David by Michelangelo
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Chapter 8
Samuel: Rise of the Monarchy
Dynamic and visionary leaders create the character of nations. Especially during periods of social transition, charismatic leaders are critical in shaping the structures of government. Think of the influence of Washington and Jefferson on American democracy, and Lenin and Trotsky on the Bolshevik revolution. It is no surprise, then, that Israel had a large collection of stories about its early national leaders, most significantly, Samuel, Saul, and David.
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