When the Ammonites renew their enmity with Israel at Jabesh-gilead, the news eventually gets to King Saul, who is plowing with his oxen. The Spirit of God rushes upon Saul, and in anger, he calls Israel to come out and fight, lest they face his sword. The army musters at Saul's command, and he leads the people to victory over the Ammonites. Saul rightly puts aside any desire for personal vengeance, and Samuel leads the people in worship before the LORD. Finally, Saul's reign over Israel has been solidified.

Rev. Vance Becker, pastor emeritus attending Trinity Lutheran Church in Garden City, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 11:1-15.

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]