Crises & Kings explores the Book of Samuel, which recounts a tumultuous period in Biblical history. The Israelites have settled in their new land but tribal rivalries weaken them against the ascendant Philistines. Saul, the first king, brings hope but his reign is marred by missteps, leading to his downfall.
David, arguably the most famous character in Jewish tradition, succeeds Saul and strategically lays the foundations for an empire. His exploits, including some spectacular moral failures, are unrivaled. The dramatic narrative of Sefer Shmuel introduces us to themes still relevant today: divine destiny vs. human initiative, faith vs. misplaced religious devotion, and good leadership vs. corrosive and self-serving rule.
This series is a production of Pardes North America in partnership with The Koren Podcast Network and is lovingly sponsored by the Neustein family in memory of Rabbi Dr. Joseph Neustein, on the occasion of his 4th yahrzeit.
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Bonus Content – Behind-the-Scenes with |
In this bonus episode, Rabbi Alex Israel, in conversation with Rabbi Michael Hattin, goes behind the scenes of Crises and Kings. Alex and Michael discuss highlights and challenges in the making of Samuel I and reveal an exclusive sneak peek at the end. |
Episode 1 |
In order to appreciate the opening chapters of the book of Samuel, we must first consider the backdrop of the book of Judges. Understanding this context will help us appreciate the challenges that the people of Israel face, as Sefer Shmuel begins. |
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Our book begins by introducing us to the fraught family dynamics of Elkana and his two wives, Penina and Chana. Chana, childless and desperate, teach us about hope and devotion. Her tearful vow at Shilo becomes the template in our tradition for sincerity. God will answer her prayers. |
Episode 3 The Crimes of the Priests |
Chana’s piety stands in direct contrast to the officiating priests at Shilo, Chofni and Pinchas the sons of Eli. These two abuse their power and exalted position, desecrating God’s service and victimizing the people of Israel. In consequence, doom is pronounced upon the house of Eli by God. |
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Eli the high priest is young Shmuel’s mentor and guide. But now the word of God comes to Shmuel directly, sidelining old and blind Eli in the process. This moment, which marks the end of Eli’s tenure as the religious leader of Israel, is painful as well as poignant for both of them. |
Episode 5 The Israelite Defeated |
Initially defeated in battle by the Philistines, the Israelites bring the ark of the covenant to the fray. But its mere presence will not grant them victory. The Philistines prevail, the ark is taken captive and Shilo is destroyed. |
Episode 6 The Philistines Chastened |
The pagan Philistines believe that by capturing the ark, they have prevailed against the God of Israel. But He soon makes it clear that while His ways are subtle, His power is unmatched. |
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The old corrupt order has been swept away. Shmuel now emerges as a true judge in Israel, highlighting what real religious/political leadership can accomplish. |
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With Shmuel’s career-ending, the elders and the people demand that he appoint a king. But Shmuel is reluctant. A close reading of Deuteronomy 16 – 17 reveals why. |
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Monarchy as an institution has great potential but also carries great risks. In this podcast, we begin to consider both. |
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The appointment of Israel’s first king implausibly begins with Saul’s fruitless search for lost donkeys. It ends with Saul instead discovering kingship. |
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Saul is offered three curious signs to indicate that he has been chosen. But they are not random. |
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Although Saul is officially king, he will not win the people’s confidence until he can act like one. The defeat of the Ammonites will be his moment. |
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Shmuel, old and tired, officially hands over power to the king. But will the king be able to live up to the example of Shmuel’s lifetime of selfless leadership and integrity? |
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Saul now faces his first serious crisis as King. How will he respond? |
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Even as Saul stumbles as king, his son Yonatan emerges as a natural and inspired leader. |
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God gives Saul a second chance and commands him to destroy Amalek. But Saul has other ideas. |
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Saul’s rejection as king leads unexpectedly to David’s emergence from obscurity. |
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In one of the most famous moments in the Hebrew Bible, David puts his trust in God and defeats the Philistine giant Goliath. |
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David’s triumph is short-lived as he is forced to flee Shaul’s jealous wrath. Rejection as the king leads unexpectedly to David’s emergence from obscurity. |
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Jonathan emerges as David’s defender and true friend. In an ultimate act of altruism, he will put David’s future ahead of his own. |
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David’s flight takes him to Nov and to Philistine territory. Saul’s rage will know no bounds. (Samuel I 21:1 – 22:16) |
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After Nov’s overthrow, Saul continues to pursue David. David manages to stay one step ahead, until their meeting at the cave in Ein Gedi… (Samuel I 22:17 – 24:22) LISTEN NOW! |
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David is saved from spilling blood through the heroic intervention of a wise woman – Avigayil. (Samuel I 25:1 – 44) LISTEN NOW! |
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In an encounter very reminiscent of chapter 24, David and Shaul meet for a final time. Now, though, David will make it clear that Shaul has been manipulated by unscrupulous men. (Samuel I 26:1 – 27:12) |
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As the Philistines mass for battle, Shaul becomes desperate. God will not respond to his entreaties, so instead, he reaches out to the spirit of dead Shmuel. (Samuel I 28:1 – 25) LISTEN NOW! |
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Sent home by the Philistines, David and his men discover that Ziklag has been sacked by the Amalekites. How will David regroup? (Samuel I 29:1 – 30:38) LISTEN NOW! |
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In this final battle Shaul dies, but as the noble king of Israel. (Samuel I 31:1-13) |
| Samuel II | |
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Through an unlikely source, word reaches David that Shaul is dead and David laments. (Samuel II 1:1-27) |
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Shaul is dead but David will not become king over all of Israel immediately. (Samuel II 2:1-3:1) |
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The last difficult obstacles to David becoming king are unexpectedly removed, even as David takes no active role. (Samuel II 3:2-4:12) |
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In his first act as king over all of Israel, David conquers Jerusalem and makes it his capital. (Samuel II 5:1-25) |
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Having established Jerusalem as his new capital, David relocates the ark to it. (Samuel II 6:1-23)LISTEN NOW! |
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With his kingdom becoming secure, David expresses his wish to finally build the Temple. God, however, has other plans. (Samuel II 7:1-29)LISTEN NOW! |
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David secures the realm by defeating all of the surrounding kingdoms that threaten it. He also keeps his pledge. (Samuel II 8:1-10:9)LISTEN NOW! |
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David’s glorious ascent is abruptly derailed by a crime that redefines him and his kingdom. (Samuel II 11:1-15)LISTEN NOW! |
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Natan the prophet pronounces God’s harsh judgment against David. (Samuel II 11:16-12:23)LISTEN NOW! |
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The consequences of David’s crime now begin to play themselves out, with great destructive effect. (Samuel II 12:24 – 13:39)LISTEN NOW! |
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Through the agency of Yoav and the parable of the wise woman of Tekoa, David is convinced to allow Avshalom to return to Jerusalem. But a resolution is a far way off. (Samuel II 14:1-33)LISTEN NOW! |
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Avshalom rebels against his father David and the kingdom threatens to unravel. (Samuel II 15:1-37)LISTEN NOW! |
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Avshalom triumphantly enters Jerusalem. There will be no turning back.
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David’s fortunes turn, as Avshalom’s men are defeated in battle.
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The news of Avshalom’s death reaches David. Shattered by the report, he begins to make his way back to Jerusalem.
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Sheva ben Bichri’s Rebellion |
David returns to Jerusalem but a new rebellion now breaks out.
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David’s Legacy: Pledges Kept and Giants Defeated |
The final four chapters of the book provide us with a retrospect of David and his reign.
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The Song of Triumph |
An epic poem of triumph reminds us of David’s trust in God.
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David’s Mighty Men |
David’s final words are followed by a list of his mighty warriors.
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The Census |
The book concludes with David’s ill-considered census, the ensuing plague and the building of an altar to God.
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The Conclusion |
Michael shares his concluding thoughts.
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