The yoke of slavery to the state and the yoke of slavery to an idol are equally heavy. Both yokes force you to carry something that will not carry their end of the load. The yoke in this case is a burden. Isaiah 46 points to these gods having to be carried by the people and set in place. The people must carry the burden of these gods so that they can worship them. We have a God who says, “You do not carry me on your back, I carry you on my back!”
David’s character and virtue are contrasted with Saul’s vice and downfall. David is insignificant to his family and to Israel. The opening scene of chapter 11 is Samuel going to Bethlehem in search of a new king. The prophet life must be a lonely one. The elders of Bethlehem trembled when they met Samuel asking if he has come in peace. The stage is set from the beginning as God says to Samuel, “Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
