1 00:00:00,720 --> 00:00:04,560 Speaker 1: In nothing, be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and 2 00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:09,080 Speaker 1: petition with thanksgiving, Let your requests be made known to God. 3 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:14,320 Speaker 1: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will 4 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:19,320 Speaker 1: guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus Philippians 5 00:00:19,360 --> 00:00:24,840 Speaker 1: four six and seven. Dear God, to day, I make 6 00:00:24,880 --> 00:00:28,560 Speaker 1: a conscious decision to shift my focus from the problem 7 00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:33,040 Speaker 1: to the provider. I know that whatever I focus on 8 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:38,600 Speaker 1: gets magnified, it grows bigger and bigger in my life. 9 00:00:38,920 --> 00:00:42,919 Speaker 1: So I will not focus on my problems or my difficulties, 10 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:47,400 Speaker 1: but on the one who has all the solutions. I 11 00:00:47,440 --> 00:00:52,159 Speaker 1: will focus on your goodness, your faithfulness, your love for me. 12 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:57,400 Speaker 1: Instead of worrying about anything. I will come to you 13 00:00:57,560 --> 00:01:01,560 Speaker 1: about everything. I will come to you in prayer with thanksgiving. 14 00:01:02,720 --> 00:01:05,880 Speaker 1: As I do this, I know I will experience your peace. 15 00:01:07,720 --> 00:01:08,000 Speaker 2: Lord. 16 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:11,560 Speaker 1: I want to be filled with that peace today, Peace 17 00:01:11,600 --> 00:01:15,480 Speaker 1: that is too wonderful for me to understand. It's a 18 00:01:15,520 --> 00:01:20,400 Speaker 1: supernatural peace that doesn't depend on my circumstances. It can't 19 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:24,520 Speaker 1: be shaken or taken from me. It is a gift 20 00:01:24,640 --> 00:01:30,080 Speaker 1: from You. As I pray, I remember all the times 21 00:01:30,120 --> 00:01:33,480 Speaker 1: you have come through for me, all the times you've 22 00:01:33,520 --> 00:01:39,640 Speaker 1: protected me and provided for me. It gives me courage 23 00:01:39,680 --> 00:01:42,959 Speaker 1: and confidence as I wait to see what you will do. 24 00:01:44,440 --> 00:01:52,360 Speaker 1: My hope and my trust is in you in Jesus' name, Amen, 25 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:58,360 Speaker 1: thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned to 26 00:01:58,440 --> 00:02:01,920 Speaker 1: immerse yourself in the great gatest stories ever told from 27 00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:05,160 Speaker 1: Prey dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 28 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:07,240 Speaker 3: Hello. 29 00:02:07,360 --> 00:02:10,160 Speaker 4: My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey dot com, 30 00:02:10,320 --> 00:02:12,920 Speaker 4: and before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible, 31 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:16,120 Speaker 4: I wanted to ask do you know what your bank 32 00:02:16,320 --> 00:02:19,799 Speaker 4: does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your 33 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:24,200 Speaker 4: everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies, 34 00:02:24,440 --> 00:02:28,200 Speaker 4: and supports fellow believers across the country. Learn more about 35 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:33,160 Speaker 4: specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities 36 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:40,080 Speaker 4: at America's christiancu dot Com Forward slash Prey plus the 37 00:02:40,120 --> 00:02:42,919 Speaker 4: peace of mind knowing that this credit Union is federally 38 00:02:42,960 --> 00:02:46,040 Speaker 4: insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 39 00:02:47,880 --> 00:02:50,440 Speaker 5: Hi, I'm doc to Tony Evans, jehost for Heroes in 40 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:54,560 Speaker 5: the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please 41 00:02:54,600 --> 00:02:56,920 Speaker 5: share it with your family and friends and help us 42 00:02:56,919 --> 00:03:00,880 Speaker 5: spread God's Word. Welcome to the epic Adventure of David, 43 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:06,840 Speaker 5: a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 44 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:10,040 Speaker 5: and murder. While most people know of David the Myth, 45 00:03:10,520 --> 00:03:13,799 Speaker 5: few know about David the Man. I'm glad you're here 46 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:17,040 Speaker 5: with me as we mind the depths of this renowned tale. 47 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:21,440 Speaker 5: In this episode, Saul receives a second chance. He has 48 00:03:21,480 --> 00:03:24,680 Speaker 5: given the opportunity to avenge God's people and write a 49 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:28,080 Speaker 5: past wrong. Will Saul be up to the challenge or 50 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:30,720 Speaker 5: will he crumble under the weight of his own ego. 51 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:35,960 Speaker 5: This particular episode is short but incredibly dark. Saul goes 52 00:03:36,040 --> 00:03:39,560 Speaker 5: on a bloody conquest in search of glory, but only 53 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:43,400 Speaker 5: finds more disappointment and sadness. At the end, his vain 54 00:03:43,560 --> 00:03:46,880 Speaker 5: grasp at grandeur leave him empty, alone, and devoid of 55 00:03:46,880 --> 00:03:49,920 Speaker 5: God's favor. You may be wondering, at this point in 56 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:53,480 Speaker 5: the story about David. Where is he? Why haven't we 57 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:56,880 Speaker 5: seen him yet? This series is not supposed to be 58 00:03:56,920 --> 00:03:59,960 Speaker 5: about Saul, so why have we heard so much about him? 59 00:04:00,760 --> 00:04:04,080 Speaker 5: These are fair questions to ask, and you won't need 60 00:04:04,120 --> 00:04:08,400 Speaker 5: to ask them for much longer. Saul's spiraling descent sets 61 00:04:08,440 --> 00:04:11,480 Speaker 5: the stage for David to enter. But make no mistake, 62 00:04:11,640 --> 00:04:14,880 Speaker 5: Saul isn't going anywhere. For better or worse. Saw will 63 00:04:14,920 --> 00:04:18,320 Speaker 5: remain in this story for a long time. He is 64 00:04:18,360 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 5: a walking reminder of the pitfalls of pride. We should 65 00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:24,680 Speaker 5: be careful to not shoe him away too quickly. We 66 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:27,240 Speaker 5: need him as a reminder that there is only one 67 00:04:27,279 --> 00:04:30,360 Speaker 5: heartache for us when we succumb to pride and anxiety. 68 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:34,040 Speaker 5: Take a different posture when you listen to this episode. 69 00:04:34,200 --> 00:04:37,120 Speaker 5: Instead of judging Saul, look at him as if you 70 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:40,320 Speaker 5: were looking into a mirror. Look at where your own 71 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:43,400 Speaker 5: ego has led you astray, then look to Jesus for 72 00:04:43,480 --> 00:04:47,360 Speaker 5: a way back. Saul isn't going to be quite as introspective. 73 00:04:47,640 --> 00:04:50,880 Speaker 5: But first we begin with a prelude, a story from 74 00:04:50,880 --> 00:04:54,919 Speaker 5: another space and time conveying the same message. This prelude 75 00:04:54,960 --> 00:04:58,240 Speaker 5: is more than just a parallel story, though. This prelude 76 00:04:58,320 --> 00:05:01,080 Speaker 5: is the beginning of a long standing and grudge God 77 00:05:01,120 --> 00:05:05,040 Speaker 5: holds against a certain nation. Let's listen episode four together, 78 00:05:05,520 --> 00:05:06,880 Speaker 5: a Rejected. 79 00:05:06,400 --> 00:05:16,839 Speaker 3: King prelude to chapter four. The sweet taste of freedom 80 00:05:16,920 --> 00:05:20,120 Speaker 3: was on the lips of Israel. God had delivered them 81 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:22,640 Speaker 3: out of the grips of slavery and into the fresh 82 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:26,080 Speaker 3: air of liberation. They bashed in the glory of their 83 00:05:26,120 --> 00:05:28,920 Speaker 3: savior and cheered at the hope of a new land 84 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:32,880 Speaker 3: flowing with milk and honey. The people of God were 85 00:05:32,880 --> 00:05:36,640 Speaker 3: a nation of former slaves, freed from captivity. They had 86 00:05:36,680 --> 00:05:40,279 Speaker 3: no weapons or military might. However, they did have the 87 00:05:40,320 --> 00:05:43,599 Speaker 3: wealth that was taken from Egypt. They had gold and livestock. 88 00:05:44,520 --> 00:05:48,279 Speaker 3: The Amalekites, who lived east of Egypt, proud like lions 89 00:05:48,279 --> 00:05:52,200 Speaker 3: in the reeds, ready to pounce. When the people were 90 00:05:52,200 --> 00:05:57,040 Speaker 3: at their most vulnerable, the Amalekites attacked. They raided God's 91 00:05:57,040 --> 00:06:00,000 Speaker 3: people from the rear and picked apart their elderly and children. 92 00:06:00,880 --> 00:06:03,679 Speaker 3: They stole Israel's wealth and took some of their women 93 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:06,920 Speaker 3: as slaves. Children were taken from their parents and either 94 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:10,479 Speaker 3: killed or enslaved. The men were struck down and made 95 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:13,880 Speaker 3: a mockery of having taken advantage of the weary people 96 00:06:13,920 --> 00:06:17,880 Speaker 3: of Israel. The Amalekites fled back into the wilderness. They 97 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:21,080 Speaker 3: left God's people even more vulnerable and helpless than they 98 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:25,560 Speaker 3: already were. This God would not forget. He made a 99 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:28,960 Speaker 3: promise to his people. After that, the Lord declared through 100 00:06:28,960 --> 00:06:30,040 Speaker 3: the mouth of Moses. 101 00:06:30,400 --> 00:06:33,800 Speaker 2: Remember what Amelek did to you on the wings as 102 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:37,960 Speaker 2: you were fleeing Egypt. Remember how he met you on 103 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:43,240 Speaker 2: the way and attacked you. Stragglers were struck down, and 104 00:06:43,400 --> 00:06:49,840 Speaker 2: the children were attacked. Amelek does not fear God. Therefore 105 00:06:50,240 --> 00:06:54,040 Speaker 2: it shall be when the Lord your God has established 106 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:57,080 Speaker 2: you in the promised Land, I will blot out the 107 00:06:57,120 --> 00:07:02,040 Speaker 2: remembrance of Amelek from under heaven. I will avenge you, 108 00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:09,600 Speaker 2: and you shall never forget my faithfulness. 109 00:07:10,560 --> 00:07:16,240 Speaker 3: Chapter four, A rejected king blonde poured forth like rain 110 00:07:16,400 --> 00:07:20,680 Speaker 3: bursting from the clouds. Saul's once glimmering golden armor was 111 00:07:20,720 --> 00:07:23,360 Speaker 3: now drenched in scarlet as his soul fell on yet 112 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:27,480 Speaker 3: another enemy. His veracity in battle had only increased since 113 00:07:27,480 --> 00:07:31,080 Speaker 3: his last encounter with the Philistines. He was spent on 114 00:07:31,200 --> 00:07:35,560 Speaker 3: proving his worth as king. The battlefield was laced with 115 00:07:35,600 --> 00:07:39,640 Speaker 3: the bodies of dead Moldites. To Saul's pleasure, he had 116 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:42,640 Speaker 3: cut down the raiders who had attacked the storehouses at Jericho. 117 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:46,560 Speaker 3: His large chest raised up and down with his heavy breathing. 118 00:07:47,160 --> 00:07:50,760 Speaker 3: He was pleased with himself for defending his kingdom, but 119 00:07:50,840 --> 00:07:55,880 Speaker 3: not satisfied with just one victory. Saul's broad shoulders carried 120 00:07:55,880 --> 00:07:58,800 Speaker 3: the weight of israel safety. It was a heavy burden, 121 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:02,120 Speaker 3: yet he was to German to bear it alone. He 122 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:07,240 Speaker 3: raged against every nation that came against them. Saul then 123 00:08:07,280 --> 00:08:10,200 Speaker 3: took his army to the Ammonites. They had raided the 124 00:08:10,240 --> 00:08:13,440 Speaker 3: borders of Israel near Jeras for years, and the people 125 00:08:13,480 --> 00:08:16,800 Speaker 3: were growing weary. Saul marched up against them to strike 126 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:21,440 Speaker 3: them at their heels. The battle was arduous and painful. However, 127 00:08:21,520 --> 00:08:24,880 Speaker 3: Saul continued to press in with force. He marched at 128 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:27,400 Speaker 3: the front of a battle, making it known that he 129 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:30,320 Speaker 3: was the king of Israel. He wanted to make his 130 00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:33,520 Speaker 3: name known among the nations. He wanted the other kings 131 00:08:33,520 --> 00:08:36,760 Speaker 3: to tremble in fear when they saw him ride. He 132 00:08:36,840 --> 00:08:39,720 Speaker 3: did the same to the Edomites and the kings of Zoba. 133 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:43,560 Speaker 3: Saul slashed at their armies, wounding them but not striking 134 00:08:43,559 --> 00:08:47,439 Speaker 3: them down completely. For all his striving, he was able 135 00:08:47,480 --> 00:08:52,079 Speaker 3: to defend his country, but conquest eluded him. Saul became 136 00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:55,720 Speaker 3: obsessed with war. It consumed his thoughts day and night. 137 00:08:56,400 --> 00:09:00,160 Speaker 3: Israel was surrounded by enemies on almost every side, and 138 00:09:00,240 --> 00:09:03,320 Speaker 3: Saul felt the incredible pressure of protecting the people and 139 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:07,760 Speaker 3: making his kingdom great. However, the stroke of Saul's sword 140 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:11,320 Speaker 3: was broad but shallow. Because Saul was not a man 141 00:09:11,360 --> 00:09:14,520 Speaker 3: after God's own heart, and because his own relationship with 142 00:09:14,600 --> 00:09:18,160 Speaker 3: God was more about image than substance, his kingdom would 143 00:09:18,160 --> 00:09:21,600 Speaker 3: not expand. Everything he sought to conquer seemed to fall 144 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:24,800 Speaker 3: short of the ultimate glory he was searching for. The 145 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:27,760 Speaker 3: lack of complete victory left him with an ache in 146 00:09:27,800 --> 00:09:31,559 Speaker 3: his heart he could not mend. After his battle with 147 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:35,760 Speaker 3: the Edomites, Saul retreated to his fortress in Gibea. The 148 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 3: palace halls were arrayed with tapestries telling of his greatest battles. 149 00:09:40,360 --> 00:09:43,040 Speaker 3: Silver lamp stand stood tall around the perimeter of his 150 00:09:43,160 --> 00:09:46,840 Speaker 3: throne room. His throne was finally carved out of cedar 151 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:50,439 Speaker 3: and draped and fine furs and hand woven purple blankets. 152 00:09:51,960 --> 00:09:55,599 Speaker 3: Saul rested back on his throne, staring blankly at the 153 00:09:55,720 --> 00:09:58,840 Speaker 3: large fire burning in the middle of the hall. Its 154 00:09:58,880 --> 00:10:03,240 Speaker 3: flames were enchanting, filling up the room with heat. Saul's 155 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:06,240 Speaker 3: body was weary for months of battle, but his mind 156 00:10:06,360 --> 00:10:10,360 Speaker 3: was racing and unable to rest. He had successfully staved 157 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:13,880 Speaker 3: off enemy attacks amassed a large army to contend with 158 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:17,680 Speaker 3: surrounding nations and sired children who were successful in battle, 159 00:10:18,400 --> 00:10:22,760 Speaker 3: Yet happiness saluted him. He slouched back in his throne 160 00:10:22,800 --> 00:10:26,360 Speaker 3: like a defeated man. He longed for purpose beyond battle. 161 00:10:27,080 --> 00:10:31,480 Speaker 3: He longed for the voice of God. As Saul brooded 162 00:10:31,520 --> 00:10:34,559 Speaker 3: over the fire, the doors of the throne room creaked open. 163 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:38,760 Speaker 3: Light from outside came through, and a silhouetted figure entered in. 164 00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:42,160 Speaker 3: Saul sat up in his throne and watched the hooded 165 00:10:42,200 --> 00:10:46,080 Speaker 3: figure limp forward. He recognized the staff in the man's hands. 166 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:49,400 Speaker 3: The cloaked man sat by the fire and gestured for 167 00:10:49,440 --> 00:10:52,800 Speaker 3: Saul to come forward. Saul left his throne and bent 168 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:57,160 Speaker 3: akneed at the man. He removed his hood. It was Samuel. 169 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:01,400 Speaker 3: Saul grabbed Samuel's robe and pressed his face against it. 170 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:05,120 Speaker 3: The large king knelt before the old priest in silence. 171 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:09,319 Speaker 3: Samuel said nothing. He simply placed his hand on the 172 00:11:09,400 --> 00:11:15,120 Speaker 3: king's head. Saul, unable to control himself, burst into tears. 173 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:18,680 Speaker 3: The sound of his sobs filled the halls and echoed 174 00:11:18,679 --> 00:11:23,520 Speaker 3: through the palace. He clung to Samuel tightly. Samuel looked 175 00:11:23,559 --> 00:11:27,240 Speaker 3: down at Saul with great pity. He knew that the 176 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:30,120 Speaker 3: removal of God's favor was torture for the first king 177 00:11:30,160 --> 00:11:34,400 Speaker 3: of Israel. For years, he had marched without the power 178 00:11:34,480 --> 00:11:38,360 Speaker 3: of God's spirit. His heart was growing weary and faint. 179 00:11:39,120 --> 00:11:40,880 Speaker 6: You are still king of Israel, are you. 180 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:45,480 Speaker 3: Not, Samuel said. Hearing Samuel's voice again was like fresh 181 00:11:45,520 --> 00:11:50,640 Speaker 3: water to Saul. The king nodded in silence. Samuel continued, saying. 182 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:52,840 Speaker 6: The Lord has sent me to anoint you for his 183 00:11:52,920 --> 00:11:57,079 Speaker 6: next battle. The people of Ameleek have raged against Israel 184 00:11:57,120 --> 00:12:01,600 Speaker 6: for generations. Thus, says the Lord, I will punish Amelek 185 00:12:01,679 --> 00:12:03,920 Speaker 6: for what they did to Israel long ago. When they 186 00:12:03,920 --> 00:12:07,800 Speaker 6: were fleeing from Egypt. They ambushed Israel and took advantage 187 00:12:07,800 --> 00:12:10,480 Speaker 6: of the weakened people who had just fled from slavery. 188 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,760 Speaker 6: Now go and attack the Amalekites. Destroy them all and 189 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:18,320 Speaker 6: spare no one, and take no spoil of war. 190 00:12:18,920 --> 00:12:22,040 Speaker 3: Saul looked up at Samuel. This was his chance to 191 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:25,080 Speaker 3: redeem himself. The Lord had given him a task, and 192 00:12:25,160 --> 00:12:28,679 Speaker 3: he was determined to see it through. Saul kissed Samuel's 193 00:12:28,679 --> 00:12:33,079 Speaker 3: hand in reverence, bowed, and stood up to amass his army. 194 00:12:35,120 --> 00:12:38,520 Speaker 3: Two hundred thousand men stood armed and ready behind their king. 195 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:42,319 Speaker 3: The sun had risen over the valleys of Tulame. Saul's 196 00:12:42,400 --> 00:12:46,040 Speaker 3: armor glimmered in the sun, bursting with color and glory. 197 00:12:46,600 --> 00:12:49,360 Speaker 3: He sent messengers to the Kennites who lived on the 198 00:12:49,400 --> 00:12:53,120 Speaker 3: border of the Amalekite land. He warned them that the 199 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:56,160 Speaker 3: armies of Israel were prepared to fight, and that they 200 00:12:56,160 --> 00:13:00,520 Speaker 3: should flee quickly, since no one would be spared. The 201 00:13:00,559 --> 00:13:02,760 Speaker 3: messenger snuck into the village and said. 202 00:13:02,800 --> 00:13:04,079 Speaker 6: Depart from the land quickly. 203 00:13:04,720 --> 00:13:07,480 Speaker 4: Your people showed kindness to our ancestors when they came 204 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:08,160 Speaker 4: out of Egypt. 205 00:13:08,800 --> 00:13:10,360 Speaker 6: Flee and save yourselves. 206 00:13:10,920 --> 00:13:14,240 Speaker 3: So the Kenites did as they were told. Saul's mercy 207 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:17,240 Speaker 3: towards the Kenites made him even more beloved among his men. 208 00:13:18,120 --> 00:13:21,080 Speaker 3: Once they had fled, Saul raised his sword high in 209 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:23,960 Speaker 3: the air. His strong arm gave hope to the men 210 00:13:24,000 --> 00:13:28,400 Speaker 3: behind him. They roared like mighty waves. Saul swung his 211 00:13:28,440 --> 00:13:32,800 Speaker 3: sword forward, gesturing for them to advance. Together. Two hundred 212 00:13:32,800 --> 00:13:36,120 Speaker 3: thousand of them marched upon the city of Pablah. The 213 00:13:36,160 --> 00:13:39,040 Speaker 3: men marched with spears and swords, ready to ambush the 214 00:13:39,040 --> 00:13:43,480 Speaker 3: Amalekites and enact vengeance for the years of cruelty. However, 215 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:47,800 Speaker 3: they would not be conquered so easily. Agag, the Amalekite king, 216 00:13:47,960 --> 00:13:50,320 Speaker 3: had caught wind of their ambush early enough to call 217 00:13:50,360 --> 00:13:53,000 Speaker 3: his troops to the north gates. They waited there for 218 00:13:53,040 --> 00:13:56,880 Speaker 3: the Israelites to break through. However, Saul was already a 219 00:13:56,880 --> 00:13:59,880 Speaker 3: step ahead of Agag. He had half of his army 220 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:02,960 Speaker 3: rigged to the left around to the western border. Before 221 00:14:02,960 --> 00:14:06,040 Speaker 3: Agag could rally enough men to the other side, Saul 222 00:14:06,120 --> 00:14:09,600 Speaker 3: was able to strike. The armies of Israel burst forth 223 00:14:09,679 --> 00:14:12,360 Speaker 3: leg a tidal wave on the cities of the Amalekites 224 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:16,440 Speaker 3: from Havila all the way to shr God's people utterly 225 00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 3: destroyed the oppressors of the East. In all his years 226 00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:25,160 Speaker 3: of striving, Saul had never experienced such a conquest. He 227 00:14:25,240 --> 00:14:27,760 Speaker 3: watched as the Amalekite people quivered in fear at the 228 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:31,000 Speaker 3: sight of him. They knew his name, and they knew 229 00:14:31,120 --> 00:14:35,440 Speaker 3: his sword. Saul basked in the glory, burning down the 230 00:14:35,480 --> 00:14:39,200 Speaker 3: Amalekite cities and reducing them to ashes. He led a 231 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:43,120 Speaker 3: company of his men through the streets of Haviva. They 232 00:14:43,200 --> 00:14:45,840 Speaker 3: burst through the gates of Agag's palace and cut down 233 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:49,240 Speaker 3: the guards with ease. Saul marched forward with fire in 234 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:52,440 Speaker 3: his belly. With his massive leg, he kicked open the 235 00:14:52,480 --> 00:14:56,040 Speaker 3: door of a GAG's estable. The door frayed into pieces. 236 00:14:56,760 --> 00:14:59,480 Speaker 3: The king slowly walked forward to see Agag and his 237 00:14:59,560 --> 00:15:02,240 Speaker 3: men armed and ready in the middle of the palace halls. 238 00:15:02,960 --> 00:15:06,680 Speaker 3: Agag's men took the first step forward and attacked. SAAL's 239 00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:10,200 Speaker 3: men retaliated swiftly, disarming them and pinning them to the 240 00:15:10,200 --> 00:15:14,120 Speaker 3: wall with their own spears. King Agag gripped his sword tightly. 241 00:15:14,760 --> 00:15:18,320 Speaker 3: His eyes were filled with hatred, not fear. He advanced 242 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:22,000 Speaker 3: towards Saul, going straight for the neck. Saul parried the 243 00:15:22,040 --> 00:15:24,200 Speaker 3: attack and returned with a slash of his sword to 244 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:28,120 Speaker 3: the ankles. Agag fell to the floor, and Saul pressed 245 00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:32,640 Speaker 3: his sword against the king's neck. Agag looked up and laughed. 246 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:37,400 Speaker 7: So you are Israel's ruler, a peasant king for a 247 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:38,400 Speaker 7: peasant people. 248 00:15:38,720 --> 00:15:42,760 Speaker 3: He scoffed. Saul kicked Agag and the jerk, sending him 249 00:15:42,760 --> 00:15:46,560 Speaker 3: to the floor. Agag simply laughed more and wiped his chin. 250 00:15:46,960 --> 00:15:50,880 Speaker 7: Ha ha, you have conquered my city, but do not think 251 00:15:50,880 --> 00:15:52,320 Speaker 7: that makes you a king. 252 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:54,120 Speaker 3: He spat in Saul's direction. 253 00:15:54,640 --> 00:15:58,480 Speaker 7: Your stench of a country will burn under a mightier 254 00:15:58,720 --> 00:16:04,000 Speaker 7: and more noble army, you and your God will be forgotten. 255 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:07,480 Speaker 3: Saul leaned down and grabbed Agag by the hair. He 256 00:16:07,560 --> 00:16:11,360 Speaker 3: lifted him up to eye level and said, you will. 257 00:16:11,080 --> 00:16:15,360 Speaker 2: Know my glory, Agag, you will see it expand before 258 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:19,120 Speaker 2: your very eyes. He threw the Amalekite king onto the 259 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:22,600 Speaker 2: floor and gestured to his men. Bind the king with rope. 260 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:27,600 Speaker 2: Then take all his wealth. Take the wealth of the city, 261 00:16:28,080 --> 00:16:32,760 Speaker 2: the sheep, the oxen, and the calves. I want a 262 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:37,840 Speaker 2: gag to watch is I take everything he and his 263 00:16:38,080 --> 00:16:42,400 Speaker 2: ancestors have worked for. I want him to watch my 264 00:16:42,640 --> 00:16:46,000 Speaker 2: glory expand at his expense. 265 00:16:46,760 --> 00:16:49,400 Speaker 3: The men did as they were told, and Saul took 266 00:16:49,440 --> 00:16:53,280 Speaker 3: Agag and the spoils of war back to Israel. Saul 267 00:16:53,400 --> 00:16:55,800 Speaker 3: entered in on a stolen chariot, and the people of 268 00:16:55,920 --> 00:16:59,240 Speaker 3: Israel cheered. They sang songs in the streets to him 269 00:16:59,320 --> 00:17:02,840 Speaker 3: and chatted his name. Saul basked in the glory of 270 00:17:02,840 --> 00:17:06,320 Speaker 3: his conquest. He paraded a gag around like an animal 271 00:17:06,320 --> 00:17:10,119 Speaker 3: on ropes. The people laughed and rejoiced in the gold, silver, 272 00:17:10,200 --> 00:17:14,040 Speaker 3: and livestock that Saul had taken. Finally, they had a 273 00:17:14,119 --> 00:17:17,479 Speaker 3: kingdom that could conquer other kingdoms. Finally, they had a 274 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:22,200 Speaker 3: conquering king. He would bring their nation into glory. Saul 275 00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:25,359 Speaker 3: beamed with pride and led Agag and the spoils of 276 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:29,440 Speaker 3: war back to his palace in Gilgal. There he held 277 00:17:29,480 --> 00:17:33,320 Speaker 3: a celebration for the victory over the Amalekites. The nobility 278 00:17:33,400 --> 00:17:36,679 Speaker 3: of Israel filled the halls of Saul's palace. The food 279 00:17:36,720 --> 00:17:39,840 Speaker 3: and wine were endless, and the music echoed throughout the 280 00:17:39,880 --> 00:17:43,919 Speaker 3: cities of Israel. Saul drank and laughed to his heart, content, 281 00:17:44,640 --> 00:17:47,560 Speaker 3: keeping Agag tied closely to his throne like a dog. 282 00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:51,760 Speaker 3: Exotic dancers laced the perimeter of his throne, room swag 283 00:17:51,840 --> 00:17:55,879 Speaker 3: to the music. Beside the lampstance, Saul lounged back with 284 00:17:55,960 --> 00:17:58,600 Speaker 3: a cup in his hand, raising it to his own glory. 285 00:18:01,880 --> 00:18:06,639 Speaker 3: Miles from Saul's palace, Samuel sat underneath the stars. The 286 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:10,720 Speaker 3: biting breeze signaled that winter was fast approaching. Samuel wrapped 287 00:18:10,800 --> 00:18:13,760 Speaker 3: himself tightly with his robe and shivered. He sensed an 288 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:17,320 Speaker 3: uneasiness in the air. The peace of the land had 289 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:21,480 Speaker 3: been disrupted, and Samuel could sense the furious heart of God. 290 00:18:22,680 --> 00:18:26,119 Speaker 3: The prophet closed his eyes and listened. The wind howled 291 00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:30,679 Speaker 3: across the valley. Amidst the wind and rustling bushes, a voice. 292 00:18:30,440 --> 00:18:37,080 Speaker 2: Spoke, I greatly regret Saul's anointing as king. He has 293 00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:41,080 Speaker 2: turned his back on me and pursued his own glory 294 00:18:41,760 --> 00:18:44,000 Speaker 2: instead of mine. 295 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:47,920 Speaker 3: Samuel was grieved by God's words. He felt the very 296 00:18:47,960 --> 00:18:51,760 Speaker 3: same pain that the Lord expressed. Samuel had once seen 297 00:18:51,800 --> 00:18:55,280 Speaker 3: glimmers of light break forth from Saul's heart. He had 298 00:18:55,320 --> 00:18:59,680 Speaker 3: moments of greatness and humility. However, his pride had taken 299 00:18:59,680 --> 00:19:03,240 Speaker 3: hold of him like weeds to a garden. Samuel fell 300 00:19:03,280 --> 00:19:06,560 Speaker 3: to his knees and wept. The wind drowned out the 301 00:19:06,600 --> 00:19:09,920 Speaker 3: sound of his grief. He had warned the people about 302 00:19:09,960 --> 00:19:14,560 Speaker 3: anointing a king, However he did not rejoice in being right. 303 00:19:15,359 --> 00:19:19,119 Speaker 3: He lamented because of it. His tears turned to frost 304 00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:21,639 Speaker 3: as they fell on the grass. He knew what he 305 00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:25,359 Speaker 3: had to do. He had to go and reject the 306 00:19:25,480 --> 00:19:32,320 Speaker 3: king of Israel. Early the next morning, before the sun rose, 307 00:19:32,640 --> 00:19:36,800 Speaker 3: Samuel departed for Gilgal. The old prophet passed through Carmel. 308 00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:40,160 Speaker 3: It was dark, and the stillness of morning was refreshing 309 00:19:40,200 --> 00:19:43,879 Speaker 3: to his soul. As Samuel walked through, he saw a 310 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:48,960 Speaker 3: monument hewn from clay. It was large and glorious. Samuel 311 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:52,240 Speaker 3: looked at it closely, seeing the engravings at the bottom 312 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:55,680 Speaker 3: of the monument to the glory of King Saul. 313 00:19:55,960 --> 00:19:56,399 Speaker 2: It read. 314 00:19:57,520 --> 00:20:02,199 Speaker 3: Samuel's peaceful demeanor quickly turned to Saul had erected a 315 00:20:02,240 --> 00:20:08,400 Speaker 3: monument to himself. He truly was a golden calf. Samuel 316 00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:11,959 Speaker 3: opened the doors of Saul's palace. The throne room reeked 317 00:20:11,960 --> 00:20:15,680 Speaker 3: of spilt wine and debauchery. Many of his guests were asleep, 318 00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:19,399 Speaker 3: knocked out from the revelry of the evening. Saul was 319 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:21,680 Speaker 3: asleep on his throne with two women at his feet 320 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:25,919 Speaker 3: and on his lap. Beside him was King Agag, still 321 00:20:25,960 --> 00:20:29,240 Speaker 3: tied to rope, with his face beaten and bruised. The 322 00:20:29,320 --> 00:20:32,879 Speaker 3: clamoring of pillared sheep and oxen echoed from the outside. 323 00:20:32,920 --> 00:20:36,640 Speaker 3: Samuel stopped in the middle of the room. He looked 324 00:20:36,640 --> 00:20:39,000 Speaker 3: at the king, then back of the pit of coals 325 00:20:39,040 --> 00:20:42,439 Speaker 3: resting on an iron stand. Although the flames were gone, 326 00:20:42,880 --> 00:20:47,080 Speaker 3: the coal still radiated heat. The sound of snoring from 327 00:20:47,119 --> 00:20:50,359 Speaker 3: the nobles and guards backed Samuel. He hated that they 328 00:20:50,359 --> 00:20:53,000 Speaker 3: were sleeping atop the spoils of war. That God so 329 00:20:53,200 --> 00:20:57,000 Speaker 3: clearly told them not to take. Samuel took his staff 330 00:20:57,040 --> 00:21:00,560 Speaker 3: and slammed it against the iron firepit. He fled over, 331 00:21:00,680 --> 00:21:04,600 Speaker 3: spilling coals all over the floor. The loud noise awoke 332 00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:08,479 Speaker 3: everyone in the room, causing a small panic. Saul awoke 333 00:21:08,520 --> 00:21:11,879 Speaker 3: and saw Samuel standing before him. He threw the women 334 00:21:11,920 --> 00:21:14,800 Speaker 3: off him and gestured for everyone in attendance to leave. 335 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:19,480 Speaker 3: Saul composed himself, adjusted the crown on his head, and smiled. 336 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:23,719 Speaker 3: The king walked up to Samuel, beaming with pride. He 337 00:21:23,760 --> 00:21:26,840 Speaker 3: opened his arms wide and said, glass it'd be the 338 00:21:26,920 --> 00:21:29,879 Speaker 3: name of the Lord, Samuel. I have done what was 339 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:33,639 Speaker 3: asked of me. Samuel peered at Saul, trying to discern 340 00:21:33,680 --> 00:21:36,880 Speaker 3: whether he was lying or truly believed he had obeyed God. 341 00:21:37,359 --> 00:21:39,399 Speaker 6: Why then do I hear the bleeding of sheep in 342 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:42,560 Speaker 6: my ears and the lowing of oxen outside? 343 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:44,879 Speaker 3: Saul scratched the back of his head and gave a 344 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:45,560 Speaker 3: nervous grin. 345 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:49,920 Speaker 2: The people brought them in from the Amalekites. They spared 346 00:21:50,119 --> 00:21:53,439 Speaker 2: the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to 347 00:21:53,560 --> 00:21:57,639 Speaker 2: the Lord your God. The rest we have surely devoted 348 00:21:57,640 --> 00:22:01,800 Speaker 2: to destruction. They have been burned ash with the rest 349 00:22:01,800 --> 00:22:05,479 Speaker 2: of the land, just as God commanded. In fact, I 350 00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:08,880 Speaker 2: was just going to prepare everything for you to sacrifice 351 00:22:08,920 --> 00:22:13,200 Speaker 2: to God. A even silence, the king stepped backwards over 352 00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:16,560 Speaker 2: some spilled calls. The prophet lifted his staff and marched 353 00:22:16,600 --> 00:22:17,679 Speaker 2: forward towards Saul. 354 00:22:18,119 --> 00:22:21,040 Speaker 6: I am weary of your lies, Saul, enough of your 355 00:22:21,119 --> 00:22:24,199 Speaker 6: back peddling and false holiness. I will tell you what 356 00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:25,840 Speaker 6: the Lord has said to me last night. 357 00:22:26,200 --> 00:22:30,240 Speaker 3: Saul gulped and feigned confidence speak. He said, with a 358 00:22:30,240 --> 00:22:31,880 Speaker 3: polite gesture, Are you. 359 00:22:31,920 --> 00:22:34,000 Speaker 6: So little in your own eyes that you need to 360 00:22:34,040 --> 00:22:37,840 Speaker 6: strive for more glory? Samuel asked, the Lord anointed you 361 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:41,199 Speaker 6: king of Israel. Was that not enough? You had to 362 00:22:41,200 --> 00:22:45,240 Speaker 6: march forward and prove your worth, Yet you've failed. The 363 00:22:45,320 --> 00:22:47,480 Speaker 6: Lord sent you on a mission. He told you to 364 00:22:47,520 --> 00:22:50,480 Speaker 6: go and destroy the sinners who oppressed your people. Why 365 00:22:50,520 --> 00:22:53,800 Speaker 6: did you not obey his voice? Why did you pounce 366 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:56,560 Speaker 6: on the spoils of war when God clearly told you 367 00:22:56,640 --> 00:22:56,959 Speaker 6: not to. 368 00:22:57,320 --> 00:23:01,440 Speaker 3: Saul's demeanor went from innocence to anger. He puffed out 369 00:23:01,440 --> 00:23:04,679 Speaker 3: his chest and furrowed his brow. He raised his voice 370 00:23:04,720 --> 00:23:10,359 Speaker 3: and bellowed, I have obeyed. The declaration echoed across the 371 00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:13,639 Speaker 3: empty halls. Samuel did not waver at the voice of 372 00:23:13,680 --> 00:23:17,280 Speaker 3: the king. Although Saul was large and intimidating in stature, 373 00:23:17,800 --> 00:23:22,760 Speaker 3: he saw him for the small boy he was. Saul continued, saying, I. 374 00:23:22,840 --> 00:23:26,440 Speaker 8: Marched forward and conquered the people, just as God commanded. 375 00:23:26,800 --> 00:23:29,359 Speaker 8: I brought a gag the king of Amelek to show 376 00:23:29,440 --> 00:23:34,119 Speaker 8: our victory. I devoted the entire city to destruction. I 377 00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:37,360 Speaker 8: have done nothing wrong. It was the people who took 378 00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:41,160 Speaker 8: the spoil of war. They took the sheep, oxen gold. 379 00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:44,520 Speaker 8: Yet I have commanded this day for all of it 380 00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:46,800 Speaker 8: to be given to God in sacrifice. 381 00:23:47,160 --> 00:23:52,040 Speaker 3: Saul's chest puffed up and down in anger. Samuel stood 382 00:23:52,119 --> 00:23:55,400 Speaker 3: upright and grasped his staff firmly. He lifted his head 383 00:23:55,400 --> 00:23:59,359 Speaker 3: to the king. His eyes were piercing. They peered directly 384 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:03,840 Speaker 3: into saul heart. A chill rushed up saul spine. He 385 00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:06,760 Speaker 3: knew that his false sense of dismay did not fool Samuel. 386 00:24:07,560 --> 00:24:11,199 Speaker 3: The prophet spoke quietly, yet his words were like nails 387 00:24:11,240 --> 00:24:13,320 Speaker 3: being driven straight into Saul's chest. 388 00:24:13,680 --> 00:24:16,840 Speaker 6: Does not the Lord delight in obedience as he does 389 00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:21,719 Speaker 6: burnt offerings and sacrifices. Behold, it is better in God's 390 00:24:21,760 --> 00:24:25,520 Speaker 6: sight to obey him and to listen than to sacrifice. 391 00:24:25,520 --> 00:24:29,240 Speaker 3: At the altar, Samuel pressed his staff against the spilled coal. 392 00:24:29,720 --> 00:24:32,320 Speaker 3: It crunched underneath, causing sparks to pop up. 393 00:24:32,880 --> 00:24:38,040 Speaker 6: Rebellion is like witchcraft to him, Samuel said, And stubbornness 394 00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:40,280 Speaker 6: is as sinful to him as idle worship. 395 00:24:41,160 --> 00:24:44,480 Speaker 3: The prophet walked past Saul and approached the throne. He 396 00:24:44,600 --> 00:24:47,680 Speaker 3: lifted the furs and the fine purple fabric off in disgust. 397 00:24:48,160 --> 00:24:50,080 Speaker 3: He tossed it aside and looked at Saul. 398 00:24:50,320 --> 00:24:54,040 Speaker 6: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord. He 399 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:56,040 Speaker 6: has rejected you as king. 400 00:24:56,560 --> 00:25:00,879 Speaker 3: Saul's eyes widened, and he quickly changed his demeanor to desperation. 401 00:25:01,280 --> 00:25:05,520 Speaker 2: I have, Sein, Samuel, I have transgressed against the commands 402 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:06,040 Speaker 2: of God. 403 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:11,000 Speaker 9: I feared the people. I obeyed their voice. I should 404 00:25:11,040 --> 00:25:14,479 Speaker 9: have listened to God instead of them. But I swear 405 00:25:14,560 --> 00:25:19,320 Speaker 9: it was not my idea. Please pardon my sins and 406 00:25:19,359 --> 00:25:20,600 Speaker 9: restore me to God. 407 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:24,320 Speaker 3: A chuckle could be heard from the corner of the room. 408 00:25:24,640 --> 00:25:28,000 Speaker 3: King Agag was still tied up to the side. He 409 00:25:28,040 --> 00:25:31,120 Speaker 3: scoffed and shook his head at Saul. He was there 410 00:25:31,160 --> 00:25:35,000 Speaker 3: when Saul gave the command. He knew the truth. Samuel 411 00:25:35,040 --> 00:25:37,399 Speaker 3: did as well. I will not go anywhere with you. 412 00:25:37,480 --> 00:25:37,760 Speaker 2: Saul. 413 00:25:38,880 --> 00:25:41,080 Speaker 6: You have rejected the word of God, and the Lord 414 00:25:41,160 --> 00:25:42,560 Speaker 6: has rejected you as king. 415 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:46,879 Speaker 3: Samuel turned to leave. Saul felt his knees tremble and 416 00:25:46,960 --> 00:25:51,440 Speaker 3: his throat choke up with tears. He frantically chased Samuel, saying. 417 00:25:51,400 --> 00:25:54,600 Speaker 2: No, please pray with me, Samuel. 418 00:25:54,880 --> 00:25:58,520 Speaker 3: Saul shouted, the prophet continued to leave. 419 00:25:58,920 --> 00:26:01,840 Speaker 2: Listen to me, Samuel, Well, you must forgive me. 420 00:26:02,200 --> 00:26:06,000 Speaker 3: Saul protested. However, Samuel did not look at the king. 421 00:26:06,760 --> 00:26:11,159 Speaker 3: He continued to walk. Out of complete desperation, Saul seized 422 00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:14,800 Speaker 3: the back of Samuel's robe and pulled him. The robe tore, 423 00:26:15,320 --> 00:26:20,040 Speaker 3: exposing part of his back to the cold air. Saul 424 00:26:20,080 --> 00:26:22,120 Speaker 3: stood there with the piece of the robe in his hand. 425 00:26:22,960 --> 00:26:25,520 Speaker 3: Samuel turned to the king with sorrow in his eyes. 426 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:29,480 Speaker 6: Just as you have torn my robe, so the Lord 427 00:26:29,560 --> 00:26:33,359 Speaker 6: has torn the kingdom of Israel from you. This kingdom 428 00:26:33,400 --> 00:26:37,359 Speaker 6: will go to another. God has already chosen him. He 429 00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:39,520 Speaker 6: is a man that seeks after the heart of God 430 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:41,399 Speaker 6: more than the heart of people. 431 00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:45,800 Speaker 3: Tears fell from Saul's eyes. He fell to the ground 432 00:26:45,800 --> 00:26:47,240 Speaker 3: and wept at Samuel's feet. 433 00:26:47,960 --> 00:26:53,040 Speaker 2: Please, Samuel, I have sinned. At least let me pray 434 00:26:53,080 --> 00:26:54,800 Speaker 2: with you in front of the elders. 435 00:26:55,960 --> 00:26:58,800 Speaker 3: Samuel allowed the elders to come in, and they all 436 00:26:58,880 --> 00:27:02,120 Speaker 3: watched as Saul pray. A snicker could be heard from 437 00:27:02,119 --> 00:27:05,720 Speaker 3: across the room. Agag was leaning against the cedar pillar, 438 00:27:06,080 --> 00:27:10,480 Speaker 3: reveling in soul shame. Bring him to me, Samuel said. 439 00:27:11,240 --> 00:27:14,679 Speaker 3: Agag came before the prophet smiling. He was pleased to 440 00:27:14,680 --> 00:27:18,080 Speaker 3: see the prophet beckon him. Surely, if he was spared 441 00:27:18,119 --> 00:27:20,399 Speaker 3: by the warrior king, he would be spared by the 442 00:27:20,440 --> 00:27:25,000 Speaker 3: old priest. Agag held his head high and said. 443 00:27:24,560 --> 00:27:26,760 Speaker 2: Surely we are past the bitterness of death. 444 00:27:27,160 --> 00:27:29,480 Speaker 7: Let's be done with this silly thing. 445 00:27:30,080 --> 00:27:33,000 Speaker 3: Samuel off the end of his staff and jammed it 446 00:27:33,000 --> 00:27:37,120 Speaker 3: into an Agag's stomach. The king kneeled over in pain, groaning. 447 00:27:38,119 --> 00:27:41,920 Speaker 3: Samuel swung his staff again at Agag's head, causing him 448 00:27:41,920 --> 00:27:45,920 Speaker 3: to fall completely to the ground. Samuel took Salt's sword 449 00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:48,639 Speaker 3: right out of his sheath and pointed it towards Agag. 450 00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:51,200 Speaker 3: He peered down at him and said. 451 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:54,920 Speaker 6: Just as your sword has made many women childless, your 452 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:56,400 Speaker 6: mother will be childless this. 453 00:27:56,400 --> 00:28:01,199 Speaker 3: Day without warning or pretense, Samuel swung the sword downward 454 00:28:01,440 --> 00:28:04,639 Speaker 3: Aghag's head. The first blow did not kill a Gag. 455 00:28:05,240 --> 00:28:08,760 Speaker 3: The king screamed in pain. His panicked cries filled the 456 00:28:08,800 --> 00:28:12,040 Speaker 3: air as his blood spilled over the floor. Saul and 457 00:28:12,080 --> 00:28:15,119 Speaker 3: the elders watched in horrific shock as Samuel clapped the 458 00:28:15,200 --> 00:28:19,680 Speaker 3: sword downward at Agag. With each blow, Agag's strings grew 459 00:28:19,760 --> 00:28:24,280 Speaker 3: quieter and quieter, until he was dead and cut into pieces. 460 00:28:25,680 --> 00:28:29,240 Speaker 3: Samuel was out of breath, his face and robes were 461 00:28:29,280 --> 00:28:33,560 Speaker 3: completely drenched in blood. Without a word, he gave Saul 462 00:28:33,640 --> 00:28:37,000 Speaker 3: his sword back, picked up his staff, and limped out 463 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:39,760 Speaker 3: of the palace. He went back to Rama and did 464 00:28:39,840 --> 00:28:43,400 Speaker 3: not return. He would not see Saul again until the 465 00:28:43,480 --> 00:28:48,040 Speaker 3: day he died. He grieved the fall of Saul. Both 466 00:28:48,080 --> 00:28:50,360 Speaker 3: he and the Lord were filled with regret. 467 00:28:54,160 --> 00:28:56,280 Speaker 5: What is the role of a king in God's eyes? 468 00:28:56,840 --> 00:28:59,720 Speaker 5: We see in scripture that the king's primary responsibility was 469 00:28:59,720 --> 00:29:02,800 Speaker 5: making sure God's will was done among the people. He 470 00:29:02,960 --> 00:29:05,520 Speaker 5: was supposed to deliver the people from their enemies and 471 00:29:05,600 --> 00:29:08,760 Speaker 5: lead them down a righteous path. The king was held 472 00:29:08,800 --> 00:29:12,200 Speaker 5: more accountable than others because of his high calling. We 473 00:29:12,200 --> 00:29:14,160 Speaker 5: will see later on in the series that God will 474 00:29:14,160 --> 00:29:16,760 Speaker 5: not allow his anointed kings to get away with much. 475 00:29:17,360 --> 00:29:20,960 Speaker 5: The crown of God comes with expectations, and we have 476 00:29:21,040 --> 00:29:25,400 Speaker 5: seen Saul continually fall short of those expectations. Episode four 477 00:29:25,480 --> 00:29:29,360 Speaker 5: begins with the story taken from Exodus. The Amlakites were 478 00:29:29,440 --> 00:29:33,360 Speaker 5: ruthless against the helpless people of Israel, and God promised 479 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:36,440 Speaker 5: to avenge them when the time was right. Even though 480 00:29:36,520 --> 00:29:40,160 Speaker 5: generations had passed since the original crimes of Amelek, their 481 00:29:40,200 --> 00:29:43,880 Speaker 5: wickedness had abided throughout the years. They were renowned for 482 00:29:43,960 --> 00:29:46,960 Speaker 5: their cruelty, and God knew the land would be better 483 00:29:47,040 --> 00:29:49,680 Speaker 5: off if they were wiped out. So who does God 484 00:29:49,760 --> 00:29:52,720 Speaker 5: call to carry out his vengeance the King of Israel. 485 00:29:53,280 --> 00:29:55,800 Speaker 5: It has been a long time since Saul has received 486 00:29:55,840 --> 00:29:59,600 Speaker 5: any direct message from Samuel, let alone the Lord himself. 487 00:30:00,080 --> 00:30:04,640 Speaker 5: God is extending another chance to Saul. Let's pause for 488 00:30:04,680 --> 00:30:08,720 Speaker 5: a moment and consider the goodness of God. As unprecedented 489 00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:12,120 Speaker 5: and erratic as Saul has become, God is still offering 490 00:30:12,200 --> 00:30:14,560 Speaker 5: him a chance to do the right thing. Be in 491 00:30:14,720 --> 00:30:17,600 Speaker 5: carriage that the Lord always has a hand of mercy 492 00:30:17,640 --> 00:30:20,840 Speaker 5: extended to you, and there is always an opportunity to 493 00:30:20,920 --> 00:30:24,280 Speaker 5: obey him. This is Saul's chance to rekindle the flame 494 00:30:24,360 --> 00:30:27,920 Speaker 5: and set himself on the right track. God commands Saul 495 00:30:28,360 --> 00:30:33,200 Speaker 5: to go against the Amlekites as retribution for their past sins. Saul, 496 00:30:33,360 --> 00:30:36,160 Speaker 5: as the king of God's nation, is being asked to 497 00:30:36,240 --> 00:30:40,400 Speaker 5: represent him on the battlefield. This second chance comes at 498 00:30:40,400 --> 00:30:43,800 Speaker 5: a good time for Saul. He has been spiraling emotionally 499 00:30:43,920 --> 00:30:47,520 Speaker 5: for years. His soul yearned for some sort of purpose, 500 00:30:47,760 --> 00:30:50,600 Speaker 5: and now he finally gets the chance to seize the day. 501 00:30:51,480 --> 00:30:54,720 Speaker 5: Saul gathered his army and galloped to Amelek with passion. 502 00:30:55,240 --> 00:30:59,280 Speaker 5: To saul surprise, he experienced immediate victory. He had almost 503 00:30:59,360 --> 00:31:02,720 Speaker 5: forgotten what the favor of God felt like. For so long, 504 00:31:03,080 --> 00:31:06,440 Speaker 5: Saul felt like he was running uphill and against the wind. 505 00:31:07,040 --> 00:31:10,800 Speaker 5: Everything he did, big or small, seemed exhausting. Fighting with 506 00:31:10,920 --> 00:31:13,880 Speaker 5: God's favor felt like he was running with the wind 507 00:31:13,920 --> 00:31:19,520 Speaker 5: at his back, charging downhill. Unfortunately, immediately after his victory, 508 00:31:19,960 --> 00:31:22,680 Speaker 5: Saul took a dark turn. He fell into the trap 509 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:26,480 Speaker 5: of pride once again and confused God's victory with his own. 510 00:31:27,080 --> 00:31:29,600 Speaker 5: This is a common trap we can all slip into. 511 00:31:30,480 --> 00:31:33,080 Speaker 5: Just like Saul took credit for Jonathan's victory in the 512 00:31:33,160 --> 00:31:36,920 Speaker 5: last episode he was taking credit for God's victory, he 513 00:31:37,080 --> 00:31:40,080 Speaker 5: let it go to his head and immediately started slipping 514 00:31:40,160 --> 00:31:43,880 Speaker 5: back into his old tendencies. A Gag, the king of 515 00:31:43,920 --> 00:31:47,800 Speaker 5: the Amlekites, played a part in this. He mocked Saul's 516 00:31:47,880 --> 00:31:52,480 Speaker 5: validity as king, thus poking at Saul's sensitive areas. Saul 517 00:31:52,600 --> 00:31:54,960 Speaker 5: gave in and did the exact opposite of what God 518 00:31:55,000 --> 00:31:58,240 Speaker 5: told him to do. God told him to wipe everything out. 519 00:31:58,640 --> 00:32:01,400 Speaker 5: He was told to take no prison and take no spoils. 520 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:06,000 Speaker 5: Saul disobeyed both of those commands. He took Agag and 521 00:32:06,040 --> 00:32:09,640 Speaker 5: his riches back to Israel. He paraded them around Israel 522 00:32:09,720 --> 00:32:12,280 Speaker 5: like trophies, and once again chose the praise of the 523 00:32:12,320 --> 00:32:15,600 Speaker 5: people over obedience to God. If you listen to the 524 00:32:15,640 --> 00:32:18,680 Speaker 5: story again, you will see Saul talk a lot about 525 00:32:18,680 --> 00:32:21,600 Speaker 5: his glory. When he faces Agag, he says, you will 526 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:24,840 Speaker 5: know my glory, Agag. You will see it expand before 527 00:32:25,000 --> 00:32:27,960 Speaker 5: your very eyes. When he ordered his men to take 528 00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:31,120 Speaker 5: Agag's treasure, he said, I want him to watch my 529 00:32:31,280 --> 00:32:36,480 Speaker 5: glory expand at his expense. Saul can't seem to help himself. 530 00:32:36,800 --> 00:32:40,560 Speaker 5: He wants his own glory over God's, and that's why 531 00:32:40,600 --> 00:32:43,640 Speaker 5: he takes a gag and his treasure back to Israel. 532 00:32:44,520 --> 00:32:46,800 Speaker 5: You may be thinking at this point, what the heck 533 00:32:46,920 --> 00:32:49,640 Speaker 5: is wrong with Saul. He just can't seem to get 534 00:32:49,680 --> 00:32:52,760 Speaker 5: out of his own way. Well, let's take a minute 535 00:32:52,760 --> 00:32:56,160 Speaker 5: to consider our own hearts. We willingly disobey God all 536 00:32:56,200 --> 00:32:59,560 Speaker 5: the time, but since Saul is a king, the stakes 537 00:32:59,600 --> 00:33:02,280 Speaker 5: are higher and the focus on him is greater. We 538 00:33:02,400 --> 00:33:05,600 Speaker 5: must be careful in judging these characters too harshly. They 539 00:33:05,640 --> 00:33:08,360 Speaker 5: are flawed human beings like you and I. A big 540 00:33:08,400 --> 00:33:11,640 Speaker 5: difference between Saul and us is the level of scrutiny 541 00:33:11,680 --> 00:33:14,360 Speaker 5: put on us. If you were the king or queen 542 00:33:14,400 --> 00:33:16,800 Speaker 5: of Israel, many of your flaws would be put on 543 00:33:16,840 --> 00:33:19,640 Speaker 5: display for all to see. As well, we have stories 544 00:33:19,720 --> 00:33:22,920 Speaker 5: like Sauls to provide us with wisdom so we don't 545 00:33:22,920 --> 00:33:27,680 Speaker 5: repeat his mistakes. Saul's glory is short lived. Samuel comes 546 00:33:27,680 --> 00:33:30,280 Speaker 5: to face Saul and it is not a pleasant experience. 547 00:33:31,040 --> 00:33:35,320 Speaker 5: Samuel is livid. He demands an explanation from Saul, and 548 00:33:35,360 --> 00:33:38,840 Speaker 5: the king once again refuses to take responsibility for his actions. 549 00:33:39,280 --> 00:33:42,520 Speaker 5: He blames the people and feigns ignorance, and when that 550 00:33:42,560 --> 00:33:45,840 Speaker 5: doesn't work, he tries to justify his actions and claims 551 00:33:45,840 --> 00:33:48,920 Speaker 5: it was for the glory of God. Samuel isn't fool 552 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:51,880 Speaker 5: and neither is God. Saul is so caught up in 553 00:33:51,920 --> 00:33:55,280 Speaker 5: the appearance of holiness that he neglected his heart. This 554 00:33:55,440 --> 00:33:57,640 Speaker 5: is an important theme that will be explored in the 555 00:33:57,680 --> 00:34:01,600 Speaker 5: next episode. God cares very little about the outward appearance 556 00:34:01,600 --> 00:34:04,800 Speaker 5: of holiness to everyone else. Saul seemed to be a 557 00:34:04,840 --> 00:34:08,239 Speaker 5: good and righteous king, but his heart was consumed with vanity. 558 00:34:09,320 --> 00:34:11,960 Speaker 5: Samuel once again mentions the promise of a new king. 559 00:34:12,080 --> 00:34:15,600 Speaker 5: He says, this kingdom will go to another. God has 560 00:34:15,640 --> 00:34:18,520 Speaker 5: already chosen him. He is a man that seeks after 561 00:34:18,560 --> 00:34:20,920 Speaker 5: the heart of God more than the heart of people. 562 00:34:21,719 --> 00:34:25,120 Speaker 5: Samuel has mentioned this mysterious king a few times. Now, 563 00:34:25,239 --> 00:34:28,439 Speaker 5: what is the consistent description of this king? He will 564 00:34:28,480 --> 00:34:31,400 Speaker 5: be a man after the heart of God. This is 565 00:34:31,440 --> 00:34:34,680 Speaker 5: truly where Saul has fallen short. He wants the heart 566 00:34:34,760 --> 00:34:37,840 Speaker 5: of the people so badly, but doesn't really seem to 567 00:34:37,880 --> 00:34:41,440 Speaker 5: care about the heart of God. Saul's outward faithfulness is 568 00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:44,120 Speaker 5: a sham. It may fool the people, but it doesn't 569 00:34:44,120 --> 00:34:46,759 Speaker 5: fool God. He has had enough of Saul's vapid and 570 00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:50,720 Speaker 5: empty religion when Samuel knocks over the colds and stomps 571 00:34:50,760 --> 00:34:54,600 Speaker 5: on them. It is an image of a reset. Saul's 572 00:34:54,640 --> 00:34:57,839 Speaker 5: flame is being snuffed out. It is time for a 573 00:34:57,840 --> 00:35:00,640 Speaker 5: fresh start. A new king is going going to rise 574 00:35:00,719 --> 00:35:04,280 Speaker 5: up and take the kingdom away from Saul. Samuel declares 575 00:35:04,320 --> 00:35:07,400 Speaker 5: this to the king, and he begs for forgiveness. It 576 00:35:07,520 --> 00:35:10,480 Speaker 5: is not a good look for Saul. He whines and 577 00:35:10,520 --> 00:35:13,680 Speaker 5: begs like a child to no avail. God has made 578 00:35:13,760 --> 00:35:17,200 Speaker 5: up his mind. The final scene is a gruesome one. 579 00:35:17,400 --> 00:35:21,319 Speaker 5: Samuel beheas Agag, thus accomplishing the will of God. It 580 00:35:21,440 --> 00:35:25,799 Speaker 5: was sloppy and unceremonious, but it was done. Samuel cared 581 00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:27,960 Speaker 5: more about the will of God than any sort of 582 00:35:28,040 --> 00:35:31,960 Speaker 5: flashy ceremony. A Gag was killed, just like God wanted. 583 00:35:32,440 --> 00:35:36,319 Speaker 5: Samuel departs and leaves Saul in darkness. Nobody but Saul 584 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:39,279 Speaker 5: and Samuel know that God has rejected him as king. 585 00:35:39,960 --> 00:35:43,239 Speaker 5: Saul is able to maintain the appearance of holiness all 586 00:35:43,280 --> 00:35:46,279 Speaker 5: the while separated from the heart of God. Is this 587 00:35:46,360 --> 00:35:49,240 Speaker 5: something you can relate to? Do you have the appearance 588 00:35:49,239 --> 00:35:52,680 Speaker 5: of holiness all the while feeling distant from God? Do 589 00:35:52,719 --> 00:35:56,000 Speaker 5: you feel trapped by people's perception of you know that 590 00:35:56,040 --> 00:35:59,360 Speaker 5: there are a thousand second chances given to us in Christ. 591 00:36:00,040 --> 00:36:02,719 Speaker 5: Seek him and you will find him. Humble yourself and 592 00:36:02,760 --> 00:36:05,520 Speaker 5: he will lift you up. James tells us that God 593 00:36:05,560 --> 00:36:09,000 Speaker 5: opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Saul's 594 00:36:09,080 --> 00:36:11,759 Speaker 5: life is an example of this principle. The thing that 595 00:36:11,840 --> 00:36:14,759 Speaker 5: keeps us most distant from God is our pride. If 596 00:36:14,760 --> 00:36:18,920 Speaker 5: we humbly run back to him, grace is given. Freely 597 00:36:19,480 --> 00:36:22,839 Speaker 5: consider and pray about these things. I'm confident God will 598 00:36:22,840 --> 00:36:26,200 Speaker 5: meet you in your wondering. In our next episode, we 599 00:36:26,239 --> 00:36:29,239 Speaker 5: will finally get to meet the promised King of Israel. 600 00:36:29,480 --> 00:36:32,560 Speaker 5: Unlike Saul, he doesn't look like a king, but we 601 00:36:32,600 --> 00:36:35,319 Speaker 5: will come to find out God isn't looking for a 602 00:36:35,440 --> 00:36:38,719 Speaker 5: king at all, He's looking for a shepherd. Join us 603 00:36:38,760 --> 00:36:41,480 Speaker 5: next time as we meet the One and Only David. 604 00:36:42,280 --> 00:36:46,120 Speaker 5: Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, 605 00:36:46,120 --> 00:36:49,600 Speaker 5: and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com. 606 00:36:49,880 --> 00:36:53,160 Speaker 5: If you've enjoyed these podcasts so far, please share it 607 00:36:53,200 --> 00:36:55,920 Speaker 5: with your family and friends and help us spread at 608 00:36:55,920 --> 00:36:56,520 Speaker 5: God's word.