In the era between the conquest of the Promised land and the Davidic Kings, Israel seemed to be in almost continual upheaval, backsliding, and warfare. God's Judges saved them repeatedly, when they repented. During that time, King David's great-grandmother Ruth experienced a story of romance and inheritance. Finally, the great prophet, judge, and priest Samuel arose, ending the dominance of the Judges . After him, God appointed the first all-Israel king, Saul. Saul's sin caused God to replace him with David. The tragic figure of the first king died in battle. In II Samuel, King David will ascend. Modern commentaries, intent on agnostic scholarship, will report the history, omitting God's presence as often as possible. this work emphasizes both.