The books of Samuel record some of the most dramatic developments and transitions in the history of Israel. A transitional figure himself, Samuel combines the solid role of judge with the fluid role of seer, eventually growing into arguably the first of the true prophetic figures. The events Samuel finds himself in the midst of are as changeable as his own character. In the face of Israel's greatest threat - the Philistine army - Samuel oversees the establishment of Israel's greatest experiment - the monarchy. Samuel brings the tradition of the Judges to a close when at the Lord's command (9:16), he anoints Saul as ruler over Israel (10:1).

In this week's text, Samuel travels to the humble southern family of the Bethlehemite Jesse under the guise of a simple sacrificial trip. The storytell…