COMMENTARY

Old Testament: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20; (11:14-15)
Samuel became the religious and political leader of Israel. He cleared the country of pagan gods and defeated the Philistines. When Samuel became old and was not expected to live much longer, the elders came to Samuel and requested a king in order to be like other nations who had a king. Samuel took the request to Yahweh in prayer and he told Samuel to listen to the people but to warn them that a king would make them slaves. In spite of this, the people were determined to have a king so that they could be like other nations.

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1
Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus f…