Daily Bible Reading

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 6:1—7:1: When the Philistines return the Covenant Box, they include gold models of the tumors and mice as gifts in payment for their sin. When the Covenant Box arrives in Beth Shemesh, the people are overjoyed and offer sacrifices to the LORD. But seventy men are killed […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 5:1-12: In each of the Philistine cities where the Covenant Box was sent, the Philistines were stricken with tumors, while the Covenant Box was in their possession. Scripture Reading The Covenant Box among the Philistines 1After the Philistines captured the Covenant Box, they carried it from Ebenezer […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 4:12-22: Eli dies when he receives word that the Covenant Box was captured by the Philistines. The wife of Phinehas goes into labor when she hears that both her husband and her father-in-law (Eli) are dead and that the Covenant Box had been captured. She dies in […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 4:1-11: During a war with the Philistines, the Israelites bring the Covenant Box to the battlefield. The Covenant Box contained the two flat stones on which were carved the Ten Commandments. In the ensuing battle, the Philistines capture the Covenant Box, and the sons of Eli are […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 3:1-21: As a boy, Samuel served the LORD in Shiloh by helping Eli the priest. One night he heard the voice of the LORD calling him, and Samuel received a message from the LORD. When Samuel grew up, he became a prophet of the LORD. Scripture Reading […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 2:27-36: A prophet comes to Eli with a message from the LORD. Eli is told that no one in his family will ever live to old age. God will choose a priest who will be faithful and obey the LORD. Scripture Reading The Prophecy against Eli’s Family […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 2:12-26: The sons of Eli, who are priests, are dishonest and refuse to obey the LORD.Meanwhile, Samuel continues to grow in favor with the LORD and with the people. Scripture Reading The Sons of Eli 12The sons of Eli were scoundrels. They paid no attention to the […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 2:1-11: Today’s reading is Hannah’s prayer upon offering Samuel as a servant to the LORD. She offers God praise and thanksgiving, celebrating the ways in which God offers safety, sustenance, and care. Scripture Reading Hannah’s Prayer 1 Hannah prayed: “The Lord has filled my heart with joy; […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 1:19-28: Hannah gives birth to a son and names him Samuel which, in Hebrew, means “name of God.” As used in today’s reading, the name also relates to the Hebrew verb for “ask”—Hannah has received from God the child for whom she had asked. After Samuel has […]

God’s Renewing Word of Promise Introduction 1 Samuel 1:1-18: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of First Samuel which records the transition in Israel from the period of the judges to a monarchy. This change in Israel’s life revolves around the lives of three men: Samuel, the last of the great judges; Saul, […]