1 Samuel 16:14-18:9 The young shepherd, anointed in secret, becomes a court musician and then a champion. David makes his name in a combat that is a very emblem of a plucky underdog taking on a much bigger opponent and the most famous champion of the Philistines ever falls to a youth with a rock.

1 Samuel 15-16:13 King Saul fails in an important mission and the kingdom is not just taken from his line, but now from him in particular. Samuel goes out to anoint a new king, this one found herding sheep in the field. The greatest king in Israel's history makes his entrance onto the stage.

King Saul moves to the front, Samuel to the background. Saul wins a great victory against the Philistines, but displays some of the character flaws that will lead to his ultimate downfall. His son Jonathon shows incredible bravery and faith.

Israel finally gets a king, a tall and reluctant son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. Will this be the king they have wanted? Can he be a source of salvation for the people of Israel?

What happens next with the story of the Bible? Well, a summer break and change of frequency are in the future, along with updates to past episodes. That, along with a shameless plug for Mike Brakken's book, learn what's coming with the podcast!

1 Samuel 7:2-8 Samuel takes on the role of judge at Mizpah as all Israel repents. His time as a judge is briefly covered and, as his sons aren't up to the task of ruling, Israel asks for a king. The era of the judges in the promised land ends.

1 Samuel 3-7:1 The young man Samuel hears a voice in the night and hears a horrifying prophecy. Eli dies is ignominy, the ark is captured by the Philistines and then returned to Israel.

1 Samuel 1-2 The penultimate judge of Israel isn't doing a good job at keeping his own house in order and a childless wife of a Levite man is desperate for a son. One house is blessed, another cursed, and one of the men on whom the history of God's people hinge is born.

Ruth 1-4 A side story in the era of the judges. A young woman from Moab accompanies her bereft mother-in-law home to Bethlehem, catches the eye of a wealthy landowner, and enters the story of a coming King.

Judges 15:7-16:31 The Bible's strongest man rises to power, slaughters his enemies, performs feats of astounding strength, and falls prey to a nagging woman.