The story of David and Goliath reveals more than a battle between a shepherd boy and a giant. Through this showdown, we recognize how the powers of this world set themselves in opposition to the one true God. While Israel needed someone to face Goliath on their behalf, we too, need a Savior to defeat our enemies––sin and death. ...

In 1 Samuel 16, we see the newly anointed future king of Israel serve his predecessor with humility and grace. Though David was promised the throne of Israel, his time had not yet come. Thus, David returned to his life as a shepherd. God would use the waiting and the trials for David’s good and to point us toward...

In 1 Samuel 16, we come to a turning point in the storyline of God’s leadership over His people. What began with Samuel mourning for Saul’s rejection as king, soon becomes a celebration of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word in 1 Samuel 13:14: “The LORD has found a man after his own heart, and the LORD has appointed...

Rather than follow the instructions of the Lord, King Saul relied on his own strength, wisdom, and timeline to achieve success. God had promised to extend favor to Saul on the condition that he remain obedient to His commands. The devastating impact of King Saul’s disobedience, however, and its effect on his legacy is seen in 1 Samuel 14-15....

The beginning of Saul’s reign as king over Israel brought great promise. He was a fierce warrior, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, was moved to defeat the Ammonite army. However, Saul’s foolish choice revealed that he was not the king the people needed. We see Samuel’s warnings come true: an earthly king could never fulfill the...

As the time of the judges came to an end, God’s people grew discontent with the leadership of Samuel’s sons. The elders of Israel, desiring to be more like the nations surrounding them, commanded Samuel to appoint a king to rule over them. In His perfect wisdom, God would give His people over to their desire for an earthly...