Reading the Bible Through

1 Samuel 15 - 17   Saul did not follow the Lord wholeheartedly. He sacrificed the lesser things. (As I understand it, this was also what was 'wrong' with Cain's sacrifice. It was not the best for the Lord.) Then Saul lies about what he did to Samuel's face while Samuel could hear the captured animals that were to have been sacrificed. Did Saul's power corrupt him or was it from fear? This was the same man who hid among the baggage. In 15:24, Saul owns that he was afraid of the people.  The Lord regretted making Saul king over Israel. What does it mean to have a God who had regrets, yet is always good and perfect. It is hard to see this God in the old testament being full of love for all people when he keeps telling the Israelites to devote them to destruction/kill them all.  In chapter 16, the elders of Bethlehem ask Samuel if he comes peaceably. What would the other answer be? A quick google search indicates Samuel may have come to rebuke or judge them in some mann...

1 Samuel 12 - 14   Saul appears to have been very influenced by those around him. When Samuel doesn't come when expected, Saul sacrificed because the people were scattering. I find myself wondering if this was from insecurity? I also wonder if I am putting modern day ideas on an ancient culture. Actually, I'm sure that I am, but am I doing it here specifically?  14:21. Does this mean that some of the Israelites had defected to the Philistines previously? 

1 Samuel 6 - 8   I always find in interesting how the priests and diviners of the Philistines send the Ark away. I can kinda understand the gold mice and tumors, but why 2 cows that have never been yoked? Also, today I see how this can be comparted to the plagues on the Egyptians. (I never noticed this until today despite the fact it says it right in the story.) The plagues on the Egyptians would have been some time before this. Israel has since wandered in the desert 40 years, set about conquering Canaan and had multiple judges.  I also note the Philistines leaving room for coincidence. I think we still do this today. Did that have meaning or was it a coincidence?  The Israelites rejoice at the return of the Ark, but do not treat it was proper respect. Therefore a number of them die and they ask their fellow Israelites to come get it.  I find it very sad that Samuel's sons do not walk in his ways, but seek gain. It reminds me a bit of Eli's sons. 

1 Samuel 3-5   How can Samuel lie down where the ark of God was? Wouldn't that have been sacrilege? Maybe he was not in the same part as the Ark.  Eli's sons were not righteous men, but it seems like Eli was. I am always intrigued by his death. When he hears that the Ark has been captured, he falls with such force that his neck breaks and he dies. From this, I think, that although he could not control his sons, Eli, himself, was ...hmmm... what's the word. I cannot say righteous, for no one is. Also, God had said,  the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever. May I'm trying to say that Eli wasn't evil, but he allowed evil in his sons. Isn't that kinda the same thing?  Eli's daughter-in-law bears a son. It says that she didn't respond or pay any attention when she was told she had a son. Then it says she named him Ichabod. How can both be true? 

Ruth 4 - 1 Samuel 2   Boaz acting as kinsman redeemer, marries Ruth so that her husband's line does not die out. However, she is generally known as the wife of Boaz and in the genealogy of Jesus. Her first husband's name does seem to be mentioned beyond once in the beginning of the book. I do see that it says that Ruth bore a son and not that she bore a son to Boaz. The genealogy does say the Boaz fathered Obed.  I have trouble understanding how Eli can't determine a woman being drunk from a woman in deep prayer.