# verses

text:
That very day Gideon’s father named him Jerub-Baal, because he had said,“Let Baal fight with him, for it was his altar that was pulled down.”

normalized_text:
that very day gideon s father named him jerub baal because he had said let baal fight with him for it was his altar that was pulled down


text:
Gideon Summons an Army and Seeks Confirmation All the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east assembled. They crossed the Jordan River and camped in the Jezreel Valley.

normalized_text:
gideon summons an army and seeks confirmation all the midianites amalekites and the people from the east assembled they crossed the jordan river and camped in the jezreel valley


normalized_text: the lord s spirit took control of gideon he blew a trumpet summoning the abiezrites to follow him
text:
The LORD’s Spirit took control of Gideon. He blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.


text:
He sent messengers throughout Manasseh and summoned them to follow him as well. He also sent messengers throughout Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they came up to meet him.

normalized_text:
he sent messengers throughout manasseh and summoned them to follow him as well he also sent messengers throughout asher zebulun and naphtali and they came up to meet him


text:
Gideon said to God,“If you really intend to use me to deliver Israel, as you promised, then give me a sign as proof.

normalized_text:
gideon said to god if you really intend to use me to deliver israel as you promised then give me a sign as proof


text:
Look, I am putting a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece, and the ground around it is dry, then I will be sure that you will use me to deliver Israel, as you promised.”

normalized_text:
look i am putting a wool fleece on the threshing floor if there is dew only on the fleece and the ground around it is dry then i will be sure that you will use me to deliver israel as you promised


text:
The LORD did as he asked. When he got up the next morning, he squeezed the fleece, and enough dew dripped from it to fill a bowl.

normalized_text:
the lord did as he asked when he got up the next morning he squeezed the fleece and enough dew dripped from it to fill a bowl


text:
Gideon said to God,“Please do not get angry at me, when I ask for just one more sign. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make only the fleece dry, while the ground around it is covered with dew.”

normalized_text:
gideon said to god please do not get angry at me when i ask for just one more sign please allow me one more test with the fleece this time make only the fleece dry while the ground around it is covered with dew


text:
That night God did as he asked. Only the fleece was dry and the ground around it was covered with dew.

normalized_text:
that night god did as he asked only the fleece was dry and the ground around it was covered with dew


text:
Gideon Reduces the Ranks Jerub-Baal(that is, Gideon) and his men got up the next morning and camped near the spring of Harod. The Midianites were camped north of them near the hill of Moreh in the valley.

normalized_text:
gideon reduces the ranks jerub baal that is gideon and his men got up the next morning and camped near the spring of harod the midianites were camped north of them near the hill of moreh in the valley


text:
The LORD said to Gideon,“You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you. Israel might brag,‘Our own strength has delivered us.’

normalized_text:
the lord said to gideon you have too many men for me to hand midian over to you israel might brag our own strength has delivered us


text:
Now, announce to the men,‘Whoever is shaking with fear may turn around and leave Mount Gilead.’” Twenty-two thousand men went home; ten thousand remained.

normalized_text:
now announce to the men whoever is shaking with fear may turn around and leave mount gilead twenty two thousand men went home ten thousand remained


text:
The LORD spoke to Gideon again,“There are still too many men. Bring them down to the water and I will thin the ranks some more. When I say,‘This one should go with you,’ pick him to go; when I say,‘This one should not go with you,’ do not take him.”

normalized_text:
the lord spoke to gideon again there are still too many men bring them down to the water and i will thin the ranks some more when i say this one should go with you pick him to go when i say this one should not go with you do not take him


text:
So he brought the men down to the water. Then the LORD said to Gideon,“Separate those who lap the water as a dog laps from those who kneel to drink.”

normalized_text:
so he brought the men down to the water then the lord said to gideon separate those who lap the water as a dog laps from those who kneel to drink


text:
Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths; the rest of the men kneeled to drink water.

normalized_text:
three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths the rest of the men kneeled to drink water


text:
The LORD said to Gideon,“With the three hundred men who lapped I will deliver the whole army and I will hand Midian over to you. The rest of the men should go home.”

normalized_text:
the lord said to gideon with the three hundred men who lapped i will deliver the whole army and i will hand midian over to you the rest of the men should go home


text:
The men who were chosen took supplies and their trumpets. Gideon sent all the men of Israel back to their homes; he kept only three hundred men. Now the Midianites were camped down below in the valley.

normalized_text:
the men who were chosen took supplies and their trumpets gideon sent all the men of israel back to their homes he kept only three hundred men now the midianites were camped down below in the valley


text:
Gideon Reassured of Victory That night the LORD said to Gideon,“Get up! Attack the camp, for I am handing it over to you.

normalized_text:
gideon reassured of victory that night the lord said to gideon get up attack the camp for i am handing it over to you


text:
and listen to what they are saying. Then you will be brave and attack the camp.” So he went down with Purah his servant to where the sentries were guarding the camp.

normalized_text:
and listen to what they are saying then you will be brave and attack the camp so he went down with purah his servant to where the sentries were guarding the camp


text:
Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east covered the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels could not be counted; they were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore.

normalized_text:
now the midianites amalekites and the people from the east covered the valley like a swarm of locusts their camels could not be counted they were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore


text:
When Gideon arrived, he heard a man telling another man about a dream he had. The man said,“Look! I had a dream. I saw a stale cake of barley bread rolling into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent so hard it knocked it over and turned it upside down. The tent just collapsed.”

normalized_text:
when gideon arrived he heard a man telling another man about a dream he had the man said look i had a dream i saw a stale cake of barley bread rolling into the midianite camp it hit a tent so hard it knocked it over and turned it upside down the tent just collapsed


text:
The other man said,“Without a doubt this symbolizes the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God is handing Midian and all the army over to him.”

normalized_text:
the other man said without a doubt this symbolizes the sword of gideon son of joash the israelite god is handing midian and all the army over to him


text:
Gideon Routs the Enemy When Gideon heard the report of the dream and its interpretation, he praised God. Then he went back to the Israelite camp and said,“Get up, for the LORD is handing the Midianite army over to you!”

normalized_text:
gideon routs the enemy when gideon heard the report of the dream and its interpretation he praised god then he went back to the israelite camp and said get up for the lord is handing the midianite army over to you


text:
He divided the three hundred men into three units. He gave them all trumpets and empty jars with torches inside them.

normalized_text:
he divided the three hundred men into three units he gave them all trumpets and empty jars with torches inside them


normalized_text: he said to them watch me and do as i do watch closely i am going to the edge of the camp do as i do
text:
He said to them,“Watch me and do as I do. Watch closely! I am going to the edge of the camp. Do as I do!


text:
When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, you also blow your trumpets all around the camp. Then say,‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’”

normalized_text:
when i and all who are with me blow our trumpets you also blow your trumpets all around the camp then say for the lord and for gideon


text:
Gideon took a hundred men to the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guards. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars they were carrying.

normalized_text:
gideon took a hundred men to the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch just after they had changed the guards they blew their trumpets and broke the jars they were carrying


text:
All three units blew their trumpets and broke their jars. They held the torches in their left hand and the trumpets in their right. Then they yelled,“A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”

normalized_text:
all three units blew their trumpets and broke their jars they held the torches in their left hand and the trumpets in their right then they yelled a sword for the lord and for gideon


normalized_text: they stood in order all around the camp the whole army ran away they shouted as they scrambled away
text:
They stood in order all around the camp. The whole army ran away; they shouted as they scrambled away.


text:
When the three hundred men blew their trumpets, the LORD caused the Midianites to attack one another with their swords throughout the camp. The army fled to Beth Shittah on the way to Zererah. They went to the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.

normalized_text:
when the three hundred men blew their trumpets the lord caused the midianites to attack one another with their swords throughout the camp the army fled to beth shittah on the way to zererah they went to the border of abel meholah near tabbath


text:
Gideon Appeases the Ephraimites Now Gideon sent messengers throughout the Ephraimite hill country who announced,“Go down and head off the Midianites. Take control of the fords of the streams all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River.” When all the Ephraimites had assembled, they took control of the fords all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River.

normalized_text:
gideon appeases the ephraimites now gideon sent messengers throughout the ephraimite hill country who announced go down and head off the midianites take control of the fords of the streams all the way to beth barah and the jordan river when all the ephraimites had assembled they took control of the fords all the way to beth barah and the jordan river


text:
They captured the two Midianite generals, Oreb and Zeeb. They executed Oreb on the rock of Oreb and Zeeb in the winepress of Zeeb. They chased the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was now on the other side of the Jordan River.

normalized_text:
they captured the two midianite generals oreb and zeeb they executed oreb on the rock of oreb and zeeb in the winepress of zeeb they chased the midianites and brought the heads of oreb and zeeb to gideon who was now on the other side of the jordan river


text:
The Ephraimites said to him,“Why have you done such a thing to us? You did not summon us when you went to fight the Midianites!” They argued vehemently with him.

normalized_text:
the ephraimites said to him why have you done such a thing to us you did not summon us when you went to fight the midianites they argued vehemently with him


text:
He said to them,“Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Even Ephraim’s leftover grapes are better quality than Abiezer’s harvest!

normalized_text:
he said to them now what have i accomplished compared to you even ephraim s leftover grapes are better quality than abiezer s harvest


text:
It was to you that God handed over the Midianite generals, Oreb and Zeeb! What did I accomplish to rival that?” When he said this, they calmed down.

normalized_text:
it was to you that god handed over the midianite generals oreb and zeeb what did i accomplish to rival that when he said this they calmed down


text:
Gideon Tracks Down the Midianite Kings Now Gideon and his three hundred men had crossed over the Jordan River, and even though they were exhausted, they were still chasing the Midianites.

normalized_text:
gideon tracks down the midianite kings now gideon and his three hundred men had crossed over the jordan river and even though they were exhausted they were still chasing the midianites


text:
He said to the men of Succoth,“Give some loaves of bread to the men who are following me, because they are exhausted. I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

normalized_text:
he said to the men of succoth give some loaves of bread to the men who are following me because they are exhausted i am chasing zebah and zalmunna the kings of midian


text:
The officials of Succoth said,“You have not yet overpowered Zebah and Zalmunna. So why should we give bread to your army?”

normalized_text:
the officials of succoth said you have not yet overpowered zebah and zalmunna so why should we give bread to your army


text:
Gideon said,“Since you will not help, after the LORD hands Zebah and Zalmunna over to me, I will thresh your skin with desert thorns and briers.”

normalized_text:
gideon said since you will not help after the lord hands zebah and zalmunna over to me i will thresh your skin with desert thorns and briers


text:
He went up from there to Penuel and made the same request. The men of Penuel responded the same way the men of Succoth had.

normalized_text:
he went up from there to penuel and made the same request the men of penuel responded the same way the men of succoth had


normalized_text: he also threatened the men of penuel warning when i return victoriously i will tear down this tower
text:
He also threatened the men of Penuel, warning,“When I return victoriously, I will tear down this tower.”


text:
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their armies. There were about fifteen thousand survivors from the army of the eastern peoples; a hundred and twenty thousand sword-wielding soldiers had been killed.

normalized_text:
now zebah and zalmunna were in karkor with their armies there were about fifteen thousand survivors from the army of the eastern peoples a hundred and twenty thousand sword wielding soldiers had been killed


text:
When Zebah and Zalmunna ran away, Gideon chased them and captured the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. He had surprised their entire army.

normalized_text:
when zebah and zalmunna ran away gideon chased them and captured the two midianite kings zebah and zalmunna he had surprised their entire army


text:
He captured a young man from Succoth and interrogated him. The young man wrote down for him the names of Succoth’s officials and city leaders– seventy-seven men in all.

normalized_text:
he captured a young man from succoth and interrogated him the young man wrote down for him the names of succoth s officials and city leaders seventy seven men in all


text:
He approached the men of Succoth and said,“Look what I have! Zebah and Zalmunna! You insulted me, saying,‘You have not yet overpowered Zebah and Zalmunna. So why should we give bread to your exhausted men?’”

normalized_text:
he approached the men of succoth and said look what i have zebah and zalmunna you insulted me saying you have not yet overpowered zebah and zalmunna so why should we give bread to your exhausted men


text:
He seized the leaders of the city, along with some desert thorns and briers; he then“threshed” the men of Succoth with them.

normalized_text:
he seized the leaders of the city along with some desert thorns and briers he then threshed the men of succoth with them


text:
He said to Zebah and Zalmunna,“Describe for me the men you killed at Tabor.” They said,“They were like you. Each one looked like a king’s son.”

normalized_text:
he said to zebah and zalmunna describe for me the men you killed at tabor they said they were like you each one looked like a king s son


text:
He said,“They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. I swear, as surely as the LORD is alive, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.”

normalized_text:
he said they were my brothers the sons of my mother i swear as surely as the lord is alive if you had let them live i would not kill you


text:
He ordered Jether his firstborn son,“Come on! Kill them!” But Jether was too afraid to draw his sword, because he was still young.

normalized_text:
he ordered jether his firstborn son come on kill them but jether was too afraid to draw his sword because he was still young


text:
Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon,“Come on, you strike us, for a man is judged by his strength.” So Gideon killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent-shaped ornaments which were on the necks of their camels.

normalized_text:
zebah and zalmunna said to gideon come on you strike us for a man is judged by his strength so gideon killed zebah and zalmunna and he took the crescent shaped ornaments which were on the necks of their camels


text:
Gideon Rejects a Crown but Makes an Ephod The men of Israel said to Gideon,“Rule over us– you, your son, and your grandson. For you have delivered us from Midian’s power.”

normalized_text:
gideon rejects a crown but makes an ephod the men of israel said to gideon rule over us you your son and your grandson for you have delivered us from midian s power


text:
Gideon said to them,“I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.”

normalized_text:
gideon said to them i will not rule over you nor will my son rule over you the lord will rule over you


text:
Gideon continued,“I would like to make one request. Each of you give me an earring from the plunder you have taken.”(The Midianites had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.)

normalized_text:
gideon continued i would like to make one request each of you give me an earring from the plunder you have taken the midianites had gold earrings because they were ishmaelites


text:
They said,“We are happy to give you earrings.” So they spread out a garment, and each one threw an earring from his plunder onto it.

normalized_text:
they said we are happy to give you earrings so they spread out a garment and each one threw an earring from his plunder onto it


text:
The total weight of the gold earrings he requested came to seventeen hundred gold shekels. This was in addition to the crescent-shaped ornaments, jewelry, purple clothing worn by the Midianite kings, and the necklaces on the camels.

normalized_text:
the total weight of the gold earrings he requested came to seventeen hundred gold shekels this was in addition to the crescent shaped ornaments jewelry purple clothing worn by the midianite kings and the necklaces on the camels


text:
Gideon used all this to make an ephod, which he put in his hometown of Ophrah. All the Israelites prostituted themselves to it by worshiping it there. It became a snare to Gideon and his family.

normalized_text:
gideon used all this to make an ephod which he put in his hometown of ophrah all the israelites prostituted themselves to it by worshiping it there it became a snare to gideon and his family


text:
Gideon’s Story Ends The Israelites humiliated Midian; the Midianites’ fighting spirit was broken. The land had rest for forty years during Gideon’s time.

normalized_text:
gideon s story ends the israelites humiliated midian the midianites fighting spirit was broken the land had rest for forty years during gideon s time


text:
Gideon son of Joash died at a very old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash located in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

normalized_text:
gideon son of joash died at a very old age and was buried in the tomb of his father joash located in ophrah of the abiezrites


text:
Israel Returns to Baal-Worship After Gideon died, the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They made Baal-Berith their god.

normalized_text:
israel returns to baal worship after gideon died the israelites again prostituted themselves to the baals they made baal berith their god


text:
The Israelites did not remain true to the LORD their God, who had delivered them from all the enemies who lived around them.

normalized_text:
the israelites did not remain true to the lord their god who had delivered them from all the enemies who lived around them


text:
They did not treat the family of Jerub-Baal(that is, Gideon) fairly in return for all the good he had done for Israel.

normalized_text:
they did not treat the family of jerub baal that is gideon fairly in return for all the good he had done for israel


text:
Abimelech Murders His Brothers Now Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to Shechem to see his mother’s relatives. He said to them and to his mother’s entire extended family,

normalized_text:
abimelech murders his brothers now abimelech son of jerub baal went to shechem to see his mother s relatives he said to them and to his mother s entire extended family


text:
“Tell all the leaders of Shechem this:‘Why would you want to have seventy men, all Jerub-Baal’s sons, ruling over you, when you can have just one ruler? Recall that I am your own flesh and blood.’”

normalized_text:
tell all the leaders of shechem this why would you want to have seventy men all jerub baal s sons ruling over you when you can have just one ruler recall that i am your own flesh and blood


text:
His mother’s relatives spoke on his behalf to all the leaders of Shechem and reported his proposal. The leaders were drawn to Abimelech; they said,“He is our close relative.”

normalized_text:
his mother s relatives spoke on his behalf to all the leaders of shechem and reported his proposal the leaders were drawn to abimelech they said he is our close relative


text:
They paid him seventy silver shekels out of the temple of Baal-Berith. Abimelech then used the silver to hire some lawless, dangerous men as his followers.

normalized_text:
they paid him seventy silver shekels out of the temple of baal berith abimelech then used the silver to hire some lawless dangerous men as his followers


text:
He went to his father’s home in Ophrah and murdered his half-brothers, the seventy legitimate sons of Jerub-Baal, on one stone. Only Jotham, Jerub-Baal’s youngest son, escaped, because he hid.

normalized_text:
he went to his father s home in ophrah and murdered his half brothers the seventy legitimate sons of jerub baal on one stone only jotham jerub baal s youngest son escaped because he hid


text:
All the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo assembled and then went and made Abimelech king by the oak near the pillar in Shechem.

normalized_text:
all the leaders of shechem and beth millo assembled and then went and made abimelech king by the oak near the pillar in shechem


text:
Jotham’s Parable When Jotham heard the news, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim. He spoke loudly to the people below,“Listen to me, leaders of Shechem, so that God may listen to you!

normalized_text:
jotham s parable when jotham heard the news he went and stood on the top of mount gerizim he spoke loudly to the people below listen to me leaders of shechem so that god may listen to you


text:
“The trees were determined to go out and choose a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree,‘Be our king!’

normalized_text:
the trees were determined to go out and choose a king for themselves they said to the olive tree be our king


text:
But the olive tree said to them,‘I am not going to stop producing my oil, which is used to honor gods and men, just to sway above the other trees!’

normalized_text:
but the olive tree said to them i am not going to stop producing my oil which is used to honor gods and men just to sway above the other trees


text:
But the fig tree said to them,‘I am not going to stop producing my sweet figs, my excellent fruit, just to sway above the other trees!’

normalized_text:
but the fig tree said to them i am not going to stop producing my sweet figs my excellent fruit just to sway above the other trees


text:
But the grapevine said to them,‘I am not going to stop producing my wine, which makes gods and men so happy, just to sway above the other trees!’

normalized_text:
but the grapevine said to them i am not going to stop producing my wine which makes gods and men so happy just to sway above the other trees


text:
The thornbush said to the trees,‘If you really want to choose me as your king, then come along, find safety under my branches! Otherwise may fire blaze from the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’

normalized_text:
the thornbush said to the trees if you really want to choose me as your king then come along find safety under my branches otherwise may fire blaze from the thornbush and consume the cedars of lebanon


text:
“Now, if you have shown loyalty and integrity when you made Abimelech king, if you have done right to Jerub-Baal and his family, if you have properly repaid him–

normalized_text:
now if you have shown loyalty and integrity when you made abimelech king if you have done right to jerub baal and his family if you have properly repaid him


text:
But you have attacked my father’s family today. You murdered his seventy legitimate sons on one stone and made Abimelech, the son of his female slave, king over the leaders of Shechem, just because he is your close relative.

normalized_text:
but you have attacked my father s family today you murdered his seventy legitimate sons on one stone and made abimelech the son of his female slave king over the leaders of shechem just because he is your close relative


text:
So if you have shown loyalty and integrity to Jerub-Baal and his family today, then may Abimelech bring you happiness and may you bring him happiness!

normalized_text:
so if you have shown loyalty and integrity to jerub baal and his family today then may abimelech bring you happiness and may you bring him happiness


text:
But if not, may fire blaze from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo! May fire also blaze from the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo and consume Abimelech!”

normalized_text:
but if not may fire blaze from abimelech and consume the leaders of shechem and beth millo may fire also blaze from the leaders of shechem and beth millo and consume abimelech


text:
God sent a spirit to stir up hostility between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. He made the leaders of Shechem disloyal to Abimelech.

normalized_text:
god sent a spirit to stir up hostility between abimelech and the leaders of shechem he made the leaders of shechem disloyal to abimelech


text:
He did this so the violent deaths of Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons might be avenged and Abimelech, their half-brother who murdered them, might have to pay for their spilled blood, along with the leaders of Shechem who helped him murder them.

normalized_text:
he did this so the violent deaths of jerub baal s seventy sons might be avenged and abimelech their half brother who murdered them might have to pay for their spilled blood along with the leaders of shechem who helped him murder them


text:
The leaders of Shechem rebelled against Abimelech by putting bandits in the hills, who robbed everyone who traveled by on the road. But Abimelech found out about it.

normalized_text:
the leaders of shechem rebelled against abimelech by putting bandits in the hills who robbed everyone who traveled by on the road but abimelech found out about it


text:
Gaal son of Ebed came through Shechem with his brothers. The leaders of Shechem transferred their loyalty to him.

normalized_text:
gaal son of ebed came through shechem with his brothers the leaders of shechem transferred their loyalty to him


text:
They went out to the field, harvested their grapes, squeezed out the juice, and celebrated. They came to the temple of their god and ate, drank, and cursed Abimelech.

normalized_text:
they went out to the field harvested their grapes squeezed out the juice and celebrated they came to the temple of their god and ate drank and cursed abimelech


text:
Gaal son of Ebed said,“Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerub-Baal, and is not Zebul the deputy he appointed? Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem! But why should we serve Abimelech?

normalized_text:
gaal son of ebed said who is abimelech and who is shechem that we should serve him is he not the son of jerub baal and is not zebul the deputy he appointed serve the sons of hamor the father of shechem but why should we serve abimelech


text:
If only these men were under my command, I would get rid of Abimelech!” He challenged Abimelech,“Muster your army and come out for battle!”

normalized_text:
if only these men were under my command i would get rid of abimelech he challenged abimelech muster your army and come out for battle


text:
He sent messengers to Abimelech, who was in Arumah, reporting,“Beware! Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers are coming to Shechem and inciting the city to rebel against you.

normalized_text:
he sent messengers to abimelech who was in arumah reporting beware gaal son of ebed and his brothers are coming to shechem and inciting the city to rebel against you


text:
In the morning at sunrise quickly attack the city. When he and his men come out to fight you, do what you can to him.”

normalized_text:
in the morning at sunrise quickly attack the city when he and his men come out to fight you do what you can to him


text:
So Abimelech and all his men came up at night and set an ambush outside Shechem– they divided into four units.

normalized_text:
so abimelech and all his men came up at night and set an ambush outside shechem they divided into four units


text:
When Gaal son of Ebed came out and stood at the entrance to the city’s gate, Abimelech and his men got up from their hiding places.

normalized_text:
when gaal son of ebed came out and stood at the entrance to the city s gate abimelech and his men got up from their hiding places


text:
Gaal saw the men and said to Zebul,“Look, men are coming down from the tops of the hills.” But Zebul said to him,“You are seeing the shadows on the hills– it just looks like men.”

normalized_text:
gaal saw the men and said to zebul look men are coming down from the tops of the hills but zebul said to him you are seeing the shadows on the hills it just looks like men


text:
Gaal again said,“Look, men are coming down from the very center of the land. A unit is coming by way of the Oak Tree of the Diviners.”

normalized_text:
gaal again said look men are coming down from the very center of the land a unit is coming by way of the oak tree of the diviners


text:
Zebul said to him,“Where now are your bragging words,‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the men you insulted? Go out now and fight them!”

normalized_text:
zebul said to him where now are your bragging words who is abimelech that we should serve him are these not the men you insulted go out now and fight them


text:
Abimelech chased him, and Gaal ran from him. Many Shechemites fell wounded at the entrance of the gate.

normalized_text:
abimelech chased him and gaal ran from him many shechemites fell wounded at the entrance of the gate


text:
he took his men and divided them into three units and set an ambush in the field. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he attacked and struck them down.

normalized_text:
he took his men and divided them into three units and set an ambush in the field when he saw the people coming out of the city he attacked and struck them down


text:
Abimelech and his units attacked and blocked the entrance to the city’s gate. Two units then attacked all the people in the field and struck them down.

normalized_text:
abimelech and his units attacked and blocked the entrance to the city s gate two units then attacked all the people in the field and struck them down


text:
Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed all the people in it. Then he leveled the city and spread salt over it.

normalized_text:
abimelech fought against the city all that day he captured the city and killed all the people in it then he leveled the city and spread salt over it


text:
When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard the news, they went to the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith.

normalized_text:
when all the leaders of the tower of shechem heard the news they went to the stronghold of the temple of el berith


text:
He and all his men went up on Mount Zalmon. He took an ax in his hand and cut off a tree branch. He put it on his shoulder and said to his men,“Quickly, do what you have just seen me do!”

normalized_text:
he and all his men went up on mount zalmon he took an ax in his hand and cut off a tree branch he put it on his shoulder and said to his men quickly do what you have just seen me do


text:
So each of his men also cut off a branch and followed Abimelech. They put the branches against the stronghold and set fire to it. All the people of the Tower of Shechem died– about a thousand men and women.

normalized_text:
so each of his men also cut off a branch and followed abimelech they put the branches against the stronghold and set fire to it all the people of the tower of shechem died about a thousand men and women


text:
There was a fortified tower in the center of the city, so all the men and women, as well as the city’s leaders, ran into it and locked the entrance. Then they went up to the roof of the tower.

normalized_text:
there was a fortified tower in the center of the city so all the men and women as well as the city s leaders ran into it and locked the entrance then they went up to the roof of the tower


text:
Abimelech came and attacked the tower. When he approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire,

normalized_text:
abimelech came and attacked the tower when he approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire


text:
He quickly called to the young man who carried his weapons,“Draw your sword and kill me, so they will not say,‘A woman killed him.’” So the young man stabbed him and he died.

normalized_text:
he quickly called to the young man who carried his weapons draw your sword and kill me so they will not say a woman killed him so the young man stabbed him and he died


text:
God also repaid the men of Shechem for their evil deeds. The curse spoken by Jotham son of Jerub-Baal fell on them.

normalized_text:
god also repaid the men of shechem for their evil deeds the curse spoken by jotham son of jerub baal fell on them


text:
Stability Restored After Abimelech’s death, Tola son of Puah, grandson of Dodo, from the tribe of Issachar, rose up to deliver Israel. He lived in Shamir in the Ephraimite hill country.

normalized_text:
stability restored after abimelech s death tola son of puah grandson of dodo from the tribe of issachar rose up to deliver israel he lived in shamir in the ephraimite hill country


text:
He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys and possessed thirty cities. To this day these towns are called Havvoth Jair– they are in the land of Gilead.

normalized_text:
he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys and possessed thirty cities to this day these towns are called havvoth jair they are in the land of gilead


text:
The Lord’s Patience Runs Short The Israelites again did evil in the LORD’s sight. They worshiped the Baals and the Ashtoreths, as well as the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines. They abandoned the LORD and did not worship him.

normalized_text:
the lord s patience runs short the israelites again did evil in the lord s sight they worshiped the baals and the ashtoreths as well as the gods of syria sidon moab the ammonites and the philistines they abandoned the lord and did not worship him


text:
They ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites that eighteenth year– that is, all the Israelites living east of the Jordan in Amorite country in Gilead.

normalized_text:
they ruthlessly oppressed the israelites that eighteenth year that is all the israelites living east of the jordan in amorite country in gilead


normalized_text: the ammonites crossed the jordan to fight with judah benjamin and ephraim israel suffered greatly
text:
The Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight with Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. Israel suffered greatly.


text:
The Israelites cried out for help to the LORD:“We have sinned against you. We abandoned our God and worshiped the Baals.”

normalized_text:
the israelites cried out for help to the lord we have sinned against you we abandoned our god and worshiped the baals


text:
The LORD said to the Israelites,“Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines,

normalized_text:
the lord said to the israelites did i not deliver you from egypt the amorites the ammonites the philistines


text:
the Sidonians, Amalek, and Midian when they oppressed you? You cried out for help to me, and I delivered you from their power.

normalized_text:
the sidonians amalek and midian when they oppressed you you cried out for help to me and i delivered you from their power


normalized_text: but the israelites said to the lord we have sinned you do to us as you see fit but deliver us today
text:
But the Israelites said to the LORD,“We have sinned. You do to us as you see fit, but deliver us today!”


text:
They threw away the foreign gods they owned and worshiped the LORD. Finally the LORD grew tired of seeing Israel suffer so much.

normalized_text:
they threw away the foreign gods they owned and worshiped the lord finally the lord grew tired of seeing israel suffer so much


text:
An Outcast Becomes a General The Ammonites assembled and camped in Gilead; the Israelites gathered together and camped in Mizpah.

normalized_text:
an outcast becomes a general the ammonites assembled and camped in gilead the israelites gathered together and camped in mizpah


text:
The leaders of Gilead said to one another,“Who is willing to lead the charge against the Ammonites? He will become the leader of all who live in Gilead!”

normalized_text:
the leaders of gilead said to one another who is willing to lead the charge against the ammonites he will become the leader of all who live in gilead


text:
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a brave warrior. His mother was a prostitute, but Gilead was his father.

normalized_text:
now jephthah the gileadite was a brave warrior his mother was a prostitute but gilead was his father


text:
Gilead’s wife also gave him sons. When his wife’s sons grew up, they made Jephthah leave and said to him,“You are not going to inherit any of our father’s wealth, because you are another woman’s son.”

normalized_text:
gilead s wife also gave him sons when his wife s sons grew up they made jephthah leave and said to him you are not going to inherit any of our father s wealth because you are another woman s son


text:
So Jephthah left his half-brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Lawless men joined Jephthah’s gang and traveled with him.

normalized_text:
so jephthah left his half brothers and lived in the land of tob lawless men joined jephthah s gang and traveled with him


normalized_text: when the ammonites attacked the leaders of gilead asked jephthah to come back from the land of tob
text:
When the Ammonites attacked, the leaders of Gilead asked Jephthah to come back from the land of Tob.


text:
Jephthah said to the leaders of Gilead,“But you hated me and made me leave my father’s house. Why do you come to me now, when you are in trouble?”

normalized_text:
jephthah said to the leaders of gilead but you hated me and made me leave my father s house why do you come to me now when you are in trouble


text:
The leaders of Gilead said to Jephthah,“That may be true, but now we pledge to you our loyalty. Come with us and fight with the Ammonites. Then you will become the leader of all who live in Gilead.”

normalized_text:
the leaders of gilead said to jephthah that may be true but now we pledge to you our loyalty come with us and fight with the ammonites then you will become the leader of all who live in gilead


text:
Jephthah said to the leaders of Gilead,“All right! If you take me back to fight with the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, I will be your leader.”

normalized_text:
jephthah said to the leaders of gilead all right if you take me back to fight with the ammonites and the lord gives them to me i will be your leader


text:
The leaders of Gilead said to Jephthah,“The LORD will judge any grievance you have against us, if we do not do as you say.”

normalized_text:
the leaders of gilead said to jephthah the lord will judge any grievance you have against us if we do not do as you say


text:
So Jephthah went with the leaders of Gilead. The people made him their leader and commander. Jephthah repeated the terms of the agreement before the LORD in Mizpah.

normalized_text:
so jephthah went with the leaders of gilead the people made him their leader and commander jephthah repeated the terms of the agreement before the lord in mizpah


text:
Jephthah Gives a History Lesson Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king, saying,“Why have you come against me to attack my land?”

normalized_text:
jephthah gives a history lesson jephthah sent messengers to the ammonite king saying why have you come against me to attack my land


text:
The Ammonite king said to Jephthah’s messengers,“Because Israel stole my land when they came up from Egypt– from the Arnon River in the south to the Jabbok River in the north, and as far west as the Jordan. Now return it peaceably!”

normalized_text:
the ammonite king said to jephthah s messengers because israel stole my land when they came up from egypt from the arnon river in the south to the jabbok river in the north and as far west as the jordan now return it peaceably


text:
and said to him,“This is what Jephthah says,‘Israel did not steal the land of Moab and the land of the Ammonites.

normalized_text:
and said to him this is what jephthah says israel did not steal the land of moab and the land of the ammonites


text:
When they left Egypt, Israel traveled through the desert as far as the Red Sea and then came to Kadesh.

normalized_text:
when they left egypt israel traveled through the desert as far as the red sea and then came to kadesh


text:
Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying,“Please allow us to pass through your land.” But the king of Edom rejected the request. Israel sent the same request to the king of Moab, but he was unwilling to cooperate. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.

normalized_text:
israel sent messengers to the king of edom saying please allow us to pass through your land but the king of edom rejected the request israel sent the same request to the king of moab but he was unwilling to cooperate so israel stayed at kadesh


text:
Then Israel went through the wilderness and bypassed the land of Edom and the land of Moab. They traveled east of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon River; they did not go through Moabite territory(the Arnon was Moab’s border).

normalized_text:
then israel went through the wilderness and bypassed the land of edom and the land of moab they traveled east of the land of moab and camped on the other side of the arnon river they did not go through moabite territory the arnon was moab s border


text:
Israel sent messengers to King Sihon, the Amorite king who ruled in Heshbon, and said to him,“Please allow us to pass through your land to our land.”

normalized_text:
israel sent messengers to king sihon the amorite king who ruled in heshbon and said to him please allow us to pass through your land to our land


text:
But Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory. He assembled his whole army, camped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel.

normalized_text:
but sihon did not trust israel to pass through his territory he assembled his whole army camped in jahaz and fought with israel


text:
The LORD God of Israel handed Sihon and his whole army over to Israel and they defeated them. Israel took all the land of the Amorites who lived in that land.

normalized_text:
the lord god of israel handed sihon and his whole army over to israel and they defeated them israel took all the land of the amorites who lived in that land


text:
They took all the Amorite territory from the Arnon River on the south to the Jabbok River on the north, from the desert in the east to the Jordan in the west.

normalized_text:
they took all the amorite territory from the arnon river on the south to the jabbok river on the north from the desert in the east to the jordan in the west


text:
Since the LORD God of Israel has driven out the Amorites before his people Israel, do you think you can just take it from them?

normalized_text:
since the lord god of israel has driven out the amorites before his people israel do you think you can just take it from them


text:
You have the right to take what Chemosh your god gives you, but we will take the land of all whom the LORD our God has driven out before us.

normalized_text:
you have the right to take what chemosh your god gives you but we will take the land of all whom the lord our god has driven out before us


text:
Are you really better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he dare to quarrel with Israel? Did he dare to fight with them?

normalized_text:
are you really better than balak son of zippor king of moab did he dare to quarrel with israel did he dare to fight with them


text:
Israel has been living in Heshbon and its nearby towns, in Aroer and its nearby towns, and in all the cities along the Arnon for three hundred years! Why did you not reclaim them during that time?

normalized_text:
israel has been living in heshbon and its nearby towns in aroer and its nearby towns and in all the cities along the arnon for three hundred years why did you not reclaim them during that time


text:
I have not done you wrong, but you are doing wrong by attacking me. May the LORD, the Judge, judge this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites!’”

normalized_text:
i have not done you wrong but you are doing wrong by attacking me may the lord the judge judge this day between the israelites and the ammonites


text:
A Foolish Vow Spells Death for a Daughter The LORD’s Spirit empowered Jephthah. He passed through Gilead and Manasseh and went to Mizpah in Gilead. From there he approached the Ammonites.

normalized_text:
a foolish vow spells death for a daughter the lord s spirit empowered jephthah he passed through gilead and manasseh and went to mizpah in gilead from there he approached the ammonites


text:
then whoever is the first to come through the doors of my house to meet me when I return safely from fighting the Ammonites– he will belong to the LORD and I will offer him up as a burnt sacrifice.”

normalized_text:
then whoever is the first to come through the doors of my house to meet me when i return safely from fighting the ammonites he will belong to the lord and i will offer him up as a burnt sacrifice


text:
He defeated them from Aroer all the way to Minnith– twenty cities in all, even as far as Abel Keramim! He wiped them out! The Israelites humiliated the Ammonites.

normalized_text:
he defeated them from aroer all the way to minnith twenty cities in all even as far as abel keramim he wiped them out the israelites humiliated the ammonites


text:
When Jephthah came home to Mizpah, there was his daughter hurrying out to meet him, dancing to the rhythm of tambourines. She was his only child; except for her he had no son or daughter.

normalized_text:
when jephthah came home to mizpah there was his daughter hurrying out to meet him dancing to the rhythm of tambourines she was his only child except for her he had no son or daughter


text:
When he saw her, he ripped his clothes and said,“Oh no! My daughter! You have completely ruined me! You have brought me disaster! I made an oath to the LORD, and I cannot break it.”

normalized_text:
when he saw her he ripped his clothes and said oh no my daughter you have completely ruined me you have brought me disaster i made an oath to the lord and i cannot break it


text:
She said to him,“My father, since you made an oath to the LORD, do to me as you promised. After all, the LORD vindicated you before your enemies, the Ammonites.”

normalized_text:
she said to him my father since you made an oath to the lord do to me as you promised after all the lord vindicated you before your enemies the ammonites


text:
She then said to her father,“Please grant me this one wish. For two months allow me to walk through the hills with my friends and mourn my virginity.”

normalized_text:
she then said to her father please grant me this one wish for two months allow me to walk through the hills with my friends and mourn my virginity


text:
He said,“You may go.” He permitted her to leave for two months. She went with her friends and mourned her virginity as she walked through the hills.

normalized_text:
he said you may go he permitted her to leave for two months she went with her friends and mourned her virginity as she walked through the hills


text:
After two months she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. She died a virgin. Her tragic death gave rise to a custom in Israel.

normalized_text:
after two months she returned to her father and he did to her as he had vowed she died a virgin her tragic death gave rise to a custom in israel


text:
Civil Strife Mars the Victory The Ephraimites assembled and crossed over to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah,“Why did you go and fight with the Ammonites without asking us to go with you? We will burn your house down right over you!”

normalized_text:
civil strife mars the victory the ephraimites assembled and crossed over to zaphon they said to jephthah why did you go and fight with the ammonites without asking us to go with you we will burn your house down right over you


text:
Jephthah said to them,“My people and I were in a struggle and the Ammonites were oppressing me greatly. I asked for your help, but you did not deliver me from their power.

normalized_text:
jephthah said to them my people and i were in a struggle and the ammonites were oppressing me greatly i asked for your help but you did not deliver me from their power


text:
When I saw that you were not going to help, I risked my life and advanced against the Ammonites, and the LORD handed them over to me. Why have you come up to fight with me today?”

normalized_text:
when i saw that you were not going to help i risked my life and advanced against the ammonites and the lord handed them over to me why have you come up to fight with me today


text:
Jephthah assembled all the men of Gilead and they fought with Ephraim. The men of Gilead defeated Ephraim, because the Ephraimites insulted them, saying,“You Gileadites are refugees in Ephraim, living within Ephraim’s and Manasseh’s territory.”

normalized_text:
jephthah assembled all the men of gilead and they fought with ephraim the men of gilead defeated ephraim because the ephraimites insulted them saying you gileadites are refugees in ephraim living within ephraim s and manasseh s territory


text:
The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan River opposite Ephraim. Whenever an Ephraimite fugitive said,“Let me cross over,” the men of Gilead asked him,“Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said,“No,”

normalized_text:
the gileadites captured the fords of the jordan river opposite ephraim whenever an ephraimite fugitive said let me cross over the men of gilead asked him are you an ephraimite if he said no


text:
then they said to him,“Say‘Shibboleth!’” If he said,“Sibboleth”(and could not pronounce the word correctly), they grabbed him and executed him right there at the fords of the Jordan. On that day forty-two thousand Ephraimites fell dead.

normalized_text:
then they said to him say shibboleth if he said sibboleth and could not pronounce the word correctly they grabbed him and executed him right there at the fords of the jordan on that day forty two thousand ephraimites fell dead


text:
He had thirty sons. He arranged for thirty of his daughters to be married outside his extended family, and he arranged for thirty young women to be brought from outside as wives for his sons. Ibzan led Israel for seven years;

normalized_text:
he had thirty sons he arranged for thirty of his daughters to be married outside his extended family and he arranged for thirty young women to be brought from outside as wives for his sons ibzan led israel for seven years


text:
Then Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

normalized_text:
then abdon son of hillel the pirathonite died and was buried in pirathon in the land of ephraim in the hill country of the amalekites


text:
Samson’s Birth The Israelites again did evil in the LORD’s sight, so the LORD handed them over to the Philistines for forty years.

normalized_text:
samson s birth the israelites again did evil in the lord s sight so the lord handed them over to the philistines for forty years


normalized_text: there was a man named manoah from zorah from the danite tribe his wife was infertile and childless
text:
There was a man named Manoah from Zorah, from the Danite tribe. His wife was infertile and childless.


text:
The LORD’s angel appeared to the woman and said to her,“You are infertile and childless, but you will conceive and have a son.

normalized_text:
the lord s angel appeared to the woman and said to her you are infertile and childless but you will conceive and have a son


text:
Now be careful! Do not drink wine or beer, and do not eat any food that will make you ritually unclean.

normalized_text:
now be careful do not drink wine or beer and do not eat any food that will make you ritually unclean


text:
Look, you will conceive and have a son. You must never cut his hair, for the child will be dedicated to God from birth. He will begin to deliver Israel from the power of the Philistines.”

normalized_text:
look you will conceive and have a son you must never cut his hair for the child will be dedicated to god from birth he will begin to deliver israel from the power of the philistines


text:
The woman went and said to her husband,“A man sent from God came to me! He looked like God’s angel– he was very awesome. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name.

normalized_text:
the woman went and said to her husband a man sent from god came to me he looked like god s angel he was very awesome i did not ask him where he came from and he did not tell me his name


text:
He said to me,‘Look, you will conceive and have a son. So now, do not drink wine or beer and do not eat any food that will make you ritually unclean. For the child will be dedicated to God from birth till the day he dies.’”

normalized_text:
he said to me look you will conceive and have a son so now do not drink wine or beer and do not eat any food that will make you ritually unclean for the child will be dedicated to god from birth till the day he dies


text:
Manoah prayed to the LORD,“Please, Lord, allow the man sent from God to visit us again, so he can teach us how we should raise the child who will be born.”

normalized_text:
manoah prayed to the lord please lord allow the man sent from god to visit us again so he can teach us how we should raise the child who will be born


text:
God answered Manoah’s prayer. God’s angel visited the woman again while she was sitting in the field. But her husband Manoah was not with her.

normalized_text:
god answered manoah s prayer god s angel visited the woman again while she was sitting in the field but her husband manoah was not with her


text:
The woman ran at once and told her husband,“Come quickly, the man who visited me the other day has appeared to me!”

normalized_text:
the woman ran at once and told her husband come quickly the man who visited me the other day has appeared to me


text:
So Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he met the man, he said to him,“Are you the man who spoke to my wife?” He said,“Yes.”

normalized_text:
so manoah got up and followed his wife when he met the man he said to him are you the man who spoke to my wife he said yes


text:
Manoah said,“Now, when your announcement comes true, how should the child be raised and what should he do?”

normalized_text:
manoah said now when your announcement comes true how should the child be raised and what should he do


text:
She should not drink anything that the grapevine produces. She must not drink wine or beer, and she must not eat any food that will make her ritually unclean. She should obey everything I commanded her to do.”

normalized_text:
she should not drink anything that the grapevine produces she must not drink wine or beer and she must not eat any food that will make her ritually unclean she should obey everything i commanded her to do


text:
Manoah said to the LORD’s angel,“Please stay here awhile, so we can prepare a young goat for you to eat.”

normalized_text:
manoah said to the lord s angel please stay here awhile so we can prepare a young goat for you to eat


text:
The LORD’s angel said to Manoah,“If I stay, I will not eat your food. But if you want to make a burnt sacrifice to the LORD, you should offer it.”(He said this because Manoah did not know that he was the LORD’s angel.)

normalized_text:
the lord s angel said to manoah if i stay i will not eat your food but if you want to make a burnt sacrifice to the lord you should offer it he said this because manoah did not know that he was the lord s angel


text:
Manoah said to the LORD’s angel,“Tell us your name, so we can honor you when your announcement comes true.”

normalized_text:
manoah said to the lord s angel tell us your name so we can honor you when your announcement comes true


text:
Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered them on a rock to the LORD. The LORD’s messenger did an amazing thing as Manoah and his wife watched.

normalized_text:
manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered them on a rock to the lord the lord s messenger did an amazing thing as manoah and his wife watched


text:
As the flame went up from the altar toward the sky, the LORD’s angel went up in it while Manoah and his wife watched. They fell facedown to the ground.

normalized_text:
as the flame went up from the altar toward the sky the lord s angel went up in it while manoah and his wife watched they fell facedown to the ground


text:
The LORD’s angel did not appear again to Manoah and his wife. After all this happened Manoah realized that the visitor had been the LORD’s angel.

normalized_text:
the lord s angel did not appear again to manoah and his wife after all this happened manoah realized that the visitor had been the lord s angel


text:
But his wife said to him,“If the LORD wanted to kill us, he would not have accepted the burnt offering and the grain offering from us. He would not have shown us all these things, or have spoken to us like this just now.”

normalized_text:
but his wife said to him if the lord wanted to kill us he would not have accepted the burnt offering and the grain offering from us he would not have shown us all these things or have spoken to us like this just now


text:
When he got home, he told his father and mother,“A Philistine girl in Timnah has caught my eye. Now get her for my wife.”

normalized_text:
when he got home he told his father and mother a philistine girl in timnah has caught my eye now get her for my wife


text:
But his father and mother said to him,“Certainly you can find a wife among your relatives or among all our people! You should not have to go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines.” But Samson said to his father,“Get her for me, because she is the right one for me.”

normalized_text:
but his father and mother said to him certainly you can find a wife among your relatives or among all our people you should not have to go and get a wife from the uncircumcised philistines but samson said to his father get her for me because she is the right one for me


text:
Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD’s doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the Philistines(for at that time the Philistines were ruling Israel).

normalized_text:
now his father and mother did not realize this was the lord s doing because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the philistines for at that time the philistines were ruling israel


text:
Samson went down to Timnah. When he approached the vineyards of Timnah, he saw a roaring young lion attacking him.

normalized_text:
samson went down to timnah when he approached the vineyards of timnah he saw a roaring young lion attacking him


text:
The LORD’s Spirit empowered him and he tore the lion in two with his bare hands as easily as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.

normalized_text:
the lord s spirit empowered him and he tore the lion in two with his bare hands as easily as one would tear a young goat but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done


normalized_text: samson continued on down to timnah and spoke to the girl in his opinion she was just the right one
text:
Samson continued on down to Timnah and spoke to the girl. In his opinion, she was just the right one.


text:
Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to see the lion’s remains. He saw a swarm of bees in the lion’s carcass, as well as some honey.

normalized_text:
some time later when he went back to marry her he turned aside to see the lion s remains he saw a swarm of bees in the lion s carcass as well as some honey


text:
He scooped it up with his hands and ate it as he walked along. When he returned to his father and mother, he offered them some and they ate it. But he did not tell them he had scooped the honey out of the lion’s carcass.

normalized_text:
he scooped it up with his hands and ate it as he walked along when he returned to his father and mother he offered them some and they ate it but he did not tell them he had scooped the honey out of the lion s carcass


text:
Then Samson’s father accompanied him to Timnah for the marriage. Samson hosted a party there, for this was customary for bridegrooms to do.

normalized_text:
then samson s father accompanied him to timnah for the marriage samson hosted a party there for this was customary for bridegrooms to do


text:
Samson said to them,“I will give you a riddle. If you really can solve it during the seven days the party lasts, I will give you thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes.

normalized_text:
samson said to them i will give you a riddle if you really can solve it during the seven days the party lasts i will give you thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes


text:
But if you cannot solve it, you will give me thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes.” They said to him,“Let us hear your riddle.”

normalized_text:
but if you cannot solve it you will give me thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes they said to him let us hear your riddle


text:
He said to them,“Out of the one who eats came something to eat; out of the strong one came something sweet.”They could not solve the riddle for three days.

normalized_text:
he said to them out of the one who eats came something to eat out of the strong one came something sweet they could not solve the riddle for three days


text:
On the fourth day they said to Samson’s bride,“Trick your husband into giving the solution to the riddle. If you refuse, we will burn up you and your father’s family. Did you invite us here to make us poor?”

normalized_text:
on the fourth day they said to samson s bride trick your husband into giving the solution to the riddle if you refuse we will burn up you and your father s family did you invite us here to make us poor


text:
So Samson’s bride cried on his shoulder and said,“You must hate me; you do not love me! You told the young men a riddle, but you have not told me the solution.” He said to her,“Look, I have not even told my father or mother. Do you really expect me to tell you?”

normalized_text:
so samson s bride cried on his shoulder and said you must hate me you do not love me you told the young men a riddle but you have not told me the solution he said to her look i have not even told my father or mother do you really expect me to tell you


text:
She cried on his shoulder until the party was almost over. Finally, on the seventh day, he told her because she had nagged him so much. Then she told the young men the solution to the riddle.

normalized_text:
she cried on his shoulder until the party was almost over finally on the seventh day he told her because she had nagged him so much then she told the young men the solution to the riddle


text:
On the seventh day, before the sun set, the men of the city said to him,“What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?”He said to them,“If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!”

normalized_text:
on the seventh day before the sun set the men of the city said to him what is sweeter than honey what is stronger than a lion he said to them if you had not plowed with my heifer you would not have solved my riddle


text:
The LORD’s Spirit empowered him. He went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty men. He took their clothes and gave them to the men who had solved the riddle. He was furious as he went back home.

normalized_text:
the lord s spirit empowered him he went down to ashkelon and killed thirty men he took their clothes and gave them to the men who had solved the riddle he was furious as he went back home


text:
Samson Versus the Philistines Sometime later, during the wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat as a gift and went to visit his bride. He said to her father,“I want to sleep with my bride in her bedroom!” But her father would not let him enter.

normalized_text:
samson versus the philistines sometime later during the wheat harvest samson took a young goat as a gift and went to visit his bride he said to her father i want to sleep with my bride in her bedroom but her father would not let him enter


text:
Her father said,“I really thought you absolutely despised her, so I gave her to your best man. Her younger sister is more attractive than she is. Take her instead!”

normalized_text:
her father said i really thought you absolutely despised her so i gave her to your best man her younger sister is more attractive than she is take her instead


text:
Samson went and captured three hundred jackals and got some torches. He tied the jackals in pairs by their tails and then tied a torch to each pair.

normalized_text:
samson went and captured three hundred jackals and got some torches he tied the jackals in pairs by their tails and then tied a torch to each pair


text:
He lit the torches and set the jackals loose in the Philistines’ standing grain. He burned up the grain heaps and the standing grain, as well as the vineyards and olive groves.

normalized_text:
he lit the torches and set the jackals loose in the philistines standing grain he burned up the grain heaps and the standing grain as well as the vineyards and olive groves


text:
The Philistines asked,“Who did this?” They were told,“Samson, the Timnite’s son-in-law, because the Timnite took Samson’s bride and gave her to his best man.” So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father.

normalized_text:
the philistines asked who did this they were told samson the timnite s son in law because the timnite took samson s bride and gave her to his best man so the philistines went up and burned her and her father


text:
He struck them down and defeated them. Then he went down and lived for a time in the cave in the cliff of Etam.

normalized_text:
he struck them down and defeated them then he went down and lived for a time in the cave in the cliff of etam


text:
The men of Judah said,“Why are you attacking us?” The Philistines said,“We have come up to take Samson prisoner so we can do to him what he has done to us.”

normalized_text:
the men of judah said why are you attacking us the philistines said we have come up to take samson prisoner so we can do to him what he has done to us


text:
Three thousand men of Judah went down to the cave in the cliff of Etam and said to Samson,“Do you not know that the Philistines rule over us? Why have you done this to us?” He said to them,“I have only done to them what they have done to me.”

normalized_text:
three thousand men of judah went down to the cave in the cliff of etam and said to samson do you not know that the philistines rule over us why have you done this to us he said to them i have only done to them what they have done to me


text:
They said to him,“We have come down to take you prisoner so we can hand you over to the Philistines.” Samson said to them,“Promise me you will not kill me.”

normalized_text:
they said to him we have come down to take you prisoner so we can hand you over to the philistines samson said to them promise me you will not kill me


text:
They said to him,“We promise! We will only take you prisoner and hand you over to them. We promise not to kill you.” They tied him up with two brand new ropes and led him up from the cliff.

normalized_text:
they said to him we promise we will only take you prisoner and hand you over to them we promise not to kill you they tied him up with two brand new ropes and led him up from the cliff


text:
When he arrived in Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they approached him. But the LORD’s Spirit empowered him. The ropes around his arms were like flax dissolving in fire, and they melted away from his hands.

normalized_text:
when he arrived in lehi the philistines shouted as they approached him but the lord s spirit empowered him the ropes around his arms were like flax dissolving in fire and they melted away from his hands


text:
Samson then said,“With the jawbone of a donkey I have left them in heaps; with the jawbone of a donkey I have struck down a thousand men!”

normalized_text:
samson then said with the jawbone of a donkey i have left them in heaps with the jawbone of a donkey i have struck down a thousand men


text:
He was very thirsty, so he cried out to the LORD and said,“You have given your servant this great victory. But now must I die of thirst and fall into hands of these uncircumcised Philistines?”

normalized_text:
he was very thirsty so he cried out to the lord and said you have given your servant this great victory but now must i die of thirst and fall into hands of these uncircumcised philistines


text:
So God split open the basin at Lehi and water flowed out from it. When he took a drink, his strength was restored and he revived. For this reason he named the spring En Hakkore. It remains in Lehi to this very day.

normalized_text:
so god split open the basin at lehi and water flowed out from it when he took a drink his strength was restored and he revived for this reason he named the spring en hakkore it remains in lehi to this very day


text:
The Gazites were told,“Samson has come here!” So they surrounded the town and hid all night at the city gate, waiting for him to leave. They relaxed all night, thinking,“He will not leave until morning comes; then we will kill him!”

normalized_text:
the gazites were told samson has come here so they surrounded the town and hid all night at the city gate waiting for him to leave they relaxed all night thinking he will not leave until morning comes then we will kill him


text:
Samson spent half the night with the prostitute; then he got up in the middle of the night and left. He grabbed the doors of the city gate, as well as the two posts, and pulled them right off, bar and all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of a hill east of Hebron.

normalized_text:
samson spent half the night with the prostitute then he got up in the middle of the night and left he grabbed the doors of the city gate as well as the two posts and pulled them right off bar and all he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of a hill east of hebron


text:
The rulers of the Philistines went up to visit her and said to her,“Trick him! Find out what makes him so strong and how we can subdue him and humiliate him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred silver pieces.”

normalized_text:
the rulers of the philistines went up to visit her and said to her trick him find out what makes him so strong and how we can subdue him and humiliate him each one of us will give you eleven hundred silver pieces


text:
So Delilah said to Samson,“Tell me what makes you so strong and how you can be subdued and humiliated.”

normalized_text:
so delilah said to samson tell me what makes you so strong and how you can be subdued and humiliated


text:
Samson said to her,“If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become weak and be just like any other man.”

normalized_text:
samson said to her if they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried i will become weak and be just like any other man


text:
So the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings which had not been dried and she tied him up with them.

normalized_text:
so the rulers of the philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings which had not been dried and she tied him up with them


text:
They hid in the bedroom and then she said to him,“The Philistines are here, Samson!” He snapped the bowstrings as easily as a thread of yarn snaps when it is put close to fire. The secret of his strength was not discovered.

normalized_text:
they hid in the bedroom and then she said to him the philistines are here samson he snapped the bowstrings as easily as a thread of yarn snaps when it is put close to fire the secret of his strength was not discovered


normalized_text: delilah said to samson look you deceived me and told me lies now tell me how you can be subdued
text:
Delilah said to Samson,“Look, you deceived me and told me lies! Now tell me how you can be subdued.”


text:
He said to her,“If they tie me tightly with brand new ropes that have never been used, I will become weak and be just like any other man.”

normalized_text:
he said to her if they tie me tightly with brand new ropes that have never been used i will become weak and be just like any other man


text:
So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them and said to him,“The Philistines are here, Samson!”(The Philistines were hiding in the bedroom.) But he tore the ropes from his arms as if they were a piece of thread.

normalized_text:
so delilah took new ropes and tied him with them and said to him the philistines are here samson the philistines were hiding in the bedroom but he tore the ropes from his arms as if they were a piece of thread


text:
Delilah said to Samson,“Up to now you have deceived me and told me lies. Tell me how you can be subdued.” He said to her,“If you weave the seven braids of my hair into the fabric on the loom and secure it with the pin, I will become weak and be like any other man.”

normalized_text:
delilah said to samson up to now you have deceived me and told me lies tell me how you can be subdued he said to her if you weave the seven braids of my hair into the fabric on the loom and secure it with the pin i will become weak and be like any other man


text:
So she made him go to sleep, wove the seven braids of his hair into the fabric on the loom, fastened it with the pin, and said to him,“The Philistines are here, Samson!” He woke up and tore away the pin of the loom and the fabric.

normalized_text:
so she made him go to sleep wove the seven braids of his hair into the fabric on the loom fastened it with the pin and said to him the philistines are here samson he woke up and tore away the pin of the loom and the fabric


text:
She said to him,“How can you say,‘I love you,’ when you will not share your secret with me? Three times you have deceived me and have not told me what makes you so strong.”

normalized_text:
she said to him how can you say i love you when you will not share your secret with me three times you have deceived me and have not told me what makes you so strong


text:
Finally he told her his secret. He said to her,“My hair has never been cut, for I have been dedicated to God from the time I was conceived. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me; I would become weak, and be just like all other men.”

normalized_text:
finally he told her his secret he said to her my hair has never been cut for i have been dedicated to god from the time i was conceived if my head were shaved my strength would leave me i would become weak and be just like all other men


text:
When Delilah saw that he had told her his secret, she sent for the rulers of the Philistines, saying,“Come up here again, for he has told me his secret.” So the rulers of the Philistines went up to visit her, bringing the silver in their hands.

normalized_text:
when delilah saw that he had told her his secret she sent for the rulers of the philistines saying come up here again for he has told me his secret so the rulers of the philistines went up to visit her bringing the silver in their hands


text:
She made him go to sleep on her lap and then called a man in to shave off the seven braids of his hair. She made him vulnerable and his strength left him.

normalized_text:
she made him go to sleep on her lap and then called a man in to shave off the seven braids of his hair she made him vulnerable and his strength left him


text:
She said,“The Philistines are here, Samson!” He woke up and thought,“I will do as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not realize that the LORD had left him.

normalized_text:
she said the philistines are here samson he woke up and thought i will do as i did before and shake myself free but he did not realize that the lord had left him


text:
The Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They brought him down to Gaza and bound him in bronze chains. He became a grinder in the prison.

normalized_text:
the philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes they brought him down to gaza and bound him in bronze chains he became a grinder in the prison


text:
Samson’s Death and Burial The rulers of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate. They said,“Our god has handed Samson, our enemy, over to us.”

normalized_text:
samson s death and burial the rulers of the philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to dagon their god and to celebrate they said our god has handed samson our enemy over to us


text:
When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying,“Our god has handed our enemy over to us, the one who ruined our land and killed so many of us!”

normalized_text:
when the people saw him they praised their god saying our god has handed our enemy over to us the one who ruined our land and killed so many of us


text:
When they really started celebrating, they said,“Call for Samson so he can entertain us!” So they summoned Samson from the prison and he entertained them. They made him stand between two pillars.

normalized_text:
when they really started celebrating they said call for samson so he can entertain us so they summoned samson from the prison and he entertained them they made him stand between two pillars


text:
Samson said to the young man who held his hand,“Position me so I can touch the pillars that support the temple. Then I can lean on them.”

normalized_text:
samson said to the young man who held his hand position me so i can touch the pillars that support the temple then i can lean on them


text:
Now the temple was filled with men and women, and all the rulers of the Philistines were there. There were three thousand men and women on the roof watching Samson entertain.

normalized_text:
now the temple was filled with men and women and all the rulers of the philistines were there there were three thousand men and women on the roof watching samson entertain


text:
Samson called to the LORD,“O Sovereign LORD, remember me! Strengthen me just one more time, O God, so I can get swift revenge against the Philistines for my two eyes!”

normalized_text:
samson called to the lord o sovereign lord remember me strengthen me just one more time o god so i can get swift revenge against the philistines for my two eyes


text:
Samson took hold of the two middle pillars that supported the temple and he leaned against them, with his right hand on one and his left hand on the other.

normalized_text:
samson took hold of the two middle pillars that supported the temple and he leaned against them with his right hand on one and his left hand on the other


text:
Samson said,“Let me die with the Philistines!” He pushed hard and the temple collapsed on the rulers and all the people in it. He killed many more people in his death than he had killed during his life.

normalized_text:
samson said let me die with the philistines he pushed hard and the temple collapsed on the rulers and all the people in it he killed many more people in his death than he had killed during his life


text:
His brothers and all his family went down and brought him back. They buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel for twenty years.

normalized_text:
his brothers and all his family went down and brought him back they buried him between zorah and eshtaol in the tomb of manoah his father he had led israel for twenty years


text:
He said to his mother,“You know the eleven hundred pieces of silver which were stolen from you, about which I heard you pronounce a curse? Look here, I have the silver. I stole it, but now I am giving it back to you.” His mother said,“May the LORD reward you, my son!”

normalized_text:
he said to his mother you know the eleven hundred pieces of silver which were stolen from you about which i heard you pronounce a curse look here i have the silver i stole it but now i am giving it back to you his mother said may the lord reward you my son


text:
When he gave back to his mother the eleven hundred pieces of silver, his mother said,“I solemnly dedicate this silver to the LORD. It will be for my son’s benefit. We will use it to make a carved image and a metal image.”

normalized_text:
when he gave back to his mother the eleven hundred pieces of silver his mother said i solemnly dedicate this silver to the lord it will be for my son s benefit we will use it to make a carved image and a metal image


text:
When he gave the silver back to his mother, she took two hundred pieces of silver to a silversmith, who made them into a carved image and a metal image. She then put them in Micah’s house.

normalized_text:
when he gave the silver back to his mother she took two hundred pieces of silver to a silversmith who made them into a carved image and a metal image she then put them in micah s house


text:
Now this man Micah owned a shrine. He made an ephod and some personal idols and hired one of his sons to serve as a priest.

normalized_text:
now this man micah owned a shrine he made an ephod and some personal idols and hired one of his sons to serve as a priest


text:
Micah Hires a Professional There was a young man from Bethlehem in Judah. He was a Levite who had been temporarily residing among the tribe of Judah.

normalized_text:
micah hires a professional there was a young man from bethlehem in judah he was a levite who had been temporarily residing among the tribe of judah


text:
This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to find another place to live. He came to the Ephraimite hill country and made his way to Micah’s house.

normalized_text:
this man left the town of bethlehem in judah to find another place to live he came to the ephraimite hill country and made his way to micah s house


text:
Micah said to him,“Where do you come from?” He replied,“I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah. I am looking for a new place to live.”

normalized_text:
micah said to him where do you come from he replied i am a levite from bethlehem in judah i am looking for a new place to live


text:
Micah said to him,“Stay with me. Become my adviser and priest. I will give you ten pieces of silver per year, plus clothes and food.”

normalized_text:
micah said to him stay with me become my adviser and priest i will give you ten pieces of silver per year plus clothes and food


text:
The Tribe of Dan Finds an Inheritance In those days Israel had no king. And in those days the Danite tribe was looking for a place to settle, because at that time they did not yet have a place to call their own among the tribes of Israel.

normalized_text:
the tribe of dan finds an inheritance in those days israel had no king and in those days the danite tribe was looking for a place to settle because at that time they did not yet have a place to call their own among the tribes of israel


text:
The Danites sent out from their whole tribe five representatives, capable men from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. They said to them,“Go, explore the land.” They came to the Ephraimite hill country and spent the night at Micah’s house.

normalized_text:
the danites sent out from their whole tribe five representatives capable men from zorah and eshtaol to spy out the land and explore it they said to them go explore the land they came to the ephraimite hill country and spent the night at micah s house


text:
As they approached Micah’s house, they recognized the accent of the young Levite. So they stopped there and said to him,“Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is your business here?”

normalized_text:
as they approached micah s house they recognized the accent of the young levite so they stopped there and said to him who brought you here what are you doing in this place what is your business here


normalized_text: they said to him seek a divine oracle for us so we can know if we will be successful on our mission
text:
They said to him,“Seek a divine oracle for us, so we can know if we will be successful on our mission.”


text:
So the five men journeyed on and arrived in Laish. They noticed that the people there were living securely, like the Sidonians do, undisturbed and unsuspecting. No conqueror was troubling them in any way. They lived far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anyone.

normalized_text:
so the five men journeyed on and arrived in laish they noticed that the people there were living securely like the sidonians do undisturbed and unsuspecting no conqueror was troubling them in any way they lived far from the sidonians and had no dealings with anyone


text:
When the Danites returned to their tribe in Zorah and Eshtaol, their kinsmen asked them,“How did it go?”

normalized_text:
when the danites returned to their tribe in zorah and eshtaol their kinsmen asked them how did it go


text:
They said,“Come on, let’s attack them, for we saw their land and it is very good. You seem lethargic, but don’t hesitate to invade and conquer the land.

normalized_text:
they said come on let s attack them for we saw their land and it is very good you seem lethargic but don t hesitate to invade and conquer the land


text:
When you invade, you will encounter unsuspecting people. The land is wide! God is handing it over to you– a place that lacks nothing on earth!”

normalized_text:
when you invade you will encounter unsuspecting people the land is wide god is handing it over to you a place that lacks nothing on earth


text:
They went up and camped in Kiriath Jearim in Judah.(To this day that place is called Camp of Dan. It is west of Kiriath Jearim.)

normalized_text:
they went up and camped in kiriath jearim in judah to this day that place is called camp of dan it is west of kiriath jearim


text:
The five men who had gone to spy out the land of Laish said to their kinsmen,“Do you realize that inside these houses are an ephod, some personal idols, a carved image, and a metal image? Decide now what you want to do.”

normalized_text:
the five men who had gone to spy out the land of laish said to their kinsmen do you realize that inside these houses are an ephod some personal idols a carved image and a metal image decide now what you want to do


text:
They stopped there, went inside the young Levite’s house(which belonged to Micah), and asked him how he was doing.

normalized_text:
they stopped there went inside the young levite s house which belonged to micah and asked him how he was doing


text:
The five men who had gone to spy out the land broke in and stole the carved image, the ephod, the personal idols, and the metal image, while the priest was standing at the entrance to the gate with the six hundred fully armed men.

normalized_text:
the five men who had gone to spy out the land broke in and stole the carved image the ephod the personal idols and the metal image while the priest was standing at the entrance to the gate with the six hundred fully armed men


text:
When these men broke into Micah’s house and stole the carved image, the ephod, the personal idols, and the metal image, the priest said to them,“What are you doing?”

normalized_text:
when these men broke into micah s house and stole the carved image the ephod the personal idols and the metal image the priest said to them what are you doing


text:
They said to him,“Shut up! Put your hand over your mouth and come with us! You can be our adviser and priest. Wouldn’t it be better to be a priest for a whole Israelite tribe than for just one man’s family?”

normalized_text:
they said to him shut up put your hand over your mouth and come with us you can be our adviser and priest wouldn t it be better to be a priest for a whole israelite tribe than for just one man s family


normalized_text: the priest was happy he took the ephod the personal idols and the carved image and joined the group
text:
The priest was happy. He took the ephod, the personal idols, and the carved image and joined the group.


text:
They turned and went on their way, but they walked behind the children, the cattle, and their possessions.

normalized_text:
they turned and went on their way but they walked behind the children the cattle and their possessions


text:
After they had gone a good distance from Micah’s house, Micah’s neighbors gathered together and caught up with the Danites.

normalized_text:
after they had gone a good distance from micah s house micah s neighbors gathered together and caught up with the danites


text:
When they called out to the Danites, the Danites turned around and said to Micah,“Why have you gathered together?”

normalized_text:
when they called out to the danites the danites turned around and said to micah why have you gathered together


text:
He said,“You stole my gods that I made, as well as this priest, and then went away. What do I have left? How can you have the audacity to say to me,‘What do you want?’”

normalized_text:
he said you stole my gods that i made as well as this priest and then went away what do i have left how can you have the audacity to say to me what do you want


text:
The Danites said to him,“Don’t say another word to us, or some very angry men will attack you, and you and your family will die.”

normalized_text:
the danites said to him don t say another word to us or some very angry men will attack you and you and your family will die


text:
The Danites went on their way; when Micah realized they were too strong to resist, he turned around and went home.

normalized_text:
the danites went on their way when micah realized they were too strong to resist he turned around and went home


text:
Now the Danites took what Micah had made, as well as his priest, and came to Laish, where the people were undisturbed and unsuspecting. They struck them down with the sword and burned the city.

normalized_text:
now the danites took what micah had made as well as his priest and came to laish where the people were undisturbed and unsuspecting they struck them down with the sword and burned the city


text:
No one came to the rescue because the city was far from Sidon and they had no dealings with anyone. The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob. The Danites rebuilt the city and occupied it.

normalized_text:
no one came to the rescue because the city was far from sidon and they had no dealings with anyone the city was in a valley near beth rehob the danites rebuilt the city and occupied it


text:
They named it Dan after their ancestor, who was one of Israel’s sons. But the city’s name used to be Laish.

normalized_text:
they named it dan after their ancestor who was one of israel s sons but the city s name used to be laish


text:
The Danites worshiped the carved image. Jonathan, descendant of Gershom, son of Moses, and his descendants served as priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the exile.

normalized_text:
the danites worshiped the carved image jonathan descendant of gershom son of moses and his descendants served as priests for the tribe of dan until the time of the exile


text:
Sodom and Gomorrah Revisited In those days Israel had no king. There was a Levite living temporarily in the remote region of the Ephraimite hill country. He acquired a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.

normalized_text:
sodom and gomorrah revisited in those days israel had no king there was a levite living temporarily in the remote region of the ephraimite hill country he acquired a concubine from bethlehem in judah


text:
However, she got angry at him and went home to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. When she had been there four months,

normalized_text:
however she got angry at him and went home to her father s house in bethlehem in judah when she had been there four months


text:
her husband came after her, hoping he could convince her to return. He brought with him his servant and a pair of donkeys. When she brought him into her father’s house and the girl’s father saw him, he greeted him warmly.

normalized_text:
her husband came after her hoping he could convince her to return he brought with him his servant and a pair of donkeys when she brought him into her father s house and the girl s father saw him he greeted him warmly


text:
His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay with him for three days, and they ate and drank together, and spent the night there.

normalized_text:
his father in law the girl s father persuaded him to stay with him for three days and they ate and drank together and spent the night there


text:
On the fourth day they woke up early and the Levite got ready to leave. But the girl’s father said to his son-in-law,“Have a bite to eat for some energy, then you can go.”

normalized_text:
on the fourth day they woke up early and the levite got ready to leave but the girl s father said to his son in law have a bite to eat for some energy then you can go


text:
So the two of them sat down and had a meal together. Then the girl’s father said to the man,“Why not stay another night and have a good time!”

normalized_text:
so the two of them sat down and had a meal together then the girl s father said to the man why not stay another night and have a good time


text:
He woke up early in the morning on the fifth day so he could leave, but the girl’s father said,“Get some energy. Wait until later in the day to leave!” So they ate a meal together.

normalized_text:
he woke up early in the morning on the fifth day so he could leave but the girl s father said get some energy wait until later in the day to leave so they ate a meal together


text:
When the man got ready to leave with his concubine and his servant, his father-in-law, the girl’s father, said to him,“Look! The day is almost over! Stay another night! Since the day is over, stay another night here and have a good time. You can get up early tomorrow and start your trip home.”

normalized_text:
when the man got ready to leave with his concubine and his servant his father in law the girl s father said to him look the day is almost over stay another night since the day is over stay another night here and have a good time you can get up early tomorrow and start your trip home


text:
But the man did not want to stay another night. He left and traveled as far as Jebus(that is, Jerusalem). He had with him a pair of saddled donkeys and his concubine.

normalized_text:
but the man did not want to stay another night he left and traveled as far as jebus that is jerusalem he had with him a pair of saddled donkeys and his concubine


text:
When they got near Jebus, it was getting quite late and the servant said to his master,“Come on, let’s stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night in it.”

normalized_text:
when they got near jebus it was getting quite late and the servant said to his master come on let s stop at this jebusite city and spend the night in it


text:
But his master said to him,“We should not stop at a foreign city where non-Israelites live. We will travel on to Gibeah.”

normalized_text:
but his master said to him we should not stop at a foreign city where non israelites live we will travel on to gibeah


text:
He said to his servant,“Come on, we will go into one of the other towns and spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah.”

normalized_text:
he said to his servant come on we will go into one of the other towns and spend the night in gibeah or ramah


text:
They stopped there and decided to spend the night in Gibeah. They came into the city and sat down in the town square, but no one invited them to spend the night.

normalized_text:
they stopped there and decided to spend the night in gibeah they came into the city and sat down in the town square but no one invited them to spend the night


text:
But then an old man passed by, returning at the end of the day from his work in the field. The man was from the Ephraimite hill country; he was living temporarily in Gibeah.(The residents of the town were Benjaminites.)

normalized_text:
but then an old man passed by returning at the end of the day from his work in the field the man was from the ephraimite hill country he was living temporarily in gibeah the residents of the town were benjaminites


text:
When he looked up and saw the traveler in the town square, the old man said,“Where are you heading? Where do you come from?”

normalized_text:
when he looked up and saw the traveler in the town square the old man said where are you heading where do you come from


text:
The Levite said to him,“We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote region of the Ephraimite hill country. That’s where I’m from. I had business in Bethlehem in Judah, but now I’m heading home. But no one has invited me into their home.

normalized_text:
the levite said to him we are traveling from bethlehem in judah to the remote region of the ephraimite hill country that s where i m from i had business in bethlehem in judah but now i m heading home but no one has invited me into their home


text:
We have enough straw and grain for our donkeys, and there is enough food and wine for me, your female servant, and the young man who is with your servants. We lack nothing.”

normalized_text:
we have enough straw and grain for our donkeys and there is enough food and wine for me your female servant and the young man who is with your servants we lack nothing


text:
The old man said,“Everything is just fine! I will take care of all your needs. But don’t spend the night in the town square.”

normalized_text:
the old man said everything is just fine i will take care of all your needs but don t spend the night in the town square


text:
They were having a good time, when suddenly some men of the city, some good-for-nothings, surrounded the house and kept beating on the door. They said to the old man who owned the house,“Send out the man who came to visit you so we can take carnal knowledge of him.”

normalized_text:
they were having a good time when suddenly some men of the city some good for nothings surrounded the house and kept beating on the door they said to the old man who owned the house send out the man who came to visit you so we can take carnal knowledge of him


text:
The man who owned the house went outside and said to them,“No, my brothers! Don’t do this wicked thing! After all, this man is a guest in my house. Don’t do such a disgraceful thing!

normalized_text:
the man who owned the house went outside and said to them no my brothers don t do this wicked thing after all this man is a guest in my house don t do such a disgraceful thing


text:
Here are my virgin daughter and my guest’s concubine. I will send them out and you can abuse them and do to them whatever you like. But don’t do such a disgraceful thing to this man!”

normalized_text:
here are my virgin daughter and my guest s concubine i will send them out and you can abuse them and do to them whatever you like but don t do such a disgraceful thing to this man


text:
The men refused to listen to him, so the Levite grabbed his concubine and made her go outside. They raped her and abused her all night long until morning. They let her go at dawn.

normalized_text:
the men refused to listen to him so the levite grabbed his concubine and made her go outside they raped her and abused her all night long until morning they let her go at dawn


text:
The woman arrived back at daybreak and was sprawled out on the doorstep of the house where her master was staying until it became light.

normalized_text:
the woman arrived back at daybreak and was sprawled out on the doorstep of the house where her master was staying until it became light


text:
When her master got up in the morning, opened the doors of the house, and went outside to start on his journey, there was the woman, his concubine, sprawled out on the doorstep of the house with her hands on the threshold.

normalized_text:
when her master got up in the morning opened the doors of the house and went outside to start on his journey there was the woman his concubine sprawled out on the doorstep of the house with her hands on the threshold


normalized_text: he said to her get up let s leave but there was no response he put her on the donkey and went home
text:
He said to her,“Get up, let’s leave!” But there was no response. He put her on the donkey and went home.


text:
When he got home, he took a knife, grasped his concubine, and carved her up into twelve pieces. Then he sent the pieces throughout Israel.

normalized_text:
when he got home he took a knife grasped his concubine and carved her up into twelve pieces then he sent the pieces throughout israel


text:
Everyone who saw the sight said,“Nothing like this has happened or been witnessed during the entire time since the Israelites left the land of Egypt! Take careful note of it! Discuss it and speak!”

normalized_text:
everyone who saw the sight said nothing like this has happened or been witnessed during the entire time since the israelites left the land of egypt take careful note of it discuss it and speak


text:
Civil War Breaks Out All the Israelites from Dan to Beer Sheba and from the land of Gilead left their homes and assembled together before the LORD at Mizpah.

normalized_text:
civil war breaks out all the israelites from dan to beer sheba and from the land of gilead left their homes and assembled together before the lord at mizpah


text:
The leaders of all the people from all the tribes of Israel took their places in the assembly of God’s people, which numbered four hundred thousand sword-wielding foot soldiers.

normalized_text:
the leaders of all the people from all the tribes of israel took their places in the assembly of god s people which numbered four hundred thousand sword wielding foot soldiers


text:
The Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah. Then the Israelites said,“Explain how this wicked thing happened!”

normalized_text:
the benjaminites heard that the israelites had gone up to mizpah then the israelites said explain how this wicked thing happened


text:
The Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, spoke up,“I and my concubine stopped in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin to spend the night.

normalized_text:
the levite the husband of the murdered woman spoke up i and my concubine stopped in gibeah in the territory of benjamin to spend the night


text:
The leaders of Gibeah attacked me and at night surrounded the house where I was staying. They wanted to kill me; instead they abused my concubine so badly that she died.

normalized_text:
the leaders of gibeah attacked me and at night surrounded the house where i was staying they wanted to kill me instead they abused my concubine so badly that she died


text:
I took hold of my concubine and carved her up and sent the pieces throughout the territory occupied by Israel, because they committed such an unthinkable atrocity in Israel.

normalized_text:
i took hold of my concubine and carved her up and sent the pieces throughout the territory occupied by israel because they committed such an unthinkable atrocity in israel


text:
All Israel rose up in unison and said,“Not one of us will go home! Not one of us will return to his house!

normalized_text:
all israel rose up in unison and said not one of us will go home not one of us will return to his house


text:
We will take ten of every group of a hundred men from all the tribes of Israel(and a hundred of every group of a thousand, and a thousand of every group of ten thousand) to get supplies for the army. When they arrive in Gibeah of Benjamin they will punish them for the atrocity which they committed in Israel.”

normalized_text:
we will take ten of every group of a hundred men from all the tribes of israel and a hundred of every group of a thousand and a thousand of every group of ten thousand to get supplies for the army when they arrive in gibeah of benjamin they will punish them for the atrocity which they committed in israel


text:
The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying,“How could such a wicked thing take place?

normalized_text:
the tribes of israel sent men throughout the tribe of benjamin saying how could such a wicked thing take place


text:
Now, hand over the good-for-nothings in Gibeah so we can execute them and purge Israel of wickedness.” But the Benjaminites refused to listen to their Israelite brothers.

normalized_text:
now hand over the good for nothings in gibeah so we can execute them and purge israel of wickedness but the benjaminites refused to listen to their israelite brothers


text:
That day the Benjaminites mustered from their cities twenty-six thousand sword-wielding soldiers, besides seven hundred well-trained soldiers from Gibeah.

normalized_text:
that day the benjaminites mustered from their cities twenty six thousand sword wielding soldiers besides seven hundred well trained soldiers from gibeah


text:
Among this army were seven hundred specially-trained left-handed soldiers. Each one could sling a stone and hit even the smallest target.

normalized_text:
among this army were seven hundred specially trained left handed soldiers each one could sling a stone and hit even the smallest target


text:
The men of Israel(not counting Benjamin) had mustered four hundred thousand sword-wielding soldiers, every one an experienced warrior.

normalized_text:
the men of israel not counting benjamin had mustered four hundred thousand sword wielding soldiers every one an experienced warrior


text:
The Israelites went up to Bethel and asked God,“Who should lead the charge against the Benjaminites?” The LORD said,“Judah should lead.”

normalized_text:
the israelites went up to bethel and asked god who should lead the charge against the benjaminites the lord said judah should lead


text:
The Israelite army took heart and once more arranged their battle lines, in the same place where they had taken their positions the day before.

normalized_text:
the israelite army took heart and once more arranged their battle lines in the same place where they had taken their positions the day before


text:
The Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening. They asked the LORD,“Should we again march out to fight the Benjaminites, our brothers?” The LORD said,“Attack them!”

normalized_text:
the israelites went up and wept before the lord until evening they asked the lord should we again march out to fight the benjaminites our brothers the lord said attack them


text:
The Benjaminites again attacked them from Gibeah and struck down eighteen thousand sword-wielding Israelite soldiers.

normalized_text:
the benjaminites again attacked them from gibeah and struck down eighteen thousand sword wielding israelite soldiers


text:
So all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel. They wept and sat there before the LORD; they did not eat anything that day until evening. They offered up burnt sacrifices and tokens of peace to the LORD.

normalized_text:
so all the israelites the whole army went up to bethel they wept and sat there before the lord they did not eat anything that day until evening they offered up burnt sacrifices and tokens of peace to the lord


text:
Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, was serving the LORD in those days),“Should we once more march out to fight the Benjaminites our brothers, or should we quit?” The LORD said,“Attack, for tomorrow I will hand them over to you.”

normalized_text:
phinehas son of eleazar son of aaron was serving the lord in those days should we once more march out to fight the benjaminites our brothers or should we quit the lord said attack for tomorrow i will hand them over to you


text:
The Israelites attacked the Benjaminites the next day; they took their positions against Gibeah just as they had done before.

normalized_text:
the israelites attacked the benjaminites the next day they took their positions against gibeah just as they had done before


text:
The Benjaminites attacked the army, leaving the city unguarded. They began to strike down their enemy just as they had done before. On the main roads(one leads to Bethel, the other to Gibeah) and in the field, they struck down about thirty Israelites.

normalized_text:
the benjaminites attacked the army leaving the city unguarded they began to strike down their enemy just as they had done before on the main roads one leads to bethel the other to gibeah and in the field they struck down about thirty israelites


text:
Then the Benjaminites said,“They are defeated just as before.” But the Israelites said,“Let’s retreat and lure them away from the city into the main roads.”

normalized_text:
then the benjaminites said they are defeated just as before but the israelites said let s retreat and lure them away from the city into the main roads


text:
All the men of Israel got up from their places and took their positions at Baal Tamar, while the Israelites hiding in ambush jumped out of their places west of Gibeah.

normalized_text:
all the men of israel got up from their places and took their positions at baal tamar while the israelites hiding in ambush jumped out of their places west of gibeah


text:
Ten thousand men, well-trained soldiers from all Israel, then made a frontal assault against Gibeah– the battle was fierce. But the Benjaminites did not realize that disaster was at their doorstep.

normalized_text:
ten thousand men well trained soldiers from all israel then made a frontal assault against gibeah the battle was fierce but the benjaminites did not realize that disaster was at their doorstep


text:
The LORD annihilated Benjamin before Israel; the Israelites struck down that day 25,100 sword-wielding Benjaminites.

normalized_text:
the lord annihilated benjamin before israel the israelites struck down that day 25 100 sword wielding benjaminites


text:
Then the Benjaminites saw they were defeated.The Israelites retreated before Benjamin, because they had confidence in the men they had hid in ambush outside Gibeah.

normalized_text:
then the benjaminites saw they were defeated the israelites retreated before benjamin because they had confidence in the men they had hid in ambush outside gibeah


text:
The men hiding in ambush made a mad dash to Gibeah. They attacked and put the sword to the entire city.

normalized_text:
the men hiding in ambush made a mad dash to gibeah they attacked and put the sword to the entire city


text:
The Israelites and the men hiding in ambush had arranged a signal. When the men hiding in ambush sent up a smoke signal from the city,

normalized_text:
the israelites and the men hiding in ambush had arranged a signal when the men hiding in ambush sent up a smoke signal from the city


text:
the Israelites counterattacked. Benjamin had begun to strike down the Israelites; they struck down about thirty men. They said,“There’s no doubt about it! They are totally defeated as in the earlier battle.”

normalized_text:
the israelites counterattacked benjamin had begun to strike down the israelites they struck down about thirty men they said there s no doubt about it they are totally defeated as in the earlier battle


text:
But when the signal, a pillar of smoke, began to rise up from the city, the Benjaminites turned around and saw the whole city going up in a cloud of smoke that rose high into the sky.

normalized_text:
but when the signal a pillar of smoke began to rise up from the city the benjaminites turned around and saw the whole city going up in a cloud of smoke that rose high into the sky


text:
When the Israelites turned around, the Benjaminites panicked because they could see that disaster was on their doorstep.

normalized_text:
when the israelites turned around the benjaminites panicked because they could see that disaster was on their doorstep


text:
They retreated before the Israelites, taking the road to the wilderness. But the battle overtook them as men from the surrounding cities struck them down.

normalized_text:
they retreated before the israelites taking the road to the wilderness but the battle overtook them as men from the surrounding cities struck them down


text:
They surrounded the Benjaminites, chased them from Nohah, and annihilated them all the way to a spot east of Geba.

normalized_text:
they surrounded the benjaminites chased them from nohah and annihilated them all the way to a spot east of geba


text:
The rest turned and ran toward the wilderness, heading toward the cliff of Rimmon. But the Israelites caught five thousand of them on the main roads. They stayed right on their heels all the way to Gidom and struck down two thousand more.

normalized_text:
the rest turned and ran toward the wilderness heading toward the cliff of rimmon but the israelites caught five thousand of them on the main roads they stayed right on their heels all the way to gidom and struck down two thousand more


text:
That day twenty-five thousand sword-wielding Benjaminites fell in battle, all of them capable warriors.

normalized_text:
that day twenty five thousand sword wielding benjaminites fell in battle all of them capable warriors


text:
Six hundred survivors turned and ran away to the wilderness, to the cliff of Rimmon. They stayed there four months.

normalized_text:
six hundred survivors turned and ran away to the wilderness to the cliff of rimmon they stayed there four months


text:
The Israelites returned to the Benjaminite towns and put the sword to them. They wiped out the cities, the animals, and everything they could find. They set fire to every city in their path.

normalized_text:
the israelites returned to the benjaminite towns and put the sword to them they wiped out the cities the animals and everything they could find they set fire to every city in their path


text:
600 Brides for 600 Brothers The Israelites had taken an oath in Mizpah, saying,“Not one of us will allow his daughter to marry a Benjaminite.”

normalized_text:
600 brides for 600 brothers the israelites had taken an oath in mizpah saying not one of us will allow his daughter to marry a benjaminite


text:
So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, weeping loudly and uncontrollably.

normalized_text:
so the people came to bethel and sat there before god until evening weeping loudly and uncontrollably


text:
They said,“Why, O LORD God of Israel, has this happened in Israel?” An entire tribe has disappeared from Israel today!”

normalized_text:
they said why o lord god of israel has this happened in israel an entire tribe has disappeared from israel today


text:
The next morning the people got up early and built an altar there. They offered up burnt sacrifices and tokens of peace.

normalized_text:
the next morning the people got up early and built an altar there they offered up burnt sacrifices and tokens of peace


text:
The Israelites asked,“Who from all the Israelite tribes has not assembled before the LORD?”They had made a solemn oath that whoever did not assemble before the LORD at Mizpah must certainly be executed.

normalized_text:
the israelites asked who from all the israelite tribes has not assembled before the lord they had made a solemn oath that whoever did not assemble before the lord at mizpah must certainly be executed


text:
The Israelites regretted what had happened to their brother Benjamin. They said,“Today we cut off an entire tribe from Israel!

normalized_text:
the israelites regretted what had happened to their brother benjamin they said today we cut off an entire tribe from israel


text:
How can we find wives for those who are left? After all, we took an oath in the LORD’s name not to give them our daughters as wives.”

normalized_text:
how can we find wives for those who are left after all we took an oath in the lord s name not to give them our daughters as wives


text:
So they asked,“Who from all the Israelite tribes did not assemble before the LORD at Mizpah?” Now it just so happened no one from Jabesh Gilead had come to the gathering.

normalized_text:
so they asked who from all the israelite tribes did not assemble before the lord at mizpah now it just so happened no one from jabesh gilead had come to the gathering


text:
So the assembly sent 12,000 capable warriors against Jabesh Gilead. They commanded them,“Go and kill with your swords the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead, including the women and little children.

normalized_text:
so the assembly sent 12 000 capable warriors against jabesh gilead they commanded them go and kill with your swords the inhabitants of jabesh gilead including the women and little children


text:
Do this: exterminate every male, as well as every woman who has experienced a man’s bed. But spare the lives of any virgins.” So they did as instructed.

normalized_text:
do this exterminate every male as well as every woman who has experienced a man s bed but spare the lives of any virgins so they did as instructed


text:
They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead four hundred young girls who were virgins who had never been intimate with a man in bed. They brought them back to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan.

normalized_text:
they found among the inhabitants of jabesh gilead four hundred young girls who were virgins who had never been intimate with a man in bed they brought them back to the camp at shiloh in the land of canaan


text:
The entire assembly sent messengers to the Benjaminites at the cliff of Rimmon and assured them they would not be harmed.

normalized_text:
the entire assembly sent messengers to the benjaminites at the cliff of rimmon and assured them they would not be harmed


text:
The Benjaminites returned at that time, and the Israelites gave to them the women they had spared from Jabesh Gilead. But there were not enough to go around.

normalized_text:
the benjaminites returned at that time and the israelites gave to them the women they had spared from jabesh gilead but there were not enough to go around


text:
The people regretted what had happened to Benjamin because the LORD had weakened the Israelite tribes.

normalized_text:
the people regretted what had happened to benjamin because the lord had weakened the israelite tribes


text:
The leaders of the assembly said,“How can we find wives for those who are left? After all, the Benjaminite women have been wiped out.

normalized_text:
the leaders of the assembly said how can we find wives for those who are left after all the benjaminite women have been wiped out


text:
But we can’t allow our daughters to marry them, for the Israelites took an oath, saying,‘Whoever gives a woman to a Benjaminite will be destroyed!’

normalized_text:
but we can t allow our daughters to marry them for the israelites took an oath saying whoever gives a woman to a benjaminite will be destroyed


text:
However, there is an annual festival to the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel(east of the main road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem) and south of Lebonah.”

normalized_text:
however there is an annual festival to the lord in shiloh which is north of bethel east of the main road that goes up from bethel to shechem and south of lebonah


text:
and keep your eyes open. When you see the daughters of Shiloh coming out to dance in the celebration, jump out from the vineyards. Each one of you, catch yourself a wife from among the daughters of Shiloh and then go home to the land of Benjamin.

normalized_text:
and keep your eyes open when you see the daughters of shiloh coming out to dance in the celebration jump out from the vineyards each one of you catch yourself a wife from among the daughters of shiloh and then go home to the land of benjamin


text:
When their fathers or brothers come and protest to us, we’ll say to them,“Do us a favor and let them be, for we could not get each one a wife through battle. Don’t worry about breaking your oath! You would only be guilty if you had voluntarily given them wives.’”

normalized_text:
when their fathers or brothers come and protest to us we ll say to them do us a favor and let them be for we could not get each one a wife through battle don t worry about breaking your oath you would only be guilty if you had voluntarily given them wives


text:
The Benjaminites did as instructed. They abducted two hundred of the dancing girls to be their wives. They went home to their own territory, rebuilt their cities, and settled down.

normalized_text:
the benjaminites did as instructed they abducted two hundred of the dancing girls to be their wives they went home to their own territory rebuilt their cities and settled down


text:
Then the Israelites dispersed from there to their respective tribal and clan territories. Each went from there to his own property.

normalized_text:
then the israelites dispersed from there to their respective tribal and clan territories each went from there to his own property


text:
¶ A Family Tragedy: Famine and Death During the time of the judges there was a famine in the land of Judah. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with his wife and two sons.

normalized_text:
a family tragedy famine and death during the time of the judges there was a famine in the land of judah so a man from bethlehem in judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of moab along with his wife and two sons


text:
(Now the man’s name was Elimelech, his wife was Naomi, and his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were of the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah.) They entered the region of Moab and settled there.

normalized_text:
now the man s name was elimelech his wife was naomi and his two sons were mahlon and kilion they were of the clan of ephrath from bethlehem in judah they entered the region of moab and settled there


text:
So her sons married Moabite women.(One was named Orpah and the other Ruth.) And they continued to live there about ten years.

normalized_text:
so her sons married moabite women one was named orpah and the other ruth and they continued to live there about ten years


text:
Then Naomi’s two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, also died. So the woman was left all alone– bereaved of her two children as well as her husband!

normalized_text:
then naomi s two sons mahlon and kilion also died so the woman was left all alone bereaved of her two children as well as her husband


text:
So she decided to return home from the region of Moab, accompanied by her daughters-in-law, because while she was living in Moab she had heard that the LORD had shown concern for his people, reversing the famine by providing abundant crops.

normalized_text:
so she decided to return home from the region of moab accompanied by her daughters in law because while she was living in moab she had heard that the lord had shown concern for his people reversing the famine by providing abundant crops


text:
Ruth Returns with Naomi Now as she and her two daughters-in-law began to leave the place where she had been living to return to the land of Judah,

normalized_text:
ruth returns with naomi now as she and her two daughters in law began to leave the place where she had been living to return to the land of judah


text:
Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law,“Listen to me! Each of you should return to your mother’s home! May the LORD show you the same kind of devotion that you have shown to your deceased husbands and to me!

normalized_text:
naomi said to her two daughters in law listen to me each of you should return to your mother s home may the lord show you the same kind of devotion that you have shown to your deceased husbands and to me


text:
May the LORD enable each of you to find security in the home of a new husband!” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept loudly.

normalized_text:
may the lord enable each of you to find security in the home of a new husband then she kissed them goodbye and they wept loudly


text:
But Naomi replied,“Go back home, my daughters! There is no reason for you to return to Judah with me! I am no longer capable of giving birth to sons who might become your husbands!

normalized_text:
but naomi replied go back home my daughters there is no reason for you to return to judah with me i am no longer capable of giving birth to sons who might become your husbands


text:
Go back home, my daughters! For I am too old to get married again. Even if I thought that there was hope that I could get married tonight and conceive sons,

normalized_text:
go back home my daughters for i am too old to get married again even if i thought that there was hope that i could get married tonight and conceive sons


text:
surely you would not want to wait until they were old enough to marry! Surely you would not remain unmarried all that time! No, my daughters, you must not return with me. For my intense suffering is too much for you to bear. For the LORD is afflicting me!”

normalized_text:
surely you would not want to wait until they were old enough to marry surely you would not remain unmarried all that time no my daughters you must not return with me for my intense suffering is too much for you to bear for the lord is afflicting me


text:
So Naomi said,“Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law back home!”

normalized_text:
so naomi said look your sister in law is returning to her people and to her god follow your sister in law back home


text:
But Ruth replied,“Stop urging me to abandon you! For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people will become my people, and your God will become my God.

normalized_text:
but ruth replied stop urging me to abandon you for wherever you go i will go wherever you live i will live your people will become my people and your god will become my god


text:
Wherever you die, I will die– and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I do not keep my promise! Only death will be able to separate me from you!”

normalized_text:
wherever you die i will die and there i will be buried may the lord punish me severely if i do not keep my promise only death will be able to separate me from you


text:
So the two of them journeyed together until they arrived in Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth Arrive in BethlehemWhen they entered Bethlehem, the whole village was excited about their arrival. The women of the village said,“Can this be Naomi?”

normalized_text:
so the two of them journeyed together until they arrived in bethlehem naomi and ruth arrive in bethlehemwhen they entered bethlehem the whole village was excited about their arrival the women of the village said can this be naomi


text:
But she replied to them,“Don’t call me‘Naomi’! Call me‘Mara’ because the Sovereign One has treated me very harshly.

normalized_text:
but she replied to them don t call me naomi call me mara because the sovereign one has treated me very harshly


text:
I left here full, but the LORD has caused me to return empty-handed. Why do you call me‘Naomi,’ seeing that the LORD has opposed me, and the Sovereign One has caused me to suffer?”

normalized_text:
i left here full but the lord has caused me to return empty handed why do you call me naomi seeing that the lord has opposed me and the sovereign one has caused me to suffer


text:
So Naomi returned, accompanied by her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who came back with her from the region of Moab.(Now they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.)

normalized_text:
so naomi returned accompanied by her moabite daughter in law ruth who came back with her from the region of moab now they arrived in bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest


text:
Ruth Works in the Field of Boaz Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side of the family named Boaz. He was a wealthy, prominent man from the clan of Elimelech.

normalized_text:
ruth works in the field of boaz now naomi had a relative on her husband s side of the family named boaz he was a wealthy prominent man from the clan of elimelech


text:
One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi,“Let me go to the fields so I can gather grain behind whoever permits me to do so.” Naomi replied,“You may go, my daughter.”

normalized_text:
one day ruth the moabite said to naomi let me go to the fields so i can gather grain behind whoever permits me to do so naomi replied you may go my daughter


text:
So Ruth went and gathered grain in the fields behind the harvesters. Now she just happened to end up in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

normalized_text:
so ruth went and gathered grain in the fields behind the harvesters now she just happened to end up in the portion of the field belonging to boaz who was from the clan of elimelech


text:
Boaz and Ruth Meet Now at that very moment, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters,“May the LORD be with you!” They replied,“May the LORD bless you!”

normalized_text:
boaz and ruth meet now at that very moment boaz arrived from bethlehem and greeted the harvesters may the lord be with you they replied may the lord bless you


text:
The servant in charge of the harvesters replied,“She’s the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the region of Moab.

normalized_text:
the servant in charge of the harvesters replied she s the young moabite woman who came back with naomi from the region of moab


text:
She asked,‘May I follow the harvesters and gather grain among the bundles?’ Since she arrived she has been working hard from this morning until now– except for sitting in the resting hut a short time.”

normalized_text:
she asked may i follow the harvesters and gather grain among the bundles since she arrived she has been working hard from this morning until now except for sitting in the resting hut a short time


text:
So Boaz said to Ruth,“Listen carefully, my dear! Do not leave to gather grain in another field. You need not go beyond the limits of this field. You may go along beside my female workers.

normalized_text:
so boaz said to ruth listen carefully my dear do not leave to gather grain in another field you need not go beyond the limits of this field you may go along beside my female workers


text:
Take note of the field where the men are harvesting and follow behind with the female workers. I will tell the men to leave you alone. When you are thirsty, you may go to the water jars and drink some of the water the servants draw.”

normalized_text:
take note of the field where the men are harvesting and follow behind with the female workers i will tell the men to leave you alone when you are thirsty you may go to the water jars and drink some of the water the servants draw


text:
Ruth knelt before him with her forehead to the ground and said to him,“Why are you so kind and so attentive to me, even though I am a foreigner?”

normalized_text:
ruth knelt before him with her forehead to the ground and said to him why are you so kind and so attentive to me even though i am a foreigner


text:
Boaz replied to her,“I have been given a full report of all that you have done for your mother-in-law following the death of your husband– how you left your father and your mother, as well as your homeland, and came to live among people you did not know previously.

normalized_text:
boaz replied to her i have been given a full report of all that you have done for your mother in law following the death of your husband how you left your father and your mother as well as your homeland and came to live among people you did not know previously


text:
May the LORD reward your efforts! May your acts of kindness be repaid fully by the LORD God of Israel, from whom you have sought protection!”

normalized_text:
may the lord reward your efforts may your acts of kindness be repaid fully by the lord god of israel from whom you have sought protection


text:
She said,“You really are being kind to me, sir, for you have reassured and encouraged me, your servant, even though I will never be like one of your servants!”

normalized_text:
she said you really are being kind to me sir for you have reassured and encouraged me your servant even though i will never be like one of your servants


text:
Later during the mealtime Boaz said to her,“Come here and have some food! Dip your bread in the vinegar!” So she sat down beside the harvesters. Then he handed her some roasted grain. She ate until she was full and saved the rest.

normalized_text:
later during the mealtime boaz said to her come here and have some food dip your bread in the vinegar so she sat down beside the harvesters then he handed her some roasted grain she ate until she was full and saved the rest


text:
When she got up to gather grain, Boaz told his male servants,“Let her gather grain even among the bundles! Don’t chase her off!

normalized_text:
when she got up to gather grain boaz told his male servants let her gather grain even among the bundles don t chase her off


text:
Make sure you pull out ears of grain for her and drop them so she can gather them up. Don’t tell her not to!”

normalized_text:
make sure you pull out ears of grain for her and drop them so she can gather them up don t tell her not to


text:
So she gathered grain in the field until evening. When she threshed what she had gathered, it came to about thirty pounds of barley!

normalized_text:
so she gathered grain in the field until evening when she threshed what she had gathered it came to about thirty pounds of barley


text:
Ruth Returns to Naomi She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much grain she had gathered. Then Ruth gave her the roasted grain she had saved from mealtime.

normalized_text:
ruth returns to naomi she carried it back to town and her mother in law saw how much grain she had gathered then ruth gave her the roasted grain she had saved from mealtime


text:
Her mother-in-law asked her,“Where did you gather grain today? Where did you work? May the one who took notice of you be rewarded!” So Ruth told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked. She said,“The name of the man with whom I worked today is Boaz.”

normalized_text:
her mother in law asked her where did you gather grain today where did you work may the one who took notice of you be rewarded so ruth told her mother in law with whom she had worked she said the name of the man with whom i worked today is boaz


text:
Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,“May he be rewarded by the LORD because he has shown loyalty to the living on behalf of the dead!” Then Naomi said to her,“This man is a close relative of ours; he is our guardian.”

normalized_text:
naomi said to her daughter in law may he be rewarded by the lord because he has shown loyalty to the living on behalf of the dead then naomi said to her this man is a close relative of ours he is our guardian


text:
Ruth the Moabite replied,“He even told me,‘You may go along beside my servants until they have finished gathering all my harvest!’”

normalized_text:
ruth the moabite replied he even told me you may go along beside my servants until they have finished gathering all my harvest


text:
Naomi then said to her daughter-in-law Ruth,“It is good, my daughter, that you should go out to work with his female servants. That way you will not be harmed, which could happen in another field.”

normalized_text:
naomi then said to her daughter in law ruth it is good my daughter that you should go out to work with his female servants that way you will not be harmed which could happen in another field


text:
So Ruth worked beside Boaz’s female servants, gathering grain until the end of the barley harvest as well as the wheat harvest. After that she stayed home with her mother-in-law.

normalized_text:
so ruth worked beside boaz s female servants gathering grain until the end of the barley harvest as well as the wheat harvest after that she stayed home with her mother in law


text:
Naomi Instructs Ruth At that time, Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her,“My daughter, I must find a home for you so you will be secure.

normalized_text:
naomi instructs ruth at that time naomi her mother in law said to her my daughter i must find a home for you so you will be secure


text:
Now Boaz, with whose female servants you worked, is our close relative. Look, tonight he is winnowing barley at the threshing floor.

normalized_text:
now boaz with whose female servants you worked is our close relative look tonight he is winnowing barley at the threshing floor


text:
So bathe yourself, rub on some perfumed oil, and get dressed up. Then go down to the threshing floor. But don’t let the man know you’re there until he finishes his meal.

normalized_text:
so bathe yourself rub on some perfumed oil and get dressed up then go down to the threshing floor but don t let the man know you re there until he finishes his meal


text:
When he gets ready to go to sleep, take careful notice of the place where he lies down. Then go, uncover his legs, and lie down beside him. He will tell you what you should do.”

normalized_text:
when he gets ready to go to sleep take careful notice of the place where he lies down then go uncover his legs and lie down beside him he will tell you what you should do


text:
Ruth Visits Boaz So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do.

normalized_text:
ruth visits boaz so she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother in law had instructed her to do


text:
When Boaz had finished his meal and was feeling satisfied, he lay down to sleep at the far end of the grain heap. Then Ruth crept up quietly, uncovered his legs, and lay down beside him.

normalized_text:
when boaz had finished his meal and was feeling satisfied he lay down to sleep at the far end of the grain heap then ruth crept up quietly uncovered his legs and lay down beside him


text:
He said,“Who are you?” She replied,“I am Ruth, your servant. Marry your servant, for you are a guardian of the family interests.”

normalized_text:
he said who are you she replied i am ruth your servant marry your servant for you are a guardian of the family interests


text:
He said,“May you be rewarded by the LORD, my dear! This act of devotion is greater than what you did before. For you have not sought to marry one of the young men, whether rich or poor.

normalized_text:
he said may you be rewarded by the lord my dear this act of devotion is greater than what you did before for you have not sought to marry one of the young men whether rich or poor


text:
Now, my dear, don’t worry! I intend to do for you everything you propose, for everyone in the village knows that you are a worthy woman.

normalized_text:
now my dear don t worry i intend to do for you everything you propose for everyone in the village knows that you are a worthy woman


text:
Now yes, it is true that I am a guardian, but there is another guardian who is a closer relative than I am.

normalized_text:
now yes it is true that i am a guardian but there is another guardian who is a closer relative than i am


text:
Remain here tonight. Then in the morning, if he agrees to marry you, fine, let him do so. But if he does not want to do so, I promise, as surely as the LORD lives, to marry you. Sleep here until morning.”

normalized_text:
remain here tonight then in the morning if he agrees to marry you fine let him do so but if he does not want to do so i promise as surely as the lord lives to marry you sleep here until morning


text:
So she slept beside him until morning. She woke up while it was still dark. Boaz thought,“No one must know that a woman visited the threshing floor.”

normalized_text:
so she slept beside him until morning she woke up while it was still dark boaz thought no one must know that a woman visited the threshing floor


text:
Then he said,“Hold out the shawl you are wearing and grip it tightly.” As she held it tightly, he measured out about sixty pounds of barley into the shawl and put it on her shoulders. Then he went into town,

normalized_text:
then he said hold out the shawl you are wearing and grip it tightly as she held it tightly he measured out about sixty pounds of barley into the shawl and put it on her shoulders then he went into town


text:
and she returned to her mother-in-law. Ruth Returns to NaomiWhen Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked,“How did things turn out for you, my daughter?” Ruth told her about all the man had done for her.

normalized_text:
and she returned to her mother in law ruth returns to naomiwhen ruth returned to her mother in law naomi asked how did things turn out for you my daughter ruth told her about all the man had done for her


text:
She said,“He gave me these sixty pounds of barley, for he said to me,‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

normalized_text:
she said he gave me these sixty pounds of barley for he said to me do not go to your mother in law empty handed


text:
Then Naomi said,“Stay put, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out. For the man will not rest until he has taken care of the matter today.”

normalized_text:
then naomi said stay put my daughter until you know how the matter turns out for the man will not rest until he has taken care of the matter today


text:
Boaz Settles the Matter Now Boaz went up to the village gate and sat there. Then along came the guardian whom Boaz had mentioned to Ruth! Boaz said,“Come here, what’s-your-name, and sit down.” So he came and sat down.

normalized_text:
boaz settles the matter now boaz went up to the village gate and sat there then along came the guardian whom boaz had mentioned to ruth boaz said come here what s your name and sit down so he came and sat down


text:
Then Boaz said to the guardian,“Naomi, who has returned from the region of Moab, is selling the portion of land that belongs to our relative Elimelech.

normalized_text:
then boaz said to the guardian naomi who has returned from the region of moab is selling the portion of land that belongs to our relative elimelech


text:
So I am legally informing you: Acquire it before those sitting here and before the leaders of my people! If you want to exercise your right to redeem it, then do so. But if not, then tell me so I will know. For you possess the first option to redeem it; I am next in line after you.” He replied,“I will redeem it.”

normalized_text:
so i am legally informing you acquire it before those sitting here and before the leaders of my people if you want to exercise your right to redeem it then do so but if not then tell me so i will know for you possess the first option to redeem it i am next in line after you he replied i will redeem it


text:
Then Boaz said,“When you acquire the field from Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the wife of our deceased relative, in order to preserve his family name by raising up a descendant who will inherit his property.”

normalized_text:
then boaz said when you acquire the field from naomi you must also acquire ruth the moabite the wife of our deceased relative in order to preserve his family name by raising up a descendant who will inherit his property


text:
The guardian said,“Then I am unable to redeem it, for I would ruin my own inheritance in that case. You may exercise my redemption option, for I am unable to redeem it.”

normalized_text:
the guardian said then i am unable to redeem it for i would ruin my own inheritance in that case you may exercise my redemption option for i am unable to redeem it


text:
(Now this used to be the customary way to finalize a transaction involving redemption in Israel: A man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party. This was a legally binding act in Israel.)

normalized_text:
now this used to be the customary way to finalize a transaction involving redemption in israel a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party this was a legally binding act in israel


text:
Then Boaz said to the leaders and all the people,“You are witnesses today that I have acquired from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon.

normalized_text:
then boaz said to the leaders and all the people you are witnesses today that i have acquired from naomi all that belonged to elimelech kilion and mahlon


text:
I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, as my wife to raise up a descendant who will inherit his property so the name of the deceased might not disappear from among his relatives and from his village. You are witnesses today.”

normalized_text:
i have also acquired ruth the moabite the wife of mahlon as my wife to raise up a descendant who will inherit his property so the name of the deceased might not disappear from among his relatives and from his village you are witnesses today


text:
All the people who were at the gate and the elders replied,“We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is entering your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built up the house of Israel! May you prosper in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem.

normalized_text:
all the people who were at the gate and the elders replied we are witnesses may the lord make the woman who is entering your home like rachel and leah both of whom built up the house of israel may you prosper in ephrathah and become famous in bethlehem


text:
May your family become like the family of Perez– whom Tamar bore to Judah– through the descendants the LORD gives you by this young woman.”

normalized_text:
may your family become like the family of perez whom tamar bore to judah through the descendants the lord gives you by this young woman


text:
A Grandson is Born to Naomi So Boaz married Ruth and slept with her. The LORD enabled her to conceive and she gave birth to a son.

normalized_text:
a grandson is born to naomi so boaz married ruth and slept with her the lord enabled her to conceive and she gave birth to a son


text:
The village women said to Naomi,“May the LORD be praised because he has not left you without a guardian today! May he become famous in Israel!

normalized_text:
the village women said to naomi may the lord be praised because he has not left you without a guardian today may he become famous in israel


text:
He will encourage you and provide for you when you are old, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, has given him birth. She is better to you than seven sons!”

normalized_text:
he will encourage you and provide for you when you are old for your daughter in law who loves you has given him birth she is better to you than seven sons


text:
The neighbor women named him, saying,“A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. Now he became the father of Jesse– David’s father!

normalized_text:
the neighbor women named him saying a son has been born to naomi they named him obed now he became the father of jesse david s father


text:
Epilogue: Obed in the Genealogy of David These are the descendants of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,

normalized_text:
epilogue obed in the genealogy of david these are the descendants of perez perez was the father of hezron


text:
¶ Hannah Gives Birth to Samuel There was a man from Ramathaim Zophim, from the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

normalized_text:
hannah gives birth to samuel there was a man from ramathaim zophim from the hill country of ephraim his name was elkanah he was the son of jeroham the son of elihu the son of tohu the son of zuph an ephraimite


text:
He had two wives; the name of the first was Hannah and the name of the second was Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

normalized_text:
he had two wives the name of the first was hannah and the name of the second was peninnah peninnah had children but hannah had no children


text:
This man would go up from his city year after year to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of Heaven’s Armies at Shiloh.(It was there that the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, served as the LORD’s priests.)

normalized_text:
this man would go up from his city year after year to worship and to sacrifice to the lord of heaven s armies at shiloh it was there that the two sons of eli hophni and phineas served as the lord s priests


text:
The day came and Elkanah sacrificed.(Now he used to give meat portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.

normalized_text:
the day came and elkanah sacrificed now he used to give meat portions to his wife peninnah and to all her sons and daughters


text:
But to Hannah he would give a double portion, because he loved Hannah, although the LORD had not enabled her to have children.

normalized_text:
but to hannah he would give a double portion because he loved hannah although the lord had not enabled her to have children


text:
Her rival used to aggravate her to the point of exasperation, just to irritate her, since the LORD had not enabled her to have children.

normalized_text:
her rival used to aggravate her to the point of exasperation just to irritate her since the lord had not enabled her to have children


text:
This is how it would go year after year. As often as she went up to the LORD’s house, Peninnah would offend her that way.) So she cried and refused to eat.

normalized_text:
this is how it would go year after year as often as she went up to the lord s house peninnah would offend her that way so she cried and refused to eat


text:
Then her husband Elkanah said to her,“Hannah, why are you crying and why won’t you eat? Why are you so upset? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

normalized_text:
then her husband elkanah said to her hannah why are you crying and why won t you eat why are you so upset am i not better to you than ten sons


text:
So Hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. At the time Eli the priest was sitting in his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s sanctuary.

normalized_text:
so hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in shiloh at the time eli the priest was sitting in his chair by the doorpost of the lord s sanctuary


text:
She made a vow saying,“O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you would truly look on the suffering of your servant, and would keep me in mind and not neglect your servant, and give your servant a male child, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.”

normalized_text:
she made a vow saying o lord of heaven s armies if you would truly look on the suffering of your servant and would keep me in mind and not neglect your servant and give your servant a male child then i will dedicate him to the lord all the days of his life his hair will never be cut


text:
It turned out that she did a great deal of praying before the LORD. Meanwhile Eli was watching her mouth.

normalized_text:
it turned out that she did a great deal of praying before the lord meanwhile eli was watching her mouth


text:
As for Hannah, she was speaking in her mind. Only her lips were moving; her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was a drunkard.

normalized_text:
as for hannah she was speaking in her mind only her lips were moving her voice could not be heard so eli thought she was a drunkard


text:
But Hannah replied,“Not so, my lord! I am a woman under a great deal of stress. I haven’t drunk wine or beer. But I have poured out my soul before the LORD.

normalized_text:
but hannah replied not so my lord i am a woman under a great deal of stress i haven t drunk wine or beer but i have poured out my soul before the lord


text:
Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman. It’s just that, to this point, I have spoken from my deep pain and anguish.”

normalized_text:
don t consider your servant a wicked woman it s just that to this point i have spoken from my deep pain and anguish


text:
She said,“May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad.

normalized_text:
she said may i your servant find favor in your sight so the woman went her way and got something to eat her face no longer looked sad


text:
They got up early the next morning. Then they worshiped the LORD and returned to their home at Ramathaim. Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the LORD called her to mind.

normalized_text:
they got up early the next morning then they worshiped the lord and returned to their home at ramathaim elkanah was intimate with his wife hannah and the lord called her to mind


text:
Then Hannah became pregnant. Hannah Dedicates Samuel to the LordIn the course of time she gave birth to a son. And she named him Samuel, thinking,“I asked the LORD for him.”

normalized_text:
then hannah became pregnant hannah dedicates samuel to the lordin the course of time she gave birth to a son and she named him samuel thinking i asked the lord for him


text:
Then the man Elkanah and all his family went up to make the yearly sacrifice to the LORD and to keep his vow.

normalized_text:
then the man elkanah and all his family went up to make the yearly sacrifice to the lord and to keep his vow


text:
But Hannah did not go up with them, because she had told her husband,“Not until the boy is weaned. Then I will bring him so that he may appear before the LORD. And he will remain there from then on.”

normalized_text:
but hannah did not go up with them because she had told her husband not until the boy is weaned then i will bring him so that he may appear before the lord and he will remain there from then on


text:
Then her husband Elkanah said to her,“Do what you think best. Stay until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD fulfill his promise.” So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.

normalized_text:
then her husband elkanah said to her do what you think best stay until you have weaned him only may the lord fulfill his promise so the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him


text:
Then she took him up with her as soon as she had weaned him, along with three bulls, an ephah of flour, and a container of wine. She came to the LORD’s house at Shiloh, and the boy was with them.

normalized_text:
then she took him up with her as soon as she had weaned him along with three bulls an ephah of flour and a container of wine she came to the lord s house at shiloh and the boy was with them


text:
She said,“My lord. Just as surely as you are alive, my lord, I am the woman who previously stood here with you in order to pray to the LORD.

normalized_text:
she said my lord just as surely as you are alive my lord i am the woman who previously stood here with you in order to pray to the lord


text:
So I also dedicate him to the LORD. For all the days of his life he is dedicated to the LORD.”Then he bowed down there in worship to the LORD.

normalized_text:
so i also dedicate him to the lord for all the days of his life he is dedicated to the lord then he bowed down there in worship to the lord


text:
Hannah Exalts the Lord in Prayer Hannah prayed,“My heart has rejoiced in the LORD; my horn has been raised high because of the LORD. I have loudly denounced my enemies. Indeed I rejoice in your deliverance.

normalized_text:
hannah exalts the lord in prayer hannah prayed my heart has rejoiced in the lord my horn has been raised high because of the lord i have loudly denounced my enemies indeed i rejoice in your deliverance


text:
Don’t keep speaking so arrogantly. Proud talk should not come out of your mouth! For the LORD is a God who knows; he evaluates what people do.

normalized_text:
don t keep speaking so arrogantly proud talk should not come out of your mouth for the lord is a god who knows he evaluates what people do


text:
The well-fed hire themselves out to earn food, but the hungry no longer lack. Even the barren woman has given birth to seven, but the one with many children has declined.

normalized_text:
the well fed hire themselves out to earn food but the hungry no longer lack even the barren woman has given birth to seven but the one with many children has declined


text:
He lifts the weak from the dust; he raises the poor from the ash heap to seat them with princes– he bestows on them an honored position. The foundations of the earth belong to the LORD– he placed the world on them.

normalized_text:
he lifts the weak from the dust he raises the poor from the ash heap to seat them with princes he bestows on them an honored position the foundations of the earth belong to the lord he placed the world on them


text:
He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails.

normalized_text:
he watches over his holy ones but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness for it is not by one s own strength that one prevails


text:
The LORD shatters his adversaries; he thunders against them from the heavens. The LORD executes judgment to the ends of the earth. He will strengthen his king and exalt the power of his anointed one.”

normalized_text:
the lord shatters his adversaries he thunders against them from the heavens the lord executes judgment to the ends of the earth he will strengthen his king and exalt the power of his anointed one


text:
Then Elkanah went back home to Ramah. Eli’s Sons Misuse Their Sacred OfficeThe boy was serving the LORD with the favor of Eli the priest.

normalized_text:
then elkanah went back home to ramah eli s sons misuse their sacred officethe boy was serving the lord with the favor of eli the priest


text:
This was the priests’ routine with the people. Whenever anyone was making a sacrifice, the priest’s attendant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand, just as the meat was boiling.

normalized_text:
this was the priests routine with the people whenever anyone was making a sacrifice the priest s attendant would come with a three pronged fork in his hand just as the meat was boiling


text:
He would jab it into the basin, kettle, cauldron, or pot. Everything that the fork would bring up the priest would take for himself. This is how they used to treat all the Israelites who came there to Shiloh.

normalized_text:
he would jab it into the basin kettle cauldron or pot everything that the fork would bring up the priest would take for himself this is how they used to treat all the israelites who came there to shiloh


text:
Also, before they burned the fat the priest’s attendant would come and say to the person who was making the sacrifice,“Give some meat for the priest to roast! He won’t accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.”

normalized_text:
also before they burned the fat the priest s attendant would come and say to the person who was making the sacrifice give some meat for the priest to roast he won t accept boiled meat from you but only raw


text:
If the individual said to him,“They should certainly burn the fat away first, then take for yourself whatever you wish,” he would say,“No! Give it now! If not, I’ll take it by force!”

normalized_text:
if the individual said to him they should certainly burn the fat away first then take for yourself whatever you wish he would say no give it now if not i ll take it by force


text:
The sin of these young men was very great in the LORD’s sight, for they treated the LORD’s offering with contempt.

normalized_text:
the sin of these young men was very great in the lord s sight for they treated the lord s offering with contempt


text:
His mother used to make him a small robe and bring it up to him from time to time when she would go up with her husband to make the annual sacrifice.

normalized_text:
his mother used to make him a small robe and bring it up to him from time to time when she would go up with her husband to make the annual sacrifice


text:
Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife saying,“May the LORD establish descendants for you from this woman in place of the one that she dedicated to the LORD.”Then they would go to their home.

normalized_text:
eli would bless elkanah and his wife saying may the lord establish descendants for you from this woman in place of the one that she dedicated to the lord then they would go to their home


text:
And indeed the LORD attended to Hannah. She got pregnant and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. But the boy Samuel grew up before the LORD.

normalized_text:
and indeed the lord attended to hannah she got pregnant and gave birth to three sons and two daughters but the boy samuel grew up before the lord


text:
Eli was very old. And he would hear about everything that his sons used to do to all the people of Israel and how they used to go to bed with the women who were stationed at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

normalized_text:
eli was very old and he would hear about everything that his sons used to do to all the people of israel and how they used to go to bed with the women who were stationed at the entrance to the tent of meeting


text:
So he said to them,“Why do you do these things, these evil things which I hear about from all these people?

normalized_text:
so he said to them why do you do these things these evil things which i hear about from all these people


text:
If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him then?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father. Indeed the LORD had decided to kill them.

normalized_text:
if a man sins against a man one may appeal to god on his behalf but if a man sins against the lord who can intercede for him then but eli s sons would not listen to their father indeed the lord had decided to kill them


text:
The Lord Judges the House of Eli Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him,“This is what the LORD has said:‘I plainly revealed myself to your ancestor’s house when they were slaves to the house of Pharaoh in Egypt.

normalized_text:
the lord judges the house of eli then a man of god came to eli and said to him this is what the lord has said i plainly revealed myself to your ancestor s house when they were slaves to the house of pharaoh in egypt


text:
I chose your ancestor from all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer sacrifice on my altar, to burn incense, and to bear the ephod before me. I gave to your ancestor’s house all the fire offerings made by the Israelites.

normalized_text:
i chose your ancestor from all the tribes of israel to be my priest to offer sacrifice on my altar to burn incense and to bear the ephod before me i gave to your ancestor s house all the fire offerings made by the israelites


text:
Why are you scorning my sacrifice and my offering that I commanded for my dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than you have me by having made yourselves fat from the best parts of all the offerings of my people Israel.’

normalized_text:
why are you scorning my sacrifice and my offering that i commanded for my dwelling place you have honored your sons more than you have me by having made yourselves fat from the best parts of all the offerings of my people israel


text:
Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, says,‘I really did say that your house and your ancestor’s house would serve me forever.’ But now the LORD says,‘May it never be! For I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be cursed!

normalized_text:
therefore the lord the god of israel says i really did say that your house and your ancestor s house would serve me forever but now the lord says may it never be for i will honor those who honor me but those who despise me will be cursed


text:
In fact, days are coming when I will remove your strength and the strength of your father’s house. There will not be an old man in your house!

normalized_text:
in fact days are coming when i will remove your strength and the strength of your father s house there will not be an old man in your house


text:
You will see trouble in my dwelling place! Israel will experience blessings, but there will not be an old man in your house for all time.

normalized_text:
you will see trouble in my dwelling place israel will experience blessings but there will not be an old man in your house for all time


text:
Any man of yours that I do not cut off from my altar, I will cause his eyes to fail and will cause him grief. All of those born to your family will die by the sword of man.

normalized_text:
any man of yours that i do not cut off from my altar i will cause his eyes to fail and will cause him grief all of those born to your family will die by the sword of man


text:
This will be a confirming sign for you that will be fulfilled through your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: in a single day they both will die!

normalized_text:
this will be a confirming sign for you that will be fulfilled through your two sons hophni and phinehas in a single day they both will die


text:
Then I will raise up for myself a faithful priest. He will do what is in my heart and soul. I will build for him a lasting dynasty and he will serve my chosen one for all time.

normalized_text:
then i will raise up for myself a faithful priest he will do what is in my heart and soul i will build for him a lasting dynasty and he will serve my chosen one for all time


text:
Everyone who remains in your house will come to bow before him for a little money and for a scrap of bread. Each will say,‘Assign me to a priestly task so I can eat a scrap of bread.’”

normalized_text:
everyone who remains in your house will come to bow before him for a little money and for a scrap of bread each will say assign me to a priestly task so i can eat a scrap of bread


text:
The Call of Samuel Now the boy Samuel continued serving the LORD under Eli’s supervision. Receiving a message from the LORD was rare in those days; revelatory visions were infrequent.

normalized_text:
the call of samuel now the boy samuel continued serving the lord under eli s supervision receiving a message from the lord was rare in those days revelatory visions were infrequent


text:
Eli’s eyes had begun to fail, so that he was unable to see well. At that time he was lying down in his place,

normalized_text:
eli s eyes had begun to fail so that he was unable to see well at that time he was lying down in his place


text:
and the lamp of God had not yet been extinguished. Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD as well; the ark of God was also there.

normalized_text:
and the lamp of god had not yet been extinguished samuel was lying down in the temple of the lord as well the ark of god was also there


text:
Then he ran to Eli and said,“Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said,“I didn’t call you. Go back and lie down.” So he went back and lay down.

normalized_text:
then he ran to eli and said here i am for you called me but eli said i didn t call you go back and lie down so he went back and lay down


text:
The LORD again called,“Samuel!” So Samuel got up and went to Eli and said,“Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said,“I didn’t call you, my son. Go back and lie down.”

normalized_text:
the lord again called samuel so samuel got up and went to eli and said here i am for you called me but eli said i didn t call you my son go back and lie down


text:
Then the LORD called Samuel a third time. So he got up and went to Eli and said,“Here I am, for you called me!” Eli then realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy.

normalized_text:
then the lord called samuel a third time so he got up and went to eli and said here i am for you called me eli then realized that it was the lord who was calling the boy


text:
So Eli said to Samuel,“Go back and lie down. When he calls you, say,“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” So Samuel went back and lay down in his place.

normalized_text:
so eli said to samuel go back and lie down when he calls you say speak lord for your servant is listening so samuel went back and lay down in his place


text:
Then the LORD came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done,“Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied,“Speak, for your servant is listening!”

normalized_text:
then the lord came and stood nearby calling as he had previously done samuel samuel samuel replied speak for your servant is listening


text:
The LORD said to Samuel,“Look! I am about to do something in Israel; when anyone hears about it, both of his ears will tingle.

normalized_text:
the lord said to samuel look i am about to do something in israel when anyone hears about it both of his ears will tingle


text:
On that day I will carry out against Eli everything that I spoke about his house– from start to finish!

normalized_text:
on that day i will carry out against eli everything that i spoke about his house from start to finish


text:
You should tell him that I am about to judge his house forever because of the sin that he knew about. For his sons were cursing God, and he did not rebuke them.

normalized_text:
you should tell him that i am about to judge his house forever because of the sin that he knew about for his sons were cursing god and he did not rebuke them


text:
Therefore I swore an oath to the house of Eli,‘The sin of the house of Eli can never be forgiven by sacrifice or by grain offering.’”

normalized_text:
therefore i swore an oath to the house of eli the sin of the house of eli can never be forgiven by sacrifice or by grain offering


text:
So Samuel lay down until morning. Then he opened the doors of the LORD’s house. But Samuel was afraid to tell Eli about the vision.

normalized_text:
so samuel lay down until morning then he opened the doors of the lord s house but samuel was afraid to tell eli about the vision


text:
Eli said,“What message did he speak to you? Don’t conceal it from me. God will judge you severely if you conceal from me anything that he said to you!”

normalized_text:
eli said what message did he speak to you don t conceal it from me god will judge you severely if you conceal from me anything that he said to you


text:
So Samuel told him everything. He did not hold back anything from him. Eli said,“The LORD will do what he pleases.”

normalized_text:
so samuel told him everything he did not hold back anything from him eli said the lord will do what he pleases


text:
Samuel continued to grow, and the LORD was with him. None of his prophecies fell to the ground unfulfilled.

normalized_text:
samuel continued to grow and the lord was with him none of his prophecies fell to the ground unfulfilled


text:
Then the LORD again appeared in Shiloh, for it was in Shiloh that the LORD had revealed himself to Samuel through a message from the LORD.

normalized_text:
then the lord again appeared in shiloh for it was in shiloh that the lord had revealed himself to samuel through a message from the lord


text:
Samuel revealed the word of the LORD to all Israel.The Ark of the Covenant is Lost to the PhilistinesThen the Israelites went out to fight the Philistines. They camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines camped at Aphek.

normalized_text:
samuel revealed the word of the lord to all israel the ark of the covenant is lost to the philistinesthen the israelites went out to fight the philistines they camped at ebenezer and the philistines camped at aphek


text:
The Philistines arranged their forces to fight Israel. As the battle spread out, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men in the battle line in the field.

normalized_text:
the philistines arranged their forces to fight israel as the battle spread out israel was defeated by the philistines who killed about four thousand men in the battle line in the field


text:
When the army came back to the camp, the elders of Israel said,“Why did the LORD let us be defeated today by the Philistines? Let’s take with us the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh. When it is with us, it will save us from the hand of our enemies.”

normalized_text:
when the army came back to the camp the elders of israel said why did the lord let us be defeated today by the philistines let s take with us the ark of the covenant of the lord from shiloh when it is with us it will save us from the hand of our enemies


text:
So the army sent to Shiloh, and they took from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who sits between the cherubim. Now the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

normalized_text:
so the army sent to shiloh and they took from there the ark of the covenant of the lord of heaven s armies who sits between the cherubim now the two sons of eli hophni and phineas were there with the ark of the covenant of god


text:
When the ark of the covenant of the LORD arrived at the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the ground shook.

normalized_text:
when the ark of the covenant of the lord arrived at the camp all israel shouted so loudly that the ground shook


text:
When the Philistines heard the sound of the shout, they said,“What is this loud shout in the camp of the Hebrews?” Then they realized that the ark of the LORD had arrived at the camp.

normalized_text:
when the philistines heard the sound of the shout they said what is this loud shout in the camp of the hebrews then they realized that the ark of the lord had arrived at the camp


text:
The Philistines were scared because they thought that gods had come to the camp. They said,“Woe to us! We’ve never seen anything like this!

normalized_text:
the philistines were scared because they thought that gods had come to the camp they said woe to us we ve never seen anything like this


text:
Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all sorts of plagues in the desert!

normalized_text:
woe to us who can deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods these are the gods who struck the egyptians with all sorts of plagues in the desert


text:
Be strong and act like men, you Philistines, or else you will wind up serving the Hebrews the way they have served you! Act like men and fight!”

normalized_text:
be strong and act like men you philistines or else you will wind up serving the hebrews the way they have served you act like men and fight


text:
So the Philistines fought. Israel was defeated; they all ran home. The slaughter was very great; thirty thousand foot soldiers from Israel fell in battle.

normalized_text:
so the philistines fought israel was defeated they all ran home the slaughter was very great thirty thousand foot soldiers from israel fell in battle


text:
Eli Dies On that day a Benjaminite ran from the battle lines and came to Shiloh. His clothes were torn and dirt was on his head.

normalized_text:
eli dies on that day a benjaminite ran from the battle lines and came to shiloh his clothes were torn and dirt was on his head


text:
When he arrived in Shiloh, Eli was sitting in his chair on the lookout by the side of the road, for he was very worried about the ark of God. As the man entered the city to give his report, the whole city cried out.

normalized_text:
when he arrived in shiloh eli was sitting in his chair on the lookout by the side of the road for he was very worried about the ark of god as the man entered the city to give his report the whole city cried out


text:
The man said to Eli,“I am the one who came from the battle lines! Just today I fled from the battle lines!” Eli asked,“How did things go, my son?”

normalized_text:
the man said to eli i am the one who came from the battle lines just today i fled from the battle lines eli asked how did things go my son


text:
The messenger replied,“Israel has fled from the Philistines! The army has suffered a great defeat! Your two sons, Hophni and Phineas, are dead! The ark of God has been captured!”

normalized_text:
the messenger replied israel has fled from the philistines the army has suffered a great defeat your two sons hophni and phineas are dead the ark of god has been captured


text:
When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward from his chair beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he was old and heavy. He had judged Israel for forty years.

normalized_text:
when he mentioned the ark of god eli fell backward from his chair beside the gate he broke his neck and died for he was old and heavy he had judged israel for forty years


text:
His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phineas, was pregnant and close to giving birth. When she heard that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she doubled over and gave birth. But her labor pains were too much for her.

normalized_text:
his daughter in law the wife of phineas was pregnant and close to giving birth when she heard that the ark of god was captured and that her father in law and her husband were dead she doubled over and gave birth but her labor pains were too much for her


text:
As she was dying, the women who were there with her said,“Don’t be afraid! You have given birth to a son!” But she did not reply or pay any attention.

normalized_text:
as she was dying the women who were there with her said don t be afraid you have given birth to a son but she did not reply or pay any attention


text:
She named the boy Ichabod, saying,“The glory has departed from Israel,” referring to the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband.

normalized_text:
she named the boy ichabod saying the glory has departed from israel referring to the capture of the ark of god and the deaths of her father in law and her husband


text:
God Sends Trouble for the Philistines with the Ark Now the Philistines had captured the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

normalized_text:
god sends trouble for the philistines with the ark now the philistines had captured the ark of god and brought it from ebenezer to ashdod


text:
The Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the temple of Dagon, where they positioned it beside Dagon.

normalized_text:
the philistines took the ark of god and brought it into the temple of dagon where they positioned it beside dagon


text:
When the residents of Ashdod got up early the next day, Dagon was lying on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set him back in his place.

normalized_text:
when the residents of ashdod got up early the next day dagon was lying on the ground before the ark of the lord so they took dagon and set him back in his place


text:
But when they got up early the following day, Dagon was again lying on the ground before the ark of the LORD. The head of Dagon and his two hands were sheared off and were lying at the threshold. Only Dagon’s body was left intact.

normalized_text:
but when they got up early the following day dagon was again lying on the ground before the ark of the lord the head of dagon and his two hands were sheared off and were lying at the threshold only dagon s body was left intact


text:
(For this reason, to this very day, neither Dagon’s priests nor anyone else who enters Dagon’s temple step on Dagon’s threshold in Ashdod.)

normalized_text:
for this reason to this very day neither dagon s priests nor anyone else who enters dagon s temple step on dagon s threshold in ashdod


text:
The LORD attacked the residents of Ashdod severely, bringing devastation on them. He struck the people of both Ashdod and the surrounding area with sores.

normalized_text:
the lord attacked the residents of ashdod severely bringing devastation on them he struck the people of both ashdod and the surrounding area with sores


text:
When the people of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said,“The ark of the God of Israel should not remain with us, for he has attacked both us and our god Dagon!”

normalized_text:
when the people of ashdod saw what was happening they said the ark of the god of israel should not remain with us for he has attacked both us and our god dagon


text:
So they assembled all the leaders of the Philistines and asked,“What should we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” They replied,“The ark of the God of Israel should be moved to Gath.” So they moved the ark of the God of Israel.

normalized_text:
so they assembled all the leaders of the philistines and asked what should we do with the ark of the god of israel they replied the ark of the god of israel should be moved to gath so they moved the ark of the god of israel


text:
But after it had been moved the LORD attacked that city as well, causing a great deal of panic. He struck all the people of that city with sores.

normalized_text:
but after it had been moved the lord attacked that city as well causing a great deal of panic he struck all the people of that city with sores


text:
So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But when the ark of God arrived at Ekron, the residents of Ekron cried out saying,“They have brought the ark of the God of Israel here to kill our people!”

normalized_text:
so they sent the ark of god to ekron but when the ark of god arrived at ekron the residents of ekron cried out saying they have brought the ark of the god of israel here to kill our people


text:
So they assembled all the leaders of the Philistines and said,“Get the ark of the God of Israel out of here! Let it go back to its own place so that it won’t kill us and our people!” The terror of death was throughout the entire city; God was attacking them very severely there.

normalized_text:
so they assembled all the leaders of the philistines and said get the ark of the god of israel out of here let it go back to its own place so that it won t kill us and our people the terror of death was throughout the entire city god was attacking them very severely there


text:
The people who did not die were struck with sores; the city’s cry for help went all the way up to heaven.

normalized_text:
the people who did not die were struck with sores the city s cry for help went all the way up to heaven


text:
The Philistines Return the Ark When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines for seven months,

normalized_text:
the philistines return the ark when the ark of the lord had been in the land of the philistines for seven months


text:
the Philistines called the priests and the omen readers, saying,“What should we do with the ark of the LORD? Advise us as to how we should send it back to its place.”

normalized_text:
the philistines called the priests and the omen readers saying what should we do with the ark of the lord advise us as to how we should send it back to its place


text:
They replied,“If you are going to send the ark of the God of Israel back, don’t send it away empty. Be sure to return it with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why his hand is not removed from you.”

normalized_text:
they replied if you are going to send the ark of the god of israel back don t send it away empty be sure to return it with a guilt offering then you will be healed and you will understand why his hand is not removed from you


text:
They inquired,“What is the guilt offering that we should send to him?” They replied,“The Philistine leaders number five. So send five gold sores and five gold mice, for it is the same plague that has afflicted both you and your leaders.

normalized_text:
they inquired what is the guilt offering that we should send to him they replied the philistine leaders number five so send five gold sores and five gold mice for it is the same plague that has afflicted both you and your leaders


text:
You should make images of the sores and images of the mice that are destroying the land. You should honor the God of Israel. Perhaps he will release his grip on you, your gods, and your land.

normalized_text:
you should make images of the sores and images of the mice that are destroying the land you should honor the god of israel perhaps he will release his grip on you your gods and your land


text:
Why harden your hearts like the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When God treated them harshly, didn’t the Egyptians send the Israelites on their way?

normalized_text:
why harden your hearts like the egyptians and pharaoh did when god treated them harshly didn t the egyptians send the israelites on their way


text:
So now go and make a new cart. Get two cows that have calves and that have never had a yoke placed on them. Harness the cows to the cart and take their calves from them back to their stalls.

normalized_text:
so now go and make a new cart get two cows that have calves and that have never had a yoke placed on them harness the cows to the cart and take their calves from them back to their stalls


text:
Then take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart, and put in a chest beside it the gold objects you are sending to him as a guilt offering. You should then send it on its way.

normalized_text:
then take the ark of the lord and place it on the cart and put in a chest beside it the gold objects you are sending to him as a guilt offering you should then send it on its way


text:
But keep an eye on it. If it should go up by the way of its own border to Beth Shemesh, then he has brought this great calamity on us. But if that is not the case, then we will know that it was not his hand that struck us; rather, it just happened to us by accident.”

normalized_text:
but keep an eye on it if it should go up by the way of its own border to beth shemesh then he has brought this great calamity on us but if that is not the case then we will know that it was not his hand that struck us rather it just happened to us by accident


text:
So the men did as instructed. They took two cows that had calves and harnessed them to a cart; they also removed their calves to their stalls.

normalized_text:
so the men did as instructed they took two cows that had calves and harnessed them to a cart they also removed their calves to their stalls


text:
They put the ark of the LORD on the cart, along with the chest, the gold mice, and the images of the sores.

normalized_text:
they put the ark of the lord on the cart along with the chest the gold mice and the images of the sores


text:
Then the cows went directly on the road to Beth Shemesh. They went along that route, bellowing more and more; they turned neither to the right nor to the left. The leaders of the Philistines were walking along behind them all the way to the border of Beth Shemesh.

normalized_text:
then the cows went directly on the road to beth shemesh they went along that route bellowing more and more they turned neither to the right nor to the left the leaders of the philistines were walking along behind them all the way to the border of beth shemesh


text:
Now the residents of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they were pleased at the sight.

normalized_text:
now the residents of beth shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley when they looked up and saw the ark they were pleased at the sight


text:
The cart was coming to the field of Joshua, who was from Beth Shemesh. It paused there near a big stone. Then they cut up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.

normalized_text:
the cart was coming to the field of joshua who was from beth shemesh it paused there near a big stone then they cut up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the lord


text:
The Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest that was with it, which contained the gold objects. They placed them near the big stone. At that time the people of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.

normalized_text:
the levites took down the ark of the lord and the chest that was with it which contained the gold objects they placed them near the big stone at that time the people of beth shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the lord


text:
The five leaders of the Philistines watched what was happening and then returned to Ekron on the same day.

normalized_text:
the five leaders of the philistines watched what was happening and then returned to ekron on the same day


text:
These are the gold sores that the Philistines brought as a guilt offering to the LORD– one for each of the following cities: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.

normalized_text:
these are the gold sores that the philistines brought as a guilt offering to the lord one for each of the following cities ashdod gaza ashkelon gath and ekron


text:
The gold mice corresponded in number to all the Philistine cities of the five leaders, from the fortified cities to hamlet villages, to greater Abel, where they positioned the ark of the LORD until this very day in the field of Joshua who was from Beth Shemesh.

normalized_text:
the gold mice corresponded in number to all the philistine cities of the five leaders from the fortified cities to hamlet villages to greater abel where they positioned the ark of the lord until this very day in the field of joshua who was from beth shemesh


text:
But the LORD struck down some of the people of Beth Shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD; he struck down 50,070 of the men. The people grieved because the LORD had struck the people with a hard blow.

normalized_text:
but the lord struck down some of the people of beth shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the lord he struck down 50 070 of the men the people grieved because the lord had struck the people with a hard blow


text:
The residents of Beth Shemesh asked,“Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”

normalized_text:
the residents of beth shemesh asked who is able to stand before the lord this holy god to whom will the ark go up from here


text:
So they sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath Jearim, saying,“The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down here and take it back home with you.”

normalized_text:
so they sent messengers to the residents of kiriath jearim saying the philistines have returned the ark of the lord come down here and take it back home with you


text:
Then the people of Kiriath Jearim came and took the ark of the LORD; they brought it to the house of Abinadab located on the hill. They consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD.

normalized_text:
then the people of kiriath jearim came and took the ark of the lord they brought it to the house of abinadab located on the hill they consecrated eleazar his son to guard the ark of the lord


text:
Further Conflict with the Philistines It was quite a long time– some twenty years in all– that the ark stayed at Kiriath Jearim. All the people of Israel longed for the LORD.

normalized_text:
further conflict with the philistines it was quite a long time some twenty years in all that the ark stayed at kiriath jearim all the people of israel longed for the lord


text:
Samuel said to all the people of Israel,“If you are really turning to the LORD with all your hearts, remove from among you the foreign gods and the images of Ashtoreth. Give your hearts to the LORD and serve only him. Then he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

normalized_text:
samuel said to all the people of israel if you are really turning to the lord with all your hearts remove from among you the foreign gods and the images of ashtoreth give your hearts to the lord and serve only him then he will deliver you from the hand of the philistines


text:
After they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. They fasted on that day, and they confessed there,“We have sinned against the LORD.”So Samuel led the people of Israel at Mizpah.

normalized_text:
after they had assembled at mizpah they drew water and poured it out before the lord they fasted on that day and they confessed there we have sinned against the lord so samuel led the people of israel at mizpah


text:
When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the leaders of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the Israelites heard about this, they were afraid of the Philistines.

normalized_text:
when the philistines heard that the israelites had gathered at mizpah the leaders of the philistines went up against israel when the israelites heard about this they were afraid of the philistines


text:
The Israelites said to Samuel,“Keep crying out to the LORD our God so that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines!”

normalized_text:
the israelites said to samuel keep crying out to the lord our god so that he may save us from the hand of the philistines


text:
So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. Samuel cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him.

normalized_text:
so samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the lord samuel cried out to the lord on israel s behalf and the lord answered him


text:
As Samuel was offering burnt offerings, the Philistines approached to do battle with Israel. But on that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines. He caused them to panic, and they were defeated by Israel.

normalized_text:
as samuel was offering burnt offerings the philistines approached to do battle with israel but on that day the lord thundered loudly against the philistines he caused them to panic and they were defeated by israel


text:
Then the men of Israel left Mizpah and chased the Philistines, striking them down all the way to an area below Beth Car.

normalized_text:
then the men of israel left mizpah and chased the philistines striking them down all the way to an area below beth car


text:
Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying,“Up to here the LORD has helped us.”

normalized_text:
samuel took a stone and placed it between mizpah and shen he named it ebenezer saying up to here the lord has helped us


text:
So the Philistines were defeated; they did not invade Israel again. The hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

normalized_text:
so the philistines were defeated they did not invade israel again the hand of the lord was against the philistines all the days of samuel


text:
The cities that the Philistines had captured from Israel were returned to Israel, from Ekron to Gath. Israel also delivered their territory from the control of the Philistines. There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites.

normalized_text:
the cities that the philistines had captured from israel were returned to israel from ekron to gath israel also delivered their territory from the control of the philistines there was also peace between israel and the amorites


text:
Year after year he used to travel the circuit of Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; he used to judge Israel in all of these places.

normalized_text:
year after year he used to travel the circuit of bethel gilgal and mizpah he used to judge israel in all of these places


text:
Then he would return to Ramah, because his home was there. He also judged Israel there and built an altar to the LORD there.

normalized_text:
then he would return to ramah because his home was there he also judged israel there and built an altar to the lord there


text:
The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second son was Abijah. They were judges in Beer Sheba.

normalized_text:
the name of his firstborn son was joel and the name of his second son was abijah they were judges in beer sheba


text:
But his sons did not follow his ways. Instead, they made money dishonestly, accepted bribes, and perverted justice.

normalized_text:
but his sons did not follow his ways instead they made money dishonestly accepted bribes and perverted justice


text:
They said to him,“Look, you are old, and your sons don’t follow your ways. So now appoint over us a king to lead us, just like all the other nations have.”

normalized_text:
they said to him look you are old and your sons don t follow your ways so now appoint over us a king to lead us just like all the other nations have


text:
But this request displeased Samuel, for they said,“Give us a king to lead us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD.

normalized_text:
but this request displeased samuel for they said give us a king to lead us so samuel prayed to the lord


text:
The LORD said to Samuel,“Do everything the people request of you. For it is not you that they have rejected, but it is me that they have rejected as their king.

normalized_text:
the lord said to samuel do everything the people request of you for it is not you that they have rejected but it is me that they have rejected as their king


text:
Just as they have done from the day that I brought them up from Egypt until this very day, they have rejected me and have served other gods. This is what they are also doing to you.

normalized_text:
just as they have done from the day that i brought them up from egypt until this very day they have rejected me and have served other gods this is what they are also doing to you


text:
So now do as they say. But you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them.”

normalized_text:
so now do as they say but you must warn them and make them aware of the policies of the king who will rule over them


text:
He said,“Here are the policies of the king who will rule over you: He will conscript your sons and put them in his chariot forces and in his cavalry; they will run in front of his chariot.

normalized_text:
he said here are the policies of the king who will rule over you he will conscript your sons and put them in his chariot forces and in his cavalry they will run in front of his chariot


text:
He will appoint for himself leaders of thousands and leaders of fifties, as well as those who plow his ground, reap his harvest, and make his weapons of war and his chariot equipment.

normalized_text:
he will appoint for himself leaders of thousands and leaders of fifties as well as those who plow his ground reap his harvest and make his weapons of war and his chariot equipment


text:
He will demand a tenth of your seed and of the produce of your vineyards and give it to his administrators and his servants.

normalized_text:
he will demand a tenth of your seed and of the produce of your vineyards and give it to his administrators and his servants


text:
He will take your male and female servants, as well as your best cattle and your donkeys, and assign them for his own use.

normalized_text:
he will take your male and female servants as well as your best cattle and your donkeys and assign them for his own use


text:
In that day you will cry out because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD won’t answer you in that day.”

normalized_text:
in that day you will cry out because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves but the lord won t answer you in that day


normalized_text: but the people refused to heed samuel s warning instead they said no there will be a king over us
text:
But the people refused to heed Samuel’s warning. Instead they said,“No! There will be a king over us!


text:
The LORD said to Samuel,“Do as they say and install a king over them.” Then Samuel said to the men of Israel,“Each of you go back to his own city.”

normalized_text:
the lord said to samuel do as they say and install a king over them then samuel said to the men of israel each of you go back to his own city


text:
Samuel Meets with Saul There was a Benjaminite man named Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. He was a prominent person.

normalized_text:
samuel meets with saul there was a benjaminite man named kish son of abiel the son of zeror the son of becorath the son of aphiah of benjamin he was a prominent person


text:
He had a son named Saul, a handsome young man. There was no one among the Israelites more handsome than he was; he stood head and shoulders above all the people.

normalized_text:
he had a son named saul a handsome young man there was no one among the israelites more handsome than he was he stood head and shoulders above all the people


text:
The donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, so Kish said to his son Saul,“Take one of the servants with you and go look for the donkeys.”

normalized_text:
the donkeys of saul s father kish wandered off so kish said to his son saul take one of the servants with you and go look for the donkeys


text:
So Saul crossed through the hill country of Ephraim, passing through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. So they crossed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he crossed through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them.

normalized_text:
so saul crossed through the hill country of ephraim passing through the land of shalisha but they did not find them so they crossed through the land of shaalim but they were not there then he crossed through the land of benjamin and still they did not find them


text:
When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him,“Come on, let’s head back before my father quits worrying about the donkeys and becomes anxious about us!”

normalized_text:
when they came to the land of zuph saul said to his servant who was with him come on let s head back before my father quits worrying about the donkeys and becomes anxious about us


text:
But the servant said to him,“Look, there is a man of God in this town. He is highly respected. Everything that he says really happens. Now let’s go there. Perhaps he will tell us where we should go from here.”

normalized_text:
but the servant said to him look there is a man of god in this town he is highly respected everything that he says really happens now let s go there perhaps he will tell us where we should go from here


text:
So Saul said to his servant,“All right, we can go. But what can we bring the man, since the food in our bags is used up? We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”

normalized_text:
so saul said to his servant all right we can go but what can we bring the man since the food in our bags is used up we have no gift to take to the man of god what do we have


text:
The servant went on to answer Saul,“Look, I happen to have in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God and he will tell us where we should go.”

normalized_text:
the servant went on to answer saul look i happen to have in my hand a quarter shekel of silver i will give it to the man of god and he will tell us where we should go


text:
(Now it used to be in Israel that whenever someone went to inquire of God he would say,“Come on, let’s go to the seer.” For today’s prophet used to be called a seer.)

normalized_text:
now it used to be in israel that whenever someone went to inquire of god he would say come on let s go to the seer for today s prophet used to be called a seer


text:
So Saul said to his servant,“That’s a good idea! Come on. Let’s go.” So they went to the town where the man of God was.

normalized_text:
so saul said to his servant that s a good idea come on let s go so they went to the town where the man of god was


text:
As they were going up the ascent to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water. They said to them,“Is this where the seer is?”

normalized_text:
as they were going up the ascent to the town they met some girls coming out to draw water they said to them is this where the seer is


text:
They replied,“Yes, straight ahead! But hurry now, for he came to the town today, and the people are making a sacrifice at the high place.

normalized_text:
they replied yes straight ahead but hurry now for he came to the town today and the people are making a sacrifice at the high place


text:
When you enter the town, you can find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people won’t eat until he arrives, for he must bless the sacrifice. Once that happens, those who have been invited will eat. Now go on up, for this is the time when you can find him!”

normalized_text:
when you enter the town you can find him before he goes up to the high place to eat the people won t eat until he arrives for he must bless the sacrifice once that happens those who have been invited will eat now go on up for this is the time when you can find him


text:
So they went up to the town. As they were heading for the middle of the town, Samuel was coming in their direction to go up to the high place.

normalized_text:
so they went up to the town as they were heading for the middle of the town samuel was coming in their direction to go up to the high place


text:
“At this time tomorrow I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must consecrate him as a leader over my people Israel. He will save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked with favor on my people. Their cry has reached me!”

normalized_text:
at this time tomorrow i will send to you a man from the land of benjamin you must consecrate him as a leader over my people israel he will save my people from the hand of the philistines for i have looked with favor on my people their cry has reached me


text:
When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said,“Here is the man that I told you about! He will rule over my people.”

normalized_text:
when samuel saw saul the lord said here is the man that i told you about he will rule over my people


text:
As Saul approached Samuel in the middle of the gate, he said,“Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”

normalized_text:
as saul approached samuel in the middle of the gate he said please tell me where the seer s house is


text:
Samuel replied to Saul,“I am the seer! Go up in front of me to the high place! Today you will eat with me and in the morning I will send you away. I will tell you everything that you are thinking.

normalized_text:
samuel replied to saul i am the seer go up in front of me to the high place today you will eat with me and in the morning i will send you away i will tell you everything that you are thinking


text:
Don’t be concerned about the donkeys that you lost three days ago, for they have been found. Whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you, and all your father’s family?”

normalized_text:
don t be concerned about the donkeys that you lost three days ago for they have been found whom does all israel desire is it not you and all your father s family


text:
Saul replied,“Am I not a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and is not my family clan the smallest of all the clans in the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me in this way?”

normalized_text:
saul replied am i not a benjaminite from the smallest of israel s tribes and is not my family clan the smallest of all the clans in the tribe of benjamin why do you speak to me in this way


text:
Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the room and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited. There were about thirty people present.

normalized_text:
then samuel brought saul and his servant into the room and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited there were about thirty people present


text:
Samuel said to the cook,“Give me the portion of meat that I gave to you– the one I asked you to keep with you.”

normalized_text:
samuel said to the cook give me the portion of meat that i gave to you the one i asked you to keep with you


text:
So the cook picked up the leg and brought it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said,“What was kept is now set before you! Eat, for it has been kept for you for this meeting time, from the time I said,‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.

normalized_text:
so the cook picked up the leg and brought it and set it in front of saul samuel said what was kept is now set before you eat for it has been kept for you for this meeting time from the time i said i have invited the people so saul ate with samuel that day


text:
They got up at dawn and Samuel called to Saul on the roof,“Get up, so I can send you on your way.” So Saul got up and the two of them– he and Samuel– went outside.

normalized_text:
they got up at dawn and samuel called to saul on the roof get up so i can send you on your way so saul got up and the two of them he and samuel went outside


text:
While they were going down to the edge of town, Samuel said to Saul,“Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” So he did. Samuel then said,“You remain here awhile, so I can inform you of God’s message.”

normalized_text:
while they were going down to the edge of town samuel said to saul tell the servant to go on ahead of us so he did samuel then said you remain here awhile so i can inform you of god s message


text:
Samuel Anoints Saul Then Samuel took a small container of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head. Samuel kissed him and said,“The LORD has chosen you to lead his people Israel! You will rule over the LORD’s people and you will deliver them from the power of the enemies who surround them. This will be your sign that the LORD has chosen you as leader over his inheritance.

normalized_text:
samuel anoints saul then samuel took a small container of olive oil and poured it on saul s head samuel kissed him and said the lord has chosen you to lead his people israel you will rule over the lord s people and you will deliver them from the power of the enemies who surround them this will be your sign that the lord has chosen you as leader over his inheritance


text:
When you leave me today, you will find two men near Rachel’s tomb at Zelzah on Benjamin’s border. They will say to you,‘The donkeys you have gone looking for have been found. Your father is no longer concerned about the donkeys but has become anxious about you two! He is asking,“What should I do about my son?”’

normalized_text:
when you leave me today you will find two men near rachel s tomb at zelzah on benjamin s border they will say to you the donkeys you have gone looking for have been found your father is no longer concerned about the donkeys but has become anxious about you two he is asking what should i do about my son


text:
“As you continue on from there, you will come to the tall tree of Tabor. At that point three men who are going up to God at Bethel will meet you. One of them will be carrying three young goats, one of them will be carrying three round loaves of bread, and one of them will be carrying a container of wine.

normalized_text:
as you continue on from there you will come to the tall tree of tabor at that point three men who are going up to god at bethel will meet you one of them will be carrying three young goats one of them will be carrying three round loaves of bread and one of them will be carrying a container of wine


text:
Afterward you will go to Gibeah of God, where there are Philistine officials. When you enter the town, you will meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place. They will have harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

normalized_text:
afterward you will go to gibeah of god where there are philistine officials when you enter the town you will meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place they will have harps tambourines flutes and lyres and they will be prophesying


text:
Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person.

normalized_text:
then the spirit of the lord will rush upon you and you will prophesy with them you will be changed into a different person


text:
You will go down to Gilgal before me. I am going to join you there to offer burnt offerings and to make peace offerings. You should wait for seven days, until I arrive and tell you what to do.”

normalized_text:
you will go down to gilgal before me i am going to join you there to offer burnt offerings and to make peace offerings you should wait for seven days until i arrive and tell you what to do


text:
Saul Becomes King As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his inmost person. All these signs happened on that very day.

normalized_text:
saul becomes king as saul turned to leave samuel god changed his inmost person all these signs happened on that very day


text:
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a company of prophets was coming out to meet him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul and he prophesied among them.

normalized_text:
when saul and his servant arrived at gibeah a company of prophets was coming out to meet him then the spirit of god rushed upon saul and he prophesied among them


text:
When everyone who had known him previously saw him prophesying with the prophets, the people all asked one another,“What on earth has happened to the son of Kish? Does even Saul belong with the prophets?”

normalized_text:
when everyone who had known him previously saw him prophesying with the prophets the people all asked one another what on earth has happened to the son of kish does even saul belong with the prophets


text:
A man who was from there replied,“And who is their father?” Therefore this became a proverb:“Is even Saul among the prophets?”

normalized_text:
a man who was from there replied and who is their father therefore this became a proverb is even saul among the prophets


text:
Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant,“Where did you go?” Saul replied,“To look for the donkeys. But when we realized they were lost, we went to Samuel.”

normalized_text:
saul s uncle asked him and his servant where did you go saul replied to look for the donkeys but when we realized they were lost we went to samuel


text:
Saul said to his uncle,“He assured us that the donkeys had been found.” But Saul did not tell him what Samuel had said about the matter of kingship.

normalized_text:
saul said to his uncle he assured us that the donkeys had been found but saul did not tell him what samuel had said about the matter of kingship


text:
He said to the Israelites,“This is what the LORD God of Israel has said,‘I brought Israel up from Egypt and I delivered you from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.

normalized_text:
he said to the israelites this is what the lord god of israel has said i brought israel up from egypt and i delivered you from the power of the egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that oppressed you


text:
But today you have rejected your God who saves you from all your trouble and distress. You have said,“No! Appoint a king over us.” Now take your positions before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans.’”

normalized_text:
but today you have rejected your god who saves you from all your trouble and distress you have said no appoint a king over us now take your positions before the lord by your tribes and by your clans


text:
Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of Matri was chosen by lot. At last Saul son of Kish was chosen by lot. But when they looked for him, he was nowhere to be found.

normalized_text:
then he brought the tribe of benjamin near by its families and the family of matri was chosen by lot at last saul son of kish was chosen by lot but when they looked for him he was nowhere to be found


text:
So they inquired again of the LORD,“Has the man arrived here yet?” The LORD said,“He has hidden himself among the equipment.”

normalized_text:
so they inquired again of the lord has the man arrived here yet the lord said he has hidden himself among the equipment


text:
So they ran and brought him from there. When he took his position among the people, he stood head and shoulders above them all.

normalized_text:
so they ran and brought him from there when he took his position among the people he stood head and shoulders above them all


text:
Then Samuel said to all the people,“Do you see the one whom the LORD has chosen? Indeed, there is no one like him among all the people!” All the people shouted out,“Long live the king!”

normalized_text:
then samuel said to all the people do you see the one whom the lord has chosen indeed there is no one like him among all the people all the people shouted out long live the king


text:
Then Samuel talked to the people about how the kingship would work. He wrote it all down on a scroll and set it before the LORD. Then Samuel sent all the people away to their homes.

normalized_text:
then samuel talked to the people about how the kingship would work he wrote it all down on a scroll and set it before the lord then samuel sent all the people away to their homes


text:
But some wicked men said,“How can this man save us?” They despised him and did not even bring him a gift. But Saul said nothing about it.

normalized_text:
but some wicked men said how can this man save us they despised him and did not even bring him a gift but saul said nothing about it


text:
Saul Comes to the Aid of Jabesh Nahash the Ammonite marched against Jabesh Gilead. All the men of Jabesh Gilead said to Nahash,“Make a treaty with us and we will serve you.”

normalized_text:
saul comes to the aid of jabesh nahash the ammonite marched against jabesh gilead all the men of jabesh gilead said to nahash make a treaty with us and we will serve you


text:
But Nahash the Ammonite said to them,“The only way I will make a treaty with you is if you let me gouge out the right eye of every one of you and in so doing humiliate all Israel!”

normalized_text:
but nahash the ammonite said to them the only way i will make a treaty with you is if you let me gouge out the right eye of every one of you and in so doing humiliate all israel


text:
The elders of Jabesh said to him,“Leave us alone for seven days so that we can send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If there is no one who can deliver us, we will come out voluntarily to you.”

normalized_text:
the elders of jabesh said to him leave us alone for seven days so that we can send messengers throughout the territory of israel if there is no one who can deliver us we will come out voluntarily to you


text:
When the messengers went to Gibeah(where Saul lived) and informed the people of these matters, all the people wept loudly.

normalized_text:
when the messengers went to gibeah where saul lived and informed the people of these matters all the people wept loudly


text:
Now Saul was walking behind the oxen as he came from the field. Saul asked,“What has happened to the people? Why are they weeping?” So they told him about the men of Jabesh.

normalized_text:
now saul was walking behind the oxen as he came from the field saul asked what has happened to the people why are they weeping so they told him about the men of jabesh


text:
He took a pair of oxen and cut them up. Then he sent the pieces throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, who said,“Whoever does not go out after Saul and after Samuel should expect this to be done to his oxen!” Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they went out as one army.

normalized_text:
he took a pair of oxen and cut them up then he sent the pieces throughout the territory of israel by the hand of messengers who said whoever does not go out after saul and after samuel should expect this to be done to his oxen then the terror of the lord fell on the people and they went out as one army


text:
When Saul counted them at Bezek, the Israelites were 300,000 strong and the men of Judah numbered 30,000.

normalized_text:
when saul counted them at bezek the israelites were 300 000 strong and the men of judah numbered 30 000


text:
They said to the messengers who had come,“Here’s what you should say to the men of Jabesh Gilead:‘Tomorrow deliverance will come to you when the sun is fully up.’” When the messengers went and told the men of Jabesh Gilead, they were happy.

normalized_text:
they said to the messengers who had come here s what you should say to the men of jabesh gilead tomorrow deliverance will come to you when the sun is fully up when the messengers went and told the men of jabesh gilead they were happy


text:
The next day Saul placed the people in three groups. They went to the Ammonite camp during the morning watch and struck them down until the hottest part of the day. The survivors scattered; no two of them remained together.

normalized_text:
the next day saul placed the people in three groups they went to the ammonite camp during the morning watch and struck them down until the hottest part of the day the survivors scattered no two of them remained together


text:
Saul Is Established as King Then the people said to Samuel,“Who were the ones asking,‘Will Saul reign over us?’ Hand over those men so we may execute them!”

normalized_text:
saul is established as king then the people said to samuel who were the ones asking will saul reign over us hand over those men so we may execute them


text:
So all the people went to Gilgal, where they established Saul as king in the LORD’s presence. They offered up peace offerings there in the LORD’s presence. Saul and all the Israelites were very happy.

normalized_text:
so all the people went to gilgal where they established saul as king in the lord s presence they offered up peace offerings there in the lord s presence saul and all the israelites were very happy


text:
Now look! This king walks before you. As for me, I am old and gray, though my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from the time of my youth till the present day.

normalized_text:
now look this king walks before you as for me i am old and gray though my sons are here with you i have walked before you from the time of my youth till the present day


text:
Here I am. Bring a charge against me before the LORD and before his chosen king. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I wronged? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I taken a bribe so that I would overlook something? Tell me, and I will return it to you!”

normalized_text:
here i am bring a charge against me before the lord and before his chosen king whose ox have i taken whose donkey have i taken whom have i wronged whom have i oppressed from whose hand have i taken a bribe so that i would overlook something tell me and i will return it to you


text:
They replied,“You have not wronged us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from the hand of anyone.”

normalized_text:
they replied you have not wronged us or oppressed us you have not taken anything from the hand of anyone


text:
He said to them,“The LORD is witness against you, and his chosen king is witness this day, that you have not found any reason to accuse me.” They said,“He is witness!”

normalized_text:
he said to them the lord is witness against you and his chosen king is witness this day that you have not found any reason to accuse me they said he is witness


text:
Samuel said to the people,“The LORD is the one who chose Moses and Aaron and who brought your ancestors up from the land of Egypt.

normalized_text:
samuel said to the people the lord is the one who chose moses and aaron and who brought your ancestors up from the land of egypt


text:
Now take your positions, so I may confront you before the LORD regarding all the LORD’s just actions toward you and your ancestors.

normalized_text:
now take your positions so i may confront you before the lord regarding all the lord s just actions toward you and your ancestors


text:
When Jacob entered Egypt, your ancestors cried out to the LORD. The LORD sent Moses and Aaron, and they led your ancestors out of Egypt and settled them in this place.

normalized_text:
when jacob entered egypt your ancestors cried out to the lord the lord sent moses and aaron and they led your ancestors out of egypt and settled them in this place


text:
“But they forgot the LORD their God, so he gave them into the hand of Sisera, the general in command of Hazor’s army, and into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

normalized_text:
but they forgot the lord their god so he gave them into the hand of sisera the general in command of hazor s army and into the hand of the philistines and into the hand of the king of moab and they fought against them


text:
Then they cried out to the LORD and admitted,‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and have served the Baals and the images of Ashtoreth. Now deliver us from the hand of our enemies so that we may serve you.’

normalized_text:
then they cried out to the lord and admitted we have sinned for we have forsaken the lord and have served the baals and the images of ashtoreth now deliver us from the hand of our enemies so that we may serve you


text:
So the LORD sent Jerub-Baal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hand of the enemies all around you, and you were able to live securely.

normalized_text:
so the lord sent jerub baal barak jephthah and samuel and he delivered you from the hand of the enemies all around you and you were able to live securely


text:
“When you saw that King Nahash of the Ammonites was advancing against you, you said to me,‘No! A king will rule over us’– even though the LORD your God is your king!

normalized_text:
when you saw that king nahash of the ammonites was advancing against you you said to me no a king will rule over us even though the lord your god is your king


text:
Now look! Here is the king you have chosen– the one that you asked for! Look, the LORD has given you a king!

normalized_text:
now look here is the king you have chosen the one that you asked for look the lord has given you a king


text:
If you fear the LORD, serving him and obeying him and not rebelling against what he says, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, all will be well.

normalized_text:
if you fear the lord serving him and obeying him and not rebelling against what he says and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the lord your god all will be well


text:
But if you don’t obey the LORD and rebel against what the LORD says, the hand of the LORD will be against both you and your king.

normalized_text:
but if you don t obey the lord and rebel against what the lord says the hand of the lord will be against both you and your king


text:
Is this not the time of the wheat harvest? I will call on the LORD so that he makes it thunder and rain. Realize and see what a great sin you have committed before the LORD by asking for a king for yourselves.”

normalized_text:
is this not the time of the wheat harvest i will call on the lord so that he makes it thunder and rain realize and see what a great sin you have committed before the lord by asking for a king for yourselves


text:
So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD made it thunder and rain that day. All the people were very afraid of both the LORD and Samuel.

normalized_text:
so samuel called to the lord and the lord made it thunder and rain that day all the people were very afraid of both the lord and samuel


text:
All the people said to Samuel,“Pray to the LORD your God on behalf of us– your servants– so we won’t die, for we have added to all our sins by asking for a king.”

normalized_text:
all the people said to samuel pray to the lord your god on behalf of us your servants so we won t die for we have added to all our sins by asking for a king


text:
Then Samuel said to the people,“Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart.

normalized_text:
then samuel said to the people don t be afraid you have indeed sinned however don t turn aside from the lord serve the lord with all your heart


text:
You should not turn aside after empty things that can’t profit and can’t deliver, since they are empty.

normalized_text:
you should not turn aside after empty things that can t profit and can t deliver since they are empty


text:
The LORD will not abandon his people because he wants to uphold his great reputation. The LORD was pleased to make you his own people.

normalized_text:
the lord will not abandon his people because he wants to uphold his great reputation the lord was pleased to make you his own people


text:
As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright.

normalized_text:
as far as i am concerned far be it from me to sin against the lord by ceasing to pray for you i will instruct you in the way that is good and upright


text:
However, fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Just look at the great things he has done for you!

normalized_text:
however fear the lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart just look at the great things he has done for you


text:
Saul Fails the Lord Saul was[thirty] years old when he began to reign; he ruled over Israel for[forty] years.

normalized_text:
saul fails the lord saul was thirty years old when he began to reign he ruled over israel for forty years


text:
Saul selected for himself three thousand men from Israel. Two thousand of these were with Saul at Micmash and in the hill country of Bethel; the remaining thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. He sent all the rest of the people back home.

normalized_text:
saul selected for himself three thousand men from israel two thousand of these were with saul at micmash and in the hill country of bethel the remaining thousand were with jonathan at gibeah in the territory of benjamin he sent all the rest of the people back home


text:
Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost that was at Geba and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul alerted all the land saying,“Let the Hebrews pay attention!”

normalized_text:
jonathan attacked the philistine outpost that was at geba and the philistines heard about it then saul alerted all the land saying let the hebrews pay attention


text:
All Israel heard this message,“Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel is repulsive to the Philistines!” So the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.

normalized_text:
all israel heard this message saul has attacked the philistine outpost and now israel is repulsive to the philistines so the people were summoned to join saul at gilgal


text:
Meanwhile the Philistines gathered to battle with Israel. Then they went up against Israel with 3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven.

normalized_text:
meanwhile the philistines gathered to battle with israel then they went up against israel with 3 000 chariots 6 000 horsemen and an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore they went up and camped at micmash east of beth aven


text:
The men of Israel realized they had a problem because their army was hard pressed. So the army hid in caves, thickets, cliffs, strongholds, and cisterns.

normalized_text:
the men of israel realized they had a problem because their army was hard pressed so the army hid in caves thickets cliffs strongholds and cisterns


text:
Some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan River to the land of Gad and Gilead. But Saul stayed at Gilgal; the entire army that was with him was terrified.

normalized_text:
some of the hebrews crossed over the jordan river to the land of gad and gilead but saul stayed at gilgal the entire army that was with him was terrified


text:
He waited for seven days, the time period indicated by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the army began to abandon Saul.

normalized_text:
he waited for seven days the time period indicated by samuel but samuel did not come to gilgal and the army began to abandon saul


normalized_text: so saul said bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings then he offered a burnt offering
text:
So Saul said,“Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” Then he offered a burnt offering.


text:
Just when he had finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel appeared on the scene. Saul went out to meet him and to greet him.

normalized_text:
just when he had finished offering the burnt offering samuel appeared on the scene saul went out to meet him and to greet him


text:
But Samuel said,“What have you done?” Saul replied,“When I saw that the army had started to abandon me and that you didn’t come at the appointed time and that the Philistines had assembled at Micmash,

normalized_text:
but samuel said what have you done saul replied when i saw that the army had started to abandon me and that you didn t come at the appointed time and that the philistines had assembled at micmash


text:
I thought,‘Now the Philistines will come down on me at Gilgal and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.’ So I felt obligated to offer the burnt offering.”

normalized_text:
i thought now the philistines will come down on me at gilgal and i have not sought the lord s favor so i felt obligated to offer the burnt offering


text:
Then Samuel said to Saul,“You have made a foolish choice! You have not obeyed the commandment that the LORD your God gave you. Had you done that, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever!

normalized_text:
then samuel said to saul you have made a foolish choice you have not obeyed the commandment that the lord your god gave you had you done that the lord would have established your kingdom over israel forever


text:
But now your kingdom will not continue! The LORD has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him and the LORD has appointed him to be leader over his people, for you have not obeyed what the LORD commanded you.”

normalized_text:
but now your kingdom will not continue the lord has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him and the lord has appointed him to be leader over his people for you have not obeyed what the lord commanded you


text:
Then Samuel set out and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. Saul mustered the army that remained with him; there were about six hundred men.

normalized_text:
then samuel set out and went up from gilgal to gibeah in the territory of benjamin saul mustered the army that remained with him there were about six hundred men


text:
Saul, his son Jonathan, and the army that remained with them stayed in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped in Micmash.

normalized_text:
saul his son jonathan and the army that remained with them stayed in gibeah in the territory of benjamin while the philistines camped in micmash


text:
Raiding bands went out from the camp of the Philistines in three groups. One band turned toward the road leading to Ophrah by the land of Shual;

normalized_text:
raiding bands went out from the camp of the philistines in three groups one band turned toward the road leading to ophrah by the land of shual


text:
another band turned toward the road leading to Beth Horon; and yet another band turned toward the road leading to the border that overlooks the valley of Zeboim in the direction of the desert.

normalized_text:
another band turned toward the road leading to beth horon and yet another band turned toward the road leading to the border that overlooks the valley of zeboim in the direction of the desert


text:
A blacksmith could not be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had said,“This will prevent the Hebrews from making swords and spears.”

normalized_text:
a blacksmith could not be found in all the land of israel for the philistines had said this will prevent the hebrews from making swords and spears


text:
So all Israel had to go down to the Philistines in order to get their plowshares, cutting instruments, axes, and sickles sharpened.

normalized_text:
so all israel had to go down to the philistines in order to get their plowshares cutting instruments axes and sickles sharpened


text:
They charged two-thirds of a shekel to sharpen plowshares and cutting instruments, and a third of a shekel to sharpen picks and axes, and to set ox goads.

normalized_text:
they charged two thirds of a shekel to sharpen plowshares and cutting instruments and a third of a shekel to sharpen picks and axes and to set ox goads


text:
So on the day of the battle no sword or spear was to be found in the hand of anyone in the army that was with Saul and Jonathan. No one but Saul and his son Jonathan had them.

normalized_text:
so on the day of the battle no sword or spear was to be found in the hand of anyone in the army that was with saul and jonathan no one but saul and his son jonathan had them


text:
Then one day Jonathan son of Saul said to his armor bearer,“Come on, let’s go over to the Philistine garrison that is opposite us.” But he did not let his father know.

normalized_text:
then one day jonathan son of saul said to his armor bearer come on let s go over to the philistine garrison that is opposite us but he did not let his father know


text:
Now Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree in Migron, on the outskirts of Gibeah. The army that was with him numbered about six hundred men.

normalized_text:
now saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree in migron on the outskirts of gibeah the army that was with him numbered about six hundred men


text:
Now Ahijah was carrying an ephod. He was the son of Ahitub, who was the brother of Ichabod and a son of Phineas, son of Eli, the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. The army was unaware that Jonathan had left.

normalized_text:
now ahijah was carrying an ephod he was the son of ahitub who was the brother of ichabod and a son of phineas son of eli the priest of the lord in shiloh the army was unaware that jonathan had left


text:
Now there was a steep cliff on each side of the pass through which Jonathan intended to go to reach the Philistine garrison. One cliff was named Bozez, the other Seneh.

normalized_text:
now there was a steep cliff on each side of the pass through which jonathan intended to go to reach the philistine garrison one cliff was named bozez the other seneh


text:
Jonathan said to his armor bearer,“Come on, let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few.”

normalized_text:
jonathan said to his armor bearer come on let s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men perhaps the lord will intervene for us nothing can prevent the lord from delivering whether by many or by a few


text:
His armor bearer said to him,“Do everything that is on your mind. Do as you’re inclined. I’m with you all the way!”

normalized_text:
his armor bearer said to him do everything that is on your mind do as you re inclined i m with you all the way


text:
But if they say,‘Come up against us,’ we will go up. For in that case the LORD has given them into our hand– it will be a sign to us.”

normalized_text:
but if they say come up against us we will go up for in that case the lord has given them into our hand it will be a sign to us


text:
When they made themselves known to the Philistine garrison, the Philistines said,“Look! The Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they hid themselves.”

normalized_text:
when they made themselves known to the philistine garrison the philistines said look the hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they hid themselves


text:
Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor bearer,“Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!” Then Jonathan said to his armor bearer,“Come up behind me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel!”

normalized_text:
then the men of the garrison said to jonathan and his armor bearer come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two then jonathan said to his armor bearer come up behind me for the lord has given them into the hand of israel


text:
Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer following behind him. Jonathan struck down the Philistines, while his armor bearer came along behind him and killed them.

normalized_text:
jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet with his armor bearer following behind him jonathan struck down the philistines while his armor bearer came along behind him and killed them


text:
In this initial skirmish Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre.

normalized_text:
in this initial skirmish jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre


text:
Then fear overwhelmed those who were in the camp, those who were in the field, all the army in the garrison, and the raiding bands. They trembled and the ground shook. This fear was caused by God.

normalized_text:
then fear overwhelmed those who were in the camp those who were in the field all the army in the garrison and the raiding bands they trembled and the ground shook this fear was caused by god


text:
Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another.

normalized_text:
saul s watchmen at gibeah in the territory of benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another


text:
So Saul said to the army that was with him,“Muster the troops and see who is no longer with us.” When they mustered the troops, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.

normalized_text:
so saul said to the army that was with him muster the troops and see who is no longer with us when they mustered the troops jonathan and his armor bearer were not there


text:
So Saul said to Ahijah,“Bring near the ephod,” for he was at that time wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites.

normalized_text:
so saul said to ahijah bring near the ephod for he was at that time wearing the ephod in front of the israelites


text:
While Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistines’ camp was becoming greater and greater. So Saul said to the priest,“Withdraw your hand!”

normalized_text:
while saul spoke to the priest the panic in the philistines camp was becoming greater and greater so saul said to the priest withdraw your hand


text:
Saul and all the army that was with him assembled and marched into battle, where they found the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords.

normalized_text:
saul and all the army that was with him assembled and marched into battle where they found the philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords


text:
The Hebrews who had earlier gone over to the Philistine side joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

normalized_text:
the hebrews who had earlier gone over to the philistine side joined the israelites who were with saul and jonathan


text:
When all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they too pursued them in battle.

normalized_text:
when all the israelites who had hidden themselves in the hill country of ephraim heard that the philistines had fled they too pursued them in battle


text:
Jonathan Violates Saul’s Oath Now the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, for Saul had made the army agree to this oath:“Cursed be the man who eats food before evening! I will get my vengeance on my enemies!” So no one in the army ate anything.

normalized_text:
jonathan violates saul s oath now the men of israel were hard pressed that day for saul had made the army agree to this oath cursed be the man who eats food before evening i will get my vengeance on my enemies so no one in the army ate anything


text:
When the army entered the forest, they saw the honey flowing, but no one ate any of it, for the army was afraid of the oath.

normalized_text:
when the army entered the forest they saw the honey flowing but no one ate any of it for the army was afraid of the oath


text:
But Jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take. He extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he ate it, his eyes gleamed.

normalized_text:
but jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take he extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb when he ate it his eyes gleamed


text:
Then someone from the army informed him,“Your father put the army under a strict oath saying,‘Cursed be the man who eats food today!’ That is why the army is tired.”

normalized_text:
then someone from the army informed him your father put the army under a strict oath saying cursed be the man who eats food today that is why the army is tired


text:
Then Jonathan said,“My father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed when I tasted just a little of this honey.

normalized_text:
then jonathan said my father has caused trouble for the land see how my eyes gleamed when i tasted just a little of this honey


text:
Certainly if the army had eaten some of the enemies’ provisions that they came across today, would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”

normalized_text:
certainly if the army had eaten some of the enemies provisions that they came across today would not the slaughter of the philistines have been even greater


normalized_text: on that day the army struck down the philistines from micmash to aijalon and they became very tired
text:
On that day the army struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, and they became very tired.


text:
So the army rushed greedily on the plunder, confiscating sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them right on the ground, and the army ate them blood and all.

normalized_text:
so the army rushed greedily on the plunder confiscating sheep cattle and calves they slaughtered them right on the ground and the army ate them blood and all


text:
Now it was reported to Saul,“Look, the army is sinning against the LORD by eating even the blood.” He said,“All of you have broken the covenant! Roll a large stone over here to me.”

normalized_text:
now it was reported to saul look the army is sinning against the lord by eating even the blood he said all of you have broken the covenant roll a large stone over here to me


text:
Then Saul said,“Scatter out among the army and say to them,‘Each of you bring to me your ox and sheep and slaughter them in this spot and eat. But don’t sin against the LORD by eating the blood.” So that night each one brought his ox and slaughtered it there.

normalized_text:
then saul said scatter out among the army and say to them each of you bring to me your ox and sheep and slaughter them in this spot and eat but don t sin against the lord by eating the blood so that night each one brought his ox and slaughtered it there


text:
Saul said,“Let’s go down after the Philistines at night; we will rout them until the break of day. We won’t leave any of them alive!” They replied,“Do whatever seems best to you.” But the priest said,“Let’s approach God here.”

normalized_text:
saul said let s go down after the philistines at night we will rout them until the break of day we won t leave any of them alive they replied do whatever seems best to you but the priest said let s approach god here


text:
So Saul asked God,“Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day.

normalized_text:
so saul asked god should i go down after the philistines will you deliver them into the hand of israel but he did not answer him that day


text:
For as surely as the LORD, the deliverer of Israel, lives, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan, he will certainly die!” But no one from the army said anything.

normalized_text:
for as surely as the lord the deliverer of israel lives even if it turns out to be my own son jonathan he will certainly die but no one from the army said anything


text:
Then he said to all Israel,“You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.” The army replied to Saul,“Do whatever you think is best.”

normalized_text:
then he said to all israel you will be on one side and i and my son jonathan will be on the other side the army replied to saul do whatever you think is best


text:
Then Saul said,“O LORD God of Israel! If this sin has been committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O LORD God of Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by your people Israel, respond with Thummim.” Then Jonathan and Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated.

normalized_text:
then saul said o lord god of israel if this sin has been committed by me or by my son jonathan then o lord god of israel respond with urim but if this sin has been committed by your people israel respond with thummim then jonathan and saul were indicated by lot while the army was exonerated


text:
So Saul said to Jonathan,“Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan told him,“I used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey. I must die!”

normalized_text:
so saul said to jonathan tell me what you have done jonathan told him i used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey i must die


text:
But the army said to Saul,“Should Jonathan, who won this great victory in Israel, die? May it never be! As surely as the LORD lives, not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground! For it is with the help of God that he has acted today.” So the army rescued Jonathan from death.

normalized_text:
but the army said to saul should jonathan who won this great victory in israel die may it never be as surely as the lord lives not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground for it is with the help of god that he has acted today so the army rescued jonathan from death


text:
After Saul had secured his royal position over Israel, he fought against all their enemies on all sides– the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. In every direction that he turned he was victorious.

normalized_text:
after saul had secured his royal position over israel he fought against all their enemies on all sides the moabites ammonites edomites the kings of zobah and the philistines in every direction that he turned he was victorious


text:
Members of Saul’s Family The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua. He had two daughters; the older one was named Merab and the younger Michal.

normalized_text:
members of saul s family the sons of saul were jonathan ishvi and malki shua he had two daughters the older one was named merab and the younger michal


text:
The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the general in command of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.

normalized_text:
the name of saul s wife was ahinoam the daughter of ahimaaz the name of the general in command of his army was abner son of ner saul s uncle


text:
There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. So whenever Saul saw anyone who was a warrior or a brave individual, he would conscript him.

normalized_text:
there was fierce war with the philistines all the days of saul so whenever saul saw anyone who was a warrior or a brave individual he would conscript him


text:
Saul Is Rejected as King Then Samuel said to Saul,“I was the one the LORD sent to anoint you as king over his people Israel. Now listen to what the LORD says.

normalized_text:
saul is rejected as king then samuel said to saul i was the one the lord sent to anoint you as king over his people israel now listen to what the lord says


text:
Here is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said:‘I carefully observed how the Amalekites opposed Israel along the way when Israel came up from Egypt.

normalized_text:
here is what the lord of heaven s armies has said i carefully observed how the amalekites opposed israel along the way when israel came up from egypt


text:
So go now and strike down the Amalekites. Destroy everything that they have. Don’t spare them. Put them to death– man, woman, child, infant, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey alike.’”

normalized_text:
so go now and strike down the amalekites destroy everything that they have don t spare them put them to death man woman child infant ox sheep camel and donkey alike


text:
So Saul assembled the army and mustered them at Telaim. There were 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.

normalized_text:
so saul assembled the army and mustered them at telaim there were 200 000 foot soldiers and 10 000 men of judah


text:
Saul said to the Kenites,“Go on and leave! Go down from among the Amalekites! Otherwise I will sweep you away with them! After all, you were kind to all the Israelites when they came up from Egypt.” So the Kenites withdrew from among the Amalekites.

normalized_text:
saul said to the kenites go on and leave go down from among the amalekites otherwise i will sweep you away with them after all you were kind to all the israelites when they came up from egypt so the kenites withdrew from among the amalekites


text:
However, Saul and the army spared Agag, along with the best of the flock, the cattle, the fatlings, and the lambs, as well as everything else that was of value. They were not willing to slaughter them. But they did slaughter everything that was despised and worthless.

normalized_text:
however saul and the army spared agag along with the best of the flock the cattle the fatlings and the lambs as well as everything else that was of value they were not willing to slaughter them but they did slaughter everything that was despised and worthless


text:
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from me and has not done what I told him to do.” Samuel became angry and he cried out to the LORD all that night.

normalized_text:
i regret that i have made saul king for he has turned away from me and has not done what i told him to do samuel became angry and he cried out to the lord all that night


text:
Then Samuel got up early to meet Saul the next morning. But Samuel was informed,“Saul has gone to Carmel where he is setting up a monument for himself.” Then Samuel left and went down to Gilgal.

normalized_text:
then samuel got up early to meet saul the next morning but samuel was informed saul has gone to carmel where he is setting up a monument for himself then samuel left and went down to gilgal


normalized_text: when samuel came to saul saul said to him may the lord bless you i have fulfilled the lord s orders
text:
When Samuel came to Saul, Saul said to him,“May the LORD bless you! I have fulfilled the LORD’s orders.”


text:
Samuel replied,“If that is the case, then what is this sound of sheep in my ears and the sound of cattle that I hear?”

normalized_text:
samuel replied if that is the case then what is this sound of sheep in my ears and the sound of cattle that i hear


text:
Saul said,“They were brought from the Amalekites; the army spared the best of the flocks and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD our God. But everything else we slaughtered.”

normalized_text:
saul said they were brought from the amalekites the army spared the best of the flocks and cattle to sacrifice to the lord our god but everything else we slaughtered


text:
Then Samuel said to Saul,“Wait a minute! Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” Saul said to him,“Tell me.”

normalized_text:
then samuel said to saul wait a minute let me tell you what the lord said to me last night saul said to him tell me


text:
Samuel said,“Is it not true that when you were insignificant in your own eyes, you became head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD chose you as king over Israel.

normalized_text:
samuel said is it not true that when you were insignificant in your own eyes you became head of the tribes of israel the lord chose you as king over israel


text:
The LORD sent you on a campaign saying,‘Go and exterminate those sinful Amalekites! Fight against them until you have destroyed them.’

normalized_text:
the lord sent you on a campaign saying go and exterminate those sinful amalekites fight against them until you have destroyed them


text:
Why haven’t you obeyed the LORD? Instead you have greedily rushed upon the plunder! You have done what is wrong in the LORD’s estimation.”

normalized_text:
why haven t you obeyed the lord instead you have greedily rushed upon the plunder you have done what is wrong in the lord s estimation


text:
Then Saul said to Samuel,“But I have obeyed the LORD! I went on the campaign the LORD sent me on. I brought back King Agag of the Amalekites after exterminating the Amalekites.

normalized_text:
then saul said to samuel but i have obeyed the lord i went on the campaign the lord sent me on i brought back king agag of the amalekites after exterminating the amalekites


text:
But the army took from the plunder some of the sheep and cattle– the best of what was to be slaughtered– to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”

normalized_text:
but the army took from the plunder some of the sheep and cattle the best of what was to be slaughtered to sacrifice to the lord your god in gilgal


text:
Then Samuel said,“Does the LORD take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience? Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams.

normalized_text:
then samuel said does the lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience certainly obedience is better than sacrifice paying attention is better than the fat of rams


text:
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the LORD’s orders, he has rejected you from being king.”

normalized_text:
for rebellion is like the sin of divination and presumption is like the evil of idolatry because you have rejected the lord s orders he has rejected you from being king


text:
Then Saul said to Samuel,“I have sinned, for I have disobeyed what the LORD commanded and your words as well. For I was afraid of the army, and I obeyed their voice.

normalized_text:
then saul said to samuel i have sinned for i have disobeyed what the lord commanded and your words as well for i was afraid of the army and i obeyed their voice


text:
Samuel said to Saul,“I will not go back with you, for you have rejected the LORD’s orders, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel!”

normalized_text:
samuel said to saul i will not go back with you for you have rejected the lord s orders and the lord has rejected you from being king over israel


text:
Samuel said to him,“The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to one of your colleagues who is better than you!

normalized_text:
samuel said to him the lord has torn the kingdom of israel from you this day and has given it to one of your colleagues who is better than you


text:
The Preeminent One of Israel does not go back on his word or change his mind, for he is not a human being who changes his mind.”

normalized_text:
the preeminent one of israel does not go back on his word or change his mind for he is not a human being who changes his mind


text:
Saul again replied,“I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel. Go back with me so I may worship the LORD your God.”

normalized_text:
saul again replied i have sinned but please honor me before the elders of my people and before israel go back with me so i may worship the lord your god


text:
Samuel Puts Agag to Death Then Samuel said,“Bring me King Agag of the Amalekites.” So Agag came to him trembling, thinking to himself,“Surely death is bitter!”

normalized_text:
samuel puts agag to death then samuel said bring me king agag of the amalekites so agag came to him trembling thinking to himself surely death is bitter


text:
Samuel said,“Just as your sword left women childless, so your mother will be the most bereaved among women!” Then Samuel hacked Agag to pieces there in Gilgal before the LORD.

normalized_text:
samuel said just as your sword left women childless so your mother will be the most bereaved among women then samuel hacked agag to pieces there in gilgal before the lord


text:
Until the day he died Samuel did not see Saul again. Samuel did, however, mourn for Saul, but the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.

normalized_text:
until the day he died samuel did not see saul again samuel did however mourn for saul but the lord regretted that he had made saul king over israel


text:
Samuel Anoints David as King The LORD said to Samuel,“How long do you intend to mourn for Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with olive oil and go! I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for myself from among his sons.”

normalized_text:
samuel anoints david as king the lord said to samuel how long do you intend to mourn for saul i have rejected him as king over israel fill your horn with olive oil and go i am sending you to jesse in bethlehem for i have selected a king for myself from among his sons


text:
Samuel replied,“How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me!” But the LORD said,“Take a heifer with you and say,‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’

normalized_text:
samuel replied how can i go saul will hear about it and kill me but the lord said take a heifer with you and say i have come to sacrifice to the lord


text:
Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you should do. You will anoint for me the one I point out to you.”

normalized_text:
then invite jesse to the sacrifice and i will show you what you should do you will anoint for me the one i point out to you


text:
Samuel did what the LORD told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said,“Do you come in peace?”

normalized_text:
samuel did what the lord told him when he arrived in bethlehem the elders of the city were afraid to meet him they said do you come in peace


text:
He replied,“Yes, in peace. I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” So he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

normalized_text:
he replied yes in peace i have come to sacrifice to the lord consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice so he consecrated jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice


text:
When they arrived, Samuel noticed Eliab and said to himself,“Surely, here before the LORD stands his chosen king!”

normalized_text:
when they arrived samuel noticed eliab and said to himself surely here before the lord stands his chosen king


text:
But the LORD said to Samuel,“Don’t be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

normalized_text:
but the lord said to samuel don t be impressed by his appearance or his height for i have rejected him god does not view things the way men do people look on the outward appearance but the lord looks at the heart


text:
Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. But Samuel said,“The LORD has not chosen this one, either.”

normalized_text:
then jesse called abinadab and presented him to samuel but samuel said the lord has not chosen this one either


text:
Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse,“The LORD has not chosen any of these.”

normalized_text:
jesse presented seven of his sons to samuel but samuel said to jesse the lord has not chosen any of these


text:
Then Samuel said to Jesse,“Is that all of the young men?” Jesse replied,“There is still the youngest one, but he’s taking care of the flock.” Samuel said to Jesse,“Send and get him, for we cannot turn our attention to other things until he comes here.”

normalized_text:
then samuel said to jesse is that all of the young men jesse replied there is still the youngest one but he s taking care of the flock samuel said to jesse send and get him for we cannot turn our attention to other things until he comes here


text:
So Jesse had him brought in. Now he was ruddy, with attractive eyes and a handsome appearance. The LORD said,“Go and anoint him. This is the one!”

normalized_text:
so jesse had him brought in now he was ruddy with attractive eyes and a handsome appearance the lord said go and anoint him this is the one


text:
So Samuel took the horn full of olive oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers. The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day onward. Then Samuel got up and went to Ramah.

normalized_text:
so samuel took the horn full of olive oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers the spirit of the lord rushed upon david from that day onward then samuel got up and went to ramah


text:
David Appears before Saul Now the Spirit of the LORD had turned away from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.

normalized_text:
david appears before saul now the spirit of the lord had turned away from saul and an evil spirit from the lord tormented him


text:
Let our lord instruct his servants who are here before you to look for a man who knows how to play the lyre. Then whenever the evil spirit from God comes upon you, he can play the lyre and you will feel better.”

normalized_text:
let our lord instruct his servants who are here before you to look for a man who knows how to play the lyre then whenever the evil spirit from god comes upon you he can play the lyre and you will feel better


text:
One of his attendants replied,“I have seen a son of Jesse in Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave warrior and is articulate and handsome, for the LORD is with him.”

normalized_text:
one of his attendants replied i have seen a son of jesse in bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre he is a brave warrior and is articulate and handsome for the lord is with him


text:
So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a container of wine, and a young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David.

normalized_text:
so jesse took a donkey loaded with bread a container of wine and a young goat and sent them to saul with his son david


normalized_text: david came to saul and stood before him saul liked him a great deal and he became his armor bearer
text:
David came to Saul and stood before him. Saul liked him a great deal, and he became his armor bearer.


text:
So whenever the spirit from God would come upon Saul, David would take his lyre and play it. This would bring relief to Saul and make him feel better. Then the evil spirit would leave him alone.

normalized_text:
so whenever the spirit from god would come upon saul david would take his lyre and play it this would bring relief to saul and make him feel better then the evil spirit would leave him alone


text:
David Kills Goliath The Philistines gathered their troops for battle. They assembled at Socoh in Judah. They camped in Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah.

normalized_text:
david kills goliath the philistines gathered their troops for battle they assembled at socoh in judah they camped in ephes dammim between socoh and azekah


text:
Saul and the Israelite army assembled and camped in the valley of Elah, where they arranged their battle lines to fight against the Philistines.

normalized_text:
saul and the israelite army assembled and camped in the valley of elah where they arranged their battle lines to fight against the philistines


text:
The Philistines were standing on one hill, and the Israelites on another hill, with the valley between them.

normalized_text:
the philistines were standing on one hill and the israelites on another hill with the valley between them


text:
Then a champion came out from the camp of the Philistines. His name was Goliath; he was from Gath. He was close to seven feet tall.

normalized_text:
then a champion came out from the camp of the philistines his name was goliath he was from gath he was close to seven feet tall


text:
He had a bronze helmet on his head and was wearing scale body armor. The weight of his bronze body armor was five thousand shekels.

normalized_text:
he had a bronze helmet on his head and was wearing scale body armor the weight of his bronze body armor was five thousand shekels


text:
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer was walking before him.

normalized_text:
the shaft of his spear was like a weaver s beam and the iron point of his spear weighed six hundred shekels his shield bearer was walking before him


text:
Goliath stood and called to Israel’s troops,“Why do you come out to prepare for battle? Am I not the Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose for yourselves a man so he may come down to me!

normalized_text:
goliath stood and called to israel s troops why do you come out to prepare for battle am i not the philistine and are you not the servants of saul choose for yourselves a man so he may come down to me


text:
If he is able to fight with me and strike me down, we will become your servants. But if I prevail against him and strike him down, you will become our servants and will serve us.”

normalized_text:
if he is able to fight with me and strike me down we will become your servants but if i prevail against him and strike him down you will become our servants and will serve us


normalized_text: then the philistine said i defy israel s troops this day give me a man so we can fight each other
text:
Then the Philistine said,“I defy Israel’s troops this day! Give me a man so we can fight each other!”


text:
When Saul and all the Israelites heard these words of the Philistine, they were upset and very afraid.

normalized_text:
when saul and all the israelites heard these words of the philistine they were upset and very afraid


text:
Now David was the son of this Ephrathite named Jesse from Bethlehem in Judah. He had eight sons, and in Saul’s days he was old and well advanced in years.

normalized_text:
now david was the son of this ephrathite named jesse from bethlehem in judah he had eight sons and in saul s days he was old and well advanced in years


text:
Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed Saul to war. The names of the three sons who went to war were Eliab, his firstborn, Abinadab, the second oldest, and Shammah, the third oldest.

normalized_text:
jesse s three oldest sons had followed saul to war the names of the three sons who went to war were eliab his firstborn abinadab the second oldest and shammah the third oldest


text:
Jesse said to his son David,“Take your brothers this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread; go quickly to the camp to your brothers.

normalized_text:
jesse said to his son david take your brothers this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread go quickly to the camp to your brothers


text:
Also take these ten portions of cheese to their commanding officer. Find out how your brothers are doing and bring back their pledge that they received the goods.

normalized_text:
also take these ten portions of cheese to their commanding officer find out how your brothers are doing and bring back their pledge that they received the goods


normalized_text: they are with saul and the whole israelite army in the valley of elah fighting with the philistines
text:
They are with Saul and the whole Israelite army in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”


text:
So David got up early in the morning and entrusted the flock to someone else who would watch over it. After loading up, he went just as Jesse had instructed him. He arrived at the camp as the army was going out to the battle lines shouting its battle cry.

normalized_text:
so david got up early in the morning and entrusted the flock to someone else who would watch over it after loading up he went just as jesse had instructed him he arrived at the camp as the army was going out to the battle lines shouting its battle cry


text:
After David had entrusted his cargo to the care of the supply officer, he ran to the battlefront. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing.

normalized_text:
after david had entrusted his cargo to the care of the supply officer he ran to the battlefront when he arrived he asked his brothers how they were doing


text:
As he was speaking with them, the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, was coming up from the battle lines of the Philistines. He spoke the way he usually did, and David heard it.

normalized_text:
as he was speaking with them the champion named goliath the philistine from gath was coming up from the battle lines of the philistines he spoke the way he usually did and david heard it


text:
The men of Israel said,“Have you seen this man who is coming up? He does so to defy Israel. But the king will make the man who can strike him down very wealthy! He will give him his daughter in marriage, and he will make his father’s house exempt from tax obligations in Israel.”

normalized_text:
the men of israel said have you seen this man who is coming up he does so to defy israel but the king will make the man who can strike him down very wealthy he will give him his daughter in marriage and he will make his father s house exempt from tax obligations in israel


text:
David asked the men who were standing near him,“What will be done for the man who strikes down this Philistine and frees Israel from this humiliation? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the living God?”

normalized_text:
david asked the men who were standing near him what will be done for the man who strikes down this philistine and frees israel from this humiliation for who is this uncircumcised philistine that he defies the armies of the living god


text:
The soldiers told him what had been promised, saying,“This is what will be done for the man who can strike him down.”

normalized_text:
the soldiers told him what had been promised saying this is what will be done for the man who can strike him down


text:
When David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, he became angry with David and said,“Why have you come down here? To whom did you entrust those few sheep in the wilderness? I am familiar with your pride and deceit! You have come down here to watch the battle!”

normalized_text:
when david s oldest brother eliab heard him speaking to the men he became angry with david and said why have you come down here to whom did you entrust those few sheep in the wilderness i am familiar with your pride and deceit you have come down here to watch the battle


text:
Then he turned from those who were nearby to someone else and asked the same question, but they gave him the same answer as before.

normalized_text:
then he turned from those who were nearby to someone else and asked the same question but they gave him the same answer as before


normalized_text: david said to saul don t let anyone be discouraged your servant will go and fight this philistine
text:
David said to Saul,“Don’t let anyone be discouraged. Your servant will go and fight this Philistine!”


text:
But Saul replied to David,“You aren’t able to go against this Philistine and fight him! You’re just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth!”

normalized_text:
but saul replied to david you aren t able to go against this philistine and fight him you re just a boy he has been a warrior from his youth


text:
David replied to Saul,“Your servant has been a shepherd for his father’s flock. Whenever a lion or bear would come and carry off a sheep from the flock,

normalized_text:
david replied to saul your servant has been a shepherd for his father s flock whenever a lion or bear would come and carry off a sheep from the flock


text:
I would go out after it, strike it down, and rescue the sheep from its mouth. If it rose up against me, I would grab it by its jaw, strike it, and kill it.

normalized_text:
i would go out after it strike it down and rescue the sheep from its mouth if it rose up against me i would grab it by its jaw strike it and kill it


text:
Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be just like one of them. For he has defied the armies of the living God!”

normalized_text:
your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear this uncircumcised philistine will be just like one of them for he has defied the armies of the living god


text:
David went on to say,“The LORD who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this Philistine!” Then Saul said to David,“Go! The LORD will be with you.”

normalized_text:
david went on to say the lord who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this philistine then saul said to david go the lord will be with you


text:
Then Saul clothed David with his own fighting attire and put a bronze helmet on his head. He also put body armor on him.

normalized_text:
then saul clothed david with his own fighting attire and put a bronze helmet on his head he also put body armor on him


text:
David strapped on his sword over his fighting attire and tried to walk around, but he was not used to them. David said to Saul,“I can’t walk in these things, for I’m not used to them.” So David removed them.

normalized_text:
david strapped on his sword over his fighting attire and tried to walk around but he was not used to them david said to saul i can t walk in these things for i m not used to them so david removed them


text:
He took his staff in his hand, picked out five smooth stones from the stream, placed them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, took his sling in hand, and approached the Philistine.

normalized_text:
he took his staff in his hand picked out five smooth stones from the stream placed them in the pouch of his shepherd s bag took his sling in hand and approached the philistine


text:
When the Philistine looked carefully at David, he despised him, for he was only a ruddy and handsome boy.

normalized_text:
when the philistine looked carefully at david he despised him for he was only a ruddy and handsome boy


text:
The Philistine said to David,“Am I a dog, that you are coming after me with sticks?” Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

normalized_text:
the philistine said to david am i a dog that you are coming after me with sticks then the philistine cursed david by his gods


text:
The Philistine said to David,“Come here to me, so I can give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the field!”

normalized_text:
the philistine said to david come here to me so i can give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the field


text:
But David replied to the Philistine,“You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defied!

normalized_text:
but david replied to the philistine you are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin but i am coming against you in the name of the lord of heaven s armies the god of israel s armies whom you have defied


text:
This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand! I will strike you down and cut off your head. This day I will give the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land. Then all the land will realize that Israel has a God,

normalized_text:
this very day the lord will deliver you into my hand i will strike you down and cut off your head this day i will give the corpses of the philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land then all the land will realize that israel has a god


text:
and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves! For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will deliver you into our hand.”

normalized_text:
and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the lord saves for the battle is the lord s and he will deliver you into our hand


text:
The Philistine drew steadily closer to David to attack him, while David quickly ran toward the battle line to attack the Philistine.

normalized_text:
the philistine drew steadily closer to david to attack him while david quickly ran toward the battle line to attack the philistine


text:
David reached his hand into the bag and took out a stone. He slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank deeply into his forehead, and he fell down with his face to the ground.

normalized_text:
david reached his hand into the bag and took out a stone he slung it striking the philistine on the forehead the stone sank deeply into his forehead and he fell down with his face to the ground


text:
David prevailed over the Philistine with just the sling and the stone. He struck down the Philistine and killed him. David did not even have a sword in his hand.

normalized_text:
david prevailed over the philistine with just the sling and the stone he struck down the philistine and killed him david did not even have a sword in his hand


text:
David ran and stood over the Philistine. He grabbed Goliath’s sword, drew it from its sheath, killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they ran away.

normalized_text:
david ran and stood over the philistine he grabbed goliath s sword drew it from its sheath killed him and cut off his head with it when the philistines saw their champion was dead they ran away


text:
Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward, shouting a battle cry. They chased the Philistines to the valley and to the very gates of Ekron. The Philistine corpses lay fallen along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

normalized_text:
then the men of israel and judah charged forward shouting a battle cry they chased the philistines to the valley and to the very gates of ekron the philistine corpses lay fallen along the shaaraim road to gath and ekron


text:
David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his tent.

normalized_text:
david took the head of the philistine and brought it to jerusalem and he put goliath s weapons in his tent


text:
Now as Saul watched David going out to fight the Philistine, he asked Abner, the general in command of the army,“Whose son is this young man, Abner?” Abner replied,“As surely as you live, O king, I don’t know.”

normalized_text:
now as saul watched david going out to fight the philistine he asked abner the general in command of the army whose son is this young man abner abner replied as surely as you live o king i don t know


text:
So when David returned from striking down the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. He still had the head of the Philistine in his hand.

normalized_text:
so when david returned from striking down the philistine abner took him and brought him before saul he still had the head of the philistine in his hand


text:
Saul said to him,“Whose son are you, young man?” David replied,“I am the son of your servant Jesse in Bethlehem.”

normalized_text:
saul said to him whose son are you young man david replied i am the son of your servant jesse in bethlehem


text:
Saul Comes to Fear David When David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan and David became bound together in close friendship. Jonathan loved David as much as he did his own life.

normalized_text:
saul comes to fear david when david had finished talking with saul jonathan and david became bound together in close friendship jonathan loved david as much as he did his own life


text:
Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with the rest of his gear, including his sword, his bow, and even his belt.

normalized_text:
jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to david along with the rest of his gear including his sword his bow and even his belt


text:
On every mission on which Saul sent him, David achieved success. So Saul appointed him over the men of war. This pleased not only all the army, but also Saul’s servants.

normalized_text:
on every mission on which saul sent him david achieved success so saul appointed him over the men of war this pleased not only all the army but also saul s servants


text:
When the men arrived after David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women from all the cities of Israel came out singing and dancing to meet King Saul. They were happy as they played their tambourines and three-stringed instruments.

normalized_text:
when the men arrived after david returned from striking down the philistine the women from all the cities of israel came out singing and dancing to meet king saul they were happy as they played their tambourines and three stringed instruments


text:
The women who were playing the music sang,“Saul has struck down his thousands, but David his tens of thousands!”

normalized_text:
the women who were playing the music sang saul has struck down his thousands but david his tens of thousands


text:
This made Saul very angry. The statement displeased him and he thought,“They have attributed to David tens of thousands, but to me they have attributed only thousands. What does he lack, except the kingdom?”

normalized_text:
this made saul very angry the statement displeased him and he thought they have attributed to david tens of thousands but to me they have attributed only thousands what does he lack except the kingdom


text:
The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul and he prophesied within his house. Now David was playing the lyre as usual. There was a spear in Saul’s hand,

normalized_text:
the next day an evil spirit from god rushed upon saul and he prophesied within his house now david was playing the lyre as usual there was a spear in saul s hand


text:
and Saul threw the spear, thinking,“I’ll nail David to the wall!” But David escaped from him on two different occasions.

normalized_text:
and saul threw the spear thinking i ll nail david to the wall but david escaped from him on two different occasions


text:
Saul removed David from his presence and made him a commanding officer. David led the army out to battle and back.

normalized_text:
saul removed david from his presence and made him a commanding officer david led the army out to battle and back


text:
Then Saul said to David,“Here’s my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the LORD.”For Saul thought,“There’s no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!”

normalized_text:
then saul said to david here s my oldest daughter merab i want to give her to you in marriage only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the lord for saul thought there s no need for me to raise my hand against him let it be the hand of the philistines


text:
David said to Saul,“Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?”

normalized_text:
david said to saul who am i who are my relatives or the clan of my father in israel that i should become the king s son in law


text:
When the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah.

normalized_text:
when the time came for merab saul s daughter to be given to david she instead was given in marriage to adriel who was from meholah


text:
Saul said,“I will give her to him so that she may become a snare to him and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David,“Today is the second time for you to become my son-in-law.”

normalized_text:
saul said i will give her to him so that she may become a snare to him and the hand of the philistines may be against him so saul said to david today is the second time for you to become my son in law


text:
Then Saul instructed his servants,“Tell David secretly,‘The king is pleased with you, and all his servants like you. So now become the king’s son-in-law.”

normalized_text:
then saul instructed his servants tell david secretly the king is pleased with you and all his servants like you so now become the king s son in law


text:
So Saul’s servants spoke these words privately to David. David replied,“Is becoming the king’s son-in-law something insignificant to you? I’m just a poor and lightly-esteemed man!”

normalized_text:
so saul s servants spoke these words privately to david david replied is becoming the king s son in law something insignificant to you i m just a poor and lightly esteemed man


text:
Saul replied,“Here is what you should say to David:‘There is nothing that the king wants as a price for the bride except a hundred Philistine foreskins, so that he can be avenged of his enemies.’”(Now Saul was thinking that he could kill David by the hand of the Philistines.)

normalized_text:
saul replied here is what you should say to david there is nothing that the king wants as a price for the bride except a hundred philistine foreskins so that he can be avenged of his enemies now saul was thinking that he could kill david by the hand of the philistines


text:
So his servants told David these things and David agreed to become the king’s son-in-law. Now the specified time had not yet expired

normalized_text:
so his servants told david these things and david agreed to become the king s son in law now the specified time had not yet expired


text:
when David, along with his men, went out and struck down two hundred Philistine men. David brought their foreskins and presented all of them to the king so he could become the king’s son-in-law. Saul then gave him his daughter Michal in marriage.

normalized_text:
when david along with his men went out and struck down two hundred philistine men david brought their foreskins and presented all of them to the king so he could become the king s son in law saul then gave him his daughter michal in marriage


text:
Then the leaders of the Philistines would march out, and as often as they did so, David achieved more success than all of Saul’s servants. His name was held in high esteem.

normalized_text:
then the leaders of the philistines would march out and as often as they did so david achieved more success than all of saul s servants his name was held in high esteem


text:
Saul Repeatedly Attempts to Take David’s Life Then Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much.

normalized_text:
saul repeatedly attempts to take david s life then saul told his son jonathan and all his servants to kill david but saul s son jonathan liked david very much


text:
So Jonathan told David,“My father Saul is trying to kill you. So be careful tomorrow morning. Find a hiding place and stay in seclusion.

normalized_text:
so jonathan told david my father saul is trying to kill you so be careful tomorrow morning find a hiding place and stay in seclusion


text:
I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are. I will speak about you to my father. When I find out what the problem is, I will let you know.”

normalized_text:
i will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are i will speak about you to my father when i find out what the problem is i will let you know


text:
So Jonathan spoke on David’s behalf to his father Saul. He said to him,“The king should not sin against his servant David, for he has not sinned against you. On the contrary, his actions have been very beneficial for you.

normalized_text:
so jonathan spoke on david s behalf to his father saul he said to him the king should not sin against his servant david for he has not sinned against you on the contrary his actions have been very beneficial for you


text:
He risked his life when he struck down the Philistine and the LORD gave all Israel a great victory. When you saw it, you were happy. So why would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?”

normalized_text:
he risked his life when he struck down the philistine and the lord gave all israel a great victory when you saw it you were happy so why would you sin against innocent blood by putting david to death for no reason


text:
Saul accepted Jonathan’s advice and took an oath,“As surely as the LORD lives, he will not be put to death.”

normalized_text:
saul accepted jonathan s advice and took an oath as surely as the lord lives he will not be put to death


text:
Then Jonathan called David and told him all these things. Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he served him as he had done formerly.

normalized_text:
then jonathan called david and told him all these things jonathan brought david to saul and he served him as he had done formerly


text:
Now once again there was war. So David went out to fight the Philistines. He defeated them thoroughly and they ran away from him.

normalized_text:
now once again there was war so david went out to fight the philistines he defeated them thoroughly and they ran away from him


text:
Then an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul. He was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, while David was playing the lyre.

normalized_text:
then an evil spirit from the lord came upon saul he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand while david was playing the lyre


text:
Saul tried to nail David to the wall with the spear, but he escaped from Saul’s presence and the spear drove into the wall. David escaped quickly that night.

normalized_text:
saul tried to nail david to the wall with the spear but he escaped from saul s presence and the spear drove into the wall david escaped quickly that night


text:
Saul sent messengers to David’s house to guard it and to kill him in the morning. Then David’s wife Michal told him,“If you do not save yourself tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”

normalized_text:
saul sent messengers to david s house to guard it and to kill him in the morning then david s wife michal told him if you do not save yourself tonight tomorrow you will be dead


text:
Then Michal took a household idol and put it on the bed. She put a quilt made of goat’s hair over its head and then covered the idol with a garment.

normalized_text:
then michal took a household idol and put it on the bed she put a quilt made of goat s hair over its head and then covered the idol with a garment


text:
Then Saul sent the messengers back to see David, saying,“Bring him up to me on his bed so I can kill him.”

normalized_text:
then saul sent the messengers back to see david saying bring him up to me on his bed so i can kill him


text:
When the messengers came, they found only the idol on the bed and the quilt made of goat’s hair at its head.

normalized_text:
when the messengers came they found only the idol on the bed and the quilt made of goat s hair at its head


text:
Saul said to Michal,“Why have you deceived me this way by sending my enemy away? Now he has escaped!” Michal replied to Saul,“He said to me,‘Help me get away or else I will kill you!’”

normalized_text:
saul said to michal why have you deceived me this way by sending my enemy away now he has escaped michal replied to saul he said to me help me get away or else i will kill you


text:
Now David had run away and escaped. He went to Samuel in Ramah and told him everything that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth.

normalized_text:
now david had run away and escaped he went to samuel in ramah and told him everything that saul had done to him then he and samuel went and stayed at naioth


text:
So Saul sent messengers to capture David. When they saw a company of prophets prophesying with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s messengers, and they also prophesied.

normalized_text:
so saul sent messengers to capture david when they saw a company of prophets prophesying with samuel standing there as their leader the spirit of god came upon saul s messengers and they also prophesied


text:
When it was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they prophesied too. So Saul sent messengers a third time, but they also prophesied.

normalized_text:
when it was reported to saul he sent more messengers but they prophesied too so saul sent messengers a third time but they also prophesied


text:
Finally Saul himself went to Ramah. When he arrived at the large cistern that is in Secu, he asked,“Where are Samuel and David?” They said,“At Naioth in Ramah.”

normalized_text:
finally saul himself went to ramah when he arrived at the large cistern that is in secu he asked where are samuel and david they said at naioth in ramah


text:
So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God came upon him as well, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

normalized_text:
so saul went to naioth in ramah the spirit of god came upon him as well and he walked along prophesying until he came to naioth in ramah


text:
He even stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel. He lay there naked all that day and night.(For that reason it is asked,“Is Saul also among the prophets?”)

normalized_text:
he even stripped off his clothes and prophesied before samuel he lay there naked all that day and night for that reason it is asked is saul also among the prophets


text:
Jonathan Seeks to Protect David David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked,“What have I done? What is my offense? How have I sinned before your father? For he is seeking my life!”

normalized_text:
jonathan seeks to protect david david fled from naioth in ramah he came to jonathan and asked what have i done what is my offense how have i sinned before your father for he is seeking my life


text:
Jonathan said to him,“By no means are you going to die! My father does nothing large or small without making me aware of it. Why would my father hide this matter from me? It just won’t happen!”

normalized_text:
jonathan said to him by no means are you going to die my father does nothing large or small without making me aware of it why would my father hide this matter from me it just won t happen


text:
Taking an oath, David again said,“Your father is very much aware of the fact that I have found favor with you, and he has thought,‘Don’t let Jonathan know about this, or he will be upset.’ But as surely as the LORD lives and you live, there is about one step between me and death!”

normalized_text:
taking an oath david again said your father is very much aware of the fact that i have found favor with you and he has thought don t let jonathan know about this or he will be upset but as surely as the lord lives and you live there is about one step between me and death


text:
David said to Jonathan,“Tomorrow is the new moon, and I am certainly expected to join the king for a meal. You must send me away so I can hide in the field until the third evening from now.

normalized_text:
david said to jonathan tomorrow is the new moon and i am certainly expected to join the king for a meal you must send me away so i can hide in the field until the third evening from now


text:
If your father happens to miss me, you should say,‘David urgently requested me to let him go to his city Bethlehem, for there is an annual sacrifice there for his entire family.’

normalized_text:
if your father happens to miss me you should say david urgently requested me to let him go to his city bethlehem for there is an annual sacrifice there for his entire family


text:
If he should then say,‘That’s fine,’ then your servant is safe. But if he becomes very angry, be assured that he has decided to harm me.

normalized_text:
if he should then say that s fine then your servant is safe but if he becomes very angry be assured that he has decided to harm me


text:
You must be loyal to your servant, for you have made a covenant with your servant in the LORD’s name. If I am guilty, you yourself kill me! Why bother taking me to your father?”

normalized_text:
you must be loyal to your servant for you have made a covenant with your servant in the lord s name if i am guilty you yourself kill me why bother taking me to your father


text:
Jonathan said,“Far be it from you to suggest this! If I were at all aware that my father had decided to harm you, wouldn’t I tell you about it?”

normalized_text:
jonathan said far be it from you to suggest this if i were at all aware that my father had decided to harm you wouldn t i tell you about it


text:
Jonathan said to David,“Come on. Let’s go out to the field.”When the two of them had gone out into the field,

normalized_text:
jonathan said to david come on let s go out to the field when the two of them had gone out into the field


text:
Jonathan said to David,“The LORD God of Israel is my witness. I will feel out my father about this time the day after tomorrow. If he is favorably inclined toward David, will I not then send word to you and let you know?

normalized_text:
jonathan said to david the lord god of israel is my witness i will feel out my father about this time the day after tomorrow if he is favorably inclined toward david will i not then send word to you and let you know


text:
But if my father intends to do you harm, may the LORD do all this and more to Jonathan, if I don’t let you know and send word to you so you can go safely on your way. May the LORD be with you, as he was with my father.

normalized_text:
but if my father intends to do you harm may the lord do all this and more to jonathan if i don t let you know and send word to you so you can go safely on your way may the lord be with you as he was with my father


text:
Don’t ever cut off your loyalty to my family, not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth

normalized_text:
don t ever cut off your loyalty to my family not even when the lord has cut off every one of david s enemies from the face of the earth


text:
Jonathan once again took an oath with David, because he loved him. In fact Jonathan loved him as much as he did his own life.

normalized_text:
jonathan once again took an oath with david because he loved him in fact jonathan loved him as much as he did his own life


normalized_text: jonathan said to him tomorrow is the new moon and you will be missed for your seat will be empty
text:
Jonathan said to him,“Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will be empty.


text:
On the third day you should go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself the day this all started. Stay near the stone Ezel.

normalized_text:
on the third day you should go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself the day this all started stay near the stone ezel


text:
When I send a boy after them, I will say,“Go and find the arrows.” If I say to the boy,‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them,’ then come back. For as surely as the LORD lives, you will be safe and there will be no problem.

normalized_text:
when i send a boy after them i will say go and find the arrows if i say to the boy look the arrows are on this side of you get them then come back for as surely as the lord lives you will be safe and there will be no problem


text:
But if I say to the boy,“Look, the arrows are on the other side of you,’ get away. For in that case the LORD has sent you away.

normalized_text:
but if i say to the boy look the arrows are on the other side of you get away for in that case the lord has sent you away


text:
The king sat down in his usual place by the wall, with Jonathan opposite him and Abner at his side. But David’s place was vacant.

normalized_text:
the king sat down in his usual place by the wall with jonathan opposite him and abner at his side but david s place was vacant


text:
However, Saul said nothing about it that day, for he thought,“Something has happened to make him ceremonially unclean. Yes, he must be unclean.”

normalized_text:
however saul said nothing about it that day for he thought something has happened to make him ceremonially unclean yes he must be unclean


text:
But the next morning, the second day of the new moon, David’s place was still vacant. So Saul said to his son Jonathan,“Why has Jesse’s son not come to the meal yesterday or today?”

normalized_text:
but the next morning the second day of the new moon david s place was still vacant so saul said to his son jonathan why has jesse s son not come to the meal yesterday or today


text:
He said,‘Permit me to go, for we are having a family sacrifice in the city, and my brother urged me to be there. So now, if I have found favor with you, let me go to see my brothers.’ For that reason he has not come to the king’s table.”

normalized_text:
he said permit me to go for we are having a family sacrifice in the city and my brother urged me to be there so now if i have found favor with you let me go to see my brothers for that reason he has not come to the king s table


text:
Saul became angry with Jonathan and said to him,“You stupid traitor! Don’t I realize that to your own disgrace and to the disgrace of your mother’s nakedness you have chosen this son of Jesse?

normalized_text:
saul became angry with jonathan and said to him you stupid traitor don t i realize that to your own disgrace and to the disgrace of your mother s nakedness you have chosen this son of jesse


text:
For as long as this son of Jesse is alive on the earth, you and your kingdom will not be established. Now, send some men and bring him to me. For he is as good as dead!”

normalized_text:
for as long as this son of jesse is alive on the earth you and your kingdom will not be established now send some men and bring him to me for he is as good as dead


text:
Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan in order to strike him down. So Jonathan was convinced that his father had decided to kill David.

normalized_text:
then saul threw his spear at jonathan in order to strike him down so jonathan was convinced that his father had decided to kill david


text:
Jonathan got up from the table enraged. He did not eat any food on that second day of the new moon, for he was upset that his father had humiliated David.

normalized_text:
jonathan got up from the table enraged he did not eat any food on that second day of the new moon for he was upset that his father had humiliated david


text:
He said to his servant,“Run, find the arrows that I am about to shoot.” As the servant ran, Jonathan shot the arrow beyond him.

normalized_text:
he said to his servant run find the arrows that i am about to shoot as the servant ran jonathan shot the arrow beyond him


text:
When the servant came to the place where Jonathan had shot the arrow, Jonathan called out to the servant,“Isn’t the arrow further beyond you?”

normalized_text:
when the servant came to the place where jonathan had shot the arrow jonathan called out to the servant isn t the arrow further beyond you


text:
Jonathan called out to the servant,“Hurry! Go faster! Don’t delay!” Jonathan’s servant retrieved the arrow and came back to his master.

normalized_text:
jonathan called out to the servant hurry go faster don t delay jonathan s servant retrieved the arrow and came back to his master


text:
Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the servant who was with him. He said to him,“Go, take these things back to the city.”

normalized_text:
then jonathan gave his equipment to the servant who was with him he said to him go take these things back to the city


text:
When the servant had left, David got up from beside the mound, knelt with his face to the ground, and bowed three times. Then they kissed each other and they both wept, especially David.

normalized_text:
when the servant had left david got up from beside the mound knelt with his face to the ground and bowed three times then they kissed each other and they both wept especially david


text:
Jonathan said to David,“Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn together in the name of the LORD saying,‘The LORD will be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’”

normalized_text:
jonathan said to david go in peace for the two of us have sworn together in the name of the lord saying the lord will be between me and you and between my descendants and your descendants forever


text:
David Goes to Nob(21:1) Then David got up and left, while Jonathan went back to the city.(21:2) David went to Ahimelech the priest in Nob. Ahimelech was shaking with fear when he met David, and said to him,“Why are you by yourself with no one accompanying you?”

normalized_text:
david goes to nob 21 1 then david got up and left while jonathan went back to the city 21 2 david went to ahimelech the priest in nob ahimelech was shaking with fear when he met david and said to him why are you by yourself with no one accompanying you


text:
David replied to Ahimelech the priest,“The king instructed me to do something, but he said to me,‘Don’t let anyone know the reason I am sending you or the instructions I have given you.’ I have told my soldiers to wait at a certain place.

normalized_text:
david replied to ahimelech the priest the king instructed me to do something but he said to me don t let anyone know the reason i am sending you or the instructions i have given you i have told my soldiers to wait at a certain place


text:
The priest replied to David,“I don’t have any ordinary bread at my disposal. Only holy bread is available, and then only if your soldiers have abstained from relations with women.”

normalized_text:
the priest replied to david i don t have any ordinary bread at my disposal only holy bread is available and then only if your soldiers have abstained from relations with women


text:
David said to the priest,“Certainly women have been kept away from us, just as on previous occasions when I have set out. The soldiers’ equipment is holy, even on an ordinary journey. How much more so will they be holy today, along with their equipment!”

normalized_text:
david said to the priest certainly women have been kept away from us just as on previous occasions when i have set out the soldiers equipment is holy even on an ordinary journey how much more so will they be holy today along with their equipment


text:
So the priest gave him holy bread, for there was no bread there other than the bread of the Presence. It had been removed from before the LORD in order to replace it with hot bread on the day it had been taken away.

normalized_text:
so the priest gave him holy bread for there was no bread there other than the bread of the presence it had been removed from before the lord in order to replace it with hot bread on the day it had been taken away


text:
(One of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the LORD. His name was Doeg the Edomite, who was in charge of Saul’s shepherds.)

normalized_text:
one of saul s servants was there that day detained before the lord his name was doeg the edomite who was in charge of saul s shepherds


text:
David said to Ahimelech,“Is there no sword or spear here at your disposal? I don’t have my own sword or equipment in hand due to the urgency of the king’s instructions.”

normalized_text:
david said to ahimelech is there no sword or spear here at your disposal i don t have my own sword or equipment in hand due to the urgency of the king s instructions


text:
David Goes to Gath The priest replied,“The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the valley of Elah, is wrapped in a garment behind the ephod. If you wish, take it for yourself. Other than that, there’s nothing here.” David said,“There’s nothing like it! Give it to me!”

normalized_text:
david goes to gath the priest replied the sword of goliath the philistine whom you struck down in the valley of elah is wrapped in a garment behind the ephod if you wish take it for yourself other than that there s nothing here david said there s nothing like it give it to me


text:
The servants of Achish said to him,“Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one that they sing about when they dance, saying,‘Saul struck down his thousands, But David his tens of thousands’?”

normalized_text:
the servants of achish said to him isn t this david the king of the land isn t he the one that they sing about when they dance saying saul struck down his thousands but david his tens of thousands


text:
He altered his behavior in their presence. Since he was in their power, he pretended to be insane, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting his saliva run down his beard.

normalized_text:
he altered his behavior in their presence since he was in their power he pretended to be insane making marks on the doors of the gate and letting his saliva run down his beard


text:
Do I have a shortage of fools, that you have brought me this man to display his insanity in front of me? Should this man enter my house?”

normalized_text:
do i have a shortage of fools that you have brought me this man to display his insanity in front of me should this man enter my house


text:
David Goes to Adullam and Mizpah So David left there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s family learned about it, they went down there to him.

normalized_text:
david goes to adullam and mizpah so david left there and escaped to the cave of adullam when his brothers and the rest of his father s family learned about it they went down there to him


text:
All those who were in trouble or owed someone money or were discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. He had about four hundred men with him.

normalized_text:
all those who were in trouble or owed someone money or were discontented gathered around him and he became their leader he had about four hundred men with him


text:
Then David went from there to Mizpah in Moab, where he said to the king of Moab,“Please let my father and mother stay with you until I know what God is going to do for me.”

normalized_text:
then david went from there to mizpah in moab where he said to the king of moab please let my father and mother stay with you until i know what god is going to do for me


text:
So he had them stay with the king of Moab; they stayed with him the whole time that David was in the stronghold.

normalized_text:
so he had them stay with the king of moab they stayed with him the whole time that david was in the stronghold


text:
Then Gad the prophet said to David,“Don’t stay in the stronghold. Go to the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.

normalized_text:
then gad the prophet said to david don t stay in the stronghold go to the land of judah so david left and went to the forest of hereth


text:
Saul Executes the Priests But Saul found out the whereabouts of David and the men who were with him. Now Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree at an elevated location with his spear in hand and all his servants stationed around him.

normalized_text:
saul executes the priests but saul found out the whereabouts of david and the men who were with him now saul was sitting at gibeah under the tamarisk tree at an elevated location with his spear in hand and all his servants stationed around him


text:
Saul said to his servants who were stationed around him,“Listen up, you Benjaminites! Is Jesse’s son giving fields and vineyards to all of you? Or is he making all of you commanders and officers?

normalized_text:
saul said to his servants who were stationed around him listen up you benjaminites is jesse s son giving fields and vineyards to all of you or is he making all of you commanders and officers


text:
For all of you have conspired against me! No one informs me when my own son makes an agreement with this son of Jesse! Not one of you feels sorry for me or informs me that my own son has commissioned my own servant to hide in ambush against me, as is the case today!”

normalized_text:
for all of you have conspired against me no one informs me when my own son makes an agreement with this son of jesse not one of you feels sorry for me or informs me that my own son has commissioned my own servant to hide in ambush against me as is the case today


text:
But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with the servants of Saul, replied,“I saw this son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob.

normalized_text:
but doeg the edomite who had stationed himself with the servants of saul replied i saw this son of jesse come to ahimelech son of ahitub at nob


text:
He inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”

normalized_text:
he inquired of the lord for him and gave him provisions he also gave him the sword of goliath the philistine


text:
Then the king arranged for a meeting with the priest Ahimelech son of Ahitub and all the priests of his father’s house who were at Nob. They all came to the king.

normalized_text:
then the king arranged for a meeting with the priest ahimelech son of ahitub and all the priests of his father s house who were at nob they all came to the king


text:
Saul said to him,“Why have you conspired against me, you and this son of Jesse? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God on his behalf, so that he opposes me and waits in ambush, as is the case today!”

normalized_text:
saul said to him why have you conspired against me you and this son of jesse you gave him bread and a sword and inquired of god on his behalf so that he opposes me and waits in ambush as is the case today


text:
Ahimelech replied to the king,“Who among all your servants is faithful like David? He is the king’s son-in-law, the leader of your bodyguard, and honored in your house!

normalized_text:
ahimelech replied to the king who among all your servants is faithful like david he is the king s son in law the leader of your bodyguard and honored in your house


text:
Was it just today that I began to inquire of God on his behalf? Far be it from me! The king should not accuse his servant or any of my father’s house. For your servant is not aware of all this– not in whole or in part!”

normalized_text:
was it just today that i began to inquire of god on his behalf far be it from me the king should not accuse his servant or any of my father s house for your servant is not aware of all this not in whole or in part


text:
Then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him,“Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, for they too have sided with David! They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me.” But the king’s servants refused to harm the priests of the LORD.

normalized_text:
then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him turn and kill the priests of the lord for they too have sided with david they knew he was fleeing but they did not inform me but the king s servants refused to harm the priests of the lord


text:
Then the king said to Doeg,“You turn and strike down the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests. He killed on that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.

normalized_text:
then the king said to doeg you turn and strike down the priests so doeg the edomite turned and struck down the priests he killed on that day eighty five men who wore the linen ephod


text:
As for Nob, the city of the priests, he struck down with the sword men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep– all with the sword.

normalized_text:
as for nob the city of the priests he struck down with the sword men and women children and infants oxen donkeys and sheep all with the sword


text:
Then David said to Abiathar,“I knew that day when Doeg the Edomite was there that he would certainly tell Saul! I am guilty of all the deaths in your father’s house!

normalized_text:
then david said to abiathar i knew that day when doeg the edomite was there that he would certainly tell saul i am guilty of all the deaths in your father s house


text:
Stay with me. Don’t be afraid! Whoever seeks my life is seeking your life as well. You are secure with me.”

normalized_text:
stay with me don t be afraid whoever seeks my life is seeking your life as well you are secure with me


text:
David Delivers the City of Keilah They told David,“The Philistines are fighting in Keilah and are looting the threshing floors.”

normalized_text:
david delivers the city of keilah they told david the philistines are fighting in keilah and are looting the threshing floors


text:
So David asked the LORD,“Should I go and strike down these Philistines?” The LORD said to David,“Go, strike down the Philistines and deliver Keilah.”

normalized_text:
so david asked the lord should i go and strike down these philistines the lord said to david go strike down the philistines and deliver keilah


text:
But David’s men said to him,“We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

normalized_text:
but david s men said to him we are afraid while we are still here in judah what will it be like if we go to keilah against the armies of the philistines


text:
So David asked the LORD once again. But again the LORD replied,“Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”

normalized_text:
so david asked the lord once again but again the lord replied arise go down to keilah for i will give the philistines into your hand


text:
So David and his men went to Keilah and fought the Philistines. He took away their cattle and thoroughly defeated them. David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah.

normalized_text:
so david and his men went to keilah and fought the philistines he took away their cattle and thoroughly defeated them david delivered the inhabitants of keilah


text:
David Eludes Saul Again Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech had fled to David at Keilah, he had brought with him an ephod.

normalized_text:
david eludes saul again now when abiathar son of ahimelech had fled to david at keilah he had brought with him an ephod


text:
When Saul was told that David had come to Keilah, Saul said,“God has delivered him into my hand, for he has boxed himself into a corner by entering a city with two barred gates.”

normalized_text:
when saul was told that david had come to keilah saul said god has delivered him into my hand for he has boxed himself into a corner by entering a city with two barred gates


normalized_text: when david realized that saul was planning to harm him he told abiathar the priest bring the ephod
text:
When David realized that Saul was planning to harm him, he told Abiathar the priest,“Bring the ephod!”


text:
Then David said,“O LORD God of Israel, your servant has clearly heard that Saul is planning to come to Keilah to destroy the city because of me.

normalized_text:
then david said o lord god of israel your servant has clearly heard that saul is planning to come to keilah to destroy the city because of me


text:
Will the leaders of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come down as your servant has heard? O LORD God of Israel, please inform your servant!”Then the LORD said,“He will come down.”

normalized_text:
will the leaders of keilah deliver me into his hand will saul come down as your servant has heard o lord god of israel please inform your servant then the lord said he will come down


text:
David asked,“Will the leaders of Keilah deliver me and my men into Saul’s hand?” The LORD said,“They will deliver you over.”

normalized_text:
david asked will the leaders of keilah deliver me and my men into saul s hand the lord said they will deliver you over


text:
So David and his men, who numbered about six hundred, set out and left Keilah; they moved around from one place to another. When told that David had escaped from Keilah, Saul called a halt to his expedition.

normalized_text:
so david and his men who numbered about six hundred set out and left keilah they moved around from one place to another when told that david had escaped from keilah saul called a halt to his expedition


text:
David stayed in the strongholds that were in the desert and in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. Saul looked for him all the time, but God did not deliver David into his hand.

normalized_text:
david stayed in the strongholds that were in the desert and in the hill country of the wilderness of ziph saul looked for him all the time but god did not deliver david into his hand


text:
David realized that Saul had come out to seek his life; at that time David was in Horesh in the wilderness of Ziph.

normalized_text:
david realized that saul had come out to seek his life at that time david was in horesh in the wilderness of ziph


text:
He said to him,“Don’t be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this.”

normalized_text:
he said to him don t be afraid for the hand of my father saul cannot find you you will rule over israel and i will be your second in command even my father saul realizes this


text:
When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.

normalized_text:
when the two of them had made a covenant before the lord david stayed on at horesh but jonathan went to his house


text:
Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said,“Isn’t David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon?

normalized_text:
then the ziphites went up to saul at gibeah and said isn t david hiding among us in the strongholds at horesh on the hill of hakilah south of jeshimon


text:
Now at your own discretion, O king, come down. Delivering him into the king’s hand will be our responsibility.”

normalized_text:
now at your own discretion o king come down delivering him into the king s hand will be our responsibility


text:
Go and make further arrangements. Determine precisely where he is and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.

normalized_text:
go and make further arrangements determine precisely where he is and who has seen him there for i am told that he is extremely cunning


text:
Locate precisely all the places where he hides and return to me with dependable information. Then I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will find him among all the thousands of Judah.”

normalized_text:
locate precisely all the places where he hides and return to me with dependable information then i will go with you if he is in the land i will find him among all the thousands of judah


text:
So they left and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the rift valley to the south of Jeshimon.

normalized_text:
so they left and went to ziph ahead of saul now david and his men were in the wilderness of maon in the rift valley to the south of jeshimon


text:
Saul and his men went to look for him. But David was informed and went down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard about it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon.

normalized_text:
saul and his men went to look for him but david was informed and went down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of maon when saul heard about it he pursued david in the wilderness of maon


text:
Saul went on one side of the mountain, while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, but Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men so they could capture them.

normalized_text:
saul went on one side of the mountain while david and his men went on the other side of the mountain david was hurrying to get away from saul but saul and his men were surrounding david and his men so they could capture them


text:
So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to confront the Philistines. Therefore that place is called Sela Hammahlekoth.

normalized_text:
so saul stopped pursuing david and went to confront the philistines therefore that place is called sela hammahlekoth


text:
David Spares Saul’s Life(24:2) When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, they told him,“Look, David is in the desert of En Gedi.”

normalized_text:
david spares saul s life 24 2 when saul returned from pursuing the philistines they told him look david is in the desert of en gedi


text:
So Saul took three thousand select men from all Israel and went to find David and his men in the region of the rocks of the mountain goats.

normalized_text:
so saul took three thousand select men from all israel and went to find david and his men in the region of the rocks of the mountain goats


text:
He came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave. Saul went into it to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave.

normalized_text:
he came to the sheepfolds by the road where there was a cave saul went into it to relieve himself now david and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave


text:
David’s men said to him,“This is the day about which the LORD said to you,‘I will give your enemy into your hand, and you can do to him whatever seems appropriate to you.’” So David got up and quietly cut off an edge of Saul’s robe.

normalized_text:
david s men said to him this is the day about which the lord said to you i will give your enemy into your hand and you can do to him whatever seems appropriate to you so david got up and quietly cut off an edge of saul s robe


text:
He said to his men,“May the LORD keep me far away from doing such a thing to my lord, who is the LORD’s chosen one, by extending my hand against him. After all, he is the LORD’s chosen one.”

normalized_text:
he said to his men may the lord keep me far away from doing such a thing to my lord who is the lord s chosen one by extending my hand against him after all he is the lord s chosen one


text:
David restrained his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and started down the road.

normalized_text:
david restrained his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against saul then saul left the cave and started down the road


text:
Afterward David got up and went out of the cave. He called out after Saul,“My lord, O king!” When Saul looked behind him, David kneeled down and bowed with his face to the ground.

normalized_text:
afterward david got up and went out of the cave he called out after saul my lord o king when saul looked behind him david kneeled down and bowed with his face to the ground


text:
Today your own eyes see how the LORD delivered you– this very day– into my hands in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I had pity on you and said,‘I will not extend my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s chosen one.’

normalized_text:
today your own eyes see how the lord delivered you this very day into my hands in the cave some told me to kill you but i had pity on you and said i will not extend my hand against my lord for he is the lord s chosen one


text:
Look, my father, and see the edge of your robe in my hand! When I cut off the edge of your robe, I didn’t kill you. So realize and understand that I am not planning evil or rebellion. Even though I have not sinned against you, you are waiting in ambush to take my life.

normalized_text:
look my father and see the edge of your robe in my hand when i cut off the edge of your robe i didn t kill you so realize and understand that i am not planning evil or rebellion even though i have not sinned against you you are waiting in ambush to take my life


text:
May the LORD judge between the two of us, and may the LORD vindicate me over you, but my hand will not be against you.

normalized_text:
may the lord judge between the two of us and may the lord vindicate me over you but my hand will not be against you


normalized_text: it s like the old proverb says from evil people evil proceeds but my hand will not be against you
text:
It’s like the old proverb says:‘From evil people evil proceeds.’ But my hand will not be against you.


normalized_text: who has the king of israel come out after who is it that you are pursuing a dead dog a single flea
text:
Who has the king of Israel come out after? Who is it that you are pursuing? A dead dog? A single flea?


text:
May the LORD be our judge and arbiter. May he see and arbitrate my case and deliver me from your hands!”

normalized_text:
may the lord be our judge and arbiter may he see and arbitrate my case and deliver me from your hands


text:
When David finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said,“Is that your voice, my son David?” Then Saul wept loudly.

normalized_text:
when david finished speaking these words to saul saul said is that your voice my son david then saul wept loudly


text:
He said to David,“You are more innocent than I, for you have treated me well, even though I have tried to harm you!

normalized_text:
he said to david you are more innocent than i for you have treated me well even though i have tried to harm you


text:
You have explained today how you have treated me well. The LORD delivered me into your hand, but you did not kill me.

normalized_text:
you have explained today how you have treated me well the lord delivered me into your hand but you did not kill me


text:
Now if a man finds his enemy, does he send him on his way in good shape? May the LORD repay you with good this day for what you have done to me.

normalized_text:
now if a man finds his enemy does he send him on his way in good shape may the lord repay you with good this day for what you have done to me


text:
Now look, I realize that you will in fact be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.

normalized_text:
now look i realize that you will in fact be king and that the kingdom of israel will be established in your hand


text:
So now swear to me in the LORD’s name that you will not kill my descendants after me or destroy my name from the house of my father.”

normalized_text:
so now swear to me in the lord s name that you will not kill my descendants after me or destroy my name from the house of my father


text:
David promised Saul this on oath. Then Saul went to his house, and David and his men went up to the stronghold.

normalized_text:
david promised saul this on oath then saul went to his house and david and his men went up to the stronghold


text:
The Death of Samuel Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned him. They buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David left and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

normalized_text:
the death of samuel samuel died and all israel assembled and mourned him they buried him at his home in ramah then david left and went down to the wilderness of paran


text:
David Marries Abigail the Widow of Nabal There was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. This man was very wealthy; he owned three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. At that time he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

normalized_text:
david marries abigail the widow of nabal there was a man in maon whose business was in carmel this man was very wealthy he owned three thousand sheep and a thousand goats at that time he was shearing his sheep in carmel


text:
The man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was both wise and beautiful, but the man was harsh and his deeds were evil. He was a Calebite.

normalized_text:
the man s name was nabal and his wife s name was abigail she was both wise and beautiful but the man was harsh and his deeds were evil he was a calebite


normalized_text: he sent ten servants saying to them go up to carmel to see nabal and give him greetings in my name
text:
he sent ten servants, saying to them,“Go up to Carmel to see Nabal and give him greetings in my name.


text:
Now I hear that they are shearing sheep for you. When your shepherds were with us, we neither insulted them nor harmed them the whole time they were in Carmel.

normalized_text:
now i hear that they are shearing sheep for you when your shepherds were with us we neither insulted them nor harmed them the whole time they were in carmel


text:
Ask your own servants; they can tell you! May my servants find favor in your sight, for we have come at the time of a holiday. Please provide us– your servants and your son David– with whatever you can spare.”

normalized_text:
ask your own servants they can tell you may my servants find favor in your sight for we have come at the time of a holiday please provide us your servants and your son david with whatever you can spare


text:
But Nabal responded to David’s servants,“Who is David, and who is this son of Jesse? This is a time when many servants are breaking away from their masters!

normalized_text:
but nabal responded to david s servants who is david and who is this son of jesse this is a time when many servants are breaking away from their masters


text:
Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers and give them to these men? I don’t even know where they came from!”

normalized_text:
should i take my bread and my water and my meat that i have slaughtered for my shearers and give them to these men i don t even know where they came from


text:
So David’s servants went on their way. When they had returned, they came and told David all these things.

normalized_text:
so david s servants went on their way when they had returned they came and told david all these things


text:
Then David instructed his men,“Each of you strap on your sword!” So each one strapped on his sword, and David also strapped on his sword. About four hundred men followed David up, while two hundred stayed behind with the equipment.

normalized_text:
then david instructed his men each of you strap on your sword so each one strapped on his sword and david also strapped on his sword about four hundred men followed david up while two hundred stayed behind with the equipment


text:
But one of the servants told Nabal’s wife Abigail,“David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our lord, but he screamed at them.

normalized_text:
but one of the servants told nabal s wife abigail david sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our lord but he screamed at them


text:
These men were very good to us. They did not insult us, nor did we sustain any loss during the entire time we were together in the field.

normalized_text:
these men were very good to us they did not insult us nor did we sustain any loss during the entire time we were together in the field


text:
Both night and day they were a protective wall for us the entire time we were with them, while we were tending our flocks.

normalized_text:
both night and day they were a protective wall for us the entire time we were with them while we were tending our flocks


text:
Now be aware of this, and see what you can do. For disaster has been planned for our lord and his entire household. He is such a wicked person that no one tells him anything!”

normalized_text:
now be aware of this and see what you can do for disaster has been planned for our lord and his entire household he is such a wicked person that no one tells him anything


text:
So Abigail quickly took two hundred loaves of bread, two containers of wine, five prepared sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred bunches of raisins, and two hundred lumps of pressed figs. She loaded them on donkeys

normalized_text:
so abigail quickly took two hundred loaves of bread two containers of wine five prepared sheep five seahs of roasted grain a hundred bunches of raisins and two hundred lumps of pressed figs she loaded them on donkeys


text:
and said to her servants,“Go on ahead of me. I will come after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

normalized_text:
and said to her servants go on ahead of me i will come after you but she did not tell her husband nabal


text:
Riding on her donkey, she went down under cover of the mountain. David and his men were coming down to meet her, and she encountered them.

normalized_text:
riding on her donkey she went down under cover of the mountain david and his men were coming down to meet her and she encountered them


text:
Now David had been thinking,“In vain I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness. I didn’t take anything from him. But he has repaid my good with evil.

normalized_text:
now david had been thinking in vain i guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness i didn t take anything from him but he has repaid my good with evil


text:
God will severely punish David, if I leave alive until morning even one male from all those who belong to him!”

normalized_text:
god will severely punish david if i leave alive until morning even one male from all those who belong to him


text:
When Abigail saw David, she got down quickly from the donkey, threw herself facedown before David, and bowed to the ground.

normalized_text:
when abigail saw david she got down quickly from the donkey threw herself facedown before david and bowed to the ground


text:
Falling at his feet, she said,“My lord, I accept all the guilt! But please let your female servant speak to you! Please listen to the words of your servant!

normalized_text:
falling at his feet she said my lord i accept all the guilt but please let your female servant speak to you please listen to the words of your servant


text:
My lord should not pay attention to this wicked man Nabal. He simply lives up to his name! His name means‘fool,’ and he is indeed foolish! But I, your servant, did not see the servants my lord sent.

normalized_text:
my lord should not pay attention to this wicked man nabal he simply lives up to his name his name means fool and he is indeed foolish but i your servant did not see the servants my lord sent


text:
“Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and as surely as you live, it is the LORD who has kept you from shedding blood and taking matters into your own hands. Now may your enemies and those who seek to harm my lord be like Nabal.

normalized_text:
now my lord as surely as the lord lives and as surely as you live it is the lord who has kept you from shedding blood and taking matters into your own hands now may your enemies and those who seek to harm my lord be like nabal


text:
Now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the servants who follow my lord.

normalized_text:
now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the servants who follow my lord


text:
Please forgive the sin of your servant, for the LORD will certainly establish a lasting dynasty for my lord, because my lord fights the battles of the LORD. May no evil be found in you all your days!

normalized_text:
please forgive the sin of your servant for the lord will certainly establish a lasting dynasty for my lord because my lord fights the battles of the lord may no evil be found in you all your days


text:
When someone sets out to chase you and to take your life, the life of my lord will be wrapped securely in the bag of the living by the LORD your God. But he will sling away the lives of your enemies from the sling’s pocket!

normalized_text:
when someone sets out to chase you and to take your life the life of my lord will be wrapped securely in the bag of the living by the lord your god but he will sling away the lives of your enemies from the sling s pocket


text:
The LORD will do for my lord everything that he promised you, and he will make you a leader over Israel.

normalized_text:
the lord will do for my lord everything that he promised you and he will make you a leader over israel


text:
Your conscience will not be overwhelmed with guilt for having poured out innocent blood and for having taken matters into your own hands. When the LORD has granted my lord success, please remember your servant.”

normalized_text:
your conscience will not be overwhelmed with guilt for having poured out innocent blood and for having taken matters into your own hands when the lord has granted my lord success please remember your servant


text:
Then David said to Abigail,“Praised be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you this day to meet me!

normalized_text:
then david said to abigail praised be the lord the god of israel who has sent you this day to meet me


text:
Praised be your good judgment! May you yourself be rewarded for having prevented me this day from shedding blood and taking matters into my own hands!

normalized_text:
praised be your good judgment may you yourself be rewarded for having prevented me this day from shedding blood and taking matters into my own hands


text:
Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives– he who has prevented me from harming you– if you had not come so quickly to meet me, by morning’s light not even one male belonging to Nabal would have remained alive!”

normalized_text:
otherwise as surely as the lord the god of israel lives he who has prevented me from harming you if you had not come so quickly to meet me by morning s light not even one male belonging to nabal would have remained alive


text:
Then David took from her hand what she had brought to him. He said to her,“Go back to your home in peace. Be assured that I have listened to you and responded favorably.”

normalized_text:
then david took from her hand what she had brought to him he said to her go back to your home in peace be assured that i have listened to you and responded favorably


text:
When Abigail went back to Nabal, he was holding a banquet in his house like that of the king. Nabal was having a good time and was very intoxicated. She told him absolutely nothing until morning’s light.

normalized_text:
when abigail went back to nabal he was holding a banquet in his house like that of the king nabal was having a good time and was very intoxicated she told him absolutely nothing until morning s light


text:
In the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these matters. He had a stroke and was paralyzed.

normalized_text:
in the morning when nabal was sober his wife told him about these matters he had a stroke and was paralyzed


text:
When David heard that Nabal had died, he said,“Praised be the LORD who has vindicated me and avenged the insult that I suffered from Nabal! The LORD has kept his servant from doing evil, and he has repaid Nabal for his evil deeds.” Then David sent word to Abigail and asked her to become his wife.

normalized_text:
when david heard that nabal had died he said praised be the lord who has vindicated me and avenged the insult that i suffered from nabal the lord has kept his servant from doing evil and he has repaid nabal for his evil deeds then david sent word to abigail and asked her to become his wife


text:
So the servants of David went to Abigail at Carmel and said to her,“David has sent us to you to bring you back to be his wife.”

normalized_text:
so the servants of david went to abigail at carmel and said to her david has sent us to you to bring you back to be his wife


text:
She arose, bowed her face toward the ground, and said,“Your female servant, like a lowly servant, will wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”

normalized_text:
she arose bowed her face toward the ground and said your female servant like a lowly servant will wash the feet of the servants of my lord


text:
Then Abigail quickly went and mounted her donkey, with five of her female servants accompanying her. She followed David’s messengers and became his wife.

normalized_text:
then abigail quickly went and mounted her donkey with five of her female servants accompanying her she followed david s messengers and became his wife


normalized_text: now saul had given his daughter michal david s wife to paltiel son of laish who was from gallim
text:
(Now Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim.)


text:
David Spares Saul’s Life Again The Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said,“Isn’t David hiding on the hill of Hakilah near Jeshimon?”

normalized_text:
david spares saul s life again the ziphites came to saul at gibeah and said isn t david hiding on the hill of hakilah near jeshimon


text:
So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, accompanied by three thousand select men of Israel, to look for David in the wilderness of Ziph.

normalized_text:
so saul arose and went down to the wilderness of ziph accompanied by three thousand select men of israel to look for david in the wilderness of ziph


text:
Saul camped by the road on the hill of Hakilah near Jeshimon, but David was staying in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had come to the wilderness to find him,

normalized_text:
saul camped by the road on the hill of hakilah near jeshimon but david was staying in the wilderness when he realized that saul had come to the wilderness to find him


text:
So David set out and went to the place where Saul was camped. David saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general in command of his army, were sleeping. Now Saul was lying in the entrenchment, and the army was camped all around him.

normalized_text:
so david set out and went to the place where saul was camped david saw the place where saul and abner son of ner the general in command of his army were sleeping now saul was lying in the entrenchment and the army was camped all around him


text:
David said to Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother,“Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” Abishai replied,“I will go down with you.”

normalized_text:
david said to ahimelech the hittite and abishai son of zeruiah joab s brother who will go down with me to saul in the camp abishai replied i will go down with you


text:
So David and Abishai approached the army at night and found Saul lying asleep in the entrenchment with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the army were lying all around him.

normalized_text:
so david and abishai approached the army at night and found saul lying asleep in the entrenchment with his spear stuck in the ground by his head abner and the army were lying all around him


text:
Abishai said to David,“Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me drive the spear right through him into the ground with one swift jab! A second jab won’t be necessary!”

normalized_text:
abishai said to david today god has delivered your enemy into your hands now let me drive the spear right through him into the ground with one swift jab a second jab won t be necessary


text:
But David said to Abishai,“Don’t kill him! Who can extend his hand against the LORD’s chosen one and remain guiltless?”

normalized_text:
but david said to abishai don t kill him who can extend his hand against the lord s chosen one and remain guiltless


text:
David went on to say,“As the LORD lives, the LORD himself will strike him down. Either his day will come and he will die, or he will go down into battle and be swept away.

normalized_text:
david went on to say as the lord lives the lord himself will strike him down either his day will come and he will die or he will go down into battle and be swept away


text:
But may the LORD prevent me from extending my hand against the LORD’s chosen one! Now take the spear by Saul’s head and the jug of water, and let’s get out of here!”

normalized_text:
but may the lord prevent me from extending my hand against the lord s chosen one now take the spear by saul s head and the jug of water and let s get out of here


text:
So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got out of there. No one saw them or was aware of their presence or woke up. All of them were asleep, for the LORD had caused a deep sleep to fall on them.

normalized_text:
so david took the spear and the jug of water by saul s head and they got out of there no one saw them or was aware of their presence or woke up all of them were asleep for the lord had caused a deep sleep to fall on them


text:
Then David crossed to the other side and stood on the top of the hill some distance away; there was a considerable distance between them.

normalized_text:
then david crossed to the other side and stood on the top of the hill some distance away there was a considerable distance between them


text:
David called to the army and to Abner son of Ner,“Won’t you answer, Abner?” Abner replied,“Who are you, that you have called to the king?”

normalized_text:
david called to the army and to abner son of ner won t you answer abner abner replied who are you that you have called to the king


text:
David said to Abner,“Aren’t you a man? After all, who is like you in Israel? Why then haven’t you protected your lord the king? One of the soldiers came to kill your lord the king.

normalized_text:
david said to abner aren t you a man after all who is like you in israel why then haven t you protected your lord the king one of the soldiers came to kill your lord the king


text:
This failure on your part isn’t good! As surely as the LORD lives, you people who have not protected your lord, the LORD’s chosen one, are as good as dead! Now look where the king’s spear and the jug of water that was by his head are!”

normalized_text:
this failure on your part isn t good as surely as the lord lives you people who have not protected your lord the lord s chosen one are as good as dead now look where the king s spear and the jug of water that was by his head are


text:
When Saul recognized David’s voice, he said,“Is that your voice, my son David?” David replied,“Yes, it’s my voice, my lord the king.”

normalized_text:
when saul recognized david s voice he said is that your voice my son david david replied yes it s my voice my lord the king


text:
So let my lord the king now listen to the words of his servant. If the LORD has incited you against me, may he take delight in an offering. But if men have instigated this, may they be cursed before the LORD! For they have driven me away this day from being united with the LORD’s inheritance, saying,‘Go on, serve other gods!’

normalized_text:
so let my lord the king now listen to the words of his servant if the lord has incited you against me may he take delight in an offering but if men have instigated this may they be cursed before the lord for they have driven me away this day from being united with the lord s inheritance saying go on serve other gods


text:
Now don’t let my blood fall to the ground away from the LORD’s presence, for the king of Israel has gone out to look for a flea the way one looks for a partridge in the hill country.”

normalized_text:
now don t let my blood fall to the ground away from the lord s presence for the king of israel has gone out to look for a flea the way one looks for a partridge in the hill country


text:
Saul replied,“I have sinned. Come back, my son David. I won’t harm you anymore, for you treated my life with value this day. I have behaved foolishly and have made a very terrible mistake!”

normalized_text:
saul replied i have sinned come back my son david i won t harm you anymore for you treated my life with value this day i have behaved foolishly and have made a very terrible mistake


text:
The LORD rewards each man for his integrity and loyalty. Even though today the LORD delivered you into my hand, I was not willing to extend my hand against the LORD’s chosen one.

normalized_text:
the lord rewards each man for his integrity and loyalty even though today the lord delivered you into my hand i was not willing to extend my hand against the lord s chosen one


text:
In the same way that I valued your life this day, may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all danger.”

normalized_text:
in the same way that i valued your life this day may the lord value my life and deliver me from all danger


text:
Saul replied to David,“May you be rewarded, my son David! You will without question be successful!” So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

normalized_text:
saul replied to david may you be rewarded my son david you will without question be successful so david went on his way and saul returned to his place


text:
David Aligns Himself with the Philistines David thought to himself,“One of these days I’m going to be swept away by the hand of Saul! There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of searching for me through all the territory of Israel and I will escape from his hand.”

normalized_text:
david aligns himself with the philistines david thought to himself one of these days i m going to be swept away by the hand of saul there is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the philistines then saul will despair of searching for me through all the territory of israel and i will escape from his hand


text:
So David left and crossed over to King Achish son of Maoch of Gath accompanied by his six hundred men.

normalized_text:
so david left and crossed over to king achish son of maoch of gath accompanied by his six hundred men


text:
David settled with Achish in Gath, along with his men and their families. David had with him his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail the Carmelite, Nabal’s widow.

normalized_text:
david settled with achish in gath along with his men and their families david had with him his two wives ahinoam the jezreelite and abigail the carmelite nabal s widow


text:
David said to Achish,“If I have found favor with you, let me be given a place in one of the country towns so that I can live there. Why should your servant settle in the royal city with you?”

normalized_text:
david said to achish if i have found favor with you let me be given a place in one of the country towns so that i can live there why should your servant settle in the royal city with you


text:
So Achish gave him Ziklag on that day.(For that reason Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah until this very day.)

normalized_text:
so achish gave him ziklag on that day for that reason ziklag has belonged to the kings of judah until this very day


text:
Then David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites.(They had been living in that land for a long time, from the approach to Shur as far as the land of Egypt.)

normalized_text:
then david and his men went up and raided the geshurites the girzites and the amalekites they had been living in that land for a long time from the approach to shur as far as the land of egypt


text:
When David would attack a district, he would leave neither man nor woman alive. He would take sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and clothing and would then go back to Achish.

normalized_text:
when david would attack a district he would leave neither man nor woman alive he would take sheep cattle donkeys camels and clothing and would then go back to achish


text:
When Achish would ask,“Where did you raid today?” David would say,“The Negev of Judah” or“The Negev of Jeharmeel” or“The Negev of the Kenites.”

normalized_text:
when achish would ask where did you raid today david would say the negev of judah or the negev of jeharmeel or the negev of the kenites


text:
Neither man nor woman would David leave alive so as to bring them back to Gath. He was thinking,“This way they can’t tell on us, saying,‘This is what David did.’” Such was his practice the entire time that he lived in the country of the Philistines.

normalized_text:
neither man nor woman would david leave alive so as to bring them back to gath he was thinking this way they can t tell on us saying this is what david did such was his practice the entire time that he lived in the country of the philistines


text:
So Achish trusted David, thinking to himself,“He is really hated among his own people in Israel! From now on he will be my servant.”

normalized_text:
so achish trusted david thinking to himself he is really hated among his own people in israel from now on he will be my servant


text:
The Witch of Endor In those days the Philistines gathered their troops for war in order to fight Israel. Achish said to David,“You should fully understand that you and your men must go with me into the battle.”

normalized_text:
the witch of endor in those days the philistines gathered their troops for war in order to fight israel achish said to david you should fully understand that you and your men must go with me into the battle


text:
David replied to Achish,“That being the case, you will come to know what your servant can do!” Achish said to David,“Then I will make you my bodyguard from now on.”

normalized_text:
david replied to achish that being the case you will come to know what your servant can do achish said to david then i will make you my bodyguard from now on


text:
Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had lamented over him and had buried him in Ramah, his hometown. In the meantime Saul had removed the mediums and magicians from the land.

normalized_text:
now samuel had died and all israel had lamented over him and had buried him in ramah his hometown in the meantime saul had removed the mediums and magicians from the land


text:
The Philistines assembled; they came and camped at Shunem. Saul mustered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.

normalized_text:
the philistines assembled they came and camped at shunem saul mustered all israel and camped at gilboa


text:
So Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him– not by dreams nor by Urim nor by the prophets.

normalized_text:
so saul inquired of the lord but the lord did not answer him not by dreams nor by urim nor by the prophets


text:
So Saul instructed his servants,“Find me a woman who is a medium, so that I may go to her and inquire of her.” His servants replied to him,“There is a woman who is a medium in En Dor.”

normalized_text:
so saul instructed his servants find me a woman who is a medium so that i may go to her and inquire of her his servants replied to him there is a woman who is a medium in en dor


text:
So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothing and left, accompanied by two of his men. They came to the woman at night and said,“Use your ritual pit to conjure up for me the one I tell you.”

normalized_text:
so saul disguised himself and put on other clothing and left accompanied by two of his men they came to the woman at night and said use your ritual pit to conjure up for me the one i tell you


text:
But the woman said to him,“Look, you are aware of what Saul has done; he has removed the mediums and magicians from the land! Why are you trapping me so you can put me to death?”

normalized_text:
but the woman said to him look you are aware of what saul has done he has removed the mediums and magicians from the land why are you trapping me so you can put me to death


text:
But Saul swore an oath to her by the LORD,“As surely as the LORD lives, you will not incur guilt in this matter!”

normalized_text:
but saul swore an oath to her by the lord as surely as the lord lives you will not incur guilt in this matter


text:
When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out loudly. The woman said to Saul,“Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!”

normalized_text:
when the woman saw samuel she cried out loudly the woman said to saul why have you deceived me you are saul


text:
The king said to her,“Don’t be afraid! What have you seen?” The woman replied to Saul,“I have seen a divine spirit coming up from the ground!”

normalized_text:
the king said to her don t be afraid what have you seen the woman replied to saul i have seen a divine spirit coming up from the ground


text:
He said to her,“What about his appearance?” She said,“An old man is coming up! He is wrapped in a robe!”Then Saul realized it was Samuel, and he bowed his face toward the ground and kneeled down.

normalized_text:
he said to her what about his appearance she said an old man is coming up he is wrapped in a robe then saul realized it was samuel and he bowed his face toward the ground and kneeled down


text:
Samuel said to Saul,“Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul replied,“I am terribly troubled! The Philistines are fighting against me and God has turned away from me. He does not answer me anymore– not by the prophets nor by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what I should do.”

normalized_text:
samuel said to saul why have you disturbed me by bringing me up saul replied i am terribly troubled the philistines are fighting against me and god has turned away from me he does not answer me anymore not by the prophets nor by dreams so i have called on you to tell me what i should do


text:
Samuel said,“Why are you asking me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and has become your enemy?

normalized_text:
samuel said why are you asking me now that the lord has turned away from you and has become your enemy


text:
The LORD has done exactly as I prophesied! The LORD has torn the kingdom from your hand and has given it to your neighbor David!

normalized_text:
the lord has done exactly as i prophesied the lord has torn the kingdom from your hand and has given it to your neighbor david


text:
Since you did not obey the LORD and did not carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this thing to you today.

normalized_text:
since you did not obey the lord and did not carry out his fierce anger against the amalekites the lord has done this thing to you today


text:
The LORD will hand you and Israel over to the Philistines! Tomorrow both you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand the army of Israel over to the Philistines!”

normalized_text:
the lord will hand you and israel over to the philistines tomorrow both you and your sons will be with me the lord will also hand the army of israel over to the philistines


text:
Saul quickly fell full length on the ground and was very afraid because of Samuel’s words. He was completely drained of energy, not having eaten anything all that day and night.

normalized_text:
saul quickly fell full length on the ground and was very afraid because of samuel s words he was completely drained of energy not having eaten anything all that day and night


text:
When the woman came to Saul and saw how terrified he was, she said to him,“Your servant has done what you asked. I took my life into my own hands and did what you told me.

normalized_text:
when the woman came to saul and saw how terrified he was she said to him your servant has done what you asked i took my life into my own hands and did what you told me


text:
Now it’s your turn to listen to your servant! Let me set before you a bit of bread so that you can eat. When you regain your strength, you can go on your way.”

normalized_text:
now it s your turn to listen to your servant let me set before you a bit of bread so that you can eat when you regain your strength you can go on your way


text:
But he refused, saying,“I won’t eat!” Both his servants and the woman urged him to eat, so he gave in. He got up from the ground and sat down on the bed.

normalized_text:
but he refused saying i won t eat both his servants and the woman urged him to eat so he gave in he got up from the ground and sat down on the bed


text:
Now the woman had a well-fed calf at her home that she quickly slaughtered. Taking some flour, she kneaded it and baked bread without leaven.

normalized_text:
now the woman had a well fed calf at her home that she quickly slaughtered taking some flour she kneaded it and baked bread without leaven


text:
David Is Rejected by the Philistine Leaders The Philistines assembled all their troops at Aphek, while Israel camped at the spring that is in Jezreel.

normalized_text:
david is rejected by the philistine leaders the philistines assembled all their troops at aphek while israel camped at the spring that is in jezreel


text:
When the leaders of the Philistines were passing in review at the head of their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were passing in review in the rear with Achish.

normalized_text:
when the leaders of the philistines were passing in review at the head of their units of hundreds and thousands david and his men were passing in review in the rear with achish


text:
The leaders of the Philistines asked,“What about these Hebrews?” Achish said to the leaders of the Philistines,“Isn’t this David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me for quite some time? I have found no fault with him from the day of his defection until the present time!”

normalized_text:
the leaders of the philistines asked what about these hebrews achish said to the leaders of the philistines isn t this david the servant of king saul of israel who has been with me for quite some time i have found no fault with him from the day of his defection until the present time


text:
But the leaders of the Philistines became angry with him and said to him,“Send the man back! Let him return to the place that you assigned him! Don’t let him go down with us into the battle, for he might become our adversary in the battle. What better way to please his lord than with the heads of these men?

normalized_text:
but the leaders of the philistines became angry with him and said to him send the man back let him return to the place that you assigned him don t let him go down with us into the battle for he might become our adversary in the battle what better way to please his lord than with the heads of these men


text:
Isn’t this David, of whom they sang as they danced,‘Saul has struck down his thousands, but David his tens of thousands’?”

normalized_text:
isn t this david of whom they sang as they danced saul has struck down his thousands but david his tens of thousands


text:
So Achish summoned David and said to him,“As surely as the LORD lives, you are an honest man, and I am glad to have you serving with me in the army. I have found no fault with you from the day that you first came to me until the present time. But in the opinion of the leaders, you are not reliable.

normalized_text:
so achish summoned david and said to him as surely as the lord lives you are an honest man and i am glad to have you serving with me in the army i have found no fault with you from the day that you first came to me until the present time but in the opinion of the leaders you are not reliable


text:
So turn and leave in peace. You must not do anything that the leaders of the Philistines consider improper!”

normalized_text:
so turn and leave in peace you must not do anything that the leaders of the philistines consider improper


text:
But David said to Achish,“What have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day that I first came into your presence until the present time, that I shouldn’t go and fight the enemies of my lord the king?”

normalized_text:
but david said to achish what have i done what have you found in your servant from the day that i first came into your presence until the present time that i shouldn t go and fight the enemies of my lord the king


text:
Achish replied to David,“I am convinced that you are as reliable as the angel of God! However, the leaders of the Philistines have said,‘He must not go up with us in the battle.’

normalized_text:
achish replied to david i am convinced that you are as reliable as the angel of god however the leaders of the philistines have said he must not go up with us in the battle


text:
So get up early in the morning along with the servants of your lord who have come with you. When you get up early in the morning, as soon as it is light enough to see, leave.”

normalized_text:
so get up early in the morning along with the servants of your lord who have come with you when you get up early in the morning as soon as it is light enough to see leave


text:
So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines, but the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

normalized_text:
so david and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the philistines but the philistines went up to jezreel


text:
David Defeats the Amalekites On the third day David and his men came to Ziklag. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They attacked Ziklag and burned it.

normalized_text:
david defeats the amalekites on the third day david and his men came to ziklag now the amalekites had raided the negev and ziklag they attacked ziklag and burned it


text:
They took captive the women and all who were in it, from the youngest to the oldest, but they did not kill anyone. They simply carried them off and went on their way.

normalized_text:
they took captive the women and all who were in it from the youngest to the oldest but they did not kill anyone they simply carried them off and went on their way


text:
When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned. Their wives, sons, and daughters had been taken captive.

normalized_text:
when david and his men came to the city they found it burned their wives sons and daughters had been taken captive


text:
David’s two wives had been taken captive– Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail the Carmelite, Nabal’s widow.

normalized_text:
david s two wives had been taken captive ahinoam the jezreelite and abigail the carmelite nabal s widow


text:
David was very upset, for the men were thinking of stoning him; each man grieved bitterly over his sons and daughters. But David drew strength from the LORD his God.

normalized_text:
david was very upset for the men were thinking of stoning him each man grieved bitterly over his sons and daughters but david drew strength from the lord his god


text:
Then David said to the priest Abiathar son of Ahimelech,“Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.

normalized_text:
then david said to the priest abiathar son of ahimelech bring me the ephod so abiathar brought the ephod to david


text:
David inquired of the LORD, saying,“Should I pursue this raiding band? Will I overtake them?” He said to him,“Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them and carry out a rescue!”

normalized_text:
david inquired of the lord saying should i pursue this raiding band will i overtake them he said to him pursue for you will certainly overtake them and carry out a rescue


text:
So David went, accompanied by his six hundred men. When he came to the Wadi Besor, those who were in the rear stayed there.

normalized_text:
so david went accompanied by his six hundred men when he came to the wadi besor those who were in the rear stayed there


text:
David and four hundred men continued the pursuit, but two hundred men who were too exhausted to cross the Wadi Besor stayed there.

normalized_text:
david and four hundred men continued the pursuit but two hundred men who were too exhausted to cross the wadi besor stayed there


text:
Then they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave him bread to eat and water to drink.

normalized_text:
then they found an egyptian in the field and brought him to david they gave him bread to eat and water to drink


text:
They gave him a slice of pressed figs and two bunches of raisins to eat. This greatly refreshed him, for he had not eaten food or drunk water for three days and three nights.

normalized_text:
they gave him a slice of pressed figs and two bunches of raisins to eat this greatly refreshed him for he had not eaten food or drunk water for three days and three nights


text:
David said to him,“To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” The young man said,“I am an Egyptian, the servant of an Amalekite man. My master abandoned me when I was ill for three days.

normalized_text:
david said to him to whom do you belong and where are you from the young man said i am an egyptian the servant of an amalekite man my master abandoned me when i was ill for three days


text:
We conducted a raid on the Negev of the Kerethites, on the area of Judah, and on the Negev of Caleb. We burned Ziklag.”

normalized_text:
we conducted a raid on the negev of the kerethites on the area of judah and on the negev of caleb we burned ziklag


text:
David said to him,“Can you take us down to this raiding party?” He said,“Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to this raiding party.”

normalized_text:
david said to him can you take us down to this raiding party he said swear to me by god that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master and i will take you down to this raiding party


text:
So he took David down, and they found them spread out over the land. They were eating and drinking and enjoying themselves because of all the loot they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.

normalized_text:
so he took david down and they found them spread out over the land they were eating and drinking and enjoying themselves because of all the loot they had taken from the land of the philistines and from the land of judah


text:
But David struck them down from twilight until the following evening. None of them escaped, with the exception of four hundred young men who got away on camels.

normalized_text:
but david struck them down from twilight until the following evening none of them escaped with the exception of four hundred young men who got away on camels


text:
There was nothing missing, whether small or great. He retrieved sons and daughters, the plunder, and everything else they had taken. David brought everything back.

normalized_text:
there was nothing missing whether small or great he retrieved sons and daughters the plunder and everything else they had taken david brought everything back


text:
David took all the flocks and herds and drove them in front of the rest of the animals. People were saying,“This is David’s plunder!”

normalized_text:
david took all the flocks and herds and drove them in front of the rest of the animals people were saying this is david s plunder


text:
Then David approached the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to go with him, those whom they had left at the Wadi Besor. They went out to meet David and the people who were with him. When David approached the people, he asked how they were doing.

normalized_text:
then david approached the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to go with him those whom they had left at the wadi besor they went out to meet david and the people who were with him when david approached the people he asked how they were doing


text:
But all the evil and worthless men among those who had gone with David said,“Since they didn’t go with us, we won’t give them any of the loot we retrieved! They may take only their wives and children. Let them lead them away and be gone!”

normalized_text:
but all the evil and worthless men among those who had gone with david said since they didn t go with us we won t give them any of the loot we retrieved they may take only their wives and children let them lead them away and be gone


text:
But David said,“No! You shouldn’t do this, my brothers. Look at what the LORD has given us! He has protected us and has delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us.

normalized_text:
but david said no you shouldn t do this my brothers look at what the lord has given us he has protected us and has delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us


text:
Who will listen to you in this matter? The portion of the one who went down into the battle will be the same as the portion of the one who remained with the equipment! Let their portions be the same!”

normalized_text:
who will listen to you in this matter the portion of the one who went down into the battle will be the same as the portion of the one who remained with the equipment let their portions be the same


text:
When David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah who were his friends, saying,“Here’s a gift for you from the looting of the LORD’s enemies!”

normalized_text:
when david came to ziklag he sent some of the plunder to the elders of judah who were his friends saying here s a gift for you from the looting of the lord s enemies


text:
The Death of Saul Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel. The men of Israel fled from the Philistines and many of them fell dead on Mount Gilboa.

normalized_text:
the death of saul now the philistines were fighting against israel the men of israel fled from the philistines and many of them fell dead on mount gilboa


text:
The Philistines stayed right on the heels of Saul and his sons. They struck down Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua.

normalized_text:
the philistines stayed right on the heels of saul and his sons they struck down saul s sons jonathan abinadab and malki shua


text:
Saul said to his armor bearer,“Draw your sword and stab me with it! Otherwise these uncircumcised people will come, stab me, and torture me.” But his armor bearer refused to do it, because he was very afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it.

normalized_text:
saul said to his armor bearer draw your sword and stab me with it otherwise these uncircumcised people will come stab me and torture me but his armor bearer refused to do it because he was very afraid so saul took his sword and fell on it


text:
When the men of Israel who were in the valley and across the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled. The Philistines came and occupied them.

normalized_text:
when the men of israel who were in the valley and across the jordan saw that the men of israel had fled and that saul and his sons were dead they abandoned the cities and fled the philistines came and occupied them


text:
The next day, when the Philistines came to strip loot from the corpses, they discovered Saul and his three sons lying dead on Mount Gilboa.

normalized_text:
the next day when the philistines came to strip loot from the corpses they discovered saul and his three sons lying dead on mount gilboa


text:
They cut off Saul’s head and stripped him of his armor. They sent messengers to announce the news in the temple of their idols and among their people throughout the surrounding land of the Philistines.

normalized_text:
they cut off saul s head and stripped him of his armor they sent messengers to announce the news in the temple of their idols and among their people throughout the surrounding land of the philistines


text:
They placed Saul’s armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and hung his corpse on the city wall of Beth Shan.

normalized_text:
they placed saul s armor in the temple of the ashtoreths and hung his corpse on the city wall of beth shan


text:
all their warriors set out and traveled throughout the night. They took Saul’s corpse and the corpses of his sons from the city wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them.

normalized_text:
all their warriors set out and traveled throughout the night they took saul s corpse and the corpses of his sons from the city wall of beth shan and went to jabesh where they burned them


text:
They took the bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh; then they fasted for seven days.

normalized_text:
they took the bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at jabesh then they fasted for seven days


text:
¶ David Learns of the Deaths of Saul and Jonathan After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, he stayed at Ziklag for two days.

normalized_text:
david learns of the deaths of saul and jonathan after the death of saul when david had returned from defeating the amalekites he stayed at ziklag for two days


text:
On the third day a man arrived from the camp of Saul with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he approached David, the man threw himself to the ground.

normalized_text:
on the third day a man arrived from the camp of saul with his clothes torn and dirt on his head when he approached david the man threw himself to the ground


text:
David inquired,“How were things going? Tell me!” He replied,“The people fled from the battle and many of them fell dead. Even Saul and his son Jonathan are dead!”

normalized_text:
david inquired how were things going tell me he replied the people fled from the battle and many of them fell dead even saul and his son jonathan are dead


text:
David said to the young man who was telling him this,“How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”

normalized_text:
david said to the young man who was telling him this how do you know that saul and his son jonathan are dead


text:
The young man who was telling him this said,“I just happened to be on Mount Gilboa and came across Saul leaning on his spear for support. The chariots and leaders of the horsemen were in hot pursuit of him.

normalized_text:
the young man who was telling him this said i just happened to be on mount gilboa and came across saul leaning on his spear for support the chariots and leaders of the horsemen were in hot pursuit of him


text:
So I stood over him and put him to death, since I knew that he couldn’t live in such a condition. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm. I have brought them here to my lord.”

normalized_text:
so i stood over him and put him to death since i knew that he couldn t live in such a condition then i took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm i have brought them here to my lord


text:
They lamented and wept and fasted until evening because Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD’s people, and the house of Israel had fallen by the sword.

normalized_text:
they lamented and wept and fasted until evening because saul his son jonathan the lord s people and the house of israel had fallen by the sword


text:
David said to the young man who told this to him,“Where are you from?” He replied,“I am an Amalekite, the son of a resident foreigner.”

normalized_text:
david said to the young man who told this to him where are you from he replied i am an amalekite the son of a resident foreigner


text:
David replied to him,“How is it that you were not afraid to reach out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”

normalized_text:
david replied to him how is it that you were not afraid to reach out your hand to destroy the lord s anointed


text:
Then David called one of the soldiers and said,“Come here and strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died.

normalized_text:
then david called one of the soldiers and said come here and strike him down so he struck him down and he died


text:
David said to him,“Your blood be on your own head! Your own mouth has testified against you, saying‘I have put the LORD’s anointed to death.’”

normalized_text:
david said to him your blood be on your own head your own mouth has testified against you saying i have put the lord s anointed to death


text:
(He gave instructions that the people of Judah should be taught“The Bow.” Indeed, it is written down in the Scroll of the Upright One.)

normalized_text:
he gave instructions that the people of judah should be taught the bow indeed it is written down in the scroll of the upright one


text:
Don’t report it in Gath, don’t spread the news in the streets of Ashkelon, or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate!

normalized_text:
don t report it in gath don t spread the news in the streets of ashkelon or the daughters of the philistines will rejoice the daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate


text:
O mountains of Gilboa, may there be no dew or rain on you, nor fields of grain offerings! For it was there that the shield of warriors was defiled; the shield of Saul lies neglected without oil.

normalized_text:
o mountains of gilboa may there be no dew or rain on you nor fields of grain offerings for it was there that the shield of warriors was defiled the shield of saul lies neglected without oil


text:
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of warriors, the bow of Jonathan was not turned away. The sword of Saul never returned empty.

normalized_text:
from the blood of the slain from the fat of warriors the bow of jonathan was not turned away the sword of saul never returned empty


text:
Saul and Jonathan were greatly loved during their lives, and not even in their deaths were they separated. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

normalized_text:
saul and jonathan were greatly loved during their lives and not even in their deaths were they separated they were swifter than eagles stronger than lions


text:
O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet as well as jewelry, who put gold jewelry on your clothes.

normalized_text:
o daughters of israel weep over saul who clothed you in scarlet as well as jewelry who put gold jewelry on your clothes


text:
I grieve over you, my brother Jonathan! You were very dear to me. Your love was more special to me than the love of women.

normalized_text:
i grieve over you my brother jonathan you were very dear to me your love was more special to me than the love of women


text:
David is Anointed King Afterward David inquired of the LORD,“Should I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” The LORD told him,“Go up.” David asked,“Where should I go?” The LORD replied,“To Hebron.”

normalized_text:
david is anointed king afterward david inquired of the lord should i go up to one of the cities of judah the lord told him go up david asked where should i go the lord replied to hebron


text:
So David went up, along with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, formerly the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

normalized_text:
so david went up along with his two wives ahinoam the jezreelite and abigail formerly the wife of nabal the carmelite


text:
David also brought along the men who were with him, each with his family. They settled in the cities of Hebron.

normalized_text:
david also brought along the men who were with him each with his family they settled in the cities of hebron


text:
The men of Judah came and there they anointed David as king over the people of Judah.David was told,“The people of Jabesh Gilead are the ones who buried Saul.”

normalized_text:
the men of judah came and there they anointed david as king over the people of judah david was told the people of jabesh gilead are the ones who buried saul


text:
So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead and told them,“May you be blessed by the LORD because you have shown this kindness to your lord Saul by burying him.

normalized_text:
so david sent messengers to the people of jabesh gilead and told them may you be blessed by the lord because you have shown this kindness to your lord saul by burying him


text:
Now be courageous and prove to be valiant warriors, for your lord Saul is dead. The people of Judah have anointed me as king over them.”

normalized_text:
now be courageous and prove to be valiant warriors for your lord saul is dead the people of judah have anointed me as king over them


text:
David’s Army Clashes with the Army of Saul Now Abner son of Ner, the general in command of Saul’s army, had taken Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and had brought him to Mahanaim.

normalized_text:
david s army clashes with the army of saul now abner son of ner the general in command of saul s army had taken saul s son ish bosheth and had brought him to mahanaim


text:
Ish-bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he began to rule over Israel. He ruled two years. However, the people of Judah followed David.

normalized_text:
ish bosheth son of saul was forty years old when he began to rule over israel he ruled two years however the people of judah followed david


text:
Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David also went out and confronted them at the pool of Gibeon. One group stationed themselves on one side of the pool, and the other group on the other side of the pool.

normalized_text:
joab son of zeruiah and the servants of david also went out and confronted them at the pool of gibeon one group stationed themselves on one side of the pool and the other group on the other side of the pool


text:
So they got up and crossed over by number: twelve belonging to Benjamin and to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David.

normalized_text:
so they got up and crossed over by number twelve belonging to benjamin and to ish bosheth son of saul and twelve from the servants of david


text:
As they grappled with one another, each one stabbed his opponent with his sword and they fell dead together. So that place is called the Field of Flints; it is in Gibeon.

normalized_text:
as they grappled with one another each one stabbed his opponent with his sword and they fell dead together so that place is called the field of flints it is in gibeon


text:
Now the battle was very severe that day; Abner and the men of Israel were overcome by David’s soldiers.

normalized_text:
now the battle was very severe that day abner and the men of israel were overcome by david s soldiers


text:
The three sons of Zeruiah were there– Joab, Abishai, and Asahel.(Now Asahel was as quick on his feet as one of the gazelles in the field.)

normalized_text:
the three sons of zeruiah were there joab abishai and asahel now asahel was as quick on his feet as one of the gazelles in the field


text:
Abner said to him,“Turn aside to your right or to your left. Capture one of the soldiers and take his equipment for yourself!” But Asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him.

normalized_text:
abner said to him turn aside to your right or to your left capture one of the soldiers and take his equipment for yourself but asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him


text:
So Abner spoke again to Asahel,“Turn aside from following me! I do not want to strike you to the ground. How then could I show my face in the presence of Joab your brother?”

normalized_text:
so abner spoke again to asahel turn aside from following me i do not want to strike you to the ground how then could i show my face in the presence of joab your brother


text:
But Asahel refused to turn aside. So Abner struck him in the abdomen with the back end of his spear. The spear came out his back; Asahel collapsed on the spot and died there right before Abner. Everyone who now comes to the place where Asahel fell dead pauses in respect.

normalized_text:
but asahel refused to turn aside so abner struck him in the abdomen with the back end of his spear the spear came out his back asahel collapsed on the spot and died there right before abner everyone who now comes to the place where asahel fell dead pauses in respect


text:
So Joab and Abishai chased Abner. At sunset they came to the hill of Ammah near Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.

normalized_text:
so joab and abishai chased abner at sunset they came to the hill of ammah near giah on the way to the wilderness of gibeon


text:
The Benjaminites formed their ranks behind Abner and were like a single army, standing at the top of a certain hill.

normalized_text:
the benjaminites formed their ranks behind abner and were like a single army standing at the top of a certain hill


