Bible stories to read together.

Samson and the Philistines

A bitter chain of revenge brought destruction, and later God gave Samson water when he cried out in his need.

Judges 15:1–20Read story

Samson Escapes from Gaza

In Gaza, men of the city wait to kill Samson, but in the night he tears up the city gate and carries it away.

Judges 16:1–3Read story

Samson and Delilah

Samson is betrayed, captured by the Philistines, and in his last moments calls on God in the house of Dagon.

Judges 16:4–31Read story

Micah's Idols and the Danites

A household shrine in Ephraim became part of a larger act of false worship and violence when the Danites carried it away.

Judges 17:1–18:31Read story

The Crime at Gibeah and War with Benjamin

A terrible crime at Gibeah led Israel into grief, civil war, and even more sinful choices.

Judges 19:1–21:25Read story

Ruth and Naomi Return to Bethlehem

After great loss in Moab, Naomi returned to Bethlehem, and Ruth chose to go with her.

Ruth 1:1–22Read story

Ruth Meets Boaz

Ruth goes to glean barley and receives unexpected kindness from Boaz.

Ruth 2:1–23Read story

Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor

Ruth carefully asks Boaz to act as her family's redeemer, and Boaz answers with kindness and honesty.

Ruth 3:1–18Read story

Boaz Marries Ruth

At the town gate, Boaz settles the family redemption in public, marries Ruth, and Naomi’s family receives a son.

Ruth 4:1–17Read story

1 Samuel 1:1–28Read story

Hannah Prays and Samuel Is Born

Hannah brings her sorrow to the Lord, and when her son is born she keeps her promise to give him to the Lord.

Eli’s Sons and the Warning to Eli

At Shiloh, Eli’s sons abused holy things, and a man of God brought Eli a grave warning from the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:12–36Read story

1 Samuel 3:1–21Read story

God Calls Samuel

During the night at Shiloh, God called Samuel and gave him a difficult message for Eli.

The Ark Is Captured and Eli Dies

After two defeats in battle, the ark was captured, and terrible news brought grief to Eli’s house.

1 Samuel 4:1–22Read story

The Ark among the Philistines

After the Philistines captured the ark, trouble followed it from city to city until they sent it back.

1 Samuel 5:1–6:21Read story

1 Samuel 7:1–17Read story

Samuel Leads Israel at Mizpah

When Israel turned back to the Lord, Samuel prayed, and God helped them at Mizpah.

1 Samuel 8:1–22Read story

Israel Asks for a King

Israel’s elders ask Samuel for a king, and God tells Samuel to warn them what that choice will mean.

1 Samuel 9:1–10:27Read story

Saul Is Chosen as King

While searching for lost donkeys, Saul is led to Samuel and learns that God has chosen him to lead Israel.

1 Samuel 11:1–15Read story

Saul Rescues Jabesh-gilead

When Jabesh-gilead was threatened, Saul gathered Israel to rescue them, and the people confirmed him as king before the Lord.

1 Samuel 13:1–23Read story

Saul Offers the Sacrifice

With the Philistines pressing hard against Israel, Saul acted before Samuel arrived and was rebuked for disobeying God's command.

1 Samuel 14:1–23Read story

Jonathan and His Armour-Bearer

Jonathan slipped away toward a Philistine garrison, trusting that the Lord could save whether fighters were many or few.

1 Samuel 14:24–46Read story

Jonathan, the Honey and Saul's Oath

A strict oath, a little honey, and a weary army led to sin, discovery, and Jonathan's rescue.

Saul Disobeys and Samuel Confronts Him

Samuel gave Saul the Lord’s command, but Saul changed it, and Samuel showed him that disobeying God had serious consequences.

1 Samuel 15:1–35Read story

1 Samuel 16:14–23Read story

David Plays Music for Saul

When Saul was troubled, his servants brought David to play the harp before him.