One of the best known stories of the Old Testament is not only about David and Goliath but also about the Lord and the Champion to come.

After the Lord rejected Saul as king, he chose a man with a heart oriented toward the Lord.

In response to King Saul’s second major error and his excuse, Samuel famously declared that to obey is better than sacrifice.

Saul’s two acts of foolishness contrasted with his son’s two acts of faith, and they changed the course of history.

God’s choice of Saul to be Israel’s first king anticipated the eventual arrival of the coming King and also Christians’ royal calling.

The Israelites’ demand for a king is a good reminder to us to trust in the Lord, the only one who can profit and deliver.

When the ark is captured, the Lord goes into exile for his people and fights their enemies. When his people repent, he gives them the victory.

The loss of the Ark from Israel anticipated the way of approaching God through Christ and also warns against faith that is merely outward conformity.

After a time of little communication with his people, God spoke again through his prophet Samuel, and he has spoken most clearly through his own Son.

The chief priest could not control his wicked sons, so God removed them all and raised up the one who could intercede between humans and himself.