The prophet is clear that this coming King would be different from the common experience of kings, both in Israel and among all the kings of the earth.
The promise between God and Abraham reflects God’s relationship with all of His people, which includes the Church, and through the Church to each one of us.
Before we set out for that Lenten journey, though, we meet with God on many mountains with Elijah and Moses, and through the same number of valleys with them as well.
Moses cannot do what needs to be done for Israel much less for himself. We need a prophet greater than Moses, since even Moses needs a savior for himself.
In Epiphany, we witness this man and the miracles and ask: “Who is He?” Subsequently, in wonder and awe we might reply together with our Jonah reading: “Who knows?”
Indeed, in Samuel the Lord has drawn near as the words and actions of this unexpected prophet help us listen carefully to the voice of God in His rare Word.