Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Samuel 1:10a - Is Saul Too Among the Prophets?

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 1:9b - Me? I Should Lead the People? Can’t be!

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.

Samuel 1:9a - The Tall and Handsome Young Benjaminite

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 1:8 - Appoint a King Like Every Other Nation!

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.

Samuel 1:7 - Samuel Leads the People Back to God

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

Samuel 1:6b - The Ark Returns to Israel

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

Samuel 1:6a - Should We Send it Back?

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.

Samuel 1:5 - The Holy Ark and the Game of Hot Potato

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.

Samuel 1:4b - The House of Eli is No More

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.

Samuel 1:4a - Even the Ark Won’t Save You

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.