Day 102 - 1 Samuel 29-31

If the book of Judges ended with a big question mark as to whether a king could unite the nation and get them to observe the Law, the book of 1 Samuel certainly seems to extend that question. Samuel, the last of the judges, has died leaving no suitable successor (1 Samuel 8:5). Saul and his 3 oldest sons have just been killed. David has defected to the Philistines and only recently returned. As far as the people know, the priesthood has been exterminated. Hasn't the whole idea of a monarchy been a disaster? Saul has spent years pursuing the captain of his own army while acting like a madman, and even seeking guidance in necromancy. But things aren't all as they seem. The High Priest's son is still alive, effectively serving as High Priest, giving counsel to David. Even the king of Philistia swears by the LORD's name, while Saul has named a younger son after Baal. (1 Chronicles 8:33)

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