August 20, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode — the second-to-last installment of a summer series on the kings of Israel — hosts dig into the life and reign of Saul, Israel’s first earthly king. Running about 35 minutes, the episode leans heavily on scripture readings (primarily from 1 Samuel, with supplemental passages from Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and 1 Peter) and explores why Saul’s promising start ended in failure. The hosts reference previous contributions from Landon and Russell as they trace the narrative.

The discussion covers key moments: the people’s demand for a king (1 Samuel 8) and God’s prior instructions (Deuteronomy 17); Saul’s unexpected anointing and early humility (1 Samuel 9–10); his comedic moment hiding among the baggage; and his initial successes and public approval (1 Samuel 11–12). The episode then moves into the turning points of Saul’s reign: the unauthorized sacrifice at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13), Saul’s rash oath that endangered his troops and nearly cost Jonathan his life (1 Samuel 14), and the partial obedience at Amalek when Saul spared King Agag and the best spoil (1 Samuel 15). The hosts also cover Saul’s growing paranoia and attempt on David’s life, his consulting a medium after God stopped answering him, and his tragic death.

Throughout the episode Robert highlights recurring themes and takeaways: the primacy of obedience over sacrifice, the danger of trusting human reasoning instead of God’s commands, the corrupting influence of pride and misuse of authority, and God’s patience and the call to repentance. Expect a mix of close scripture reading, practical applications for leaders and followers, and theological reflections on why Saul’s story still matters today.

Duration 37:43