1 Samuel 9
In this account we are introduced to Saul the son of Kish 1-2. He
is described as taller than the rest and was impressive. The lost
donkeys bring Saul and a servant to Samuel. 3-13. The Lord lost the
donkeys to bring Saul to Samuel 14-16. The Lord told Samuel to
anoint the man He was sending to him 16-17. They feast that evening
and in the morning Samuel delivers God's message to him 18-24.
Note: God is never in a hurry to make His will known to us. He may
even take us through a process to get us where He wants us to be.
In the morning as Saul was about to leave, Samuel calls him aside
to deliver the Lord's message to him. Note: Though not much is
stated about Saul's spiritual life, he at least has some knowledge
of the role of a seer (prophet) 7-9,18-19. He appears to be humble
about his own origins and family 20-21. As the account of his life
and kingship unfold a differ side appears and Saul proves to be a
king, just like all the nations around Israel. (Which is what they
asked for).
1 Samuel 10
Samuel anoints Saul with oil, which symbolized the Lord's choice
and anointing of him to be king 1. Samuel informs Saul of what he
will encounter on his journey home, which will serve to confirm the
Lord's choice of him 2-7. He is to wait for Samuel at Gilgal
in order to know what to do next 8. God changes Saul's heart 9 and
he prophecies as the Spirit of God comes on him in power 10. Those
around were puzzled and impressed 11-13. Note: One indication
of the Spirit of God coming upon a person may be that person
speaking of the things of God which would not be 'natural' to him
or her. Saul does not reveal to his uncle the message or anointing
14-16. (Is this fear or humility or neither ?) Samuel gathers all
Israel together at Mizpah 17. Included in the Lord's message is the
reminder that the Lord delivered them from Egypt, but now they
rejected Him and wanted their own king 18-19. So the Lord gave them
one in Saul, who is hiding among the baggage 20-22 (again: humility
or fear ?). He is proclaimed king by the choice of the Lord 23-24.
The people shout 'Long live the king !' (no mention of the Lord).
Samuel explains the regulations of the king before he dismissed the
people 25. Note: The Lord was rejected as king, but His people and
the king are still under the authority and law of the Lord. This is
a truth that most nations of the world and their leaders have
failed to recognize. The Lord still reigns ! The Lord provides Saul
with some valiant men 26, and there are some unhappy with the
Lord's choice for they despise Saul the first day on the job
27.Saul in wisdom, hold his tongue. Note: There is always some like
these in every crowd no matter what, even a decision from the Lord
is seen as not good enough.
1 Samuel 11
Israel is threatened by Nahash, the Ammonite as he comes against
Jabesh Gilead 1-3. Then Saul hears of this, the Spirit of God comes
om him in power and he 'rallies the troops' with a threat of his
own 4-8. 330,000 from Israel and Judah assembly and attack the
Ammonites. Saul and the Israelites gain the victory from the Lord
9-11. Saul is confirmed as king at Gilgal. You could say this was
his coronation day 12-15. It was a day of celebration. In his first
test as king, Saul is victorious. The Lord was with him and working
through him 6,7b. Note: Starting off right does not guarantee
finishing well. Saul is an example of this. As a believer in Jesus
I must continue to follow His lead and obey Him. He promises to
complete the work He begins (see: Philippians 1:6).
1 Samuel 12
Samuel addresses all Israel as the leadership transitions from him
(as judge) to Saul as their king 1-2. Samuel affirms his integrity
as their leader and asks to be informed of anything he may have
overlooked. The people testify that he is free from any wrong doing
3-5. Note: A godly leader has integrity in all areas and
relationships. If he does fail, he is wanting to make it right and
asks for help in the process. Samuel then rehearses the history of
the people and their failings under each leader they have had. The
Lord has remained faithful to them, however they have failed to
serve and obey him 6-13. Now that they have a king (Saul) they are
still under the same obligation and commands to fear, obey, and
serve the Lord 14-15,20,24. Note: No matter what type of leadership
Israel had, they failed. The problem was not with the type of
leader but with their own sinful hearts. They needed to be fully
given to the Lord, which they failed to do because they followed
their own selfish ways. The same is true for us today. Each person
is to follow and obey the Lord regardless of leadership in
government or in the church. The only perfect leader and ruler is
the Lord Jesus Christ !
The Lord gives a sign by sending thunder at the request of Samuel.
This was to cause them to fear the Lord and realize the evil they
did in asking for a king 16-18. The people cry out and admit their
sin. Samuel commands them to not turn aside to idols, and declares
the greatness of the Lord, who for the sake of His own name, will
not reject His people 19-22. Samuel pledges to pray for them and
teach them what is good and right. 23-24. Note: There is right and
wrong, good and evil. We know this because God said so and defines
both in His word. The final exhortation is to fear the Lord and
serve Him from the heart, for if they persist in 'doing evil' both
they and their king will be swept away 25.This eventually occurred
their history with the Babylonian Captivity in 586 BC. Note: We
might say 'When will they ever learn ?' but are we not just like
them in many ways ? We should learn from their failings !
1 Samuel 13
Saul chooses men to be with him 2. Jonathan, Saul's son
attacks a Philistine outpost at Geba which results in the men of
Israel being gather for battle at Gilgal 3-7. There was fear among
Israel because of the number of Philistines 7. Not to mention they
had no weapons 16-22. While waiting at Gilgal, Samuel delays his
arrival so Saul takes it upon himself to offer the sacrifice (the
men were scattering) 8-9. Samuel arrives at that moment and rebukes
Saul for his actions 10-12. Saul thought and felt this was the
right thing to do 11,12.Note: It is dangerous to use human thoughts
and feelings when the Lord gives a clear command. Samuel pronounces
the judgment for Saul's disobedience; not longer an established
kingdom and another 'a man after God's own heart' being appointed
the leader over God's people 13-14. This mat appear harsh, but it
is disobedience, none the less. If Saul can not follow a simple
command ('wait', 1 Samuel 10:8), he will not listen, nor obey
further instructions. (He proved this true by the actions he took
from here on.) The Philistines began raiding the Israeli towns
16-18. The Hebrews (3,7) of Jews could not fight back because they
had no weapons. We are told that they even had to pay the
Philistines to have their tools sharpened 18-21. Only Saul
and Jonathan had weapons 22. Note: This gives insight into the
spiritual climate of Saul's day. The Israelites were in subjection
to their enemies and this was a result of disobedience to the Lord
(see: Deuteronomy 28:43-48). Sin and rebellion always exact a price
and result in bondage both great and small.
1 Samuel 14
Jonathan and his armor bearer spy out the Philistine camp 1-5.
Jonathan declares that victory is possible with many or few because
the Lord is the One who gives them into their hands 6,10,12b,23.
The Lord sends confusion among Philistines 15, 20 and Saul and the
men join the battle. Note: The Lord has unlimited means in
accomplishing His will and defeating the enemies. Sometimes we need
to pray and allow the Lord to work and then join Him in what He is
doing. Saul puts his men under an oath which does not allow them to
eat. This is a selfish act, notice his words 24. Jonathan, not
having heard the oath eats honey and is revived 25-28. He states
his father's oath was a bad thing 29-30. After exhausting battle
the men eat wildly, including the blood. This brings rebuke to
them. Note that Saul only rebukes them because someone told Saul it
was wrong (oh, yeah...) 31-34. Saul builds and altar for the first
time 35. As they plan further attacks, they inquire of the Lord,
but the Lord does not respond. This prompts an investigation. Saul
boasts that even if it is Jonathan who is guilty, he must die.
36-39. Jonathan is revealed and Saul demands his death 40-44. The
men rescue Jonathan from this 45. Saul is careless, heartless, and
selfish in these actions and words. Saul also shows his 'political'
side (say and do what appears to be right and noble).
Saul did fight against the enemies of Israel and does so valiantly
providing deliverance for his people 46-48. Note: It is possible
for men to do great good and mighty things, but yet not be right
with the Lord. "What does it profit a man or woman to gain the
whole world and yet lose their soul" (Jesus words in Matthew
16:26). Saul's family is mentioned in verses 49-52. Saul enlisted
brave and mighty men into his service 52.