May 25, 2025 • 19 mins
# 156 - Samuel's Farewell - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Samuel gives his final address to the people of Israel, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and warning them of the cost of turning away. As Saul steps into leadership, the prophet urges both king and people to walk in humility and obedience, trusting that only God can sustain the nation.
Episode 156 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.
Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-up
For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 121:8, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.
Show Notes:
(01:36) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(02:36) Samuel's Farewell
(14:21) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people, Look.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Upon one the Lord has chosen.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of praise. Trumpets blared,
and the voices of the people rose like a storm.
Long live the King, they shouted, Long live King, Saul.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Did you hear the messengers?
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Is Jabis truly under attack?
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Nay Hush and his host have come. The elders of
Jabesh send messengers.
Speaker 5 (00:32):
But no one has answered.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
People of Israel tremble in their homes.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Saul held Samuel's gaze.
Speaker 5 (00:41):
What are you looking at me?
Speaker 3 (00:42):
For this seems to be the job of Keith.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Saul lifted his blade high and bellowed, his voice, rolling
across the forest and into the camp beyond wight.
Speaker 6 (00:53):
You mighty men, and as well, why does one nay
sit under God?
Speaker 1 (00:58):
The Israeli surged forward, their battle cries splitting the quiet.
A cheer rose from the Israelite ranks, a deafening roar
of triumph. They had fought with the fury of God,
and they had prevailed. For now. Saul said nothing. He
(01:18):
stood tall, letting the moment consume him. But deep within
the seeds of pride had been planted and Samuel, watching
from the corner of his eye, saw them again to
take root.
Speaker 7 (01:38):
The person who sits in the seat of power is
often a reflection of what a nation truly values. Shello,
my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel.
I'm l extein with international Fellowship of Christians and Jews,
and welcome to the Chosen People. Today's story, inspired by
one Samuel twelve, is a sum Samuel gives a farewell speech,
(02:02):
a dramatic final note for his time as the Judge
of Israel. The Chosen People have asked for a king
to replace God, and they're going to get what they want.
But as we all know, sometimes God gives us exactly
what we want in order to teach us how wrong
our desires were. To begin with. Dive in with me
(02:24):
and witness the Chosen People's heartache and their sorrow, but
also see a sliver of light, the promise of something
greater right there on the horizon.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Israel had its king. Songs of triumph rang out across
the land, echoing through hills and valleys as the people
praised Soul for his victory over the Ammonites. In every village,
stories were told of the Battle of how their new
king had faced Nahash with unflinching currge and struck him down. Men,
(03:03):
women and children alike sang of Saul, their hero, the
savior of j Besh Gilead. The name of their king
was on every tongue, lifted high with adoration.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Saul, please killed hisself. Saul has killed his pats.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
But Samuel the prophet listened to the songs with a
heavy heart. In the wares of the elders, where men
sat marveling at Saul's strength and daring, Samuel sat in silence,
his expression grave. Saul was there, too, seated among them,
listening humbly as the elders heaped brays upon him. For
(03:47):
a moment, Samuel allowed himself to wonder if perhaps Saul
was the king Israel needed.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Who among us has doubted Saul? Let them be put
to death for their insolence.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
The room murmured in agreement, but Saul rose quickly, his
hands raised to silence them.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
No, no, brothers, let no one be put to death
this day. Today the Lord has worked salvation for his
people that has rejoice in him and show mercy to
one another.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Ah, And He's a man of mercy and forgiveness to
Now this is our chie. No one has better At
the unite the tribes.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
The rooms stirred in agreement. Samuel's eyes narrowed, his fingers
tightening around the staff in his hand. He studied the
young king carefully. Perhaps there was hope for this man.
Perhaps Saul could be more than the people's foolish demand
for a king. Samuel stood slowly, rising to address the room.
(04:53):
His presence, though bent with age, still carried the authority
of decades spent. As the lord's.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Well, I suppose it's settled, then, love the king you
begs for his cheers grand and oh, I'm sure nothing
could possibly go wrong. Let's coronate this young man before
the Lord and the people.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
At guild, the elders murmured their approval, and preparations were made.
The nation of Israel gathered once again, their joy unshaken,
their songs rising anew as they journeyed to Gilgal. At Gilgal,
(05:38):
the smell of roasted sacrifices filled the air as Samuel
offered burnt offerings to the lord. Beside the altar, Saul
stood surrounded by the tribes who brought peace offerings and gifts.
To the Lord in thanksgiving. The people's cheers and songs
were deafening. Their voices raise raised in unison. Long Live
(06:02):
the King, Long Live the King. Saw beamed from ear
to ear, drinking in their acceptance. But Samuel stood apart,
watching the celebration with a sadness that gnawed at him.
He could still hear the echoes of those sane voices
raised to God. In years past, they used to sing
(06:27):
of the Lord's deliverance.
Speaker 5 (06:29):
Now they sing of Saul.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Samuel could feel it in his bones. Saul's reign would
not bring the salvation they dreamed of. When the sacrifices
were complete, Samuel climbed onto a stone platform, overlooking the crowd.
He raised his hands, and the cheers and songs quieted
until only the crackling of the altar fire remained.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
Behold, I have obeyed your voice. You are masse for
a king, and here he stands before you. I am
old now, but I have faithfully wop before you since
I was young.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
His voice faltered, his throat tightening, his sorrow welled up
within him. He gripped his staff, steadying himself. His gaze
swept across the people, children and elders, warriors, and shepherds,
the faces of a nation he had guided for so long.
A single tear slid down his weathered cheek, though he
(07:37):
made no move to wipe it away. He shook his
head and snarled a bit, angry at the people for
abandoning God as their king, hurt that they had rejected
him in the process.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Here I am arms.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Out stretched before you. Testify against me before God. If
you have qualms with how I've led you, Whose ox
or donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded or cheated?
Have I oppressed any of you? Have I taken a
bribe or taxed you unjustly? Tell me and I shall
(08:20):
make it right.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
The people shouted as one, their voices carrying up to
the heavens.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
You've done no wrong to us, Samuel. You've been there
and just you have honored us.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
Samuel drove his staff into the stone beneath him, the
sharp crack reverberating across the assembly.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
So then the Lord is witness against you, his anointed
king is witness this day that I have done you
no wrong. I've only served you, loved you, and led
you in the ways.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
Of the Lord.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Samuel's voice grew harsher, his tone that of a father
scolding his wayward children.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
The lord who appointed merciesen arran to bring your ancestors
out of.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Egypt his witness.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
The Lord who struck down the Egyptians and led you
into this land, his witness.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Your fathers cried.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Out to him in their suffering, and he delivered them
again and again, first from Egypt, then from the Morbides, Philistines, Themarachites.
Shutters and warriors were said to save you, to fight
for you, and to keep you safe.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
What still you forget him?
Speaker 1 (09:59):
The sky darkened as Samuel spoke, thick clouds rolling in
from the west, shrouding the sun. The people shifted uneasily,
glancing at the heavens.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
The Lord that's conquered kings and topple towers for you.
Did you whine for a king like children when Nahash came.
You did not call on the Lord to save you. No,
you asked for a man, and here he is the king.
(10:39):
You demand it.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
The Lord has given you what you wanted, But take heed.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
If you and your king obey him, oh he'll be well.
But if you rebel, if your heart's grow proud and arrogant.
If you forget the Lord again, did he stand.
Speaker 6 (11:03):
Against both you and your king?
Speaker 1 (11:08):
The wind howled and the sky turned black. The people
began to murmur, fear flickering in their eyes. Saul did
his best to remain right where he was, hiding the
embarrassment welling up within him. This was supposed to be
his coronation, but Samuel had turned it into a day
of judgment.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Stand and see what the Lord will do before your eyes.
Thunder and rain your come to show you how greatly
you have grieved the heart of God.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Few whips as a groom who has lost his bread.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Lightning split the sky, striking a cypress tree behind Samuel.
The tree erupted into flames, branches crackling as the fire spread.
A moment later, the heavens opened and rain poured down
in torrents. Thunder roared, shaking the earth beneath their feet.
The people cried out in terror, falling to their knees.
Speaker 3 (12:16):
Oh rain for us, Samuel, we we we have said,
we have added to the sins of our fathers by
asking for a king.
Speaker 1 (12:25):
Samuel sighed, the rain soaking his robes as he stood
tall against a storm.
Speaker 5 (12:32):
Do not fear.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
The Lord will not forsake his people, for it pleases
him to make you his own.
Speaker 5 (12:42):
But you must serve him with all your heart. Do
not cling to work the stones that can neither satisfy
nor shave furs for me.
Speaker 6 (12:59):
I will not by ceasing my prayers for you. I
will still be here to guide you. Come so and
offer sacrifices.
Speaker 5 (13:10):
On your behalf.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
But heed this warning.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
If wickedness rules your hearts, you and your king shall
be swept away. For the Lord resists the prower, what
gives grace.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
To the humble.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
The storm began to subside, the rain, quenching the fire
and leaving the ground sodden. The people left in silence,
their spirits subdued. Saul remained behind, standing at a distance.
As he watched Samuel descend from the platform. For the
first time, a seed of bitterness took root in Saul's heart.
(13:53):
He wondered if Samuel had ever truly wanted him to
be king, or if the old prophet was secretly praying
for his failure. He smiled thinly as Samuel approached, masking
his thoughts. Together, they left Gilgal to begin the work
of establishing Saul's kingdom. But deep within soul, something had
(14:16):
begun to shift.
Speaker 7 (14:24):
As the prophet Samuel stands before the Chosen people, he
leaves them with a farewell address. And it doesn't sound
very positive. Samuel says, you said to me, no, we
want a king to rule over us, even though the
Lord your God was your king. Not only is Samuel's
farewell not very positive, it actually sounds downright critical, doesn't it.
(14:47):
His words carry deep sorrow, a subtle rebuke hidden in
plain sight. Samuel seems to reflect God's broken heart that
Israel would even ask for such a thing. But here's
the story. The Bible actually commanded the people of Israel
to appoint the king to rule over them. Do you remember,
back in Deuterotomy seventeen fifteen, we read be sure to
(15:11):
appoint over you a king. So why did Samuel judge
the people so harshly for doing the very thing that
God asked them to do. The answer can be found
in One Samuel eight seven. When the people first asked
for a king, God told Samuel, listen to all that
(15:31):
the people are saying to you. It's not you that
they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
As Samuel has suspected, the people's request for a king
was very different from God's intention when he directed them
to appoint a king. God's intention was that the king
would be an extension of himself, carrying out his will
and guiding the people on a path of justice and righteousness.
(15:55):
When the people asked for a king, God saw us
straight into their hearts. They didn't want an extension of God.
They wanted a replacement for God. It's easy to judge
the people of Israel for their choice, isn't it for
choosing a mere mortal over the Almighty. Let's put ourselves
in the shoes of the ancient Israelites. Why would they
(16:18):
choose a man of flesh and blood over in omnipotent God.
God is awesome and powerful, He is loving and kind,
but the Chosen people could neither see him nor experience
him with their other senses. Faced with physical threats, uncertainty,
and fear, the people of Israel wanted tangible security, a
(16:39):
leader that they could see, touch, and trust to stand
before them and with them. Even a flawed human leader
seemed more accessible and reliable, more real than a God
who was unseen. But that was all an illusion. The
Bible warns us over and over again not to put
our faith in humans, but to trust in God alone.
(17:03):
And we fall into this very same trap, don't we.
We trust in people and power or institutions more than
the unseen hand of the Almighty. We replace our reliance
on the big g God with the little g government,
and like Israel, we inevitably find ourselves disappointed. Samuel's message
(17:27):
echoes clearly today. True security doesn't come from human leaders,
no matter how strong or wise they appear. It comes
only from the King of Kings, whose powers unmatched and
whose love is unfailing. In times of uncertainty, turmoil, or fear,
Let's resist the temptation to place our trust in the
visible and the tangible. Let us fully place our trust
(17:50):
in the invisible yet faithful God, the true King and
Redeemer who never disappoints. Shalom, my friends from here in Israel,
may you find security, peace and strength in Him alone. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
You can listen to the Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot
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possible by our dedicated team of Creative Talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(18:31):
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Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening
prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith,
(18:51):
written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special
thanks to Bishop Paulineer, Robin van Ettin, k Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller,
and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the
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(19:14):
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Previously on the chosen people, Look.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Upon one the Lord has chosen.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of praise. Trumpets blared,
and the voices of the people rose like a storm.
Long live the King, they shouted, Long live King, Saul.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Did you hear the messengers?
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Is Jabis truly under attack?
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Nay Hush and his host have come. The elders of
Jabesh send messengers.
Speaker 5 (00:32):
But no one has answered.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
People of Israel tremble in their homes.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Saul held Samuel's gaze.
Speaker 5 (00:41):
What are you looking at me?
Speaker 3 (00:42):
For this seems to be the job of Keith.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Saul lifted his blade high and bellowed, his voice, rolling
across the forest and into the camp beyond wight.
Speaker 6 (00:53):
You mighty men, and as well, why does one nay
sit under God?
Speaker 1 (00:58):
The Israeli surged forward, their battle cries splitting the quiet.
A cheer rose from the Israelite ranks, a deafening roar
of triumph. They had fought with the fury of God,
and they had prevailed. For now. Saul said nothing. He
(01:18):
stood tall, letting the moment consume him. But deep within
the seeds of pride had been planted and Samuel, watching
from the corner of his eye, saw them again to
take root.
Speaker 7 (01:38):
The person who sits in the seat of power is
often a reflection of what a nation truly values. Shello,
my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel.
I'm l extein with international Fellowship of Christians and Jews,
and welcome to the Chosen People. Today's story, inspired by
one Samuel twelve, is a sum Samuel gives a farewell speech,
(02:02):
a dramatic final note for his time as the Judge
of Israel. The Chosen People have asked for a king
to replace God, and they're going to get what they want.
But as we all know, sometimes God gives us exactly
what we want in order to teach us how wrong
our desires were. To begin with. Dive in with me
(02:24):
and witness the Chosen People's heartache and their sorrow, but
also see a sliver of light, the promise of something
greater right there on the horizon.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Israel had its king. Songs of triumph rang out across
the land, echoing through hills and valleys as the people
praised Soul for his victory over the Ammonites. In every village,
stories were told of the Battle of how their new
king had faced Nahash with unflinching currge and struck him down. Men,
(03:03):
women and children alike sang of Saul, their hero, the
savior of j Besh Gilead. The name of their king
was on every tongue, lifted high with adoration.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Saul, please killed hisself. Saul has killed his pats.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
But Samuel the prophet listened to the songs with a
heavy heart. In the wares of the elders, where men
sat marveling at Saul's strength and daring, Samuel sat in silence,
his expression grave. Saul was there, too, seated among them,
listening humbly as the elders heaped brays upon him. For
(03:47):
a moment, Samuel allowed himself to wonder if perhaps Saul
was the king Israel needed.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Who among us has doubted Saul? Let them be put
to death for their insolence.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
The room murmured in agreement, but Saul rose quickly, his
hands raised to silence them.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
No, no, brothers, let no one be put to death
this day. Today the Lord has worked salvation for his
people that has rejoice in him and show mercy to
one another.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Ah, And He's a man of mercy and forgiveness to
Now this is our chie. No one has better At
the unite the tribes.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
The rooms stirred in agreement. Samuel's eyes narrowed, his fingers
tightening around the staff in his hand. He studied the
young king carefully. Perhaps there was hope for this man.
Perhaps Saul could be more than the people's foolish demand
for a king. Samuel stood slowly, rising to address the room.
(04:53):
His presence, though bent with age, still carried the authority
of decades spent. As the lord's.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Well, I suppose it's settled, then, love the king you
begs for his cheers grand and oh, I'm sure nothing
could possibly go wrong. Let's coronate this young man before
the Lord and the people.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
At guild, the elders murmured their approval, and preparations were made.
The nation of Israel gathered once again, their joy unshaken,
their songs rising anew as they journeyed to Gilgal. At Gilgal,
(05:38):
the smell of roasted sacrifices filled the air as Samuel
offered burnt offerings to the lord. Beside the altar, Saul
stood surrounded by the tribes who brought peace offerings and gifts.
To the Lord in thanksgiving. The people's cheers and songs
were deafening. Their voices raise raised in unison. Long Live
(06:02):
the King, Long Live the King. Saw beamed from ear
to ear, drinking in their acceptance. But Samuel stood apart,
watching the celebration with a sadness that gnawed at him.
He could still hear the echoes of those sane voices
raised to God. In years past, they used to sing
(06:27):
of the Lord's deliverance.
Speaker 5 (06:29):
Now they sing of Saul.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Samuel could feel it in his bones. Saul's reign would
not bring the salvation they dreamed of. When the sacrifices
were complete, Samuel climbed onto a stone platform, overlooking the crowd.
He raised his hands, and the cheers and songs quieted
until only the crackling of the altar fire remained.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
Behold, I have obeyed your voice. You are masse for
a king, and here he stands before you. I am
old now, but I have faithfully wop before you since
I was young.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
His voice faltered, his throat tightening, his sorrow welled up
within him. He gripped his staff, steadying himself. His gaze
swept across the people, children and elders, warriors, and shepherds,
the faces of a nation he had guided for so long.
A single tear slid down his weathered cheek, though he
(07:37):
made no move to wipe it away. He shook his
head and snarled a bit, angry at the people for
abandoning God as their king, hurt that they had rejected
him in the process.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Here I am arms.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Out stretched before you. Testify against me before God. If
you have qualms with how I've led you, Whose ox
or donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded or cheated?
Have I oppressed any of you? Have I taken a
bribe or taxed you unjustly? Tell me and I shall
(08:20):
make it right.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
The people shouted as one, their voices carrying up to
the heavens.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
You've done no wrong to us, Samuel. You've been there
and just you have honored us.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
Samuel drove his staff into the stone beneath him, the
sharp crack reverberating across the assembly.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
So then the Lord is witness against you, his anointed
king is witness this day that I have done you
no wrong. I've only served you, loved you, and led
you in the ways.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
Of the Lord.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Samuel's voice grew harsher, his tone that of a father
scolding his wayward children.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
The lord who appointed merciesen arran to bring your ancestors
out of.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Egypt his witness.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
The Lord who struck down the Egyptians and led you
into this land, his witness.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Your fathers cried.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Out to him in their suffering, and he delivered them
again and again, first from Egypt, then from the Morbides, Philistines, Themarachites.
Shutters and warriors were said to save you, to fight
for you, and to keep you safe.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
What still you forget him?
Speaker 1 (09:59):
The sky darkened as Samuel spoke, thick clouds rolling in
from the west, shrouding the sun. The people shifted uneasily,
glancing at the heavens.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
The Lord that's conquered kings and topple towers for you.
Did you whine for a king like children when Nahash came.
You did not call on the Lord to save you. No,
you asked for a man, and here he is the king.
(10:39):
You demand it.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
The Lord has given you what you wanted, But take heed.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
If you and your king obey him, oh he'll be well.
But if you rebel, if your heart's grow proud and arrogant.
If you forget the Lord again, did he stand.
Speaker 6 (11:03):
Against both you and your king?
Speaker 1 (11:08):
The wind howled and the sky turned black. The people
began to murmur, fear flickering in their eyes. Saul did
his best to remain right where he was, hiding the
embarrassment welling up within him. This was supposed to be
his coronation, but Samuel had turned it into a day
of judgment.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Stand and see what the Lord will do before your eyes.
Thunder and rain your come to show you how greatly
you have grieved the heart of God.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Few whips as a groom who has lost his bread.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Lightning split the sky, striking a cypress tree behind Samuel.
The tree erupted into flames, branches crackling as the fire spread.
A moment later, the heavens opened and rain poured down
in torrents. Thunder roared, shaking the earth beneath their feet.
The people cried out in terror, falling to their knees.
Speaker 3 (12:16):
Oh rain for us, Samuel, we we we have said,
we have added to the sins of our fathers by
asking for a king.
Speaker 1 (12:25):
Samuel sighed, the rain soaking his robes as he stood
tall against a storm.
Speaker 5 (12:32):
Do not fear.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
The Lord will not forsake his people, for it pleases
him to make you his own.
Speaker 5 (12:42):
But you must serve him with all your heart. Do
not cling to work the stones that can neither satisfy
nor shave furs for me.
Speaker 6 (12:59):
I will not by ceasing my prayers for you. I
will still be here to guide you. Come so and
offer sacrifices.
Speaker 5 (13:10):
On your behalf.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
But heed this warning.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
If wickedness rules your hearts, you and your king shall
be swept away. For the Lord resists the prower, what
gives grace.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
To the humble.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
The storm began to subside, the rain, quenching the fire
and leaving the ground sodden. The people left in silence,
their spirits subdued. Saul remained behind, standing at a distance.
As he watched Samuel descend from the platform. For the
first time, a seed of bitterness took root in Saul's heart.
(13:53):
He wondered if Samuel had ever truly wanted him to
be king, or if the old prophet was secretly praying
for his failure. He smiled thinly as Samuel approached, masking
his thoughts. Together, they left Gilgal to begin the work
of establishing Saul's kingdom. But deep within soul, something had
(14:16):
begun to shift.
Speaker 7 (14:24):
As the prophet Samuel stands before the Chosen people, he
leaves them with a farewell address. And it doesn't sound
very positive. Samuel says, you said to me, no, we
want a king to rule over us, even though the
Lord your God was your king. Not only is Samuel's
farewell not very positive, it actually sounds downright critical, doesn't it.
(14:47):
His words carry deep sorrow, a subtle rebuke hidden in
plain sight. Samuel seems to reflect God's broken heart that
Israel would even ask for such a thing. But here's
the story. The Bible actually commanded the people of Israel
to appoint the king to rule over them. Do you remember,
back in Deuterotomy seventeen fifteen, we read be sure to
(15:11):
appoint over you a king. So why did Samuel judge
the people so harshly for doing the very thing that
God asked them to do. The answer can be found
in One Samuel eight seven. When the people first asked
for a king, God told Samuel, listen to all that
(15:31):
the people are saying to you. It's not you that
they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
As Samuel has suspected, the people's request for a king
was very different from God's intention when he directed them
to appoint a king. God's intention was that the king
would be an extension of himself, carrying out his will
and guiding the people on a path of justice and righteousness.
(15:55):
When the people asked for a king, God saw us
straight into their hearts. They didn't want an extension of God.
They wanted a replacement for God. It's easy to judge
the people of Israel for their choice, isn't it for
choosing a mere mortal over the Almighty. Let's put ourselves
in the shoes of the ancient Israelites. Why would they
(16:18):
choose a man of flesh and blood over in omnipotent God.
God is awesome and powerful, He is loving and kind,
but the Chosen people could neither see him nor experience
him with their other senses. Faced with physical threats, uncertainty,
and fear, the people of Israel wanted tangible security, a
(16:39):
leader that they could see, touch, and trust to stand
before them and with them. Even a flawed human leader
seemed more accessible and reliable, more real than a God
who was unseen. But that was all an illusion. The
Bible warns us over and over again not to put
our faith in humans, but to trust in God alone.
(17:03):
And we fall into this very same trap, don't we.
We trust in people and power or institutions more than
the unseen hand of the Almighty. We replace our reliance
on the big g God with the little g government,
and like Israel, we inevitably find ourselves disappointed. Samuel's message
(17:27):
echoes clearly today. True security doesn't come from human leaders,
no matter how strong or wise they appear. It comes
only from the King of Kings, whose powers unmatched and
whose love is unfailing. In times of uncertainty, turmoil, or fear,
Let's resist the temptation to place our trust in the
visible and the tangible. Let us fully place our trust
(17:50):
in the invisible yet faithful God, the true King and
Redeemer who never disappoints. Shalom, my friends from here in Israel,
may you find security, peace and strength in Him alone. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
You can listen to the Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot
Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of Creative Talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(18:31):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening
prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith,
(18:51):
written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special
thanks to Bishop Paulineer, Robin van Ettin, k Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller,
and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the
Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store
and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People
(19:14):
with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.
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