In today’s reading, Saul has reigned two years in Israel when he starts a war with Philistines. When things begin to go badly, Saul, likely moved by fear and impatience, crosses a line and offers an animal sacrifice himself, which thing is forbidden to any but the Levites. Samuel arrives and rebukes him for his transgression and advises him of its cost. Eventually Saul’s son Jonathan attacks the Philistines, provoking a notable victory against them, but is condemned to death for unknowingly breaking a rash oath to which his father had bound their army. His life is saved by the people, after which Saul doubles down on building a standing army and making war against the other nations by Israel.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission