16-19 “Why ask me?” said Samuel. “God has turned away from you and is now on the side of your neighbor. God has done exactly what he told you through me—ripped the kingdom right out of your hands and given it to your neighbor. It’s because you did not obey God, refused to carry out his seething judgment on Amalek, that God does to you what he is doing today. Worse yet, God is turning Israel, along with you, over to the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And, yes, indeed, God is giving Israel’s army up to the Philistines.”

20-22 Saul dropped to the ground, felled like a tree, terrified by Samuel’s words. There wasn’t an ounce of strength left in him—he’d eaten nothing all day and all night. The woman, realizing that he was in deep shock, said to him, “Listen to me. I did what you asked me to do, put my life in your hands in doing it, carried out your instructions to the letter. It’s your turn to do what I tell you: Let me give you some food. Eat it. It will give you strength so you can get on your way.”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $8.48
Save: $31.51 (79%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible--soft leather-look, brown
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $36.98
Save: $13.01 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
The Message for Graduates
The Message for Graduates
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $1.80
Save: $11.19 (86%)
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $4.74
Save: $35.25 (88%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars