The tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron after the deaths of Abner and Ish-bosheth to endorse him as their king. The idea that the rivalry would end and their exposure to David as a leader made the prospect of making him king appealing. David had not tried to seize the throne, and he had been patient, trusting that God would do as he had promised.
David grieved over the loss of Saul and Jonathan, and he sought the Lord to understand what he should do next. David asked the Lord if he would have him go into Judah and the Lord directed him to go into Hebron. David went with his family along with his men and their families to take up residence in this political and geographic center. The tribal leaders came to Hebron, and there they anointed him king of Judah.
The army fell back until the hillsides of Mt. Gilboa were covered with the bodies of Saul's fallen men. Darkness had fallen on the battle before the Philistines understood the extent of their victory. The three sons of Saul fell that day which meant David's best friend died in war. The battle pressed in on Saul, and he was wounded by the Philistine archers.
The narrator gives a bit of information to understand the circumstances that will contribute to the actions that will soon take place. Samuel has passed, and Israel misses him dearly. The leadership of this faithful servant had left an uneasy feeling for the people. Samuel's dedication to God's word and his determination to obey it had served Saul well and Saul had driven out the mediums and necromancers in the land. The Philistine forces gathered at Shunem and Saul mustered his troops in Gilboa to engage the enemy but when Saul saw the Philistine host he was terrified.
After the Philistine raid had ended, Saul returned, and he quickly focused his attention on David. It was not long before Saul received a report that David was in the wilderness of Engedi. Saul wasted no time and gathered three thousand soldiers to search for the fugitive. Saul takes leave from the group to use the bathroom in a cave near some sheepfolds. David had hidden in the innermost parts of that very cave.
David fled and sought out Jonathan. The prince knew nothing of the death sentence that Saul issued for David because Saul always discussed his intentions with his son. David explained that Saul was now withholding information from Jonathan because he knew of their friendship. In reality, David knew that he was not far from death.
Saul's jealousy continues to consume him until he finally announces in public with his court what he had been thinking in his heart for some time. Saul's desire was to murder David. Jonathan warned David and promised to signal his friend if he could not persuade his father to cancel the death warrant.
As the army returns home, and as the victors make their way home the women came to greet King Saul with singing and dancing. They sang of Saul's victories over thousands and then they sang of David's ten thousands. Saul was incensed by these songs, and his jealousy was triggered.
The Philistine must have wondered what was going on as he watched a young shepherd boy make his way toward the champion. He went to David with his shield-bearer in front. Goliath is offended when he sees a youth and he curses David by his gods. Goliath began to boast of his swift victory and promised to leave his body for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. David does not flinch, and he speaks directly to the truth about this battle, that it is spiritual in nature and that his victory would show the greatness of God.
Jesse introduces his sons to Samuel, and when Eliab is presented, Samuel believes that he must be the new king because of his appearance and his stature. The Lord cautions Samuel about looking at the outward appearance because God had not chosen this handsome son. God explains that he does not judge one by their external appearance, he looks on the heart.
Saul realizes the gravity of his disobedience and confesses his iniquity. He asked to be pardoned and invited Samuel to join him in public worship. Samuel refuses and in desperation Saul seizes Samuel’s robe. Samuel's robe ripped, and the prophet used it to illustrate the sad truth that God had torn the kingdom from Saul and given it to someone more worthy.
Saul waited seven days for Samuel to arrive in Gilgal. Samuel delayed his arrival, and every day more of his troops ran away. Saul grew impatient and ordered burnt offerings and peace offerings to be prepared. Impatience is one thing, but willful disobedience is quite another. Saul crossed the line, and he officiated at the sacrifice.
The Lord never failed his people, but when they faced the Ammonites, they disregarded God's faithfulness, rejected his rule, and placed their trust in man. God granted their request, and now they had a king over them like all the nations. God does not change, and the requirement for Israel was the same, they should fear, serve, and obey the Lord their God. Obedience leads to flourishing, but disobedience brings calamity.
The time has come for a new era in the story of God's people as the old prophet summons the people to come together at Mizpah. Samuel does not mince words as he begins his address to the people of Israel. He starts with a history lesson reminding them that it was the Lord who rescued them, brought them out of Egypt, and delivered them from all their oppressors. This day is not about progress or success; it is about rejection. Israel has rejected God as their king and savior and asked him to set an earthly king over them.
The people mistakenly believed that being like everyone else would be better for them than being set apart as God intended. The people of Israel were so determined to have a king that they agreed to pay any price and endure any challenges associated with being led by a monarch. Scripture does not shed any light on the delay between this decision and its execution; it simply gives a brief paternity of a man named Saul.
Samuel faithfully judges Israel for many years after the people repented and the Philistines were vanquished. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord before he was ever born and he served the Lord all his life. Now in his old age, he appoints his sons, Joel and Abijah to be judges over Israel in Beersheba. Enlisting his sons was problematic, and the people could not abide by it because Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah did not walk in the ways of their father.
Twenty years pass as Israel endures Philistine subjugation as well as a political, spiritual, and emotional malaise. Suddenly, Samuel is reintroduced as he calls the people to return to the Lord with all their heart and put away their foreign gods. He assured the people that repentance, faith, and the exclusive worship of the Lord would bring deliverance from the Philistines.
The ark of the Lord was in the territory of the Philistines for seven months. The people wanted the ark gone but were unsure how to rid themselves of it without suffering further plagues and losses. The Philistines summoned their diviners so that they would return the ark the proper way and avoid more loss of life.
The Philistines defeated Israel twice on the field of battle in spite of the fear they experienced when the ark of God entered Israel's camp. The Philistines gathered the spoils of war which included the ark of God. They brought the ark to Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon. The Philistines ascribed their victory to Dagon and put it in the temple as an offering.
Samuel's ministry in Israel is widely recognized, and the people know God's presence with him. However, the people did not repent, and Israel continued to walk in patterns of disobedience. Sin and corruption knew no limits extending even to the priests as Eli's sons disobey the commands of the Lord and disregard the rebuke of their father. God's judgment will soon visit his people and the house of Eli.
