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King SaulOld Testament StoriesOur Great DelivererProphet Samuel

God Sets A King In Place

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

God sets a king in place and Samuel addressed the crowd. Part one of Samuel’s convocation address dealt with his credentials. The second part deals with what God had done for the children of Israel. He began by relating how the cries of their fathers led to God’s great deliverance from Egypt and slavery. “It is the Lord who raised up Moses and Aaron and who brought your fathers, up from the land of Egypt,” he said. “Now, therefore, stand still. I want to reason with you about the righteous acts of God on behalf of you and your fathers.” Samuel, God’s representative, summarized their deliverance, talked of their desire for a king, and caused them to consider their future.

Deliverance

Beginning with their deliverance from Egypt, Samuel reminds them of God’s continued help till this time, and what happened when they forgot God. He sold them into the hand of Sisera, and the Philistines, and the king of Moab. When they cried out to God, confessed their sin of idolatry, begged for His mercy and promised to serve Him, God sent men like Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah and Samuel who delivered them to a place of safety.

Desire for a King

But they wanted a king. When Nahash King of the Ammonites came against them, it was no longer enough to have God over them; they wanted a king. Samuel took it as a personal rejection, but God told him they were rejecting Him. Even though Samuel told them how their lives would change having a king, they still desired a king to rule over them. God heard and gave them Saul to be their king.

Consider the Future

Here is the king you have chosen and have desired. Take note, God has set a king over you. But look to your future. It isn’t your king who will decide your future. It will be how you deal with God. If you fear the Lord, serve Him and obey His commands, then you and your king will continue to follow Him. But if you do not listen and choose to go your own way, the Lord will be against you just as he was you fathers. Such were Samuel’s words to the people.

Samuel, God’s representative, summarized God’s deliverance, talked of their desire for a king, and caused them to consider their future.

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Bible reflectionKing SaulSaul: anointed

Saul’s First Battle

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Saul has been anointed, and proclaimed king, but has yet to prove his metal. He already has loyal allies and haters. In 1 Samuel 11, we read the story of his first battle. As the situation is laid out before us, we witness Saul’s part in it and rejoice in God’s salvation.

The Situation

The situation came about when Nahash the Ammonite encamped around Jabesh Gilead. The men of Jabesh were ready to negotiate, but not Nahash. He did however give them seven days to find help. When the news surfaced, the people wept, and Saul heard them.

Saul’s Part

Saul had been anointed by God to deliver his people from their enemies. When he heard their cries, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he was angry. He slaughtered a pair of oxen, cut them up, and sent the pieces out to collect an army. “Whoever does not go out with Samuel and Saul to battle, so shall it be done to his oxen.” It worked. 300,000 from Israel and 30,000 from Judah came. Notice of aid was sent and Saul organized his troops. A fierce battle ensued.

The Result

The people, rejoicing in their victory, asked Samuel for those who were against Saul. They wanted them dead. But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death, this day, for today, the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

It was a day of celebration. Samuel gathered the people to Gilgal where they made Saul King before the Lord. Then they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord. Thus, we have read of Saul’s first battle, witnessed his part in it, and rejoice in the salvation of God for His people.

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King SaulOld Testament Stories

King Saul

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

God had chosen Saul to be the first king of Israel. Samuel, in obedience to God anointed him, and the time came to proclaim him the King of Israel. Samuel gathered the people, proclaimed Saul King and Saul returned home.

The Gathering

Samuel called the people together at Mizpah so they could meet before the Lord. As God’s spokesperson, he reminded them again of God’s great deliverance from Egypt, the times He had delivered them from many kingdoms and from their oppressors. Then he told them they had rejected the God who had saved them from their enemies and from their various tribulations by saying they wanted a king. “Therefore, present yourselves to the Lord by your family groupings,” Samuel said.

Proclamation

After all the tribes came near, Samuel chose the tribe of Benjamin. When they came near, he chose the family of Matri and from there the son of Kish, Saul. But they could not find him. They turned to the Lord. “Where is he?” they asked. The Lord then told them the place where Saul was hiding. They ran and brought him out, this man who stood shoulder and above taller than everyone else. “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” asked Samuel. “Long live the King!” they shouted.

Sent Home

Samuel then explained to the people the behaviour of royalty, which he wrote in a book and laid before the Lord. After, he sent them all home. Saul also went home, but not alone. God touched the hearts of several valiant men to accompany him. There were, however, rebels who doubted his capabilities, hated him and refused to bring him presents. But Saul said nothing.

Samuel gathered the people, proclaimed Saul King, and Saul returned home.

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King Saul

Lost Donkeys

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Saul was only following his father’s commands when he set out. The donkeys were lost and needed to be found. Though his mission was unsuccessful, it led him to the place God wanted him. In 1 Samuel 9, we read of the young man Saul, his mission and God’s ultimate purpose.

Saul

Saul is described as the most handsome man in Israel. He also stood head and shoulders above everyone. From the tribe of Benjamin, his father was wealthy and influential. He did what his father asked and was concerned about his father’s concerns when they were gone too long. Then, when he needed direction, he heeded the word of his servant and sought the man of God. In his interactions with Samuel, he showed respect and humility.

His Mission

He was sent out with a servant to find his father’s lost donkeys. They looked through the entire land of Benjamin. When they entered the land of Zuph without finding them, he considered going home. His servant told him about the man of God in town whose word always came true. Perhaps he could guide them.

God’s Purpose

The day before, God spoke to Samuel, telling him that the next day, He would send him a man from the land of Benjamin. He instructed Samuel to anoint him with oil to be the leader of His people. God had heard their cries and in mercy would send Saul to rescue them from the Philistines.

When Saul approached Samuel, God said, “That’s the man I told you about! He will rule My people.” 

Samuel sent him to the place of worship and in the hall placed him at the head of the table, honouring him above thirty special guests and gave him choice portions. After, he provided a place to rest. In the morning, he sent them on their way but kept Saul behind. “I have a special message for you from God.”

Saul was only following his father’s commands when he set out. The donkeys were lost and needed to be found. Though his mission was unsuccessful, it led him to the place God wanted him. In 1 Samuel 9, we read of the young man Saul, his mission and God’s ultimate purpose.

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