We also know that Jesus Christ descended from the house of David. We know that this brave shepherd boy grew up to be a great king of Israel. We know David as the young shepherd boy who slew a giant with a one stone and a simple slingshot. Most everyone who has ever been to Sunday school or Vacation Bible School as a child knows the familiar story of David and Goliath. After Saul openly disobeyed God twice, God told Samuel (1 Samuel 13:13-14) that his kingdom would not endure and that God had sought out a man after his own heart. Saul was 30 years old when he became king and reigned over Israel 42 years. Though Saul looked the part, he was impetuous, hot-tempered, disobedient and jealous. Saul was a “choice and handsome man” and stood head and shoulders above all other men. The Lord agreed to let the people have a king to rule them, thus Saul was chosen as the first king of Israel. In calling for a king, Israel was indirectly rejecting God as ruler. However, God had called Israel to be different from all other nations. God had predicted Israel’s desire for a king so they could “be like other nations” (1 Samuel 8:20). Samuel’s sons were dishonest judges and thereby disqualified for the job. Just before 1051 BC, the year Saul became king, the people of Israel demanded that Samuel (the prophet) select a king to rule over them. God had predicted this failure (Deuteronomy 17:14-15) and knew that eventually Israel would be ruled by a king. The book of Judges in the Old Testament records the failure of the people and leaders under this system. This was an effective system only if the leaders (e.g., the judges) and people were committed to following the Lord. 1 Samuel 16 18:1-22:2 and selected Psalms BackgroundĪfter Moses and Joshua died, the people of Israel were governed by a series of judges and priests.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |