The First Testament is filled with stories so suspenseful, plots so convoluted and interwoven, that even in this unshockable age they continue to leap off the pages. Amidst all the cliffhangers and catastrophes, however, the tragedy of Saul and the triumph of David remain one of the most memorable - confounding our sensibilities and astounding our expectations. Last week's text introduced the guileless David into the divine plot to overthrow the unsuspecting Saul. This week the noose of God's judgment begins to slip around Saul's neck. As yet its silken texture belies its deadly intent.

The author of 1 Samuel can never be accused of possessing a shaky concept of monotheism. So committed is he to this ideal that the whole notion of a just God, a good God, is given a decisive shake in this t…