syrian army.
He was a brave soldier and was highly regarded by his troops.

Syrian king But Naaman suffered from an affliction, Naaman wished he had never come.
Syrian craftsmen used which made every inch of his skin white But when Elisha heard about this, he
and scaly. It itched and stung, tormenting
tusks to make ivory him from morning till night, and he knew sent a message to the king. “Tell the man
carvings. This Syrian king that people avoided him when they could. to come to me and he will know that there
is believed to be Hazael. is a prophet in Israel.”
During Hazael’s reign of Recently, a young girl from Israel had
37 years, he waged war been taken captive by the Syrians and she Naaman went straight to Elisha’s house,
became the maidservant to Naaman’s wife. but Elisha did not come out to greet him.
with the Israelites. The girl was horrified when she first saw Instead, he sent a messenger to tell Naaman
Naaman and said to her mistress, to wash himself seven times in the Jordan
Leprosy “If only your husband could see the prophet River and he would be cured. But Naaman
Namaan’s skin condition Elisha in Samaria, he would cure him.” was not happy. “I thought that he would
may have been leprosy. That evening, Naaman’s wife encouraged come and wave his hands over me and call
This bacterial infection her husband to go to Israel. He agreed on the name of the Lord, and that I would
causes damage to nerves and went to the Syrian king and asked be cured,” he said. “The rivers in Damascus
him if he might be relieved of his duties are just as good as the Jordan. I shall go
in the face and limbs, for a while. “By all means, go!” said the straight home and wash myself in the
sometimes resulting in king. “I will send a letter to the King of waters there!”
the loss of parts of the Israel, asking him to cure you.”
body. At the time, leprosy But his servant stopped him. “Master,
described many types of The next day, Naaman left for Israel, if the prophet had told you to do something
skin complaint as people taking with him ten talents of silver, six important and difficult, you would have risen
could not differentiate thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of to the occasion, wouldn’t you? All he wants
the finest clothing. He was not sure how you to do is to bathe in the waters of the
between them. much it would cost to cure him, but he Jordan and be cleansed!”
was willing to pay anything. When he finally
arrived, Naaman gave his letter to the King Naaman listened and reluctantly agreed.
of Israel. But, as soon as the king had read He went down to a deserted part of
it, he erupted in fury. “Why does the King of the river and waded into the water. He
Syria send someone to me to be cured?” he submerged himself completely, seven times,
stormed. “He’s just trying to pick a quarrel!” and then came out. As he stepped onto the
bank, he looked down in amazement. His
skin disease had completely disappeared.

146

2 Kings 5

Naaman went back to Elisha and said two fine sets of clothing. And he insisted Understanding
to him, “Now I know that there is no God that his servants carry them back for the story
in all the world except in Israel. Please Gehazi. But, as soon as Naaman was out
accept a gift of thanks.” But Elisha declined. of sight, Gehazi grabbed the silver and the The miraculous healing
“In that case, would you give me as much clothes and sent the servants on their way. of the Syrian soldier is an
earth as my two mules can carry so that He went back to his own room and hid his example of God’s love and
I can take it back with me and worship ill-gotten gains under the bed. Then he care extending to other
the God of Israel on Israelite soil?” asked went back to Elisha. nationalities. Again, the
Naaman. And Elisha agreed gladly. number seven features,
But Elisha looked him straight in the eye
But Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, thought that and said, “Is this the time to take money and is symbolic in its
his master should have accepted a gift from or accept clothes—or anything else for meaning of perfection and
Naaman. So, filled with greed, he went back that matter? The skin disease that used to
to Naaman and pretended that he came torment Naaman will now be yours. It will completeness. Naaman
with a message from Elisha. “My master cling to you and your descendants forever!” bathes his sore skin seven
has had a change of heart!” times in the Jordan River
he lied. “He wants me to Gehazi watched in horror as his hands
tell you that there are two and arms and toes turned scaly and white. and is cured. Though
young prophets who have just He felt a terrible itch creep up his legs a foreigner in Israel, he
arrived from Ephraim and they and spread across his back. Naaman’s rejects his local gods in
would be grateful for anything affliction was now his. order to worship the Lord.
you could give them. Maybe
a talent of silver and a set of
clothing each?”

“By all means,” said
Naaman. He tied up the two
talents of silver in two bags and sorted out

After submerging himself seven
times in the river, Naaman’s
skin is totally cleansed

147

Isaiah 6, 35, 40

The Prophet Isaiah

One day, the prophet Isaiah had a vision in the
Temple in Jerusalem. He saw the Lord seated high on His
throne, the train of His robe filling the whole of the Temple.

Two beautiful angels, each with again saying, “This coal that Prophet Isaiah
six feathery wings, looked down touched your lips has taken away your Prophets often predicted
on Isaiah from above. “Holy, holy, guilt and made amends for your sin.” dire consequences when
holy is the Lord Almighty! The
whole earth is full of His Then Isaiah heard the Lord’s voice the people disobeyed
glory!” they sang, as the saying, “Spread the word of God. Tell God. This carving depicts
Temple shook and filled
with smoke. the people that the Lord is coming and Isaiah (meaning “God
that they must prepare the way for Him. saves”). Many of his
Isaiah was overwhelmed At first, they will not listen. There will prophecies from the 8th
by the power and majesty of century bce came true,
the Lord, and by His holiness. be destruction and devastation and the such as the Assyrian
He fell to his knees and cried, “I land will be laid waste. But eventually, destruction of Israel.
am unworthy and I am unclean! the Glory of God will be revealed.
My eyes have actually seen the The wilderness will blossom and “Tell the
Lord God Almighty himself !” water will gush forth in the desert. people that
the Lord is
Immediately, one of the angels The weak will become strong, the coming and
flew down to the altar and picked blind will see, and those who follow
up a burning coal with a pair of the Lord will be given strength. that they
tongs. He placed it on Isaiah’s The Lord Himself will come must prepare
lips, then swiftly took it away down to earth and look after
His flock, protecting them the way
from evil.” for Him.”

Understanding the story

God has a message that Isaiah must give to His people. He tells Isaiah that He
will come to Earth to bring salvation, but that Isaiah will not be believed at first

and will face opposition, like prophets before him. Isaiah is one of several
Old Testament prophets who foretell the coming of a Messiah,
and a new covenant between God and His people.

148

2 Kings 17–19

Hezekiah’s Gold

The kings of Israel had grown greedy and
corrupt. They and their people had turned away
from the Lord, worshipping false gods and idols again.

The Lord was not pleased. He warned them Hezekiah could pay was by stripping Hezekiah’s tunnel
through His prophets, “Turn from your evil the gold from the doors of the Temple in During his reign, King
ways. Observe my commands and decrees, Jerusalem. But Sennacherib did not keep his Hezekiah gave orders
in accordance with the entire law that I word. He took the treasure and ordered his for a tunnel to be dug
commanded your fathers to obey and that troops to besiege Jerusalem. They stopped underneath Jerusalem
I delivered to you through my servants, just outside Jerusalem, calling for the king. to stop the Assyrian
the prophets.” But no one would listen. But Hezekiah sent his officials instead. At invaders cutting off the
this, the commander of the Assyrian army
The neighboring Assyrians, who had addressed the people of Jerusalem. city’s water supply.
a powerful army, were a threat to Israel “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. Do not Hezekiah’s Tunnel still
and Judah. Now they invaded Israel, believe that the Lord will protect you. Has flows with water today.
pillaging and plundering. They laid siege the god of any nation ever delivered his
to the capital, Samaria, and after three land from the hand of the king of Assyria?” Understanding
years it fell to the enemy. the story
The officials went back and told
While Israel was occupied by the Hezekiah that the Lord’s name had been God punishes the Israelites’
Assyrians, a king named Hezekiah came taken in vain. Hezekiah put on sackcloth to sins of greed and idol
to the throne in Judah, to the south. He show his humility. Before praying, he told his
obeyed the Lord in everything he did. There officials to ask the prophet Isaiah for help. worship by unleashing the
had never been a king like him in Judah, Assyrian army on the
and there never was again. He had also led When the officials found Isaiah, he
his men to victory over the Philistines many told them, “God will defend you and nation. In the carnage and
times. But, when the Assyrians raced south save your city.” devastation that follows,
and attacked the cities of Judah, Hezekiah
had met his match. He sent a message to That night, the angel of the Lord God acknowledges
King Sennacherib of Assyria, saying, flew over the Assyrian camp. When Hezekiah’s faith, prayer,
“Withdraw from Judah and I will pay King Sennacherib got up, thousands of and humility. He assures
whatever you ask.” his soldiers were dead. He looked in horror the king, through Isaiah,
at the sea of bodies that surrounded him, that He will save Jerusalem
Sennacherib demanded three hundred and he fled, as fast as he could, away
talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. from Jerusalem. He did not stop until and His people. King
It was a huge amount. The only way that he got back to his home in Nineveh. Sennacherib believes that
Assyria is more powerful
“God will defend you and save your city.” than God. But God proves
him wrong by destroying

the Assyrian army.

149

2 Kings 22–23

Josiah and the
Scroll of the Law

Josiah Josiah was only eight years old when he became
Josiah’s father, Amon, the new ruler of Judah, after the assassination of his
was assassinated by his father, Amon. Unlike his father and his grandfather,
servants. Josiah reigned King Manasseh, Josiah was obedient to the Lord.
31 years from 640 bce.
He loved God from During the previous decades, the splendid and it had been missing for many, many
childhood and ordered
many religious reforms. Temple that Solomon had built in Jerusalem years. This must be it. Gingerly, he picked
This is why he restored
the Temple in Jerusalem. had been neglected and had fallen into it up and took it to his friend, Shaphan, who
Josiah decided to renew
the covenant with God disrepair. In the eighteenth was the royal scribe. Shaphan’s
after reading the lost
Book of the Covenant. year of his reign, King eyes opened wide when he saw

Kidron Valley Josiah decided that it was the yellowing parchment scroll
Ben Hinnom was
a place where children time for the Temple to be and, taking Hilkiah with him, he
were sacrificed to the
Ammonite god of fire. restored to its former glory. went straight to the palace with
The location is thought
to be in the Kidron Valley. He asked the high priest, it. He bowed low before King
The monastery of Mar
Saba (above) stands on Hilkiah, to gather together Josiah and then unrolled the
the top of the valley
today. It was founded the money that had been scroll very carefully. His voice

in 483 ce and collected in the Temple trembled as he began to read
is still in use today.
over the years. It would be the first few lines aloud.

used to finance the repairs. Josiah listened intently and,

While Hilkiah was as he heard the beautiful words

finding the money and bearing testimony to the Lord,

having a good look around he was filled with the deepest

to see what needed doing, sorrow. He sprang up from his

he came across an old King Josiah reads the throne and began to tear at
scroll hidden in a neglected Book of the Covenant his clothes. “My people have
corner of the Temple. forgotten God’s Law!” he wept.
from the Temple

It was festooned with “They are selfish and corrupt

cobwebs but, fortunately, the mice had not and God must be so angry with them!

got their teeth into it. He dusted it off and What will happen to them?” And he begged

saw, with amazement, that the yellowing Shaphan and Hilkiah to find out what lay

parchment contained the Book of the in store for the people of Judah.

Covenant. Hilkiah knew that there was only “Great is the Lord’s anger that burns

one copy in the whole of Judah and Israel, against us because our fathers have not

150