1 Samuel 9

There isn't a ton to say about this chapter - nothing terribly deep is said - but it sets up the next chapter for what I expect will be the anointing of Saul as king.

What I find most interesting, though, is the way he is described here: a youth, very tall, and so far seemingly obedient and thoughtful (he didn't want to go inquire advice of prophet Samuel without a gift to bring). Throughout my childhood, in sunday school especially, it always seemed as if Saul was a villain - and no doubt he will be in later parts of the Bible, but here before he is king he's just a young man doing his father's work. This is an apt reminder that anyone, no matter how innocent he may seem, can become corrupted by power and sin.

Deuteronomy 18

Nothing too special in the reading today - further emphasis that the Levites would not have a part in the inheritance of the Promised Land itself, but that other tribes are to provide for them, and more warnings against imitating the practices of those whom the Israelites would drive out of the land. The most noteworthy thing here is the promise that more prophets of the Lord would arise, like Moses, to speak to the people. This came with a warning to heed their words, and a test to ensure that they spoke what God wished: any predictions that truly came from God would come true, so if anything was said that did come to pass it would give away a false prophet.