Day 98 of My 6th Bible Study Journey

Day 98, 8 April 2025 

1) 1 Samuel 4 , 1 Samuel 5, 1 Samuel 6, 1 Samuel 7, 1 Samuel 8

1 SAMUEL 4

1 (1Sa 7:12; 29:1) And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.

The Ark of God Captured

And Israel went out to battle against the Philistines 
and they made camp beside Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped in Aphek. 
2 The Philistines arrayed themselves in a battle line against Israel, and when
the battle was over, Israel was beaten before the Philistines, who struck 
down on the field of battle about four thousand men. 
3 When the people came into the camp, the elders of Israel said, 
"Why has the Lord struck us today before the Philistines? 
Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh to us, 
that it might come among us and rescue us out of the hand of our enemies."
4 (2Sa 6:2; Ps 80:1) So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from 
there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of Hosts, who dwells above the 
cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there 
with the ark of the covenant of God.
5 (Jos 6:5) When the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, 
all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the ground was in an uproar. 
6 When the Philistines heard the sound of the shout, they said, 
"What does this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?"
Then they understood that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp.
7 The Philistines were afraid, when they said, "God is come into the camp."
And they said, "Woe to us! For this has never happened to us before. 
8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods? 
These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with every plague 
in the wilderness. 
9 (Jdg 13:1; 1Co 16:13) Be strong and be men, O Philistines, lest you be 
servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Now be men and fight."
10 (Dt 28:25; 1Sa 4:2) So the Philistines fought and Israel was beaten. 
And they fled every man into his tent. It was a very great defeat, 
for there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers. 
11 (1Sa 2:34; Ps 78:64) Now the ark of God was taken, and the two sons
of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

[1] And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against
the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines
pitched in Aphek.
[2] And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when
they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew
of the army in the field about four thousand men.
[3] And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said,
Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us
fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when
it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
[4] So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark
of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims:
and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the
covenant of God.
[5] And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all
Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.
[6] And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What
meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they
understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
[7] And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the
camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing
heretofore.
[8] Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods?
these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the
wilderness.
[9] Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be
not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves
like men, and fight.
[10] And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every
man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of
Israel thirty thousand footmen.
[11] And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
Phinehas, were slain. 

12 (Jos 7:6; 2Sa 1:2) There ran a man of Benjamin from the battle line, 
and he came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes torn 
and with dust upon his head. 
13 (1Sa 1:9; 4:18) When he came, Eli was sitting on a seat by the wayside 
watching. For his heart feared for the ark of God. Now the man came 
to tell it in the city, and all the city cried out.
14 When Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, 
"What does the noise of this tumult mean?"
And the man hurriedly came and told Eli. 
15 (1Sa 3:2) Now Eli was 98 years old, and his eyes were dim, 
so that he could not see. 
16 (2Sa 1:4) The man said to Eli, "I am he that came out of the army, 
and I fled today out of the battle line."
And he said, "What is the word, my son?"
17 The messenger answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines,
and there also has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons 
also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead. And the ark of God is taken."
18 (1Sa 4:13) When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell from off the seat 
backward by the side of the gate. And his neck broke and he died, 
for he was an old and heavy man. And he had judged Israel forty years.
19 His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was pregnant, about to give birth.
And when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken, 
and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, 
she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. 
20 (Ge 35:17-18) About the time of her death the women that stood
by her said to her, "Do not fear, for you have borne a son."
But she did not answer or regard it.
21 (Ps 26:8; Jer 2:11) She named the child Ichabod, saying,
"The glory is departed from Israel," because the ark of God was taken, 
and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 
22 She said, "The glory is departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken."

[12] And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the
same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.
[13] And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for
his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city,
and told it, all the city cried out.
[14] And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the
noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli.
[15] Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he
could not see.
[16] And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I
fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?
[17] And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the
Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people,
and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is
taken.
[18] And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he
fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake,
and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel
forty years.
[19] And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be
delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and
that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and
travailed; for her pains came upon her.
[20] And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto
her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did
she regard it.
[21] And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from
Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law
and her husband.
[22] And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is
taken. 

[Remember not to leave an evil legacy]

1 SAMUEL 5

The Philistines and the Ark

1 (1Sa 4:1; 7:12) Now the Philistines took the ark of God, 
and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 
2 (Jdg 16:23; 1Ch 10:10) When the Philistines took the ark of God, 
they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. 
3 (Isa 19:1; 46:1-2; 46:7) When the Ashdodites arose early in the morning,
Dagon had fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. 
And they took Dagon and set him in his place again. 
4 (Mic 1:7; Jer 50:2) When they arose early on the next morning, again 
Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord, 
and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off 
upon the threshold. Only the torso of Dagon was left to him. 
5 (Zep 1:9) Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any coming 
into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.
6 (1Sa 5:11; Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon 
the Ashdodites. He desolated them and struck them with tumors, 
even Ashdod and its territories. 
7 When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, "The ark of the God 
of Israel cannot remain with us. For His hand is heavy upon us and upon 
Dagon our god."
8 So they sent and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, 
and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?"
And they answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried around
to Gath." And they carried the ark of the God of Israel there.
9 (1Sa 5:6; Dt 2:15; 1Sa 7:13) It happened that after they had carried it 
about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great 
destruction. And He struck the men of the city, both small and great. 
And tumors broke out on them. 
10 Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.
And it came about that as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites 
cried out, saying, "They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel
to slay us and our people." 
11 (1Sa 5:6; 5:8-9) So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the 
Philistines, and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go
again to His own place that He might not kill me and my people,"
for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city. 
The hand of God was very heavy there. 
12 (Ex 12:30) The men that did not die were plagued with the tumors. 
And the cry of the city went up to heaven.

1 Samuel 5
[1] And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer
unto Ashdod.
[2] When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house
of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.
[3] And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was
fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took
Dagon, and set him in his place again.
[4] And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was
fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head
of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold;
only the stump of Dagon was left to him.
[5] Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's
house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.
[6] But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed
them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
[7] And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the
God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and
upon Dagon our god.
[8] They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto
them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they
answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And
they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither.
[9] And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the
LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the
men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret
parts.
[10] Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as
the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They
have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our
people.
[11] So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines,
and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his
own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly
destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.
[12] And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of
the city went up to heaven. 

[Only Yahweh is the True God]

1 SAMUEL 6

The Ark Returned to Israel

1 Now the ark of the Lord had been in the country 
of the Philistines seven months. 
2 (Ge 41:8; Ex 7:11) The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, 
saying, "What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? 
Tell us how we should send it to its place."
3 (Ex 23:15; Dt 16:16) They said, "If you send away the ark of the God 
of Israel, do not send it empty. But return to Him a guilt offering. 
Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why His hand 
is not removed from you."
4 (Jos 13:3; Jdg 3:3) Then said they, "What will be the guilt offering 
which we will return to Him?"
They answered, "Five golden tumors and five golden mice according 
to the number of the lords of the Philistines. For one plague was on 
you all, and on your lords. 
5 (Jos 7:19; 1Sa 5:6-7; 5:11) Therefore you will make images of your tumors
and images of your mice that ravage the land. And you will give glory
 to the God of Israel. Perhaps He will lighten His hand from off you, 
even from off your gods and from off your land. 
6 (Ex 7:13; 8:15) Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians 
and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He dealt severely with them, 
did they not let the people go, and they departed?
7 (Nu 19:2; 2Sa 6:3) "Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milk
cows on which there has never been a yoke. Then tie the cows to the cart 
and bring their calves home, away from them. 
8 Then take the ark of the Lord and set it on the cart. And put the images 
of gold, which you return to Him for a guilt offering, in a box by the side. 
And send it away, that it may go. 
9 (Jos 15:10; 21:16) See, if it goes up by the way of His own territory 
to Beth Shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then 
we will know that it is not His hand that struck us; it was by chance 
that it happened to us."
10 The men did so. And they took two milk cows, tied them to the cart, 
and shut up their calves at home. 
11 And they set the ark of the Lord on the cart, as well as the box 
with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors. 
12 Then the cows took the straight way to the way of Beth Shemesh,
and went along the highway, lowing as they went. They did not turn aside
to the right hand or to the left with the lords of the Philistines walking 
after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.
13 Now Beth Shemesh was reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. 
And they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and they rejoiced to see it. 
14 (2Sa 24:22) The cart came into the field of Joshua, the Beth Shemite, 
and stood there where there was a great stone. And they split the wood 
of the cart, and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 
15 The Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the box that was with it,
where the articles of gold were, and put them on the great stone. 
And the men of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices 
the same day to the Lord. 
16 (Jos 13:3; Jdg 3:3) When the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, 
they returned to Ekron the same day.
17 These are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for 
a guilt offering to the Lord: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one, 
for Gath one, for Ekron one. 
18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities 
of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities, 
and of country villages. And the great stone, where they set the ark 
of the Lord, is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua, 
the Beth Shemite.
19 (Ex 19:21; Nu 4:15) Then He struck the men of Beth Shem­esh,
because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. He struck 50070 men. 
And the people lamented, because the Lord had struck the people 
with a great slaughter. 
20 (2Sa 6:9; Mal 3:2) The men of Beth Shemesh said, "Who is able to stand 
before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom will He go up from us?"
21 (1Ch 13:5-6; Jos 9:17) And they sent messengers to the inhabitants 
of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have brought back the ark 
of the Lord. Come down, and take it up to you."

1 Samuel 6
[1] And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven
months.
[2] And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying,
What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it
to his place.
[3] And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not
empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be
healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.
[4] Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall
return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice,
according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was
on you all, and on your lords.
[5] Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice
that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel:
peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods,
and from off your land.
[6] Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharoah
hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they
not let the people go, and they departed?
[7] Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there
hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home
from them:
[8] And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the
jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by
the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.
[9] And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh,
then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that is
not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us.
[10] And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart,
and shut up their calves at home:
[11] And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with
the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.
[12] And the kine took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, and went
along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right
hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto
the border of Beth-shemesh.
[13] And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the
valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see
it.
[14] And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood
there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart,
and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.
[15] And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was
with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone:
and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed
sacrifices the same day unto the LORD.
[16] And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned
to Ekron the same day.
[17] And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a
trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon
one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
[18] And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the
Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of
country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down
the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of
Joshua, the Beth-shemite.
[19] And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the
ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore
and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of
the people with a great slaughter.
[20] And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy
LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?
[21] And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying,
The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and
fetch it up to you. 

1 SAMUEL 7

1 So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord. 
And they brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, 
and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord. 
2 And from the day the ark resided in Kiriath Jearim, 
the days increased to twenty years.

1 Samuel 7
[1] And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD,
and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified
Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
[2] And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the
time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented
after the LORD.

Samuel Judges Israel

And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. 
3 (Jos 24:14; Ge 35:2; Dt 6:13) Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, 
saying, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart,
then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths from your midst. 
And make firm your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only. 
Then He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and Ashtoreths 
and served the Lord only.
5 (Jdg 20:1) Then Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah, 
and I will pray to the Lord for you."
6 (Jdg 10:10; Ps 106:6) They gathered together to Mizpah.
And they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. 
And they fasted on that day, and said there, 
"We have sinned against the Lord." 
So Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.
7 (1Sa 17:11; 13:6) When the Philistines heard that the children 
of Israel were gathered together to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines
went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, 
they were afraid of the Philistines. 
8 (Isa 37:4; 1Sa 12:19-24) The children of Israel said to Samuel, 
"Do not stop crying unto the Lord our God for us, that He might save us 
out of the hand of the Philistines."
9 (Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1) Samuel took a suckling lamb, and offered it for a burnt 
offering unto the Lord. And Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel and the Lord 
heard him.
10 (1Sa 2:10; Jos 10:10) As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering,
the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel, but the Lord thundered 
with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines, and confused them. 
So they were beaten before Israel. 
11 Israel's fighting men went out of Mizpah, and pursued the Philistines,
and struck them, as far as below Beth Kar.
12 (Ge 35:14; Jos 4:9) Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah 
and Shen. And he called its name EbenezerLit. 
Stone of help. saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
13 (Jdg 13:1) So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not again
come into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against 
the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 
14 The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored 
to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath. And Israel rescued their territory 
out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel 
and the Amorites.
15 (1Sa 7:6; Jdg 2:16) So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 
16 He went annually in a circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpah. 
And he judged Israel in all those places. 
17 (1Sa 1:19; 1:1) But his return was to Ramah, for his house was there 
and there he judged Israel. And there he built an altar to the Lord.

[3] And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return
unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and
Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve
him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
[4] Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and
served the LORD only.
[5] And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you
unto the LORD.
[6] And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out
before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned
against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
[7] And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered
together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And
when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
[8] And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the
LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the
Philistines.
[9] And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering
wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the
LORD heard him.
[10] And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew
near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder
on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were
smitten before Israel.
[11] And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines,
and smote them, until they came under Beth-car.
[12] Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and
called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
[13] So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast
of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days
of Samuel.
[14] And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were
restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did
Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace
between Israel and the Amorites.
[15] And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
[16] And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and
Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
[17] And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he
judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD. 

1 SAMUEL 8

Israel Demands a King
1 (Dt 16:18-19) And it came about when Samuel was old, that he installed
his sons as judges for Israel. 
2 Now the name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second 
son was Abijah. They were judging in Beersheba. 
3 (Dt 16:19; Ps 15:5) But his sons did not walk in his way, for they followed 
after unlawful gain, and they took bribes, and they perverted justice.
4 (1Sa 7:17) And all the elders of Israel gathered together and they came 
to Samuel at Ramah. 
5 (Dt 17:14-15; 1Sa 8:19-20) They said to him, "You are old and your sons 
do not walk in your ways. Now, install for us a king to govern us like 
all the nations."
6 (1Sa 15:11; 12:17) But the thing was evil in the eyes of Samuel, 
because they said, "Give us a king to govern us." 
And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 
7 (Ex 16:8; 1Sa 10:19) The Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people 
in relation to all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected,
but Me they have rejected from reigning over them. 
8 Just as all the deeds which they have done to Me, from the day I brought 
them up from Egypt even to this day, in that they have forsaken Me 
and have served other gods, so they are doing also to you now. 
9 (1Sa 8:11-18; 10:25) Now then, obey their voice. Only you will testify 
against them and proclaim to them the judgment concerning the king 
who will reign over them."
10 So Samuel said all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking 
from him a king. 
11 (1Sa 10:25; 14:52) And he said, "This will be the judgment concerning
the king who will reign over you: Your sons he will take in order to place 
them for himself in his chariots and as his horsemen, and they will run 
before his chariot,
12 and in order to assign for himself captains of thousands and captains
of fifties, and to plow his ground, and to gather in his harvest, 
and to make his weapons of war and the equipment of his chariots. 
13 And your daughters he will take for perfumers, and cooks, and bakers. 
14 (1Ki 21:7; Eze 46:18) And your choicest fields, and vineyards, 
and olive groves he will take and give them to his servants. 
15 And of your seed fields and your vineyards he will take a tenth 
of their harvest and will give it to his high officials and to his servants. 
16 And your menservants and your maidservants, and the best of your 
young men and asses he will take and make do his work. 
17 Your flocks he will take a tenth of, but you will be his for slaves. 
18 (Isa 1:15; Mic 3:4) And you will cry out in that day because of your king, 
whom you have chosen for yourselves, 
but the Lord will not answer you in that day."
19 (Jer 44:16_ But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. 
And they said, "No! But surely a king will be over us! 
20 (1Sa 8:5) So that we also will be like all the nations! 
And so that our king will govern us, and will go out before us, 
and will fight our battles."
21 (Jdg 11:11) And after Samuel heard all the words of the people, 
he spoke them in the hearing of the Lord. 
22 (1Sa 8:7; Hos 13:11) And the Lord said to Samuel,
"Obey their voice, and make for them a king."
So Samuel said to Israel's fighting men, 
"Go every man to his city."

1 Samuel 8
[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges
over Israel.
[2] Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second,
Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
[3] And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and
took bribes, and perverted judgment.
[4] Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to
Samuel unto Ramah,
[5] And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy
ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
[6] But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge
us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
[7] And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in
all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have
rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
[8] According to all the works which they have done since the day that I
brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have
forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
[9] Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly
unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
[10] And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of
him a king.
[11] And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over
you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots,
and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
[12] And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over
fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and
to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
[13] And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks,
and to be bakers.
[14] And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards,
even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
[15] And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and
give to his officers, and to his servants.
[16] And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your
goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
[17] He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
[18] And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall
have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
[19] Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they
said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
[20] That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge
us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
[21] And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in
the ears of the LORD.
[22] And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a
king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 8 April 2026 titled <a href="https://www.odbm.org/en
/devotionals/devotional-category/god-our-provider"> God Our Provider </a>

Matthew 17:24-27

Payment of the Temple Tax

24 (Ex 30:13; 38:26; Mk 9:33) When they came to Capernaum, those who collected
tax money came to Peter and said,
"Does your Teacher not pay the tax[Dt 25:5.]?"
25 Mt 22:17; 22:19He said, "Yes."
And when he came home, Jesus stopped him, saying, "What do you think, Simon?
From whom do the kings of the earth take custom or taxes?
From their own sons or from strangers?"
26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers."
Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
27 (1Co 8:13)However, lest we offend them, go to the sea and cast a hook,
and take the first fish that comes up. And when you open its mouth,
you will find a coin. Take it and give it to them for you and Me."

[24] And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money
came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
[25] He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented
him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth
take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
[26] Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the
children free.
[27] Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and
cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast
opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto
them for me and thee. 

In 2024, teenager Keegan happily reeled in a two-foot barramundi. But his 
happiness became elation when his little sister pointed out a tag on the fish.
His catch was worth one million dollars as part of an Australian fishing 
competition. The annual event had been held since 2015; 
Keegan was the first to win the coveted top cash prize. 

However slim the odds of catching that fish, the odds were far lower that a 
fish caught at random would have a coin in its mouth. But in Matthew's gospel,
Jesus instructed His disciple Peter to "go to the lake and . . . take the 
first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin" 
(17:27).

The context of this unlikely catch was a question of whether Jesus paid the 
temple tax (v. 24). The irony of insisting that Jesus - God's Son - pay a tax 
to support God's temple, wasn't lost on Him. He pointed out that the king's 
children don't pay taxes to the king (vv. 25-26).

But there was no need to "cause offense" and distract others from His teaching
by being perceived as a tax evader (v. 27). So Jesus instructed Peter to catch
that fish, which had the exact amount to pay both His and Peter's tax! Perhaps
in part it was a reminder to Peter - and to us - that God is a provider who is
always with His children as they follow Him.

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced unlikely events in which you saw God's hand at work?
How does trusting Him free you to live in obedience?

Loving God, please help me rest in Your provision as I follow You.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness

Luke 17:3 - 4

3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,
forgive him.
4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,
'I repent,' you must forgive him."

3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;
thou shalt forgive him.

The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'
disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through
Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,
21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,
"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?
Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)
The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to
develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be
forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if
he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!
But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,
forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"
And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They
were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the
outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.
We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far
- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're
forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".
He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance
for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.
That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our
checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.
Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God
and been forgiven, we are to forgive.

Application

a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I
have forgiven ? Why?

b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as
Jesus calls me to?  


4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Deut 30:19-20

19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

God's Freeing Forgiveness

Ps 103:1-14

PSALMS 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer 

Matthew 6:9-13

9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)

Manitoba

Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba

Manitoba 2015 population  1 282 000

est Muslim Population      21 349

CNMM Networks: Winnipeg

The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. 
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting 
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size 
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba. 
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.

Let us intercede in unity for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim 
  communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
  background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith  in Jesus and stood her ground
  in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
   with great support

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020 

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid  celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that 
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you 
know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 :  17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; 
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, 
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants 
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below: 
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]

Footnotes
	Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15  : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under 
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the 
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

8th Day of the Month

a)  Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer 
and never cease to call upon God

(
Is 62:6

6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;

6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold 
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Ps 5:3 

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Ps 55:17

17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.

)

b) Pray for the province of Manitoba

I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, 
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings
and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life 
in all godliness and honesty, 
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come 
to the knowledge of the truth.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; 
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 
4 who will have all men to be saved, 
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign 
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus 

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to leave a good legacy in His name.

Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, please help me rest in Your 
provision as I follow You."

Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving without a scorecard. 

Pray to the Lord and pray to cleave to Him.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know He who created you.

Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim 
  communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
  background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith  in Jesus and stood her ground
  in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
   with great support

Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer 
and never cease to call upon God

Pray that the people of <a href="https://www.vomcanada.com/benin.htm">Benin</a>
will flee from voodoo practices and find spiritual freedom in Christ.

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God
-- 
Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected]
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
All I want to hear from Jesus is WEll Done Good and Faithful Servant.