God's Story: A Narrative Adaptation of the Bible

David then fled Gibeah to the town of Nob where he met the high priest Ahimelech, the great-grandson of Eli. He told the priest he was on a secret mission from the king and that the rest of his men were waiting nearby. He convinced Ahimelech to let him have some food and a sword. While staying there David saw Doeg, one of Saul’s servants, and knew he would reveal his location. Not wanting to bring trouble on Ahimelech, David fled to the cave of Adullam. When his father, mother, and brothers learned where he was, they joined him. Soon hundreds who had become dissatisfied with Saul’s rule joined David, making him their commander. When Saul learned of this perceived insurrection he angrily asked those with him, “Did David promise to make you rich and powerful? Is that why you are all conspiring against me? None of you tell me anything. You didn’t even inform me when my own son made an oath of friendship to David.” But Doeg, hoping to ingratiate himself to Saul, said, “I saw David...

Samuel spent his days alone shrouded in sadness ever since his final words with Saul. But his part in fulfilling the promises of Yahweh in the world had not yet reached its end. Yahweh pierced through his veil of sadness and said, “I understand that my rejection of Saul has brought you great sorrow. How long will you continue to mourn? The time has come for you to go to Jesse in the town of Bethlehem in the land of Judah and anoint a new king from among his sons. Take a cow with you and tell Jesse, ‘I have come to sacrifice to Yahweh. Will you and your family join me?’ When they are all gathered, I will show you who you will anoint as king.” So Samuel traveled to Bethlehem and invited Jesse and his family to participate in a sacrifice with him. When he saw Jesse’s oldest son he thought to himself, “Look at him! This must be who Yahweh has chosen.” But Yahweh said to Samuel, “I have not chosen him, for I do not see as humanity sees. You look at the outward appearance, but I lo...

In the time of peace ushered in by Samson, there was a man named Elkenah who had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Though Peninnah had given him many children, he loved Hannah more and pitied her because she had no children. This stirred up jealousy in Peninnah, who harassed Hannah so badly that she would become so miserable she would be unable to even eat. When he would see her in this state, Elkenah would ask, “Why are you so sad? Don’t cry. Please, eat something. Is not my love for you greater than ten sons?” Every year, Elkenah traveled with his family to the town of Shiloh to worship God there. The high priest in that time was Eli, a descendant of Ithamar, the youngest son of Aaron. Hannah, in her deep anguish, prayed silently, “Yahweh, look upon my misery and bless me with a son. If you do, I will dedicate him to your service for his entire life.” Because she was moving her lips while she silently prayed, it appeared to Eli that she was drunk, so he said to her, “How long ...

The time of Joshua and Eleazar had passed and another generation grew up who had not seen what Yahweh had done for Israel. They forsook the God of their ancestors and began to worship Baal and Ashtoreth and all the various demons the people of that land worshipped as gods. Because they had chosen to turn away from Yahweh, they had broken their covenant and now could only rely on themselves for protection. It was the Arameans, descendants of a son of Shem on Israel’s Northeast border, who first put Israel’s strength to the test. They found themselves hopelessly outmatched and soon much of Israel was enslaved. But the promises of Yahweh would not be forgotten, though Israel had betrayed its God. After eight years of suffering, the people cried out to Yahweh for mercy. Yahweh heard the groaning of the people and called one of them to become a judge, rescue Israel from its enemies, and lead the people back to their God. His name was Othniel, the nephew of Caleb. With Yahweh at his s...