Reading the Bible in One Year as One Story
Bible Readings 2026, Week 14; March 30–April 5
Verse of the week to live by: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" (Ps. 27:1)
March 30; Stage 3: Redemption 1 Sam. 7–9
1 Sam. 7:15; "Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."
What did the role of a "judge" involve in Israel during this transition from the tribal period to the monarchy?
1 Sam. 8:1–3; "Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice."
In what specific ways did Samuel's sons fail, and how did their corruption lead the people to demand a king?
1 Sam. 9:1–2; "Saul, a handsome young man... from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people."
What details does the text emphasize about Saul's appearance and status? Why would these traits have impressed an Israelite audience looking for a leader?
March 31; Stage 3: Redemption 1 Sam. 10–13
1 Sam. 10:1–2; "Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head... 'Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel?'"
What specific actions and signs were given to Saul to confirm his calling?
1 Sam. 11:14–15; "Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom."
What actions take place at Gilgal, and how does the people's response finalize Saul's kingship?
1 Sam. 12:21–25; "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart... But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king."
What commands and warnings does Samuel give to the nation as he steps back from leadership?
April 1; Stage 3: Redemption 1 Sam. 14–16
1 Sam. 14:45–46; "So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die."
What is the significance of the people "ransoming" Jonathan? How does this concept of rescue echo broader biblical themes of redemption?
1 Sam. 15:10–11; "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me."
How does Saul's selective obedience (sparing the best of the livestock) reflect a deeper issue of the heart?
1 Sam. 16:13; "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward."
How does David, the anointed king empowered by the Spirit, point forward to Jesus Christ—the ultimate Messiah (Anointed One)?
April 2; Stage 3: Redemption 1 Sam. 17–19
1 Sam. 17:45; "I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
How does David, as the representative of Israel defeating Goliath, point forward to Christ defeating sin and death on behalf of His people?
1 Sam. 18:5; "And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him."
How does David's success reflect the theme of God's blessing on His chosen servant, similar to the story of Joseph in Genesis?
1 Sam. 19:9; "Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul... And David was playing the lyre."
David brings temporary relief to Saul through music—how does this point to Christ, who brings true and lasting peace from spiritual oppression?
April 3; Stage 3: Redemption 1 Sam. 20; Ps 11, 59
1 Sam. 20:41–42; "The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever."
How does Jonathan's selfless love and covenant loyalty to David anticipate Christ, who binds Himself to His people in an everlasting covenant?
Ps. 11; "The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven" (v.4).
How does this perspective on God's sovereignty help David (and us) when the "foundations are being destroyed"?
Ps. 59; How does this Psalm teach us to respond when facing hostility, injustice, or personal attacks?
April 4; Stage 3: Redemption 1 Sam. 21–24
1 Sam. 21:6; "So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence."
How does the "bread of the Presence" (Showbread) symbolize God's continual provision and fellowship with His people?
1 Sam. 22:1–2; "And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt... gathered to him. And he became commander over them."
How does David gathering the broken and marginalized foreshadow Jesus calling the weary and burdened (Matt. 11:28)?
1 Sam. 23:15–18; "And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David... and strengthened his hand in God."
How does this passage show that God sustains His people through the encouragement of others during seasons of fear?
April 5; Stage 3: Redemption Ps. 7, 27, 31
Ps. 7; What situation is David facing here, and how does he describe his own innocence before God's righteous judgment?
Ps. 27; Based on your reading in 1 Samuel, what specific fears and dangers was David likely facing when he wrote, "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear"?
Ps. 31; David cries out, "Into your hand I commit my spirit." How does this express total trust in the LORD during a time of extreme opposition?