1 Samuel 20: As the Arrow Flies

The Rev. Christopher Maronde, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Hastings, IA, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, IA join the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 20. David and Jonathan's friendship is put to the test as Jonathan's father, King Saul, becomes increasingly jealous of David's popularity and success. Jonathan helps David escape Saul's wrath by devising a plan for David to stay away from the royal court during the upcoming festival. Despite the danger of it all, Jonathan remains loyal to David, and their bond of friendship grows stronger. The Book of 1 Samuel beings with the unique birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Soon, the people of Israel begin to press upon the aging prophet Samuel to anoint a king over them like the other nations. YHWH assures Samuel that the people are rejecting their God, not Samuel. He advises Samuel to give the people what they want. What follows is the rise and fall of King Saul, the eventual anointing and coronation of David as king, the forerunner of Jesus. It’s a true story of political intrigue and warfare, but it’s also more than that. 1 Samuel shows us God working to save his people from their enemies and even from themselves.