23: Samuel: The Pursuer and the Pursued

Biblical Times Podcast

This episode presents the first meeting between two contrasting figures, whose relationship will develop into a powerful historical and psychological drama.

Samuel, the experienced religious leader, reveals himself in his old age as a zealous, angry, and vengeful character - contrary to the expectation that he would become a measured and balanced leader. Despite his impressive appearance and tall stature, Saul turns out to have a fragile and submissive personality.

The Bible describes the three coronations in which Samuel crowned Saul as the first king of Israel. While one would expect the young king's coronation to be a festive and respectful event, the opposite occurred. Each coronation was more humiliating and traumatic than the last.

In this episode, we lay the foundation for the troubled relationship between the two, which will continue to escalate and accompany Saul's miserable years of reign until his tragic end.

The sharp contrast between Samuel and Saul creates a powerful drama that unfolds against the backdrop of the struggle against the Philistines.