Let the Prophets Speak

Saul is feeling insecure and depressed, and his advisors send for David to play music for the king.

God sends Samuel on a clandestine mission to Bethlehem in a search for a new king. The youngest son of Jesse is identified, and we are first introduced to the future king, David.

The Eternal God of Israel doesn't change His mind, or does He? Find out in this portion of Samuel 15.

The sin of arrogance is idolatry, the sin of greed is arrogance, and the King of Israel loses his right to rule.

Samuel charges Saul with a fateful war, go and attack and wipe out the Amalekites/ Unfortunately, Saul and the people completely miss the point.

Before we learn of Saul's battle against Amalek and his failure, we must understand who Amalek was and why Saul was commanded to destroy them.

Saul almost has his son executed, but the people won't let that happen. Saul continues to double down on his mistakes, but does manage to unite the people against their enemies and establish a central monarchy.

Jonathan's strategy brings about a huge victory, despite his father's persistent reliance on superstition and stubbornness.

Once again, the brave Jonathan teaches us what true faith is. Action, not superstition, is what God wants from us.

The stage is set for the battle of a few unarmed Israelite farmers under the leadership of Saul and Jonathan against the might of the massive Philistine Army.

We begin to see the flaws in Saul's character. Superstition, arrogance, and the failure to recognize his own limitations.

Samuel gives a farewell speech to the people and tells Israel what they need to do to be successful with their new king.

Saul leads the people in a smashing victory against the Ammonites and saves a group of fellow Israelites. He proves that he's the man for the job, and the people celebrate their new leader.

Samuel gathers the people of Israel and announces to the people God's choice of Saul as their new king. The people's reaction is somewhat ambivalent, and Saul will have to prove himself.

Samuel informs Saul that he has been chosen by God to become King, and Samuel instructs Saul to meet and join a group of prophets.

Samuel invites Saul to the feast, sits him up front, gives him a special portion, and treats him like a celebrity. When Samuel informs Saul that he is destined for leadership, Saul humbly exclaims that he is unworthy.

We are introduced to the future first King of Israel as he wanders through the hills searching for his father's lost donkeys. Eventually he meets the prophet Samuel who was expecting him.

Samuel's sons turn out to be corrupt, unfortunately a familiar theme by now. The people request that Samuel appoint a king, and though God is not happy with this idea, God instructs Samuel to listen to their request.

We read of the reign of Samuel, and how he successfully led the people away from their superstitions and back to God.

The ark returns to the people of Israel, but they still don't get the true message and more death ensues.

Suffering repeated plagues, the Philistines finally recognize that maybe keeping the ark might not be the best idea. They approach their religious leaders to discuss returning the ark.

The Ark is in the hands of the Philistines, and it wreaks havoc wherever it resides. The Philistines decide that they need to get rid of it and send it back to Israel.

Eli hears the news of the ark's capture and he topples over and breaks his neck, and his daughter-in-law goes into early labor and dies in childbirth. Thus the reign of Eli ends in shame.

The people of Israel are taught that faith in an object will not help, not even the Ark of the Covenant. Unfortunately, they don't learn the lesson yet.

We read of Samuel's first prophecy, his humility and how his prophecy began to spread truth among Israel. The downfall of the house of Eli is now inevitable.