Saul's reign continues and his character begins to show patterns of self-centeredness and the fear of man. Meanwhile, Saul's son Jonathan fears no man and even risks his life in the hands of God. By the end of this passage, God will decree the ending of Saul's dynasty much to the sorrow of Samuel.

When Daniel reads Jeremiah's prophecy, he sees that the captivity is almost over. He turns to prayer and surveys Israel's history for times when they've received undeserved mercy from their God. We see in this passage our undeniable guilt in contrast to God's ever-available mercy (Daniel 9).

Samuel is frustrated when the Israelites ask for a king like the other nations. Despite his frustrations, Samuel heeds God and appoints Saul as the first king over Israel. Though Saul is initially reluctant to be crowned king, he rises to the occasion to rescue the city of Jabesh Gilead.

Daniel is given another vision about coming human empires. We see in this passage that even the greatest power of man pales in comparison to God's ultimate power (Daniel 8).

When the Philistines attack, Israel resorts to bringing out the Ark of the Covenant to strengthen their battle. At the subsequent loss, the Ark is captured and the line of Eli is decimated. In Philistine territory, God wreaks havoc and sets in motion a realization that leads to a national repentance in Israel. So begins Samuel's national ministry.

In this passage, God reveals to Daniel the coming imperial conquests that will befall the earth in the coming centuries. We see that unlike theirs, God's reign is from everlasting and that His foreknowledge proves that He is the preeminent King. Knowing this future, our present should be affected (Daniel 7).

As we open up the book of Samuel, we see the many ways that the pattern of the book of Judges extends into this era; and yet the rare occasions where that pattern is broken. When a barren woman looks to the Lord for compassion, God lets loose the beginnings of a new work in the nation of Israel.

Daniel finds himself thrown into the den of lions. It is there he finds the salvation of the Lord. We too see how God, Whose laws supersede those of man, continues to save His people even in the gravest of situations (Daniel 6).

This concluding study through Judges follows four chapters of epilogue that exhibit the depth of Israel's departure from the way of the LORD. Beginning with a curse and a robbery, the book closes with a deadly civil war that leads to, at best, partial repentance.

The succeeding king, Belshazzar has forgotten what God has done in Babylon. He does not know the conclusions to which Nebuchadnezzar came concerning the God of Israel. We see that God cuts the time off and judges this king, having weighed his worth concerning the things of God (Daniel 5).