Saul: The False Priest

Summary

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The Chosen People – Episode Summary

Episode: "Saul: The False Priest"

Host: Pray.com
Date: May 13, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode, "Saul: The False Priest," delves into a pivotal and dramatic moment from the Old Testament: King Saul’s fateful decision to overstep his boundaries and perform a priestly sacrifice in Samuel’s absence. Through rich narration and dialogue, the story explores obedience, leadership, the consequences of fear, and the deep spiritual truths beneath the downfall of Saul, Israel’s first king. The episode sets the stage for the eventual rise of David and the unfolding of divine destiny.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. The Burden and Ambiguity of Kingship

• [00:32–00:53] Saul receives the kingly breastplate and armor, feeling not weighed down but emboldened by it. He proclaims, “Now there will be no mistaking who is king.”
• Samuel’s initial attitude is wary and foreboding: “You have the king you’ve begged for… I’m sure nothing could possibly go wrong.” (Samuel, 00:18)

2. Samuel’s Warning and Saul’s Growing Bitterness

• [01:01–01:48] Samuel rebukes the people for demanding a king instead of relying on God, warning that obedience is the only way forward:

  “If you and your king obey him, all will be well. But if you rebel… then he will stand against both you and your king.” (Samuel, 01:32)

• The narrator observes the seed of bitterness growing in Saul’s heart:

  “He wondered if Samuel had ever truly wanted him to be king…” (Narrator, 01:53)

3. Philistine Threat and the Spiraling of Israelite Morale

• [03:11–06:00] A detailed depiction of the overwhelming Philistine forces:

  “3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and foot soldiers beyond counting, warriors as numerous as the sands of the shore.” (Narrator, 03:32)

• The Philistines eliminate Israel’s blacksmiths, disarming the people; morale collapses as Israelites flee or hide.

4. Saul’s Desperation for Legitimacy and Divine Favor

• [06:00–08:52]
  • Saul calls an assembly at Gilgal, but with Samuel’s arrival delayed, fear overtakes the troops.
  • Saul’s internal struggle:

    “The people are losing heart before the battle has even begun. Where is Samuel?” (Saul, 06:00)

  • As time runs out and Samuel hasn’t come, Saul’s anxiety deepens:

    “Every hour that passes without Samuel’s arrival is another hour the men spend whispering in fear.” (Saul, 07:10)

  • Saul’s reasoning for acting:

    “Samuel has abandoned me. It’s up to me and me alone.” (Saul, 08:40)

5. Saul’s Transgression: Seizing the Role of Priest

• [08:52–10:34] Saul disregards tradition and divine law, performing the priestly sacrifice himself:
  • When cautioned by his aide:

    “Is that not a priest’s role and a priest’s role alone?” (Aide, 09:07) “I’m the king. I will be and do whatever is necessary for the people. If I must be a priest or a prophet, so be it.” (Saul, 09:13)

  • The narrator captures Saul’s act:

    “He butchered the animal as a soldier, not a priest. His blade was swift, but there was no reverence in the movement.” (Narrator, 09:27)

6. A Hollow Victory and the Arrival of Samuel

• [10:34–12:44]
  • The sacrifice seems effective at first, rallying the people:

    “For the first time in days, they seemed calm. Slowly, they began to cheer.” (Narrator, 10:34)

  • But as Saul basks in his short-lived success, Samuel finally arrives:

    “Saul turned, meeting Samuel’s gaze. The king smiled as if nothing had happened.” (Narrator, 12:44)

  • Saul’s blessing is met with icy silence:

    “Samuel did not return the blessing. … His voice when he spoke was sharp as a blade.” (Narrator, 12:48)

7. Samuel’s Rebuke and Prophetic Judgment

• [13:14–15:23]
  • A powerful confrontation:

    “What have you done?” (Samuel, 13:14)

  • Saul defends himself:

    “The people were losing heart, Samuel. … I took action.” (Saul, 13:21)
    “I forced myself to take on the role of priest.” (Saul, 13:39)

  • Samuel’s condemnation is unequivocal:

    “You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, your kingdom would have been established forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue.” (Samuel, 14:10, 14:19)
    “They are God’s people, Saul, not yours.” (Samuel, 14:36)
    “That is why the Lord has sought another to replace you. A man after his own heart.” (Samuel, 15:05)

8. Saul’s Isolation and Resolve

• [15:23–15:49] Saul is left reeling and alone, but inwardly resolves not to lose his throne, despite having lost God’s favor.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Samuel’s Foreboding Rebuke:

  “If you and your king obey him, all will be well. But if you rebel, if your hearts grow proud and arrogant… then he will stand against both you and your king.” — Samuel (01:32)

• Saul’s Rationalization:

  “I’m the king. I will be and do whatever is necessary for the people. If I must be a priest or a prophet, so be it.” — Saul (09:13)

• Samuel’s Devastating Judgment:

  “You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, your kingdom would have been established forever. But now… your kingdom shall not continue.” — Samuel (14:10–14:19) “The Lord has sought another to replace you. A man after his own heart.” — Samuel (15:05)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:18–01:48 | Samuel’s introduction and warning to Israel | | 03:11–06:00 | The Philistine threat and Israel’s demoralization | | 06:00–08:52 | Saul’s anxieties and waiting for Samuel | | 08:52–10:34 | Saul conducts the unauthorized sacrifice | | 12:44–13:15 | Samuel’s return and confrontation with Saul | | 13:14–15:23 | Samuel’s rebuke, prophecy of Saul’s downfall | | 15:23–15:49 | Saul’s isolation and resolve not to yield his throne |

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Tone and Storytelling

The episode is immersive and contemplative, combining stirring narration with authentic, emotionally-charged dialogue. The speakers adopt the idiom and gravity of biblical narrative, never losing the tension between fear, faith, and power.

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For First-Time Listeners

This episode offers an emotionally impactful retelling of Saul’s critical failure as king, exploring timeless lessons about authority, obedience, and the dangers of pride. Through artful dramatization and character insight, listeners gain a fresh perspective on one of the Old Testament’s most consequential stories—and on the spiritual principle that only a heart aligned with God’s will endures.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[Samuel]

Well, I suppose it's settled then. You have the king you've begged for. He's here. He's grand. And I'm sure nothing could possibly go wrong.

[Narrator]

Saul held the breastplate before him, his fingers tracing the golden filigree. The weight of it was immense, but it did not burden him. It emboldened him.

[Saul]

Now there will be no mistaking who is king.

[Saul (King's speech)]

When I march into battle, take trumpets to every city. Let all of Israel know that I have won this battle.

[Samuel]

The Lord has conquered kings and toppled towers for you. Yet you whined for a king like children. When Nahash came, you did not call

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

on the Lord to save you. No, you asked for a man and here he is, the king you demanded.

[Samuel]

The Lord has given you what you

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

wanted, but take heed.

[Samuel]

If you and your king obey him, all will be well. But if you rebel, if your hearts grow proud and arrogant, if you forget the Lord again, then he will stand

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

against both you and your king.

[Narrator]

For the first time, a seed of bitterness took root in Saul's heart. He wondered if Samuel had ever truly wanted him to be king, or if the old prophet was secretly praying for his failure.

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[Narrator]

the name of Israel had become a bitter curse on philistine tongues before Saul's reign, the Hebrews had been scattered, nothing more than farmers and herdsmen wielding crude swords. But Jonathan's victory at Geber had stirred something dangerous, a flame of defiance that the Philistines would not tolerate. So they answered with fire. In the weeks that followed, they raised an army unlike anything Israel had seen before. 3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and foot soldiers beyond counting, warriors as numerous as the sands of the shore. Their war cries echoed across the land, a relentless drumbeat of approaching doom. And worse. The Philistines were cunning. They did not charge blindly into battle. They struck at the heart of Israel's strength before the war had even begun. Blacksmiths were stolen away in the night, murdered in their homes, or taken in chains to Philistine strongholds. The forges of Israel fell silent, and her warriors were left with little more than farming tools and hunting knives. Victory was already within reach, and the Philistines had yet to draw a sword in battle. Their armies swarmed into Michmash, east of Beth Avon, fortifying their position. They moved like a predator circling its prey, waiting for Israel to break beneath the weight of its own terror. And that fear was breaking them. Men whispered in dark corners of their homes. Some fled with their families, vanishing into the hills of Gad and Gilead. Others hid in caves, cringing like dogs at the sound of every Philistine warhorn. Saul may have been adorned with glimmering armor of gold. His sword may have been sharp and shield sturdy. But in the end, fear is stronger than steel. Saul summoned his people to Gilgal, to the place where he had been crowned, the place where Samuel had first anointed him. There, before the Lord, a sacrifice would be made and Israel would march to war. But as the days passed, Saul saw his army thinning. Every morning he awoke to fewer men. They were slipping away, vanishing into the wilderness, their courage drained like blood from a wound. By the time he reached Gilgal, the few that remained were restless, their hands tightening around the crude weapons they had left. Their faces were pale with fear. And the Philistines were waiting.

[Saul]

This isn't good. The people are losing heart before the battle has even begun. Where is Samuel? His presence will give the men assurance that God is on our side.

[Narrator]

Saul mounted the stone platform where he had once been declared king. His armor shimmered beneath the sun, blinding in its golden brilliance. He raised his sword high and let his voice ring out across the encampment.

[Saul]

Men of Israel, do not fear the whore that stands at our gates. The prophet of God is coming. He will call upon The Lord. We shall descend upon the Philistines like a storm. Believe in me as your king. I shall deliver you.

[Narrator]

Saul's speech did little to stir them. It lifted their spirits, but only for a moment. Saul knew they would not last.

[Saul]

Blast it. Tavi, do you have any word on Samuel? Has he sent any messengers?

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

He said he would arrive on the seventh day.

[Saul]

Every hour that passes without Samuel's arrival is another hour the men spend whispering in fear.

[Narrator]

And with every whisper, Saul felt control slipping from his grasp. By the seventh day, the appointed day of sacrifice, Samuel was still nowhere to be seen. Saul walked the length of the camp, watching his men with growing unease. They avoided his gaze. Their hands twitched at their sides, itching to run, grab their families, and flee to the hills.

[Saul]

They're going to leave me. They're losing hope in God. They're. They're losing hope in me.

[Narrator]

His heart pounded in his chest. The crown on his head felt heavier than ever. Samuel had promised he would come, but the sun was beginning its descent, and still the prophet's donkey was nowhere on the horizon. Saul's gaze flickered to the altar.

[Saul]

The people need to see me with the favor of God. They need to know I am anointed.

[Narrator]

His fingers twitched at his sides.

[Saul]

If they do not see the sacrifice, they will run. They will leave me as a king without a kingdom.

[Narrator]

The sun inched lower.

[Saul]

Samuel has a abandoned me. It's up to me and me alone.

[Narrator]

Saul exhaled sharply and turned to his servants. His voice was steady, but there was something frantic in his eyes.

[Saul]

Bring me the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, my king.

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

Are you sure? Is that not a priest's role and a priest's role alone?

[Saul]

I'm the king. I will be and do whatever is necessary for the people. If I must be a priest or a prophet, so be it.

Bring me the offerings.

[Narrator]

The offerings were brought forward, and the fire was prepared. Saul stepped before the altar, his golden armor gleaming, his hands steady, but his heart a storm of paranoia. He butchered the animal as a soldier, not a priest. His blade was swift, but there was no reverence in the movement. He slashed and cut without ceremony, his lips murmuring empty prayers, words spoken not to honor God, but to comfort the people.

[Saul (King's speech)]

God of Abraham and Jacob, lord of the earth and sky, receive this offering. Give us your favor against the Philistines. Make us mighty like Joshua, who toppled the walls of Jericho. Give us the strength of the great hero Samson, who slew a lion and grants your king the strength to lead as your right arm.

[Narrator]

Saul needed the men to see him as holy. The sacrifice burned, and the smoke rose high into the sky. Saul turned, watching the men's faces as they looked upon him. For the first time in days, they seemed calm. Slowly, they began to cheer. They praised God and praised Saul, confident cries lifting along with the smoke. Saul's face turned upward, and he lifted his fists in the air.

[Saul (King's speech)]

Yes, yes. The Lord is with us. He's strong and courageous. Brothers.

[Narrator]

Saul turned and shouted at the burnt offering. It was a war cry, not a song of worship. And as Saul dipped his head in satisfaction, he saw the figure on the hill. Samuel had arrived. Samuel stood at the crest of the hill, his staff in hand, his robes catching in the wind. The sun had not yet set. He was there on time. The old prophet moved slowly toward the altar, his steps deliberate. His eyes did not stray from Saul, did not waver as he stepped into the camp. He was winded from his journey, but he did not slow his pace. And then he saw the altar, the smoldering remains of the sacrifice. Saul stood before it, basking in the approval of his men. Samuel's blood burned. His grip tightened on his staff, his fingers widening around the wood. As the sacrifice burnt out, the people began to scatter, leaving Saul alone. As Samuel approached, Saul wiped his hands on a cloth, knocking a coal from the altar. The rag caught fire immediately, burning up. In an instant, the coals beneath it cooled, black as lifeless. Saul turned, meeting Samuel's gaze. The king smiled as if nothing had happened.

[Saul]

Samuel, The Lord bless you and keep you.

[Narrator]

The words were hollow, as empty as the sacrifice that still smoldered behind him. Samuel did not return the blessing. Saul reached out to place a hand on the prophet's shoulder, but Samuel batted it away. The old man straightened. Though he was shorter than Saul, his presence loomed larger than the king. His voice when he spoke was sharp as a blade.

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

What have you done?

[Narrator]

Saul's smile faltered. He gestured to the altar with forced nonchalance.

[Samuel]

No.

[Saul]

You mean the sacrifice. The people were losing hearts, Samuel. They were scattering from me. You had not come when you said you would, so I took action.

[Narrator]

Samuel's expression did not change. Saul shifted, nervous beneath the weight of the prophet's silence.

[Saul]

The Philistines have gathered in Micmash. I. I could not go into battle without seeking the Lord's favor, could I? I forced myself to take on the role of priest.

[Narrator]

Samuel's eyes darkened.

[Saul]

Yes, Samuel. I did what needed to be done.

You are a fool.

[Narrator]

Saul flinched. Samuel's voice was not a whisper now. It was thunder.

[Samuel]

You have disregarded the command of the Lord, your God. Had you obeyed, your kingdom would have been established forever.

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

But now. Now your kingdom shall not continue.

[Saul]

Oh, come now, Samuel.

[Saul (King's speech)]

It's no big deal.

[Saul]

My people needed a bit of encouragement as their king.

[Samuel]

Who thinks they are your people?

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

They are God's people, Saul, not yours.

[Saul (King's speech)]

Was I.

[Saul]

Was I not coronated on this very hill? Do I not have a responsibility as king?

[Samuel]

Don't give me that soul.

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

Remember, I'm a seer. I see right through you.

[Saul]

And what exactly do you see?

[Samuel]

Your heart. That is why the Lord has sought another to replace you.

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

A man after his own heart.

[Samuel]

King who will seek the favor of

[Samuel (Prophet's rebuke)]

God rather than the praise of men. His kingdom will endure yours and not.

[Narrator]

Saul said nothing. His brow softened from a furrow to an arc. He could only watch as Samuel turned and walked away, leaving him alone before the dying flames. Samuel clenched his jaw. He may have lost God's favor, but he would not lose his throne.

[Production Credits Narrator]

This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellevaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

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