1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:02,760 Speaker 1: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evan, your host for Heroes in 2 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:06,920 Speaker 1: the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please 3 00:00:06,920 --> 00:00:09,200 Speaker 1: share it with your family and friends and help us 4 00:00:09,240 --> 00:00:13,200 Speaker 1: spread God's word. Welcome to the Epic Adventure of David, 5 00:00:13,720 --> 00:00:19,160 Speaker 1: a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 6 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:22,400 Speaker 1: and murder. While most people know of David the Myth, 7 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:26,160 Speaker 1: few know about David the Man. I'm glad you're here 8 00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:29,400 Speaker 1: with me as we mind the depths of this renowned tale. 9 00:00:29,720 --> 00:00:33,800 Speaker 1: In this episode, Saul receives a second chance. He has 10 00:00:33,840 --> 00:00:37,040 Speaker 1: given the opportunity to avenge God's people and write a 11 00:00:37,080 --> 00:00:40,440 Speaker 1: past wrong. Will Saul be up to the challenge or 12 00:00:40,479 --> 00:00:43,040 Speaker 1: will he crumble under the weight of his own ego. 13 00:00:43,479 --> 00:00:48,320 Speaker 1: This particular episode is short but incredibly dark. Saul goes 14 00:00:48,360 --> 00:00:51,880 Speaker 1: on a bloody conquest in search of glory, but only 15 00:00:51,920 --> 00:00:55,720 Speaker 1: finds more disappointment and sadness. At the end, his vain 16 00:00:55,880 --> 00:00:59,200 Speaker 1: grasp at granddeur leave him empty, alone, and devoid of 17 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:02,280 Speaker 1: God's favor. You may be wondering at this point in 18 00:01:02,320 --> 00:01:03,480 Speaker 1: the story about David. 19 00:01:03,840 --> 00:01:04,360 Speaker 2: Where is he? 20 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:08,560 Speaker 1: Why haven't we seen him yet? This series is not 21 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:11,280 Speaker 1: supposed to be about Saul, So why have we heard 22 00:01:11,319 --> 00:01:14,760 Speaker 1: so much about him? These are fair questions to ask, 23 00:01:15,240 --> 00:01:17,840 Speaker 1: and you won't need to ask them for much longer. 24 00:01:18,480 --> 00:01:22,319 Speaker 1: Saul's spiraling descent sets the stage for David to enter, 25 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:25,880 Speaker 1: But make no mistake, Saul isn't going anywhere. For better 26 00:01:25,959 --> 00:01:28,480 Speaker 1: or worse. Saw will remain in this story for a 27 00:01:28,640 --> 00:01:32,640 Speaker 1: long time. He is a walking reminder of the pitfalls 28 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:35,400 Speaker 1: of pride. We should be careful to not show him 29 00:01:35,400 --> 00:01:38,600 Speaker 1: away too quickly. We need him as a reminder that 30 00:01:38,680 --> 00:01:41,480 Speaker 1: there is only one heartache for us when we succumb 31 00:01:41,520 --> 00:01:44,959 Speaker 1: to pride and anxiety. Take a different posture when you 32 00:01:45,040 --> 00:01:48,520 Speaker 1: listen to this episode. Instead of judging Saul, look at 33 00:01:48,600 --> 00:01:51,559 Speaker 1: him as if you were looking into a mirror. Look 34 00:01:51,600 --> 00:01:54,760 Speaker 1: at where your own ego has led you astray, then 35 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:58,080 Speaker 1: look to Jesus for a way back. Saul isn't going 36 00:01:58,120 --> 00:02:01,520 Speaker 1: to be quite as introspective. But first we begin with 37 00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:05,200 Speaker 1: a prelude, a story from another space and time conveying 38 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:08,200 Speaker 1: the same message. This prelude is more than just a 39 00:02:08,200 --> 00:02:11,560 Speaker 1: parallel story, though. This prelude is the beginning of a 40 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:15,760 Speaker 1: long standing grudge God holds against a certain nation. Let's 41 00:02:15,800 --> 00:02:18,919 Speaker 1: listen episode four together a rejected king. 42 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:29,320 Speaker 3: Prelude to chapter four. The sweet taste of freedom was 43 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:32,639 Speaker 3: on the lips of Israel. God had delivered them out 44 00:02:32,639 --> 00:02:35,240 Speaker 3: of the grips of slavery and into the fresh air 45 00:02:35,360 --> 00:02:38,840 Speaker 3: of liberation. They basked in the glory of their savior 46 00:02:39,280 --> 00:02:41,720 Speaker 3: and cheered at the hope of a new land flowing 47 00:02:41,760 --> 00:02:45,280 Speaker 3: with milk and honey. The people of God were a 48 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:49,120 Speaker 3: nation of former slaves, freed from captivity. They had no 49 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:52,960 Speaker 3: weapons or military might. However, they did have the wealth 50 00:02:52,960 --> 00:02:55,960 Speaker 3: that was taken from Egypt. They had gold and livestock. 51 00:02:56,840 --> 00:03:00,560 Speaker 3: The Amalekites, who lived east of Egypt, proud like lions 52 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:04,520 Speaker 3: in the reeds, ready to pounce. When the people were 53 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:09,360 Speaker 3: at their most vulnerable, the Amalekites attacked. They raided God's 54 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:12,400 Speaker 3: people from the rear and picked apart their elderly and children. 55 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:16,000 Speaker 3: They stole Israel's wealth and took some of their women 56 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:19,240 Speaker 3: as slaves. Children were taken from their parents and either 57 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:22,760 Speaker 3: killed or enslaved. The men were struck down and made 58 00:03:22,800 --> 00:03:26,240 Speaker 3: a mockery of having taken advantage of the weary people 59 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:30,200 Speaker 3: of Israel. The Amalekites fled back into the wilderness. They 60 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:33,440 Speaker 3: left God's people even more vulnerable and helpless than they 61 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:37,880 Speaker 3: already were. This God would not forget. He made a 62 00:03:37,920 --> 00:03:41,440 Speaker 3: promise to his people. After that, the Lord declared, through. 63 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:44,840 Speaker 4: The mouth of Moses, Remember what Amelek did to you 64 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:49,400 Speaker 4: on the ways as you were fleeing Egypt. Remember how 65 00:03:49,440 --> 00:03:54,200 Speaker 4: he met you on the way and attacked you. Stragglers 66 00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:59,119 Speaker 4: were struck down, and the children were attacked. Amelek does 67 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:04,800 Speaker 4: not fear God. Therefore it shall be when the Lord 68 00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:08,320 Speaker 4: your God has established you in the promised land, I 69 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:12,000 Speaker 4: will blot out the remembrance of Amelek from under heaven. 70 00:04:13,160 --> 00:04:18,800 Speaker 5: I will avenge you, and you shall never forget my faithfulness. 71 00:04:22,880 --> 00:04:28,560 Speaker 3: Chapter four, a rejected king blonde poured forth like rain 72 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:33,039 Speaker 3: bursting from the clouds. Saul's once glimmering golden armor was 73 00:04:33,080 --> 00:04:35,680 Speaker 3: now drenched in scarlet as his soul fell on yet 74 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:39,800 Speaker 3: another enemy. His veracity in battle had only increased since 75 00:04:39,839 --> 00:04:43,400 Speaker 3: his last encounter with the Philistines. He was spent on 76 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:47,880 Speaker 3: proving his worth as king. The battlefield was laced with 77 00:04:47,920 --> 00:04:51,920 Speaker 3: the bodies of dead molebites. To Saul's pleasure, he had 78 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:55,640 Speaker 3: cut down the raiders who had attacked the storehouses at Jericho. 79 00:04:55,880 --> 00:04:58,880 Speaker 3: His large chest raised up and down with his heavy breathing. 80 00:04:59,480 --> 00:05:03,120 Speaker 3: He was plea with himself for defending his kingdom, but 81 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:08,200 Speaker 3: not satisfied with just one victory. Saul's broad shoulders carried 82 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:11,120 Speaker 3: the weight of israel safety. It was a heavy burden, 83 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:15,000 Speaker 3: yet he was determined to bear it alone. He raged 84 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:19,839 Speaker 3: against every nation that came against them. Saul then took 85 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:22,920 Speaker 3: his army to the Ammonites. They had raided the borders 86 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:25,960 Speaker 3: of Israel near Jerash for years, and the people were 87 00:05:25,960 --> 00:05:29,360 Speaker 3: growing weary. Saul marched up against them to strike them 88 00:05:29,360 --> 00:05:33,800 Speaker 3: at their heels. The battle was arduous and painful. However, 89 00:05:33,880 --> 00:05:37,240 Speaker 3: Saul continued to press in with force. He marched at 90 00:05:37,279 --> 00:05:39,719 Speaker 3: the front of a battle, making it known that he 91 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:42,640 Speaker 3: was the king of Israel. He wanted to make his 92 00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:45,839 Speaker 3: name known among the nations. He wanted the other kings 93 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:49,120 Speaker 3: to tremble in fear when they saw him ride. He 94 00:05:49,160 --> 00:05:52,040 Speaker 3: did the same to the Edomites and the kings of Zoba. 95 00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:55,880 Speaker 3: Saul slashed at their armies, wounding them but not striking 96 00:05:55,920 --> 00:05:59,720 Speaker 3: them down completely. For all his striving, he was able 97 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:04,360 Speaker 3: to defend his country, but conquest eluded him. Saul became 98 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:08,039 Speaker 3: obsessed with war. It consumed his thoughts day and night. 99 00:06:08,760 --> 00:06:12,480 Speaker 3: Israel was surrounded by enemies on almost every side, and 100 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:15,640 Speaker 3: Saul felt the incredible pressure of protecting the people and 101 00:06:15,720 --> 00:06:20,080 Speaker 3: making his kingdom great. However, the stroke of Saul's sword 102 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:23,640 Speaker 3: was broad but shallow. Because Saul was not a man 103 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:26,839 Speaker 3: after God's own heart, and because his own relationship with 104 00:06:26,960 --> 00:06:30,479 Speaker 3: God was more about image than substance, his kingdom would 105 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:33,919 Speaker 3: not expand. Everything he sought to conquer seemed to fall 106 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:37,120 Speaker 3: short of the ultimate glory he was searching for. The 107 00:06:37,240 --> 00:06:40,120 Speaker 3: lack of complete victory left him with an ache in 108 00:06:40,120 --> 00:06:43,919 Speaker 3: his heart he could not mend. After his battle with 109 00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:48,080 Speaker 3: the Edomites, Saul retreated to his fortress in Gibea. The 110 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:51,799 Speaker 3: palace halls were arrayed with tapestries telling of his greatest battles. 111 00:06:52,680 --> 00:06:55,400 Speaker 3: Silver lamps stand stood tall around the perimeter of his 112 00:06:55,480 --> 00:06:59,159 Speaker 3: throne room. His throne was finally carved out of cedar 113 00:06:59,240 --> 00:07:04,560 Speaker 3: and draped in furs and hand woven purple blankets. Saul 114 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:08,400 Speaker 3: rested back on his throne, staring blankly at the large 115 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:11,680 Speaker 3: fire burning in the middle of the hall. Its flames 116 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:15,920 Speaker 3: were enchanting, filling up the room with heat. Saul's body 117 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:18,760 Speaker 3: was weary for months of battle, but his mind was 118 00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:22,880 Speaker 3: racing and unable to rest. He had successfully staved off 119 00:07:22,960 --> 00:07:27,280 Speaker 3: enemy attacks, amassed a large army to contend with surrounding nations, 120 00:07:27,640 --> 00:07:31,440 Speaker 3: and sired children who were successful in battle, Yet happiness 121 00:07:31,520 --> 00:07:35,280 Speaker 3: eluded him. He slouched back in his throne like a 122 00:07:35,320 --> 00:07:40,000 Speaker 3: defeated man. He longed for purpose beyond battle. He longed 123 00:07:40,040 --> 00:07:44,520 Speaker 3: for the voice of God. As Saul brooded over the fire, 124 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:47,960 Speaker 3: the doors of the throne room creaked open. Light from 125 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:52,400 Speaker 3: outside came through, and a silhouetted figure entered in. Saul 126 00:07:52,440 --> 00:07:54,800 Speaker 3: sat up in his throne and watched the hooded figure 127 00:07:54,880 --> 00:07:58,400 Speaker 3: limp forward. He recognized the staff in the man's hands. 128 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:01,760 Speaker 3: The cloaked man sat by the fire and gestured for 129 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:05,160 Speaker 3: Saul to come forward. Saul left his throne and bent 130 00:08:05,200 --> 00:08:08,720 Speaker 3: a need at the man. He removed his hood. It 131 00:08:08,880 --> 00:08:13,160 Speaker 3: was Samuel. Saul grabbed Samuel's robe and pressed his face 132 00:08:13,200 --> 00:08:16,760 Speaker 3: against it. The large king knelt before the old priest 133 00:08:16,840 --> 00:08:21,480 Speaker 3: in silence. Samuel said nothing. He simply placed his hand 134 00:08:21,480 --> 00:08:26,400 Speaker 3: on the king's head. Saul, unable to control himself, burst 135 00:08:26,480 --> 00:08:30,400 Speaker 3: into tears. The sound of his sobs filled the halls 136 00:08:30,440 --> 00:08:33,920 Speaker 3: and echoed through the palace. He clung to Samuel tightly. 137 00:08:35,040 --> 00:08:39,240 Speaker 3: Samuel looked down at Saul with great pity. He knew 138 00:08:39,320 --> 00:08:42,000 Speaker 3: that the removal of God's favor was torture for the 139 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:46,280 Speaker 3: first King of Israel. For years, he had marched without 140 00:08:46,320 --> 00:08:50,000 Speaker 3: the power of God's spirit. His heart was growing weary 141 00:08:50,200 --> 00:08:50,680 Speaker 3: and faint. 142 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:53,199 Speaker 6: You are still king of Israel, are you. 143 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:57,800 Speaker 3: Not, Samuel said. Hearing Samuel's voice again was like fresh 144 00:08:57,880 --> 00:09:02,960 Speaker 3: water to Saul. The king nodded in silence. Samuel continued, saying. 145 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:05,200 Speaker 6: The Lord has sent me to anoint you for his 146 00:09:05,280 --> 00:09:09,400 Speaker 6: next battle. The people of Amelek have raged against Israel 147 00:09:09,440 --> 00:09:13,920 Speaker 6: for generations. Thus, says the Lord, I will punish Amelek 148 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:16,280 Speaker 6: for what they did to Israel long ago. When they 149 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:20,120 Speaker 6: were fleeing from Egypt. They ambushed Israel and took advantage 150 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:22,840 Speaker 6: of the weakened people who had just fled from slavery. 151 00:09:24,360 --> 00:09:28,080 Speaker 6: Now go and attack the Amalekites. Destroy them all and 152 00:09:28,160 --> 00:09:30,640 Speaker 6: spare no one, and take no spoil of war. 153 00:09:31,240 --> 00:09:34,360 Speaker 3: Saul looked up at Samuel. This was his chance to 154 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:37,400 Speaker 3: redeem himself. The Lord had given him a task, and 155 00:09:37,480 --> 00:09:41,000 Speaker 3: he was determined to see it through. Saul kissed Samuel's 156 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:45,439 Speaker 3: hand in reverence, bowed, and stood up to amass his army. 157 00:09:47,440 --> 00:09:50,840 Speaker 3: Two hundred thousand men stood armed and ready behind their king. 158 00:09:51,480 --> 00:09:54,640 Speaker 3: The sun had risen over the valleys of Tulamee. Saul's 159 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:58,360 Speaker 3: armor glimmered in the sun, bursting with color and glory. 160 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:01,720 Speaker 3: He sent messengers to the Kenites who lived on the 161 00:10:01,720 --> 00:10:05,440 Speaker 3: border of the Amalekite land. He warned them that the 162 00:10:05,559 --> 00:10:08,480 Speaker 3: armies of Israel were prepared to fight, and that they 163 00:10:08,520 --> 00:10:12,840 Speaker 3: should flee quickly, since no one would be spared. The 164 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:15,160 Speaker 3: messenger snuck into the village and said. 165 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:18,280 Speaker 6: Depart from the land quickly. Your people showed kindness to 166 00:10:18,360 --> 00:10:21,880 Speaker 6: our ancestors when they came out of Egypt. Flee and 167 00:10:21,960 --> 00:10:22,680 Speaker 6: save yourselves. 168 00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:26,560 Speaker 3: So the Kenites did as they were told. Saul's mercy 169 00:10:26,640 --> 00:10:29,560 Speaker 3: towards the Kenites made him even more beloved among his men. 170 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:33,360 Speaker 3: Once they had fled, Saul raised his sword high in 171 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:36,280 Speaker 3: the air. His strong arm gave hope to the men 172 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:40,720 Speaker 3: behind him. They roared like mighty waves. Saul swung his 173 00:10:40,800 --> 00:10:45,079 Speaker 3: sword forward, gesturing for them to advance together. Two hundred 174 00:10:45,160 --> 00:10:48,440 Speaker 3: thousand of them marched upon the city of Babylah. The 175 00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:51,360 Speaker 3: men marched with spears and swords, ready to ambush the 176 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:55,840 Speaker 3: Amalekites and enact vengeance for the years of cruelty. However, 177 00:10:55,880 --> 00:10:59,800 Speaker 3: they would not be conquered so easily. Agag, the Amalekite, 178 00:11:00,320 --> 00:11:02,640 Speaker 3: had caught wind of their ambush early enough to call 179 00:11:02,679 --> 00:11:05,320 Speaker 3: his troops to the north gates. They waited there for 180 00:11:05,360 --> 00:11:09,200 Speaker 3: the Israelites to break through. However, Saul was already a 181 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:11,880 Speaker 3: step ahead of a Gag. He had half of his 182 00:11:12,040 --> 00:11:14,360 Speaker 3: army break to the left around to the western border. 183 00:11:14,920 --> 00:11:17,760 Speaker 3: Before Agag could rally enough men to the other side. 184 00:11:18,040 --> 00:11:21,640 Speaker 3: Saul was able to strike. The armies of Israel burst 185 00:11:21,679 --> 00:11:23,920 Speaker 3: forth leg a tidal wave on the cities of the 186 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:28,319 Speaker 3: Amalekites from Havila all the way to Shur. God's people 187 00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:32,520 Speaker 3: utterly destroyed the oppressors of the East. In all his 188 00:11:32,720 --> 00:11:36,600 Speaker 3: years of striving, Saul had never experienced such a conquest. 189 00:11:37,320 --> 00:11:40,040 Speaker 3: He watched as the Amalekite people quivered in fear at 190 00:11:40,040 --> 00:11:42,920 Speaker 3: the sight of him. They knew his name, and they 191 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:47,640 Speaker 3: knew his sword. Saul bassed in the glory, burning down 192 00:11:47,679 --> 00:11:51,440 Speaker 3: the Amalekite cities and reducing them to ashes. He led 193 00:11:51,440 --> 00:11:54,760 Speaker 3: a company of his men through the streets of Havila. 194 00:11:55,280 --> 00:11:57,960 Speaker 3: They burst through the gates of Agag's palace and cut 195 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:01,080 Speaker 3: down the guards with ease. Hey all marched forward with 196 00:12:01,200 --> 00:12:04,400 Speaker 3: fire in his belly. With his massive leg, he kicked 197 00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:08,400 Speaker 3: open the door of Agag's estate. The door frayed into pieces. 198 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:11,840 Speaker 3: The king slowly walked forward to see Agag and his 199 00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:14,560 Speaker 3: men armed and ready in the middle of the palace halls. 200 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:19,040 Speaker 3: Agag's men took the first step forward and attacked. SAAL's 201 00:12:19,080 --> 00:12:22,520 Speaker 3: men retaliated swiftly, disarming them and pinning them to the 202 00:12:22,559 --> 00:12:26,480 Speaker 3: wall with their own spears. King Agag gripped his sword tightly. 203 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:30,680 Speaker 3: His eyes were filled with hatred, not fear. He advanced 204 00:12:30,679 --> 00:12:34,319 Speaker 3: towards Saul, going straight for the neck. Saul parried the 205 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 3: attack and returned with a slash of his sword to 206 00:12:36,559 --> 00:12:40,480 Speaker 3: the ankles. Agag fell to the floor, and Saul pressed 207 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:44,959 Speaker 3: his sword against the king's neck. Agag looked up and laughed. 208 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:49,760 Speaker 7: So you are Israel's ruler, A peasant Kig for a 209 00:12:49,800 --> 00:12:51,120 Speaker 7: peasant people. 210 00:12:51,040 --> 00:12:55,080 Speaker 3: He scoffed. Saul kicked Agag and the jaw, sending him 211 00:12:55,120 --> 00:12:58,880 Speaker 3: to the floor. Agag simply laughed more and wiped his chin. 212 00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:03,200 Speaker 7: Ha, you have conquered my city, but do not think 213 00:13:03,200 --> 00:13:04,439 Speaker 7: that makes you a king. 214 00:13:04,760 --> 00:13:06,440 Speaker 3: He spat in Sal's direction. 215 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:10,840 Speaker 7: Your stench of a country will burn under a mightier 216 00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:16,319 Speaker 7: and more noble army. You and your god will be forgotten. 217 00:13:16,840 --> 00:13:19,800 Speaker 3: Sal leaned down and grabbed Agag by the hair. He 218 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:23,360 Speaker 3: lifted him up to eye level and said, you will 219 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:27,679 Speaker 3: know my glory, Agag, you will see it expand before 220 00:13:27,760 --> 00:13:31,440 Speaker 3: your very eyes. He threw the Amalekit king onto the 221 00:13:31,480 --> 00:13:33,000 Speaker 3: floor and gestured to his men. 222 00:13:33,280 --> 00:13:37,880 Speaker 2: Bind the king with rope. Then take all his wealth. 223 00:13:38,600 --> 00:13:42,080 Speaker 2: Take the wealth of the city, the sheep, the oxen, 224 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:47,120 Speaker 2: and the calves. I want a Gag to watch his eye. 225 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:53,520 Speaker 2: Take everything he and his ancestors have worked for. I 226 00:13:53,559 --> 00:13:58,320 Speaker 2: want him to watch my glory expand at his expense. 227 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:01,720 Speaker 3: The men did as they were told, and Saul took 228 00:14:01,760 --> 00:14:05,600 Speaker 3: Agag and the spoils of war back to Israel. Saul 229 00:14:05,720 --> 00:14:08,120 Speaker 3: entered in on a stolen chariot, and the people of 230 00:14:08,240 --> 00:14:11,560 Speaker 3: Israel cheered. They sang songs in the streets to him 231 00:14:11,640 --> 00:14:15,160 Speaker 3: and chanted his name. Saul basked in the glory of 232 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:19,200 Speaker 3: his conquest. He paraded Agag around like an animal on ropes. 233 00:14:19,680 --> 00:14:22,640 Speaker 3: The people laughed and rejoiced in the gold, silver, and 234 00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:26,840 Speaker 3: livestock that Saul had taken. Finally they had a kingdom 235 00:14:26,880 --> 00:14:30,360 Speaker 3: that could conquer other kingdoms. Finally they had a conquering 236 00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:35,120 Speaker 3: king who would bring their nation into glory. Saul beamed 237 00:14:35,120 --> 00:14:38,000 Speaker 3: with pride and led Agag and the spoils of war 238 00:14:38,240 --> 00:14:41,880 Speaker 3: back to his palace in Gilgal. There he held a 239 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:45,800 Speaker 3: celebration for the victory over the Amalekites. The nobility of 240 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:49,120 Speaker 3: Israel filled the halls of Saul's palace. The food and 241 00:14:49,240 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 3: wine were endless, and the music echoed throughout the cities 242 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:56,280 Speaker 3: of Israel. Saul drank and laughed to his heart's content, 243 00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:59,840 Speaker 3: keeping Agag tied closely to his throne like a dog. 244 00:15:00,640 --> 00:15:04,080 Speaker 3: Exotic dancers laced the perimeter of his throne, room swag 245 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:08,000 Speaker 3: to the music. Beside the lamp stance, Saul lounged back 246 00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:10,200 Speaker 3: with a cup in his hand, raising it to his 247 00:15:10,280 --> 00:15:17,800 Speaker 3: own glory. Miles from Saul's palace, Samuel sat underneath the stars. 248 00:15:18,920 --> 00:15:22,760 Speaker 3: The biting breeze signaled that winter was fast approaching. Samuel 249 00:15:22,760 --> 00:15:26,000 Speaker 3: wrapped himself tightly with his robe and shivered. He sensed 250 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:29,160 Speaker 3: an uneasiness in the air. The peace of the land 251 00:15:29,480 --> 00:15:33,320 Speaker 3: had been disrupted, and Samuel could sense the furious heart 252 00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:37,760 Speaker 3: of God. The prophet closed his eyes and listened. The 253 00:15:37,800 --> 00:15:41,840 Speaker 3: wind howled across the valley. Amidst the wind and rustling bushes, 254 00:15:42,280 --> 00:15:43,400 Speaker 3: a voice spoke. 255 00:15:44,000 --> 00:15:49,920 Speaker 5: I greatly regret Saul's anointing as king. He has turned 256 00:15:49,960 --> 00:15:54,640 Speaker 5: his back on me and pursued his own glory instead 257 00:15:54,800 --> 00:15:56,240 Speaker 5: of mine. 258 00:15:56,520 --> 00:16:00,320 Speaker 3: Samuel was grieved by God's words. He felt the very 259 00:16:00,320 --> 00:16:04,080 Speaker 3: same pain that the Lord expressed. Samuel had once seen 260 00:16:04,120 --> 00:16:07,600 Speaker 3: glimmers of light break forth from Saul's heart. He had 261 00:16:07,640 --> 00:16:12,080 Speaker 3: moments of greatness and humility. However, his pride had taken 262 00:16:12,080 --> 00:16:15,560 Speaker 3: hold of him like weeds to a garden. Samuel fell 263 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:18,880 Speaker 3: to his knees and wept. The wind drowned out the 264 00:16:18,920 --> 00:16:22,280 Speaker 3: sound of his grief. He had warned the people about 265 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:26,920 Speaker 3: anointing a king, However he did not rejoice in being right. 266 00:16:27,680 --> 00:16:31,480 Speaker 3: He lamented because of it. His tears turned to frost 267 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:34,000 Speaker 3: as they fell on the grass. He knew what he 268 00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:37,720 Speaker 3: had to do. He had to go and reject the 269 00:16:37,800 --> 00:16:44,640 Speaker 3: king of Israel. Early the next morning, before the sun rose, 270 00:16:44,960 --> 00:16:49,160 Speaker 3: Samuel departed for Gilgal, the old Prophet, passed through Carmel. 271 00:16:49,760 --> 00:16:52,520 Speaker 3: It was dark and the stillness of morning was refreshing 272 00:16:52,520 --> 00:16:56,200 Speaker 3: to his soul. As Samuel walked through, he saw a 273 00:16:56,240 --> 00:17:01,320 Speaker 3: monument hewn from clay. It was large and glorious. Samuel 274 00:17:01,320 --> 00:17:04,560 Speaker 3: looked at it closely, seeing the engravings at the bottom 275 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:08,040 Speaker 3: of the monument to the glory of King Saul. 276 00:17:08,280 --> 00:17:08,720 Speaker 5: It read. 277 00:17:09,840 --> 00:17:14,400 Speaker 3: Samuel's peaceful demeanor quickly turned to rage. Saul had erected 278 00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:18,720 Speaker 3: a monument to himself. He truly was a golden calf. 279 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:23,920 Speaker 3: Samuel opened the doors of Saul's palace. The throne room 280 00:17:23,960 --> 00:17:27,399 Speaker 3: reeked of spilt wine and debauchery. Many of his guests 281 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:30,199 Speaker 3: were asleep, knocked out from the revelry of the evening. 282 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:33,639 Speaker 3: Saul was asleep on his throne with two women at 283 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:37,520 Speaker 3: his feet and on his lap. Beside him was King Agag, 284 00:17:37,960 --> 00:17:40,680 Speaker 3: still tied to rope, with his face beaten and bruised. 285 00:17:41,520 --> 00:17:45,080 Speaker 3: The clamoring of pillied sheep and oxen echoed from the outside. 286 00:17:45,240 --> 00:17:48,960 Speaker 3: Samuel stopped in the middle of the room. He looked 287 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:51,360 Speaker 3: at the king, then back of the pit of coals 288 00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:54,760 Speaker 3: resting on an iron stand. Although the flames were gone, 289 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:59,399 Speaker 3: the coal still radiated heat. The sound of snoring from 290 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:02,840 Speaker 3: the nobles guards back Samuel. He hated that they were 291 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:05,920 Speaker 3: sleeping atop the spoils of war that God so clearly 292 00:18:05,960 --> 00:18:09,479 Speaker 3: told them not to take. Samuel took his staff and 293 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:12,880 Speaker 3: slammed it against the iron firepit. He flipped it over, 294 00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:16,879 Speaker 3: spilling coals all over the floor. The loud noise awoke 295 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:20,800 Speaker 3: everyone in the room, causing a small panic. Saul awoke 296 00:18:20,840 --> 00:18:24,200 Speaker 3: and saw Samuel standing before him. He threw the women 297 00:18:24,240 --> 00:18:27,120 Speaker 3: off him and gestured for everyone in attendance to leave. 298 00:18:28,040 --> 00:18:31,840 Speaker 3: Saul composed himself, adjusted the crown on his head, and smiled. 299 00:18:32,680 --> 00:18:36,080 Speaker 3: The king walked up to Samuel, beaming with pride. He 300 00:18:36,119 --> 00:18:39,199 Speaker 3: opened his arms wide and said, glass, it'd be the 301 00:18:39,280 --> 00:18:42,199 Speaker 3: name of the Lord Samuel. I have done what was 302 00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:45,959 Speaker 3: asked of me. Samuel peered at Saul, trying to discern 303 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:49,240 Speaker 3: whether he was lying or truly believed he had obeyed God. 304 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:51,720 Speaker 6: Why then do I hear the bleeding of sheep in 305 00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:54,879 Speaker 6: my ears and the lowing of oxen outside? 306 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:57,199 Speaker 3: Saul scratched the back of his head and gave a 307 00:18:57,240 --> 00:18:57,919 Speaker 3: nervous grin. 308 00:18:58,359 --> 00:19:02,240 Speaker 2: The people brought them in from the Malakites. They spared 309 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:05,800 Speaker 2: the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to 310 00:19:05,880 --> 00:19:09,960 Speaker 2: the Lord your God. The rest we have surely devoted 311 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:14,119 Speaker 2: to destruction. They have been burned ash with the rest 312 00:19:14,160 --> 00:19:17,800 Speaker 2: of the land, just as God commanded. In fact, I 313 00:19:17,920 --> 00:19:21,240 Speaker 2: was just going to prepare everything for you to sacrifice 314 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:25,560 Speaker 2: to God. A even silence, the king stepped backwards over 315 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:28,879 Speaker 2: some spilled calls. The prophet lifted his staff and marched 316 00:19:28,920 --> 00:19:30,000 Speaker 2: forward towards Saul. 317 00:19:30,480 --> 00:19:33,360 Speaker 6: I am weary of your lies, Saul, enough of your 318 00:19:33,440 --> 00:19:36,560 Speaker 6: back pedaling and false holiness. I will tell you what 319 00:19:36,600 --> 00:19:38,200 Speaker 6: the Lord has said to me last night. 320 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:42,560 Speaker 3: Saul gulped and feigned confidence speak. He said, with a 321 00:19:42,560 --> 00:19:43,400 Speaker 3: polite gesture. 322 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:45,960 Speaker 6: Are you so little in your own eyes that you 323 00:19:46,040 --> 00:19:49,560 Speaker 6: need to strive for more glory? Samuel asked, the Lord 324 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:53,240 Speaker 6: anointed you king of Israel. Was that not enough? You 325 00:19:53,280 --> 00:19:56,520 Speaker 6: had to march forward and prove your worth, Yet you failed. 326 00:19:57,480 --> 00:19:59,639 Speaker 6: The Lord sent you on a mission. He told you 327 00:19:59,680 --> 00:20:02,200 Speaker 6: to go and destroyed the sinners who oppressed your people. 328 00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:05,679 Speaker 6: Why did you not obey his voice? Why did you 329 00:20:05,800 --> 00:20:08,760 Speaker 6: pounce on the spoils of war when God clearly told 330 00:20:08,800 --> 00:20:09,280 Speaker 6: you not to. 331 00:20:09,640 --> 00:20:13,760 Speaker 3: Saul's demeanor went from innocence to anger. He puffed out 332 00:20:13,800 --> 00:20:17,000 Speaker 3: his chest and furrowed his brow. He raised his voice 333 00:20:17,040 --> 00:20:22,679 Speaker 3: and bellowed, I have obeyed. The declaration echoed across the 334 00:20:22,720 --> 00:20:25,960 Speaker 3: empty halls. Samuel did not waver at the voice of 335 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:29,600 Speaker 3: the king. Although Saul was large and intimidating in stature, 336 00:20:30,119 --> 00:20:34,760 Speaker 3: he saw him for the small boy he was. Saul continued, saying. 337 00:20:34,960 --> 00:20:38,800 Speaker 2: I marched forward and conquered the people, just as God commanded. 338 00:20:39,119 --> 00:20:41,720 Speaker 2: I brought a gag the king of Amelek to show 339 00:20:41,760 --> 00:20:46,439 Speaker 2: our victory. I devoted the entire city to destruction. I 340 00:20:46,600 --> 00:20:49,720 Speaker 2: have done nothing wrong. It was the people who took 341 00:20:49,720 --> 00:20:53,479 Speaker 2: the spoil of war. They took the sheep, oxen gold. 342 00:20:54,040 --> 00:20:56,879 Speaker 2: Yet I have commanded this day for all of it 343 00:20:56,920 --> 00:21:00,000 Speaker 2: to be given to God in sacrifice. 344 00:21:00,080 --> 00:21:04,800 Speaker 3: Chest puffed up and down in anger, Samuel stood upright 345 00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:07,840 Speaker 3: and grasped his staff firmly. He lifted his head to 346 00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:12,040 Speaker 3: the king. His eyes were piercing. They peered directly into 347 00:21:12,119 --> 00:21:16,520 Speaker 3: Saul's heart. A chill rushed up saul spine. He knew 348 00:21:16,520 --> 00:21:19,080 Speaker 3: that his false sense of dismay did not fool Samuel. 349 00:21:19,880 --> 00:21:23,560 Speaker 3: The prophet spoke quietly, yet his words were like nails 350 00:21:23,560 --> 00:21:25,639 Speaker 3: being driven straight into Saul's chest. 351 00:21:26,040 --> 00:21:29,160 Speaker 6: Does not the Lord delight in obedience as he does 352 00:21:29,240 --> 00:21:34,080 Speaker 6: burnt offerings and sacrifices. Behold, it is better in God's 353 00:21:34,080 --> 00:21:37,840 Speaker 6: sight to obey him and to listen, than to sacrifice. 354 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:41,600 Speaker 3: At the altar, Samuel pressed his staff against the spilled coal. 355 00:21:42,040 --> 00:21:44,720 Speaker 3: It crunched underneath, causing sparks to pop up. 356 00:21:45,200 --> 00:21:50,360 Speaker 6: Rebellion is like witchcraft to him, Samuel said, And stubbornness 357 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:52,600 Speaker 6: is as sinful to him as idle worship. 358 00:21:53,480 --> 00:21:56,840 Speaker 3: The prophet walked past Saul the approached the throne. He 359 00:21:56,920 --> 00:21:59,960 Speaker 3: lifted the furs and the fine purple fabric off in disgust. 360 00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:02,359 Speaker 3: He tossed it aside and looked at Saul. 361 00:22:02,680 --> 00:22:06,359 Speaker 6: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord. He 362 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:08,400 Speaker 6: has rejected you as king. 363 00:22:08,880 --> 00:22:13,240 Speaker 3: Saul's eyes widened, and he quickly changed his demeanor to desperation. 364 00:22:13,600 --> 00:22:17,840 Speaker 2: I have sin, Samuel, I have transgressed against the commands 365 00:22:17,880 --> 00:22:22,600 Speaker 2: of God. I feared the people. I obeyed their voice. 366 00:22:22,880 --> 00:22:26,040 Speaker 2: I should have listened to God instead of them. But 367 00:22:26,160 --> 00:22:30,840 Speaker 2: I swear it was not my idea. Please pardon my 368 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:32,919 Speaker 2: sins and restore me to God. 369 00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:36,680 Speaker 3: A chuckle could be heard from the corner of the room. 370 00:22:36,960 --> 00:22:40,320 Speaker 3: King Agag was still tied up to the side. He 371 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:43,440 Speaker 3: scoffed and shook his head at Saul. He was there 372 00:22:43,480 --> 00:22:47,320 Speaker 3: when Saul gave the command. He knew the truth. Samuel 373 00:22:47,359 --> 00:22:48,040 Speaker 3: did as well. 374 00:22:48,240 --> 00:22:51,480 Speaker 6: I will not go anywhere with you, Saul. You have 375 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:54,240 Speaker 6: rejected the word of God, and the Lord has rejected 376 00:22:54,280 --> 00:22:54,920 Speaker 6: you as king. 377 00:22:55,680 --> 00:22:59,199 Speaker 3: Samuel turned to leave. Saul felt his knees tremble and 378 00:22:59,280 --> 00:23:03,760 Speaker 3: his throat show cop with tears. He frantically chased Samuel, saying. 379 00:23:03,760 --> 00:23:06,920 Speaker 2: No, please pray with me, Samuel. 380 00:23:07,240 --> 00:23:10,840 Speaker 3: Saul shouted. The prophet continued to leave. 381 00:23:11,280 --> 00:23:14,200 Speaker 2: Listen to me, Samuel, you must forgive me. 382 00:23:14,560 --> 00:23:18,320 Speaker 3: Saul protested. However, Samuel did not look at the king. 383 00:23:19,080 --> 00:23:23,480 Speaker 3: He continued to walk. Out of complete desperation. Saul seized 384 00:23:23,520 --> 00:23:27,280 Speaker 3: the back of Samuel's robe and pulled him. The robe tore, 385 00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:32,320 Speaker 3: exposing part of his back to the cold air. Saul 386 00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:34,480 Speaker 3: stood there with the peace of the robe in his hand. 387 00:23:35,320 --> 00:23:37,840 Speaker 3: Samuel turned to the king with sorrow in his eyes. 388 00:23:38,480 --> 00:23:41,840 Speaker 6: Just as you have torn my robe, so the Lord 389 00:23:41,880 --> 00:23:45,720 Speaker 6: has torn the Kingdom of Israel from you. This kingdom 390 00:23:45,760 --> 00:23:49,720 Speaker 6: will go to another. God has already chosen him. He 391 00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:51,840 Speaker 6: is a man that seeks after the heart of God 392 00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:53,719 Speaker 6: more than the heart of people. 393 00:23:54,600 --> 00:23:58,119 Speaker 3: Tears fell from Saul's eyes. He fell to the ground 394 00:23:58,160 --> 00:23:59,600 Speaker 3: and wept at Samuel's feet. 395 00:24:00,320 --> 00:24:05,359 Speaker 2: Please, Samuel, I have sinned. At least let me pray 396 00:24:05,440 --> 00:24:07,120 Speaker 2: with you in front of the elders. 397 00:24:08,280 --> 00:24:11,120 Speaker 3: Samuel allowed the elders to come in, and they all 398 00:24:11,200 --> 00:24:14,480 Speaker 3: watched a Saul prayed. A snicker could be heard from 399 00:24:14,480 --> 00:24:18,040 Speaker 3: across the room. Agag was leaning against the cedar pillar, 400 00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:22,800 Speaker 3: reveling in saul shame. Bring him to me, Samuel said. 401 00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:27,000 Speaker 3: Agag came before the prophet, smiling. He was pleased to 402 00:24:27,040 --> 00:24:30,399 Speaker 3: see the prophet beckon him. Surely, if he was spared 403 00:24:30,440 --> 00:24:32,720 Speaker 3: by the warrior king, he would be spared by the 404 00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:37,320 Speaker 3: old priest. Agag held his head high and said. 405 00:24:36,920 --> 00:24:40,119 Speaker 2: Surely we are past the bitterness of death. Let's be 406 00:24:40,200 --> 00:24:41,840 Speaker 2: done with this silly thing. 407 00:24:42,440 --> 00:24:45,320 Speaker 3: Samuel off the end of his staff and jammed it 408 00:24:45,359 --> 00:24:49,440 Speaker 3: into an Agag's stomach. The king kneeled over in pain, groaning. 409 00:24:50,440 --> 00:24:54,199 Speaker 3: Samuel swung his staff again at Agag's head, causing him 410 00:24:54,240 --> 00:24:58,280 Speaker 3: to fall completely to the ground. Samuel took SAAL's sword 411 00:24:58,400 --> 00:25:00,399 Speaker 3: right out of his sheath and pointed at to towards 412 00:25:00,480 --> 00:25:04,200 Speaker 3: a Gag. He peered down at him and said. 413 00:25:03,920 --> 00:25:07,280 Speaker 6: Just as your sword has made many women childless, your 414 00:25:07,320 --> 00:25:08,920 Speaker 6: mother will be childless this day. 415 00:25:09,600 --> 00:25:14,480 Speaker 3: Without warning or pretense, Samuel swung the sword downwards Agag's head. 416 00:25:15,119 --> 00:25:17,960 Speaker 3: The first blow did not kill a Gag. The king 417 00:25:18,040 --> 00:25:21,560 Speaker 3: screamed in pain. His panicked cries filled the air as 418 00:25:21,600 --> 00:25:24,920 Speaker 3: his blood spilled over the floor. Saul and the elders 419 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:28,240 Speaker 3: watched in horrific shock as Samuel capped his sword downward 420 00:25:28,280 --> 00:25:33,320 Speaker 3: at Agag. With each blow, Agag's strings grew quieter and quieter, 421 00:25:33,960 --> 00:25:38,919 Speaker 3: until he was dead and cut into pieces. Samuel was 422 00:25:38,920 --> 00:25:42,480 Speaker 3: out of breath, his face and robes were completely drenched 423 00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:46,680 Speaker 3: in blood. Without a word, he gave Saul his sword back, 424 00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:49,919 Speaker 3: picked up his staff, and limped out of the palace. 425 00:25:50,760 --> 00:25:53,840 Speaker 3: He went back to Ramah and did not return. He 426 00:25:53,840 --> 00:25:56,520 Speaker 3: would not see Saul again until the day he died. 427 00:25:57,520 --> 00:26:00,919 Speaker 3: He grieved the fall of Saul. Both he and the 428 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:03,879 Speaker 3: Lord were filled with regrets. 429 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:08,639 Speaker 1: What is the role of a king in God's eyes? 430 00:26:09,160 --> 00:26:12,080 Speaker 1: We see in scripture that the king's primary responsibility was 431 00:26:12,119 --> 00:26:15,119 Speaker 1: making sure God's will was done among the people. He 432 00:26:15,280 --> 00:26:17,840 Speaker 1: was supposed to deliver the people from their enemies and 433 00:26:17,920 --> 00:26:21,080 Speaker 1: lead them down a righteous path. The king was held 434 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:24,520 Speaker 1: more accountable than others because of his high calling. We 435 00:26:24,560 --> 00:26:26,480 Speaker 1: will see later on in the series that God will 436 00:26:26,480 --> 00:26:29,119 Speaker 1: not allow his anointed kings to get away with much. 437 00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:33,280 Speaker 1: The crown of God comes with expectations, and we have 438 00:26:33,359 --> 00:26:37,720 Speaker 1: seen Saul continually fall short of those expectations. Episode four 439 00:26:37,800 --> 00:26:41,680 Speaker 1: begins with the story taken from Exodus. The Amlkites were 440 00:26:41,760 --> 00:26:45,680 Speaker 1: ruthless against the helpless people of Israel, and God promised 441 00:26:45,680 --> 00:26:48,800 Speaker 1: to avenge them when the time was right. Even though 442 00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:52,520 Speaker 1: generations had passed since the original crimes of Amelek, their 443 00:26:52,520 --> 00:26:56,240 Speaker 1: wickedness had abided throughout the years. They were renowned for 444 00:26:56,280 --> 00:26:59,280 Speaker 1: their cruelty, and God knew the land would be better 445 00:26:59,359 --> 00:27:02,000 Speaker 1: off if they were wiped out. So who does God 446 00:27:02,080 --> 00:27:05,040 Speaker 1: called to carry out his vengeance the King of Israel. 447 00:27:05,600 --> 00:27:08,120 Speaker 1: It has been a long time since Saul has received 448 00:27:08,160 --> 00:27:11,920 Speaker 1: any direct message from Samuel, let alone the Lord himself. 449 00:27:12,359 --> 00:27:16,960 Speaker 1: God is extending another chance to Saul. Let's pause for 450 00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:21,040 Speaker 1: a moment and consider the goodness of God. As unprecedented 451 00:27:21,119 --> 00:27:24,439 Speaker 1: and erratic as Saul has become, God is still offering 452 00:27:24,520 --> 00:27:26,879 Speaker 1: him a chance to do the right thing be in 453 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:29,959 Speaker 1: carriage that the Lord always has a hand of mercy 454 00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:33,199 Speaker 1: extended to you, and there is always an opportunity to 455 00:27:33,240 --> 00:27:36,600 Speaker 1: obey him. This is Saul's chance to rekindle the flame 456 00:27:36,680 --> 00:27:40,200 Speaker 1: and set himself on the right track. God commands Saul 457 00:27:40,680 --> 00:27:45,560 Speaker 1: to go against the Amnkites as retribution for their past sins. Saul, 458 00:27:45,680 --> 00:27:48,520 Speaker 1: as the king of God's nation, is being asked to 459 00:27:48,560 --> 00:27:52,720 Speaker 1: represent him on the battlefield. This second chance comes at 460 00:27:52,760 --> 00:27:56,120 Speaker 1: a good time for Saul. He has been spiraling emotionally 461 00:27:56,240 --> 00:27:59,840 Speaker 1: for years. His soul yearned for some sort of purpose, 462 00:28:00,119 --> 00:28:02,960 Speaker 1: and now he finally gets the chance to seize the day. 463 00:28:03,840 --> 00:28:07,080 Speaker 1: Saul gathered his army and galloped to Amelek with passion. 464 00:28:07,560 --> 00:28:11,680 Speaker 1: To Sauls surprise, he experienced immediate victory. He had almost 465 00:28:11,720 --> 00:28:15,080 Speaker 1: forgotten what the favor of God felt like. For so long, 466 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:18,800 Speaker 1: Saul felt like he was running uphill and against the wind. 467 00:28:19,359 --> 00:28:23,119 Speaker 1: Everything he did, big or small, seemed exhausting. Fighting with 468 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:26,240 Speaker 1: God's favor felt like he was running with the wind 469 00:28:26,280 --> 00:28:31,840 Speaker 1: at his back, charging downhill. Unfortunately, immediately after his victory, 470 00:28:32,280 --> 00:28:35,040 Speaker 1: Saul took a dark turn. He fell into the trap 471 00:28:35,040 --> 00:28:38,840 Speaker 1: of pride once again and confused God's victory with his own. 472 00:28:39,400 --> 00:28:41,880 Speaker 1: This is a common trap we can all slip into. 473 00:28:42,800 --> 00:28:45,440 Speaker 1: Just like Saul took credit for Jonathan's victory in the 474 00:28:45,520 --> 00:28:49,240 Speaker 1: last episode, he was taking credit for God's victory. He 475 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:52,440 Speaker 1: let it go to his head and immediately started slipping 476 00:28:52,520 --> 00:28:56,240 Speaker 1: back into his old tendencies. A Gag, the king of 477 00:28:56,240 --> 00:28:59,880 Speaker 1: the Amlykites, played a part in this. He mocked saul 478 00:29:00,000 --> 00:29:03,920 Speaker 1: those validity is king, thus poking at Saul's sensitive areas. 479 00:29:04,560 --> 00:29:06,960 Speaker 1: Saul gave in and did the exact opposite of what 480 00:29:07,040 --> 00:29:09,719 Speaker 1: God told him to do. God told him to wipe 481 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:12,720 Speaker 1: everything out. He was told to take no prisoners and 482 00:29:12,800 --> 00:29:17,320 Speaker 1: take no spoils. Saul disobeyed both of those commands. He 483 00:29:17,400 --> 00:29:20,800 Speaker 1: took Agag and his riches back to Israel. He paraded 484 00:29:20,840 --> 00:29:24,000 Speaker 1: them around Israel like trophies, and once again chose the 485 00:29:24,040 --> 00:29:27,400 Speaker 1: praise of the people over obedience to God. If you 486 00:29:27,480 --> 00:29:30,320 Speaker 1: listen to the story again, you will see Saul talk 487 00:29:30,400 --> 00:29:33,320 Speaker 1: a lot about his glory. When he faces Agag, he says, 488 00:29:33,600 --> 00:29:36,320 Speaker 1: you will know my glory, Agag, you will see it 489 00:29:36,360 --> 00:29:39,880 Speaker 1: expand before your very eyes. When he ordered his men 490 00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:42,920 Speaker 1: to take Agag's treasure, he said, I want him to 491 00:29:42,960 --> 00:29:47,960 Speaker 1: watch my glory expand at his expense. Saul can't seem 492 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:51,400 Speaker 1: to help himself. He wants his own glory over God's, 493 00:29:51,800 --> 00:29:55,360 Speaker 1: and that's why he takes Agag and his treasure back 494 00:29:55,400 --> 00:29:58,680 Speaker 1: to Israel. You may be thinking at this point, what 495 00:29:58,720 --> 00:30:01,680 Speaker 1: the heck is wrong with Saul. He just can't seem 496 00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:04,640 Speaker 1: to get out of his own way. Well, let's take 497 00:30:04,680 --> 00:30:08,000 Speaker 1: a minute to consider our own hearts. We willingly disobey 498 00:30:08,080 --> 00:30:10,960 Speaker 1: God all the time, but since Saul is a king, 499 00:30:11,440 --> 00:30:13,880 Speaker 1: the stakes are higher and the focus on him is greater. 500 00:30:14,520 --> 00:30:17,400 Speaker 1: We must be careful in judging these characters too harshly. 501 00:30:17,800 --> 00:30:20,440 Speaker 1: They are flawed human beings like you and I. A 502 00:30:20,480 --> 00:30:23,440 Speaker 1: big difference between Saul and us is the level of 503 00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:26,400 Speaker 1: scrutiny put on us. If you were the king or 504 00:30:26,440 --> 00:30:29,000 Speaker 1: queen of Israel, many of your flaws would be put 505 00:30:29,040 --> 00:30:31,520 Speaker 1: on display for all to see. As well, we have 506 00:30:31,560 --> 00:30:34,920 Speaker 1: stories like sauls to provide us with wisdom so we 507 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:39,720 Speaker 1: don't repeat his mistakes. Saul's glory is short lived. Samuel 508 00:30:39,760 --> 00:30:42,600 Speaker 1: comes to face Saul and it is not a pleasant experience. 509 00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:47,640 Speaker 1: Samuel is livid. He demands an explanation from Saul, and 510 00:30:47,680 --> 00:30:51,200 Speaker 1: the king once again refuses to take responsibility for his actions. 511 00:30:51,600 --> 00:30:54,880 Speaker 1: He blames the people and feigns ignorance, and when that 512 00:30:54,920 --> 00:30:58,160 Speaker 1: doesn't work, he tries to justify his actions and claims 513 00:30:58,160 --> 00:31:01,320 Speaker 1: it was for the glory of God. Samuel isn't fooled, 514 00:31:01,320 --> 00:31:04,200 Speaker 1: and neither is God. Saul is so caught up in 515 00:31:04,240 --> 00:31:07,640 Speaker 1: the appearance of holiness that he neglected his heart. This 516 00:31:07,760 --> 00:31:09,960 Speaker 1: is an important theme that will be explored in the 517 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:13,920 Speaker 1: next episode. God cares very little about the outward appearance 518 00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:17,120 Speaker 1: of holiness to everyone else. Saul seemed to be a 519 00:31:17,160 --> 00:31:20,600 Speaker 1: good and righteous king, but his heart was consumed with vanity. 520 00:31:21,640 --> 00:31:24,320 Speaker 1: Samuel once again mentions the promise of a new king. 521 00:31:24,400 --> 00:31:27,920 Speaker 1: He says, this kingdom will go to another. God has 522 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:30,880 Speaker 1: already chosen him. He is a man that seeks after 523 00:31:30,920 --> 00:31:33,280 Speaker 1: the heart of God more than the heart of people. 524 00:31:34,080 --> 00:31:37,480 Speaker 1: Samuel has mentioned this mysterious king a few times now. 525 00:31:37,560 --> 00:31:40,800 Speaker 1: What is the consistent description of this king? He will 526 00:31:40,800 --> 00:31:43,720 Speaker 1: be a man after the heart of God. This is 527 00:31:43,760 --> 00:31:47,040 Speaker 1: truly where Saul has fallen short. He wants the heart 528 00:31:47,080 --> 00:31:50,160 Speaker 1: of the people so badly, but doesn't really seem to 529 00:31:50,200 --> 00:31:53,760 Speaker 1: care about the heart of God. Saul's outward faithfulness is 530 00:31:53,800 --> 00:31:56,440 Speaker 1: a sham. It may fool the people, but it doesn't 531 00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:59,120 Speaker 1: fool God. He has had enough of Saul's vapid and 532 00:31:59,160 --> 00:32:03,040 Speaker 1: empty religion. When Samuel knocks over the coals and stomps 533 00:32:03,080 --> 00:32:06,960 Speaker 1: on them, it is an image of a reset. Saul's 534 00:32:06,960 --> 00:32:10,160 Speaker 1: flame is being snuffed out. It is time for a 535 00:32:10,200 --> 00:32:13,200 Speaker 1: fresh start. A new king is going to rise up 536 00:32:13,240 --> 00:32:16,800 Speaker 1: and take the kingdom away from Saul. Samuel declares this 537 00:32:16,880 --> 00:32:19,920 Speaker 1: to the king, and he begs for forgiveness. It is 538 00:32:20,000 --> 00:32:23,240 Speaker 1: not a good look for Saul. He whinds and begs 539 00:32:23,280 --> 00:32:26,200 Speaker 1: like a child to no avail. God has made up 540 00:32:26,200 --> 00:32:30,200 Speaker 1: his mind. The final scene is a gruesome one. Samuel 541 00:32:30,200 --> 00:32:33,840 Speaker 1: beheads Agag, thus accomplishing the will of God. It was 542 00:32:33,920 --> 00:32:38,280 Speaker 1: sloppy and unceremonious, but it was done. Samuel cared more 543 00:32:38,280 --> 00:32:41,440 Speaker 1: about the will of God than any sort of flashy ceremony. 544 00:32:41,960 --> 00:32:45,760 Speaker 1: Agag was killed just like God wanted. Samuel departs and 545 00:32:45,840 --> 00:32:49,520 Speaker 1: leaves Saul in darkness. Nobody but Saul and Samuel know 546 00:32:49,920 --> 00:32:53,120 Speaker 1: that God has rejected him as king. Saul is able 547 00:32:53,160 --> 00:32:56,640 Speaker 1: to maintain the appearance of holiness all the while separated 548 00:32:56,640 --> 00:32:59,480 Speaker 1: from the heart of God. Is this something you can 549 00:32:59,520 --> 00:33:02,480 Speaker 1: relate to Do you have the appearance of holiness all 550 00:33:02,520 --> 00:33:05,800 Speaker 1: the while feeling distant from God? Do you feel trapped 551 00:33:05,800 --> 00:33:08,960 Speaker 1: by people's perception of you? Know that there are a 552 00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:12,760 Speaker 1: thousand second chances given to us in Christ. Seek him 553 00:33:12,760 --> 00:33:15,440 Speaker 1: and you will find him. Humble yourself and he will 554 00:33:15,440 --> 00:33:18,880 Speaker 1: lift you up. James tells us that God opposes the proud, 555 00:33:19,160 --> 00:33:22,080 Speaker 1: but gives grace to the humble. Saul's life is an 556 00:33:22,080 --> 00:33:24,840 Speaker 1: example of this principle. The thing that keeps us most 557 00:33:24,840 --> 00:33:28,400 Speaker 1: distant from God is our pride. If we humbly run 558 00:33:28,480 --> 00:33:32,760 Speaker 1: back to him, grace is given Freely consider and pray 559 00:33:32,800 --> 00:33:35,680 Speaker 1: about these things. I'm confident God will meet you in 560 00:33:35,760 --> 00:33:39,480 Speaker 1: your wondering. In our next episode, we will finally get 561 00:33:39,520 --> 00:33:43,040 Speaker 1: to meet the promised King of Israel. Unlike Saul, he 562 00:33:43,080 --> 00:33:45,480 Speaker 1: doesn't look like a king, but we will come to 563 00:33:45,520 --> 00:33:48,400 Speaker 1: find out God isn't looking for a king at all, 564 00:33:48,720 --> 00:33:51,760 Speaker 1: He's looking for a shepherd. Join us next time as 565 00:33:51,800 --> 00:33:55,640 Speaker 1: we meet the one and Only David. Thanks again for listening. 566 00:33:56,120 --> 00:33:59,360 Speaker 1: For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last 567 00:33:59,360 --> 00:34:03,080 Speaker 1: a lifetime, go to pray dot com. If you've enjoyed 568 00:34:03,160 --> 00:34:06,280 Speaker 1: these podcasts so far, please share it with your family 569 00:34:06,400 --> 00:34:08,839 Speaker 1: and friends, and help us spray at God's word