Scripture Central

What happens when God’s people trade prophetic guidance for political power? In this thought-provoking episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson dives into 1 Samuel 8–16 to explore Israel’s pivotal—and perilous—shift from prophets to kings.

As the Israelites demand a king “like all the nations,” the prophet Samuel delivers a sobering warning about what monarchy will bring: oppression, inequality, and a distancing from God. Lynne unpacks Samuel’s prophetic counsel and examines why the desire for a king represented more than a political change—it was a spiritual turning point rooted in fear, comparison, and misplaced trust.

The episode then follows the rise and fall of King Saul, whose early promise gives way to insecurity, disobedience, and jealousy. As Saul begins to forget God, his fixation on power leads him to see young David as a threat rather than the Lord’s anointed. Lynne explores Saul’s tragic descent and the tension between divine will and human ambition, highlighting the consequences of choosing earthly authority over spiritual guidance.

There is a valuable question we should all answer from time to time. The question is simply, “Who am I?”

“Who am I?” should be addressed from time to time because the complete answer changes as you change, and one way or the other, you are always changing. Getting a fix on who you and where you are is essential to staying on course.

How you view yourself and getting a fix on who you really are, may be more important than where you are. Those few who have a clear definition and vision of who they are, are more settled and usually accomplish more.

If you see yourself as you really are, you will be humble. Humility is the condition of the human spirit when presently aware of who you are and who God is. It is to recognize the gap, recognize your weakness and absolute dependence on God for every good thing, including breath and the beat of your heart.

Joseph Smith said: “There are but a very few beings in the world who understand rightly the character of God…If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.”

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.
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Journey into some of the most tender and powerful stories of faith in this moving episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Focusing on the Book of Ruth and the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, Lynne explores the lives of extraordinary covenant women whose loyalty, sacrifice, and trust in God changed the course of Israel’s history.

At the heart of the episode is Ruth—a Moabite widow whose devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi stands as one of the most beautiful expressions of covenant loyalty in scripture. Lynne unpacks Ruth’s courageous choice to leave everything behind, her humble faith as she gleans in the fields, and her eventual redemption through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. Together, their story becomes a powerful symbol of belonging, divine providence, and the inclusive reach of God’s covenant.

The episode also turns to Hannah, a woman of deep sorrow and even deeper faith. Through her heartfelt prayers and unwavering devotion, Hannah becomes the mother of Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Lynne explores Hannah’s covenant with God, her willingness to consecrate her long-awaited son, and the spiritual foundation she provides for Samuel’s prophetic calling.

With insight and compassion, Lynne weaves these stories together to highlight how women—often overlooked—play central roles in God’s unfolding plan. This episode offers a rich, inspiring look at faith, family, redemption, and the quiet strength of covenant discipleship.

We’ve considered Christ as the Way to the gifts of God’s Spirit and God’s life.

In this and the coming episodes, we turn our attention to Christ as the Truth offsetting darkness.
Without intervention, without light, darkness reigns. It is the natural state of things. God offsets the natural state of things.

The common tendency is blend in with the crowd. Most of us are uncomfortable with attention. Most of us would rather go somewhat unnoticed. If you can blend in, less may be expected of you. Safety is thought to be found in numbers blending in with the crowd which gives rise to a silent accord of low expectations, an unconscious consensus of mediocrity.

The Lord promised that if we care for the poor and provide help for those in need, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning…”

If you follow the Lord, you will be a light shining in the darkness. Your light will shine, which will be Him, His light, and whether you choose it or want it, you will be a city set on a hill.