Israel is limping into battle with fear, plagued by the challenge of her enemies’ huge warrior, Goliath. But the man anointed to be her future king has no such fear. David lets nothing put him off but, rather, speaks up
A monster of a man
Israel and Philistia are at stalemate in their war, with neither side having a clear upper hand. So the Philistines resort to intimidation to get inside their enemies’ heads. To do this their warrior giant, Goliath, invites solo combat. Now,
David and Goliath
This story is so well known that it has become a well-used metaphor for situations where someone or something small overcomes seemingly impossible opposition to win a great victory. However, as you read it you discover it’s quite an unusual
A tormented king
There is tension in Judah about Saul. David has been anointed but what might come next? Saul himself is growing deranged. No longer helped by God’s Spirit, Saul suffers at the hands of another spirit who brings trouble upon him.
Looking for better
Saul has become like the kings of the world and has been rejected by God. Samuel is now sent to find a replacement but fears for his life in doing so. Nonetheless, through the very fitting subterfuge of hiding behind
The heart of a man
Israel’s self-confidence that she can fight her own battles is exposed for the folly it is. Under the strain of Philistine intimidation, Saul’s heart gives way and he disobeys his orders from God via Samuel. Saul then follows this failure
Answered prayer?
Saul’s been chosen. He’s been anointed. He’s been tested. Now the moment has come for him to step up as king. He needs to call the army together and take on the Philistines, looking to secure Israel’s release from their
Foolish dreams, genuine hope
Samuel is making his retirement-from-leadership speech as the nation moves to Saul as ruler. Once more he warns the people not to try and save themselves, but look up to the Lord. They have placed way too much hope in
Closing down
Israel’s wilderness tabernacle – the tent where the ark of God was housed – is coming to the end of its life. That’s because it’s been horribly misused and, also, because God is moving his plans forward to centre on
This is the end?
Sabbath has passed, a new week begins and on it God blows life into the new creation. The women who go to honour Jesus’ corpse, find the tomb unlocked and a stranger present. They came to find a crucified man,