If Israel’s army was victorious, this was further proof that their God could beat up the gods of their enemies. If Israel was defeated, this raised uncomfortable questions like ‘Why can’t our God beat up these other gods and defend us?’

No small boy ever says 'when I grow up, I want to be the man with the nails at crucifixions.' And yet, here you are. It's funny how life turns out.

God cares for us and protects us, but he’s not in the business of granting wishes, like some kind of holy concierge.

Unless we know what’s between them, we might miss the significance of the lessons themselves. A perfect example is in the story of Samuel.