Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Samuel 2:1a - The News Arrives in Ziklag

The news of Saul's death arrives in Ziklag via a strange messenger.

Samuel 1:31 - The First King of Israel is Gone

We read of the demise of King Saul in battle, the Philistine's abuse of his remains, and the honor accorded to him by the people he saved many years ago.

Samuel 1:30b - David’s Rescues the Captives

As a result of acting kindly to a dying Egyptian slave, David is led to the encampment of the Amalekites.  He rescues the captives and scores a major victory against the bandits.  David teaches the people how to fairly distribute the spoils of war.

Samuel 1:30a - The Devastation of Ziklag

David and his men return to Ziklag to find their hometown ravaged and destroyed by the Amalekites.  David faces one of the most difficult tests of his leadership.

Samuel1:29 - David's Close Call

David gets saved from a very sticky situation at the last minute.

Samuel1:29 - David’s Close Call

David gets saved from a very sticky situation at the last minute.

Samuel 1:28 - The Ralbag (Gersonides) Approach

The Ralbag offers an incredibly sophisticated and natural explanation for the strange events of our chapter.  Using his approach, we uncover even deeper layers of meaing in this fascinating chapter.

Samuel 1:28 - Rabbi Chafni Gaon Approach

We explore a completely different understanding of this chapter according to the approach of Rabbi Chafni Gaon.  This very rationalist understanding leads us to some profound insights into the failure of Saul to lead the people and why he was unworthy as a King.

Samuel 1:28 - The Saadiah Gaon Approach

We discuss a second, slightly more "rationalistic" approach to understanding this fascinating chapter.  In this understanding, a miracle from God has just occurred.

Samuel 1:28 - The Ramban Approach

This unusual chapter in Tanach has many ways of understanding it, we begin a series of analysis with the approach of the mystics.