A Son's Salvation

1 Samuel 14:1-52

January 14, 2024 • Andrew Murch • 1 Samuel 14

1 Samuel 14:1-52 | Andrew Murch | As in many great tales of old, in moments of despair and desperation, a hero emerges. In chapter 13, Saul’s impatient attempt to gain the blessing of God in a battle against the Philistines ended in shocking consequences: the monarchy of Israel would be handed to someone else, stripped from Saul and his descendants forever. Saul’s army is dwindling as his troops scatter in fear. The Philistine army is as massive as ever, ready to strike at any moment. To top it off, we find out that the Israelite troops still willing to fight don’t even have any weapons!

More from Harp & Spear: A Tale of Two Kings

Saul’s Final Decision

April 28, 2024 • Jake Gamble • 1 Samuel 31

1 Samuel 31:1-13 | Jake Gamble | It’s not how you start the race, but how you finish it that matters. Tragically, Saul did not finish the race well. This week’s passage recounts the death of Saul. His story seemed to start so strong: he was the people’s choice for king, taller and more handsome than any in Israel. Yet he continually rebelled against God, turning from his ways and spiraling downward in pride, fear, and paranoia. Now, in this passage, the once mighty king meets his ignominious end.

The King in Enemy Territory

April 21, 2024 • Andrew Murch • 1 Samuel 30, 1 Samuel 29

1 Samuel 29:1-30:31 | Andrew Murch | In this week’s text, David arguably hits his darkest moment. While his years of exile are coming to a close, he does not know that yet. Here, even his enemies cast him out; his village is burned, his family taken captive, and possessions taken; even his own people are ready to stone him. He is tempted to despair. But here, at his lowest, David does what God's people always ought to do; he turns to God.

Enough Said

April 14, 2024 • Andrew Murch • 1 Samuel 27, 1 Samuel 28

1 Samuel 27:1-28:25 | Andrew Murch | In 1 Samuel 27 and 28, we see David, once again and in a twist of irony, fleeing Saul and going to the land of the Philistines. Meanwhile, King Saul turns to the occult. He feels like God has let him down and is not answering him the way he wants. So he seeks dark and forbidden spiritual powers to rescue him. He consults the medium of Endor to raise the ghost of Samuel in an attempt to save his own skin.