Saul Series

November 05, 2022

The story of Saul begins in the 8th chapter of 1st Samuel. Being old, Samuel appointed his 2 sons, Joel and Abijah, to take his place. Unfortunately, Samuel’s sons were pretty terrible: They did not walk in his ways, they took bribes and perverted justice {1 Samuel 8:3}.

• Ellen White {PP 604}: The injustice of these judges caused much dissatisfaction, and a pretext was thus furnished for urging the change that had long been secretly desired. "All the elders of Israel gathered together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, and said him, you are old, and your sons don’t walk your ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." The cases of abuse among the people had not been referred to Samuel. Had the evil course of his sons been known to him, he would have removed them without delay; but this was not what the petitioners desired. Samuel saw that their real motive was discontent and pride, and that their demand was the result of a deliberate and determined purpose.

Samuel saw through the “dissatisfaction” of the people, but still, he was hurt. He had devoted his life to their service, but now was being cast aside and he felt rejected, so he had a chat with God:

• 1 Samuel 8:7 – Yahweh said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”

Can you imagine the heart of God? Broken, I’d say. Right from the beginning He had promised to be Israel’s God and He had kept every promise. Even when they actively sought after other gods, He had been quick to forgive and redeem and now….. this.

They wanted a king? So be it, but before making up their minds, God told Samuel to tell the people what they could expect from a king:

• 1 Samuel 8:11-18 –

He will take your sons and conscript them into his army and make them fight his wars.

He will take your daughters as his perfume makers, cooks and bakers.

He will take the best of your fields, vineyards and olive trees and he will give them to his servants.

He will take a tenth of your seed and vineyards and he will give it to his high officials and to his servants.

He will take your male and female slaves, the best of your young men and your donkeys and he will use them for his personal projects.

He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants.

You will cry in despair because of the king you have chosen, but Yahweh will not answer you….

Israel demanded a king anyway.

Chapter 9 – Saul Introduced

Saul was the son of Kish – a wealthy man from the tribe of Benjamin. He was 30 years old, “a young and handsome man. There was not a man from Israel more handsome than he was. He was without equal – a head taller than all the people.”

He had all the qualities people look for when considering a king, but at this point he was just another Israelite whose father’s donkeys had wandered off.

During his search for the donkeys, Saul and his men came to the town where Samuel lived.

The day before, Yahweh had told Samuel he would meet a man from Benjamin – that man would be king.

Samuel said to Saul, “Let’s have lunch” …...

Chapter 10 – Saul anointed King

Samuel took out his flask of oil and anointed Saul ruler over all Israel then summoned the people to Mizpah and said to them:

• 1 Samuel 10:18-19 – Here’s what Yahweh says: ‘I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected Me, the One who always delivers you from all your calamities and distresses. You have said, ‘We don’t want you, appoint a king over us!’ Therefore, present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes and by your clans.

Lots were cast: The tribe of Benjamin was chosen ? the family of Matri was chosen ? Saul, son of Kish, was chosen.

Yay! We have a king! But where is he? Ssshhhhh…. He’s hiding amongst the luggage.

Not the best of starts. Oh well, long live the king!

Some thought Saul was a great choice, others did not….

Chapter 11 – Saul defeats the Ammonites

About this time King Nahash of Ammon laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. The elders of the town offered to make a treaty with Nahash, which he agreed to ---- on one condition ---- the right eye of all the townspeople would be gouged out. He would humiliate them before all Israel before enslaving them. NICE!