Wednesday 17 January 2029

1Now there was a man of Benjamin,whose name was Kish the son of Abiel,the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath,the son of Aphiah,the son of a Benjamite,a mighty man of valor.2He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man;and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he.From his shouldersand upward he was taller than any of the people.

3The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost.Kish said to Saul his son,“Now take one of the servants with you,and arise, go look for the donkeys.”4He passed through the hill country of Ephraim,and passed through the land of Shalishah,but they didn’t find them.Then they passed through the land of Shaalim,and they weren’t there.Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites,but they didn’t find them.

· · · verses 5–16 are not read17When Samuel saw Saul,the Lord said to him,“Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you!He will have authority over my people.”

18Then Saul approached Samuel in the gateway,and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”

19Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer.Go up before me to the high place,for you are to eat with me today.In the morning I will let you goand will tell you all that is in your heart.

· · · some verses are not read1Then Samuel took the vial of oiland poured it on his head,then kissed him and said,“Hasn’t the Lord anointed you to be prince over his inheritance?

1The Lord says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand,until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”

2The Lord will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.Rule among your enemies.

3Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.

4The Lord has sworn, and will not change his mind:“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

1He entered again into the synagogue,and there was a man there whose hand was withered.2They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day,that they might accuse him.3He said to the man whose hand was withered, “Stand up.”4He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm?To save a life or to kill?”But they were silent.5When he had looked around at them with anger,being grieved at the hardening of their hearts,he said to the man,“Stretch out your hand.”He stretched it out,and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.6The Pharisees went out,and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him,how they might destroy him.