READ THE BIBLE IN 2022: This past week, March 27 through April 2, we read 1 Samuel 1-24. Transition and rebellion are two overarching themes. Transition from judges in the service of God and Israel to Israel serving kings (who were often self-serving). It was a rebellious choice they chose for themselves. Samuel took Israel’s demand for a king personally, but God put things in perspective: “They have not rejected you,” God told him, “but they have rejected Me from being King over them” (1Sam 8:7). Israel accepted Saul to rule over them and shouted, “Long live the King!” (10:24) Saul’s initial victory over the Ammonites solidified his rule over the people, but he soon overstepped his authority by offering an unlawful sacrifice. His next misstep was to make a foolish vow. His next and greater offense was to disregard God’s command to devote King Agag and all of the belongings of the Amalekites to destruction. Thus, God regretted making Saul king over Israel (15:10). In a strange twist of events David was anointed to be the next king, yet King Saul would spend much of his remaining days trying to kill David, even though David would spare his life. This week (April 3 - 9) read 1 Samuel 25 through 2 Samuel 18.