The people of Israel wanted a king. They told their prophet, Samuel, that they wanted him to appoint someone that would “judge us like all nations.” We see in Chapter 9 that they get Saul who was a man of good looks, tall stature, and from a wealthy family. He was just what the people wanted—but he was not what they needed.

This story is one of my favorites. There are so many things I could say about it in relation to Advent. Most often, authors point out the kinsman redeemer Boaz and how it reflects the way Jesus redeems us. However, my mind is stuck on something else today—genealogies.

The people of Jericho had already heard of the mighty works God had done for Israel bringing them out of Egypt and they were afraid. Even as a pagan people they could recognize that the LORD God ruled in the heavens above and the earth below. It is no surprise that they shut up the city inside and out when they saw the Israelites coming to camp outside their walls.

The Ten Commandments, also known as part of the Mosaic Law, were given to Israel shortly after their escape from Egypt. The other two parts of the Mosaic law detail the ordinances and plan Israel used to build, then worship in the tabernacle, make offerings, and host festivals. These laws reveal the character of a holy God, as well as set his followers apart from other nations.

The Israelites felt caught between impossible circumstances. They faced the sea on one side and knew that Pharaoh was chasing them down from the other. There was nothing they could do in their own power that would save them.