First Samuel records the history of Israel in the land of
Canaan as they move from the rule of judges to being a unified nation under kings. Samuel emerges as the last judge, and he anoints the first two kings, Saul and David. The tragic story of Saul is a study in wasted opportunity. Here was a man who had it all, yet he died in despair, terrified of his enemies and knowing he had failed his nation, his family, and his God. In contrast, the humility and integrity of David, coupled with his boldness for the Lord and his commitment to prayer, set a good example for all of us and we can learn many lessons from the lives of these characters.