The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 5: The Unfolding of Time, Part 2 • 161

“The priests ministered on behalf of God,” Mentor explained, “directing worship—offerings and sacrifices— first in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple and maintaining the guidelines for holiness among God’s people.” “And the kings?” asked Joseph. “As I have explained,” Mentor emphasized, “the throne was a type of God’s sovereign rule. However, the kings of Israel and Judah were anointed by God to shepherd the people, as we read in the Gospels, our Lord had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” “The Old Testament kings were bad shepherds!” said Cesar. “In truth,” agreed Mentor, “yet the Prophet tells of One who is to come who will tend his flock like a shepherd . 20 Our brief study of the roles of prophet, priest, and king in Israel brought up many negative examples. There were conflicts between the Temple and the throne, and between prophets, priests, and kings. Joseph recalled that Samuel anointed Saul as king, but later clashed with him over the matter of his presumptive offering. 21 Preacher reminded us that as long as King Saul lived, he hated and opposed David, his successor. 22 Mentor himself had already pointed out that God had dispatched the prophets to admonish the kings of Israel and Judah.

20 See Isa. 40:11.

21 See 1 Sam. 10:1; 13:11-14.

22 See 1 Sam. 18—29.