Download “In the World” for October 23, 2022 here.
A CONSIDERATE KING
Last month, King Charles III took the throne of England after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. While his mother’s coronation ceremony had lasted three hours and boasted 8,000 dignitaries as guests—and cost a fortune, Charles wishes to streamline things. With an eye toward the financial crisis in the UK, Charles didn’t want to create a huge, expensive spectacle of his coronation. So the event (next year) will be one hour long, and the guest list will drop to 2,000. Still big and befitting a kingdom, but sensitive to the cultural moment. “The King is very aware of the struggles felt by modern Britons,” said a royal source. “It should also be representative of a monarchy in a modern world.”
A RELUCTANT KING
After Samuel had ruled Israel as the last judge and first prophet for a lifetime, he grew old and his sons did not follow the Lord. The people, perhaps looking with envy at surrounding nations who were led by monarchs, came to Samuel and demanded that he select someone to rule over them as king. Samuel consulted the Lord, certain that God would refuse their demand. But the Lord told him to grant their request, assuring him that it wasn’t Samuel they were rejecting, but God. However, when it came time to crown Saul, they couldn’t find him. They finally located him hiding with the luggage.
- What do you think it would be like to live in a monarchy? What would you like or dislike about it?
- If you were king or queen of your own country, what would be your first decree?
- Why do you think Saul hid from those who wanted to make him king?
Additional Resources
These videos and materials are for your personal use. If you show videos in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
- Music Video, Traditional: “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
- Music Video, Multicultural: “I Believe” by Niiella
- Music Video, Contemporary: “You’re Still God” by Philippa Hanna
- Guzik’s Commentary on 1 Samuel 8 and 1 Samuel 10
- Constable’s Exposition of 1 Samuel 8 and 1 Samuel 10
- Pulpit Commentary of 1 Samuel 8 and 1 Samuel 10