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Listen "#155 | 1 Samuel: The Victorious King (who finally stepped up)"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, we discuss the story of Saul’s battle against the Ammonites in 1 Samuel 11, an important but often overlooked chapter in Israel’s history. This event represents stage two in the process of becoming a king in ancient Israel: the testing or proving of the king in battle. Stage one is the anointing, which we covered in 1 Samuel 9–10, and stage three is the coronation, a celebration of the king after proving their trustworthiness in battle.
Saul, who was fearful and hesitant when first proclaimed king, is depicted as a passive leader at the outset of this story. Rather than rallying Israel to fight its enemies, he is found working in the fields, far removed from his royal duty. Yet, despite his reluctant and timid leadership, Saul steps up when the people are threatened by the Ammonites. He leads Israel to a victorious battle, even crediting the victory to God. By the end of this story, Saul has successfully passed through stage two, proving himself worthy of the kingship, at least for the moment.
But how does Saul’s experience compare to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ? We turn to Hebrews 2:10 to see how Jesus passed through His own stage two of proving Himself. Unlike Saul, whose test was a single battle, Jesus’ proving was an entire life of struggle, overcoming the temptations and challenges of living in human flesh. Hebrews tells us that Jesus was made perfect through suffering, demonstrating His worthiness to be the King who brings salvation. Through His continuous victory over sin and temptation, Jesus proves Himself as the perfect King who pioneers and perfects a new humanity within himself, opening the way for others to fllow in his steps, all the way to glory.
Join us as we explore this powerful story and draw connections between Saul’s temporary victory and Jesus’ eternal triumph as the true King.
Key Passages:
1 Samuel 10:17-11:15
Hebrews 2:10, 18 - Jesus suffered during his temptation
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
Saul, who was fearful and hesitant when first proclaimed king, is depicted as a passive leader at the outset of this story. Rather than rallying Israel to fight its enemies, he is found working in the fields, far removed from his royal duty. Yet, despite his reluctant and timid leadership, Saul steps up when the people are threatened by the Ammonites. He leads Israel to a victorious battle, even crediting the victory to God. By the end of this story, Saul has successfully passed through stage two, proving himself worthy of the kingship, at least for the moment.
But how does Saul’s experience compare to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ? We turn to Hebrews 2:10 to see how Jesus passed through His own stage two of proving Himself. Unlike Saul, whose test was a single battle, Jesus’ proving was an entire life of struggle, overcoming the temptations and challenges of living in human flesh. Hebrews tells us that Jesus was made perfect through suffering, demonstrating His worthiness to be the King who brings salvation. Through His continuous victory over sin and temptation, Jesus proves Himself as the perfect King who pioneers and perfects a new humanity within himself, opening the way for others to fllow in his steps, all the way to glory.
Join us as we explore this powerful story and draw connections between Saul’s temporary victory and Jesus’ eternal triumph as the true King.
Key Passages:
1 Samuel 10:17-11:15
Hebrews 2:10, 18 - Jesus suffered during his temptation
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
In God we trust