Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Piper Alpha Case Study - 3230 Words

Abstract: The accident that happened aboard the offshore platform Piper Alpha in This summer 1988 wiped out 167 people and price vast amounts of dollars in damage to property. It had been triggered with a massive fire that was not caused by an unpredictable â€Å"act of God† but of an amount of errors and questionable choices. Many of them were rooted within the organization, its structure, methods, and culture. These business factors are generalizable with other industries and engineering systems. They include defects within the design recommendations and design practices (e.g., tight physical couplings or inadequate redundancies), misguided focal points within the control over the tradeoff between productivity and safety, mistakes within†¦show more content†¦They d extensive related offices at Aberdeen, a warehouse facility at Peterhead along with a helicopter facility at Aberdeen Airport terminal. The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) may be the part of overall charge of t he Piper Alpha platform. According from the Upkeep of equipment the hierarchy may be the Superintendent, Deputy Maintenance Superintendent, and Lead Maintenance Hands. The specialists beneath the Lead Maintenance Hands would be the Maintenance Specialists along with other relevant personnel for example electrical engineers. For Safety there s a security Supervisor, a Lead Safety Officer (vacant once the accident happened), OPCAL’s safety operators and also the Contractor’s Safety Operators. The most important staff is obviously the development personnel for aside from safety they d dominate contrary went wrong. Furthermore these were OPCAL’s own employees. Underneath the OIM there is an Procedures Superintendent, a Deputy Procedures Superintendent, Lead Production Operators, and also the actual Operators. Obviously there have been also many employees of the several companies around the platform but susceptible to the general supervision from the permanent production staff. Actually there is no dispute that OPCAL’s management and staff structures affecting Piper Alpha were as put down in amounts 13/62 and 12/ 209 of process. The primary motif â€Å"These were our business, we go ahead and take oil out and export it†. AncillaryShow MoreRelatedPiper Alpha Case Studies3377 Words   |  14 PagesAbstract This research report is about the Piper Alpha Disaster that happened in 1988. Being one of the major oil production oil-rig in the UK, the accident that took place more than 20 years ago caught the attention of many, especially those in the field. The happening was largely due to the complacency of the supervisors as well as the safety measures of the management. Using the internet, academic journals and textbooks available, the research was conducted by referring to various sources ofRead MoreThe Chernobyl And Piper Alpha Case Studies1470 Words   |  6 PagesPeyman Alizadeh Professor M. Gaboury LAWS 1038-41 Date November 25, 2016 Compare and Contrast the Chernobyl and Piper Alpha Case Studies Introduction: Chernobyl and Piper Alpha Case studies are two of the engineering failures that has happened in the world. The world worst civilian disaster happened when the Chernobyl nuclear power explode in soviet plant located in Ukraine. Soviet nuclear plant was one of the most advanced facilities that included four reactors. The Chernobyl accident happened onRead MoreTechnical Issues : Construction Of The Platform1573 Words   |  7 Pagesfor injured workers and they families support group- Piper outreach team. (Harris, 1989) Professor Alexander is now director of the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research at Robert Gordon University. Ten years after the disaster he managed to find 46 of the survivors; they took the part in the study group on the long term psychological effect of Piper Alpha disaster and PTSD. They agreed to give interviews and completed questionnaires, the study showed that: 97% of the group reported psychological problemsRead MoreThe Impact Of Safety On The Oil Industry2699 Words   |  11 Pagesmodeled in the form of regulations, which makes defaulters liable to punishment, which ranges from fines to termination of operational permits. The oil industry is moving towards uncharted territory especially in the deep-water environment. In some cases the encounters, which are certain to be seen, are unclear. The major factor in any oil industry operation is that we are dealing with Mother Earth and it is very uncertain to come up with an accurate prediction during drilling. This factor explainsRead MoreProcess Safety Management Process in Oiland Gas Industry Essay2653 Words   |  11 Pagesof managing oil and operation safely. Process safety management program such as Hazard operability studies (Hazop) amp; related methods such as ‘‘what if’’ was developed during this period but was limited to identifying potential hazardous situation and safe process design ; which was not enough to effectively manage the process of oil and gas operations. The 1970’s and 80’s witnessed severe cases of process related incidents. Among the several incidents that occurred, the major accidents that Read MoreIs Easy Oil Really Gone?1234 Words   |  5 Pagesenvironmentally sensitive area, the results are catastrophic. A blowout or release of hydrocarbon to the surface may not only happen in the drilling process, it can happen long after the well is drilled, while in the production phase. A notable case is the Piper Alpha disaster which happened in 1988, where gas condensate leaked from recently serviced valve, causing an explosion and resulted in the complete loss of the production platform and the loss of 167 men (Macalister, 2013). Blowouts or well integrityRead MoreExplain The Term Safety Culture 1481 Words   |  6 PagesResource Management related policies and practices could successfully maximize the human resource contribution, this may incur a significant cost for employees. The deleterious effect of ‘human resource maximizing policies’ was all too apparent in the case studies of airline cabin crews and call centre workers, in which various policies and practices were intimately linked to work intensification and work related illness and injuries. Based on these findings, i t could be argued that employee health is aRead More Human Error Essay2183 Words   |  9 Pageserror in the spotlight. Some examples of human error catastrophes include: the Tenerife runway collision in 1977, Three Mile Island in 1979, the Bhopal methyl isocyanate tragedy in 1984, the Challenger and Chernobyl disasters of 1986, and the Piper Alpha oil platform explosion in 1988. While these catastrophes put human error concerns in the spotlight, the human error impact on manufacturing operations can be just as detrimental. All of the catastrophes that were described above happened onRead MoreTurmeric Mouthwash4563 Words   |  19 Pagesas athletes foot. * Aromatherapy and essential oil use * None noted. Safety precautions and warnings Not to be used in pregnancy or when suffering from obstruction of the bile duct or gallstones. |   Ã‚ »Ã‚  Abstract |    | | Objective: To study the antianaphylactic, antihistaminic and mast cell stabilization activity of HK-07 in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: HK-07 is a polyherbal formulation containing extracts of various plant constituents. The compound HK-07 was evaluatedRead MoreBest Practice in Organizational Safety Culture10041 Words   |  41 Pages.....................................................................................22 Appendices .....................................................................................23 Appendix A: Case Study One (1) – Du Pont ..............................................23 Appendix B: Case Study Two State Energy Provider, Australia.................27 Factual Data .........................................................................................27 Discussion ...........................

Monday, December 23, 2019

Classical Processing The Theory Of Classical Conditioning

Classical Conditioning was the process of conditioning that was discovered by Russian physiologist, Ivan Pavlov (Cherry, 2). â€Å"Classical conditioning is a type of learning that had amajor influence on the school of thought in psychology known as behaviorism† (Cherry, 2). â€Å"Behaviorism is based on the assumption that all learning occurs through interactions with the environment and the environment shapes behavior† (Cherry, 2). Classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unlearned, natural stimulus that automatically elicits a reflexive response (Hockenbury, page 184). Special terms coined by Pavlov were used todescribe each element of the process (Hockenbury, page 184). â€Å"The natural stimulus that reflexively†¦show more content†¦There are two types of reinforcement, positive and negative, and they both affect how people will act in the future (Hockenbury, page 198). â€Å"Positive reinforcement involves that leads to a reinforcing or rewarding event† (Hockenbury, page 198). An example would be, a teacher gives her students a homework pass for every A they make on a test. â€Å"In contrast, negative reinforcement involves behavior that leads to the avoidance of or escape from an adverse or punishing event†(Hockenbury, page 198). An example would be putting on sunscreen before going out in the sun to avoid a sunburn. â€Å"Punishment is defined as the opposite of reinforcement since it is designed to weaken or eliminate a response rather than increase it† (McLeod). Just like reinforcement, there is also positive and negative punishment (Hockenbury, page 200). â€Å"Positive punishment, also called punishment by application, involves a response being followed by the presentation of an aversive stimulus† (Hockenbury, page 200). An example would be a dog jumping up on a visitor’s lap, and you swat him with a rolled-up newspaper (Hockenbury, page 201). Negati ve punishment, also called punishment by removal, involves the loss or withdrawal of a reinforcing stimulus following behavior (Hockenbury, pageShow MoreRelatedUnderstanding Of Different Learning Theories1092 Words   |  5 PagesDIFFERENT LEARNING THEORIES AND THEIR IMPLICATION AND APPLICATION TO e-LEARNING AND ONLINE LEARNING ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to explain the understanding of different learning theories and their implication and application to e-learning and online learning. These theories are classical conditioning, behaviorist theory, information processing theory or cognitive theory and constructivist theory. The paper focuses mainly on how learners should learn from different learning theories and how technologyRead MoreLearning and Development Theories939 Words   |  4 Pages Learning and Development Theories: Learning and development theories basically focus on environmental factors that impact peoples behavior like reinforcement, modeling, and punishment. These theories have been developed by several theorists in the field of psychology who have endeavored to understand the development and behavior of human beings. The efforts of these theorists have contributed to the emergence of several theories that explain their work. Actually, there are three major learningRead MoreThe Little Albert Experiment By John B. Watson997 Words   |  4 Pagesresearch on classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is a theory engages a new behavior through the process of association. This theory includes three stages of classical conditioning; the first stage is called unconditioned stimulus, which produces an unconditioned response within an organism. One example of this stage is where a perfume is the unconditioned stimulus, which can create a response of pleasure or desire (unconditioned response). The second stage is during the conditioning where theRead MoreInsight Into Criminal Behavior Essay1735 Words   |  7 Pagesapproaches to their theories but each have something to contribute to our understanding of the critical components of development. A contribution to an individual’s development begins in the womb and continues to develop well into adulthood. Many considerations should be factored into determining the causation of crime and delinquency. Early psychodynamic development, processing, and cognition fall under the psychological theories in relation to crime. The sociological theories locate the source ofRead MorePsychology Is The Scientific Study Of The Human Mind And Its Behaviors1625 Words   |  7 Pagesbehaviour. Behaviourism suggests that an individual can be taught any type of behaviour through the use of either classical or operant conditioning. Classical conditioning was formed by Ivan Pavlov and involves learning by association. Pavlov stated that classical conditioning could be used to encourage or discourage a behaviour through the use of stimuli and reflexes. Based on classical conditioning, Pavlov conducted an experiment where the findings showed that dogs had been conditioned into a new behaviourRead MoreThe Theory Of Classical Conditioning1222 Words   |  5 Pagesexperienced. Although Harlow has found this theory, Ivan Pavlov experimented with dogs and discovered classical conditioning. Classical conditioning can show how attitudes are formed and changed, how and when attitudes influence behavior, and how we change attitudes and behavior. Classical conditioning is basically learning through association, which induces involuntary or automatic responses to certain stimuli. A famous example is Pavlov’s dogs, before conditioning the dogs would salivate (UCR) when meatRead MoreThe Factors of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay675 Words   |  3 Pagesof PTSD states that classical conditioning plays an important role. Stimulus generalisation is the tendency for stimuli similar to an original stimulus involved in a learning situation to produce the response originally acquired. Behavioural psychologists suggest that a person produces a fear reaction to the trauma situation; this fear is then produced again in response to a similar stimulus, due to classical conditioning. Evidence for this theory was produced by PavlovRead MoreLearning Theories, Behaviorism And Social Cognitive Theory1216 Words   |  5 Pagesas prejudice and self-efficacy respectively (Conyers, Enright, Strauser, 1998). The following essay will discuss two learning theories, behaviourism and social cognitive theory (SCT), in relation to disability practices. Behaviourism explains learning through stimulus-response associations, with the two main theories being classical conditioning and operant conditioning (Ormrod, 2016). For professionals in disability, understanding behaviourism is essential to identify how behaviours are learntRead MoreBehaviorism s Theory Of Psychology983 Words   |  4 Pageseach one of these behaviorism. Moreover, behaviorism wasn’t just established by John Watson. There were other behaviorist; such as, B.F Skinner, Edward Thorndike, Ivan Pavlov, Neal E. Miller, and Clark L. Hull. All these behaviorist developed their theories based around the fundamental developm ent of human and animal behavior. Animals has been used in behavioral studies for studies for years. Behaviorist found animal to be more comprehensive than humans and during many of their studies. However, inRead MoreDifferent Perspectives And The Key Debates Within Psychology Essay1744 Words   |  7 Pagesterms of conditioning, without the need to consider thoughts or feelings (Cardwell Flanagan, 2015). The Behaviourist approach has a number of assumptions such as it emphasises that psychology needs to be scientific, to do this you must only study observable and measurable behaviour while producing empirical data. This means that you can produce systematic and replicable results which would be reliable in their accuracy, so you are able to produce a credible conclusion to your theory (McLeod, 2016)

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Music and Magic in the World of Arda Free Essays

string(41) " as the example of Felagund illustrates\." MUSIC AND MAGIC IN THE WORLD OF ARDA In Tolkien’s legendarium, magic as it appears in contemporary sword-and-sorcery stories does not exist. Tolkien makes it clear in essays and debates that his magic is far more complex than the waving of a wand, and does not follow strict, clear-cut rules. Instead, power over the laws of nature and reality lies to a great extent in song and music. We will write a custom essay sample on Music and Magic in the World of Arda or any similar topic only for you Order Now The first act of creation in the â€Å"Ainulindale†, by which the foundations for Arda’s creation were laid, was the singing of the Music of the Ainur by Iluvatar and the divine beings beneath him. When the beings of Arda create song, the result is often ‘magical’, whether in an emotional sense or if it has a tangible effect upon the world around it. In both the â€Å"Ainulindale† and â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† this is quite evident. Singing in Tolkien’s legendarium is in some ways a magical act, in that any of the Children of Iluvatar engaged in it are reflecting the original creative acts of the Ainur, sub-creating and greatly affecting the world around them, and that the only limits on a being’s ability to create music are its purpose – whether to dominate or to create – and the sheer force of will it places behind its magical, musical intent. Singing has a variety of effects within Tolkien’s works, but the most dramatic ones by far are those visible in the â€Å"Ainulindale†. Here, singing is synonymous with creation itself. The notes of the many Ainur, including Melkor, as well as those of Iluvatar, all coalesce in order to form the basis for Arda and its history. The act of song-making as creation is not metaphorical: the Ainur originally conceive of the world through music, and the voices of the Ainur are even described as â€Å"like unto harps and lutes, and pipes and trumpets, and viols and organs, and like unto countless choirs with words† (Tolkien 4). Even the conflict between Iluvatar, who seeks to create a world of beauty and freedom for its future inhabitants, and Melkor, who seeks to dominate all that is, is done through their respective melodies. No music existed before that of the Ainur in their acts of creation, and although a great deal of music existed afterward, none was ever as powerful or influential in shaping the world, as the passage reads â€Å"Never since have the Ainur made any music like to this music† (Tolkien 4) This original music created the first true polarization between good and vil – through the conflict between Iluvatar and Melkor – and initiated the creation of the world. The fact that the Music of the Ainur created the world itself is no less visible than when Iluvatar declared â€Å"behold your music! † and the Ainur first saw the world (Tolkien 6). In fact, all later music stemmed from this music, in that the Music of the Ainur set the stage for the genesis of all Childre n of Iluvatar and the music they would go on to produce. The effects of song are equally as visible, if not quite so dramatic, in the tale of Beren Luthien, particularly through Luthien herself. Throughout the story, many of Luthien’s actions revolve around music and song. When Beren first sees her, he is spellbound by her appearance, and it is not until she sings out loud and â€Å"flowers [spring] from the cold earth where her feet had passed† that he is released from his shock enough to call out to her (Tolkien 194). Her music is also powerful enough to put the great wolf Carcharoth, as well as Morgoth himself in Angband, to sleep. In addition, it aids her and Huan in combating Sauron at Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Finally, her heartfelt song of sorrow at Beren’s death at the end of the tale proves moving enough to warrant restoring Beren to life, and allowing Beren and Luthien to spend their final, mortal years together in peace. Indeed, it is stated that â€Å"The song of Luthien before Mandos was the song most fair that ever in words was woven, and the song most sorrowful that the world shall hear† (Tolkien 221). She is not the only character who uses song to great effect, however. When King Felagund and Sauron battle in the dark lands of Morgoth, they duel with words and songs of power rather than physical weapons. Felagund fights with inspirational songs, harkening up images of â€Å"trust unbroken† and â€Å"resisting†, while Sauron utilizes songs of â€Å"treachery† and â€Å"betrayal† (Tolkien 201). Sauron proved more powerful however, and once he defeats Felagund, the others are entirely helpless against him. In these particular stories, the greatest singers are either connected to the Ainur, or are Ainur themselves. This point is fairly obvious in the case of the â€Å"Ainulindale†, in which all participants of the Music were Iluvatar’s â€Å"Holy Ones† , but is also quite evident in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† (Tolkien ). There, Luthien is half-Maia as the daughter of Melian, and her power is extraordinary for a Child of Iluvatar. She proves capable of contending with a fallen Valar, a powerful Maia, and a vicious beast-servant of Morgoth through her skills with song. Sauron himself is also quite skilled in the art of song as a Maia , and in a duel with a mortal he â€Å"had the mastery† (Tolkien 201). The reason for the magical superiority of the Ainur is quite simple: they were involved in the original music of the world. They were originally formed by Iluvatar for the express purpose of creating â€Å"in harmony together a Great Music† and through it the world, and so it is far more natural to them (Tolkien 3). Although Luthien herself has no experience with true creation, as Sauron and her mother do, she nonetheless has the blood of a being that was essentially created for song, as Melian also sprang from the mind of Iluvatar for the purpose of creating the world. By no means are all great singers in Tolkien’s world Maiar however, or even those related to them, as the example of Felagund illustrates. You read "Music and Magic in the World of Arda" in category "Essay examples" While Felagund may not be able to best a Maia such as Sauron, he is still able to compete with a Maia for what appears to be the majority of their conflict, and it is outright stated that â€Å"the power of the King was very great† in the conflict (Tolkien 201). He lacks the experience and inborn purpose for song that any Maia would possess as a being originally born to create Arda, but he remains a force to be reckoned with, and he is unquestionably more powerful through his skill with song than most other characters in the tale. It is clear, then, that force of will and drive can – to an extent – mitigate the difference in natural ability between a Child of Iluvatar and an Ainu. Luthien’s exemplary skill with song in the latter half of the tale may have thus been influenced by her drive to help Beren and the â€Å"weight of horror† that her love caused her to feel at the possibility of his death (Tolkien 202). The act of song-making in the â€Å"Ainulindale† is, at its core, an act of creation. What is present throughout â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† however – and, for that matter, all other stories set in Middle-Earth during the First through Fourth Ages – is sub-creation. Just as Iluvatar created the Ainur originally for the purpose of creation, the Children of Arda and those that Iluvatar would – humans, elves, hobbits, and dwarves – were made to sub-create. In other words, they were meant to create even further, through art, literature, and above all, song. By attempting to emulate the song of creation, the Children would make the world even more vibrant, rich, and pleasant than the Valar had originally managed. Tolkien states in his letter to Milton Waldman prefacing â€Å"The Silmarillion† that for the Elves, magic is â€Å"Art, delivered from many of its human limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"Art not power, sub-creation not domination and tyrannous re-forming of creation† (Tolkien xvi-xvii). The effect of song in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† was somewhat different. If songs made by the Valar were what originally brought about and shaped the world, then songs made by the Children could do the same, beyond merely in terms of producing music for pleasure’s sake. As exemplified by Felagund, a sufficiently strong, refined will could sub-create in a way that mirrored creation itself, and shape the world despite lacking the natural affinity for song that an Ainu possesses. What this evidence points to is a notion that at first may seem ridiculous: that the magical song-making of the Ainur and the Children are fundamentally exactly the same. The ability of several of the Children in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† to contend with Ainur in contests of power through song already lends credence to this idea, suggesting that the music created by the Ainur is the same, only greater. It would appear that the difference between the use of songs by the Ainur and the Children merely results from the inherently greater willpower of the Ainur. As beings that are not only older but are also â€Å"the offspring of [Iluvatar’s] thought†, their wills are considerably more refined and honed than those of the Children (Tolkien 3). Theoretically however, any elf, man, hobbit, or dwarf with sufficient mental discipline and/or training could make music as great as that of an Ainu. Thus, the closeness to the natural world and ‘magic’ of the elves is simply a consequence of their having spent more time amongst the Valar and within the world than the other Children, gaining more competence with song and closeness to the musical skill of the Ainur as a result. In addition, the ability of Melkor to overpower the songs of the other Ainur in the â€Å"Ainulindale† resulted from him having â€Å"been given the greatest gifts of power and knowledge† and resulting musical affinity, and that greater force of will alone was that set him apart (Tolkien 4). The two sections being discussed point to one other significant notion: that there is an inherent difference between the music produced by the Children and good Ainur, and the music produced by the Dark Powers of Morgoth. The â€Å"Ainulindale† indicates that the Music of the Ainur was initially harmonious, with â€Å"endless interchanging melodies woven in harmony† (Tolkien 4). It was only once Melkor, desiring to overpower and control the course of the Music, decided to interfere, that the Music became disjointed and violent. Eventually, Iluvatar himself steps in, at which point it is clear that the melodies of Iluvatar and Melkor are diametrically opposed, and that only Melkor’s music â€Å"hath not its uttermost source in [Iluvatar]† (Tolkien 6). The music of the other Ainur, which was harmonious with that of Iluvatar, was gentle, melodious, and pleasant. Melkor’s music was violent and aggressive. To an extent, the musical conflict between Felagund and Sauron in â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien† mirrors this, though in that case Sauron’s aggressive, spiteful song proves victorious due to his superior will. While the songs produced by the forces of good and evil are somewhat similar, their basic nature and purpose – to create, and to dominate, respectively – are polar opposites, and the dominative nature of evil is the source of the violence and cacophonous nature of the songs. Indeed, Tolkien’s statement of the Elves’s magic as â€Å"Art not Power, sub-creation not domination†¦Ã¢â‚¬  in contrast with that of Melkor and Sauron, supports the notion that the nature of their magic – and this applies to all other forces of good as well – is irreconcilable with that of Melkor and his minions (Tolkien xvi-xvii). In the â€Å"Ainulindale†, as well as â€Å"Of Beren and Luthien†, Tolkien reveals the true nature of magic and song: in his world, they are synonymous. While there may be major differences in the fundamental nature of the songs used by good and evil, only force of will and purpose make the song of an Ainu such as Morgoth any greater than that of a half-Maia such as Luthien, or a mere elf-king such as Felagund. Keeping these conclusions in mind, one may reach a single, overarching definition of magic in Tolkien’s works: an act of musical creation or sub-creation with enough force of will behind it to tangibly affect the world. There is no need to understand the mechanics of music in the legendarium, only that any being is capable of it and that it is the source of all magical acts. Truly, the significance of song in Tolkien’s work, especially for the purpose of understanding the magic of the world and the nature of the conflict that spans the entire legendarium, cannot be overstated. WORKS CITED Tolkien, J. R. R. , and Christopher Tolkien. The Silmarillion. 2nd Ed. Del Rey Books, 2001. Print. How to cite Music and Magic in the World of Arda, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

A Holy Nation Essay Example For Students

A Holy Nation Essay A Holy NationAfter creating the world, a paradise for human kind, God is forced to banish Adam and Eve because they disobey His orders to not eat fruit from the tree of wisdom. This results ultimately in the fall of man to earth. Immediately from the beginning of his time on Earth, man chooses not to follow the path set before him by God but instead spreads evil throughout the world. Therefore, the inherent problem humans face is the pressure to judge between good and evil, the need to aspire to be like God. Gods first solution to this problem was to flood the world killing everyone, but those on Noahs arch. God realizes, however, that this is not an answer to the problem that humans are, and decides upon a second solution, that being the Holy Nation of Israel. God creates Israel, so that the Holy Nation and its history can serve as a guiding-light to the world. Israel is therefore an example in which the world can look upon and learn from. A pivotal character within the great histor y of Israel, is the Holy Nations first king, King Saul. Saul epitomizes the problematic human being, and his character fully illustrates human pride, the need to rise up and be like God in judging what is right and wrong. This pride is ultimately the central source of all other sins. The rule of Saul over the people of Israel is a major turning point for the Holy Nation, for it marks the end of a line of Judges and begins a line of Kings. Saul is anointed king of Israel due to the sin of the people of Israel. The citizens of Israel, notice not only that Samuel, the Judge, was growing old, but also that his sons, whom he appointed to succeed him as Judge, did not follow their fathers ways but were intent on their own profit, taking bribes, and perverting the course of justice(8:3). As a result the people demanded a king be appointed to rule over them, even after they were given a solemn warning of the future kings tyranny (8:10-8:18). Because the Israelites reject the order of Judges , they thereby reject Gods word that He will save them, and have, as a result, lost faith in God. God states to Samuel, Listen to the people and all that they are saying; they have not rejected you, it is I whom they have rejected, I whom they will not have be their King(8:7). In spite of His peoples sin against Him, however, God finds a king to rule over Israel, and chooses Saul. In the beginning Saul is a strong and humble leader to his people. When is uncle questions him about Samuels remarks, Saul replies, He told us that the donkeys had been found but he did not repeat what Samuel had said about his being king(10:16). He does not tell his uncle that he is to become king of Israel because he is not overconfident and prideful in his position as ruler over Gods chosen ones. Moreover, Saul becomes very zealous and effective leader when he chooses to take a pair of oxen, cut them in pieces, and send messenger with the pieces all through Israel to proclaim that the same would be done to the oxen of any man who did not follow Samuel and himself to battle(11:5). Sauls first acts and first successes as king prove not only that he possesses the qualities of a good leader, but also reinforces in the mind of the people that he is Gods chosen. Sauls first victories against the nations enemies cause great joy and excitement amongst the Israelites. During this moment of rejoicing, Samuel gives a warning to the people of Israel that is more directed towards Saul himself. Samuel states, If you will revere the Lord and give true and loyal service, if you do not rebel against his commands, and if you and the king who reigns over you are faithful to the Lord you God, well and good, but if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, then his hands will be against you and against your king(12:14-15). Here, Samuel is effectually warning against the inherent human problem, telling the people not ever to substitute Gods judgement for ones own judgement. Although this is only a warning, it comes at a very unexpected time and foreshadows Sauls perpetual fall form Gods good favor. Pros and Cons of Exporting to a Regionally Integrated Market EssayA new king is revealed to Samuel, by God, as being David. God also anoints David as King of Israel, presenting a major conflict since there are now two kings of Israel. David is also appointed commander of Israels army and succeeds in battle, routing his enemies a number of times. As a result Israelites begin saying, Saul struck down Thousands, but David tens of thousands(18:7). This causes Saul to become thick with jealousy of David, and soon Saul is seen hurling spears trying to murder David, yet David amazingly is able to dodge certain death. After this Saul was afraid of David because he saw that God had forsaken him and was with David, who led his men into action and succeeded in everything that he undertook(18:12). Yet Saul continues to pursue and try to murder David, a clear agent of God. Therefore, Saul has ultimately developed on three separate levels. On the first of these levels, he first begins to doubt G ods power and word when he sees the massive Philistine army and makes a sacrifice to ensure Gods support. This first sin slowly progresses onto a second level, when Saul chooses to openly defy God and decides to spare Agag. In his final level of development, Saul has deteriorated into an evil person searching for a way to destroy Gods good work. Although it is perfectly clear that God protects David, Saul continues to try and kill him. At this junction Saul finds himself alone; his son is on Davids side, his daughter is on Davids side, his people are on Davids side, and most importantly God is on Davids side. Therefore, Saul must die and give way to David, yet David is unwilling to kill Gods anointed one, and the Philistines are kept from kill Saul because they are all uncircumcised. The final solution presents itself when Saul is injured and thereupon he took his own sword and fell on it. Once Saul is dead as a result of his own hand, David is king and he is not stained with the bl ood of another anointed king. Sauls progression from Gods chosen king to king against God comes full circle. He came from the sin of the people and therefore he must die when he returns to that sin. Sauls story serves as an example of human natures need to judge for itself in its purest form. This need is very problematic, as we have seen, because humans can only see the obvious cause and effects that present themselves throughout life. The Lord does not see as a mortal sees; mortals see only appearances but the Lord sees into the heart(16:7). As humans our perceptions are imperfect, and as a result we cannot possibly judge what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, the most basic human sin is then need to become like God in making these judgements that we cannot possibly make with any accuracy what so ever. Saul embodies pure pride and is apart of Israels development into a nation that will ultimately serve as a guide to the world because he is a model of what humans must restrain themselves form doing and bein g. Religion Essays