The reading for Saturday, March 18, 2023 , is 1 Samuel 15 - 17

1 Samuel 15 - 17 

Saul did not follow the Lord wholeheartedly. He sacrificed the lesser things. (As I understand it, this was also what was 'wrong' with Cain's sacrifice. It was not the best for the Lord.) Then Saul lies about what he did to Samuel's face while Samuel could hear the captured animals that were to have been sacrificed. Did Saul's power corrupt him or was it from fear? This was the same man who hid among the baggage. In 15:24, Saul owns that he was afraid of the people. 

The Lord regretted making Saul king over Israel. What does it mean to have a God who had regrets, yet is always good and perfect. It is hard to see this God in the old testament being full of love for all people when he keeps telling the Israelites to devote them to destruction/kill them all. 

In chapter 16, the elders of Bethlehem ask Samuel if he comes peaceably. What would the other answer be? A quick google search indicates Samuel may have come to rebuke or judge them in some manner or may have come to seek refuge from Saul which would not have been good for place where Samuel was seeking refuge at. 

The Lord chooses David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, to be king. We continue to see the younger having more honor than the older brothers. (Jacob & Esau, Joseph over his brothers, etc.)

16:14 How can a harmful or evil spirit come from the Lord? On the other hand, how can it not, as God created all things. Is this to do with free will? Fallen angels? 

Saul sends for David to play a musical instrument to soothe Saul when the harmful spirit was upon Saul. David found favor in Saul's eyes and stays with Saul. What a contrast this is to the things to come between David and Saul. 

There does seem to be some mix up in the chronology here. David then kills Goliath. Saul sends for David and inquires who he is. 

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