Saul Chosen As the First King (1 Sam. 10:17-19)

Wayne Galloway
01/24/14 - N/A

Series: Studies in First Samuel

Introduction:

1.  Israel has demanded a king.  God has granted them Saul, but the whole scheme is yet another rejection of God’s leadership over them. 2.  God’s activity in their lives had been clearly evident since the days of Egypt.  He had delivered them by the hands of Moses and Aaron.  Samuel was quick to point this out to them (12:6ff). 3.  Samuel reminded them how they had forgotten the Lord God over and over and that God had delivered them through Jerrubbaal (Gideon), Beden (Barak), Jephthah and Samuel. 4.  But when they saw Nahash the king of Ammon rising up against them they said, “A king shall reign over us.” 5.  The Lord God was their king, but they insisted on being like the nations and so Saul was appointed as king.

Discussion:

I.  Initially Saul’s leadership looked especially promising.

A.  He was taller than any of the people (9:2; 10:23).  Later such outward considerations will stand in contrast to God’s evaluation of the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).

1.  The fact that this is twice mentioned suggests that this was a significant factor for the people.

2.  The suggestion that he was shy because he was found hiding among the baggage at the time of his appointment is probably unfounded.

B.  He was validated by God and Samuel.

1.  Samuel anointed him saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you a ruler over His inheritance” (10:1).

2.   The Spirit of God came upon him and he prophesied among the prophets (10:6, 10-12).

C.  He was accepted by the majority (10:25-27).

D.  He defeated the Ammonites (chap. 11).

E.  Engaged a war with the Philistines (chap. 13).

F.  Even though God supported Saul’s appointment it was against His wishes (12:12-15).  Thus there was a tension between Israel’s demand for a king and the recognition that this demand was a rejection of God as their king.

1.  Saul was in a challenging position.  His kingship represents Israel’s rejection of God as king and yet God is supportive to Saul.

2.  What should Saul do?  Like the people he is to fear the Lord and listen to His voice.

3.  There is much to be said for humble submission to the Lord, without demanding Him to do what we want.

4.  God is looking for a people and a king who humbly submit to do all His will.  Indeed this may be at least one of the characteristics of “a man after my own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14).

II.  Saul, like the nation of Israel, found his will and the will of God in conflict and thus he violated the commandment of the Lord (13:8-14; 15:1ff).

A.  Saul first found himself in opposition to God in chap. 13 when he engaged the Philistines in battle.

1.  He had 3,000 soldiers that he divided into two groups.  2,000 were with him and 1,000 were with his son Jonathan.

2.  The Philistines outnumbered Saul.  They had 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen.  In addition, they controlled the iron.  No blacksmith in Israel so Israel was disadvantaged technologically.

3.  Samuel had set a time to be in Gilgal to offer sacrifice to God.  Saul was instructed to wait. But the situation was pressing and the people who followed him began to scatter.  Saul proceeded to offer the burnt offering to God  and to ask God’s favor upon them against the Philistines.  When Samuel confronted him Saul said (13:11b-12).  Samuel replied (13:13-14).

4.  Saul stands in contrast to Jonathan.

a.  Saul numbers the people (13:15), but Jonathan attacks the Philistines “for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few” (14:6).

b.  Saul then makes a vow that places him in opposition to Jonathan (14:24ff) and would have taken Jonathan’s life had the people not stood in opposition to him.  Jonathan and the people had allied themselves with the work of God and Saul was standing in opposition to them.

B.  Saul again found himself in opposition to God in chap. 15 when he went into battle against the Amalekites.

1.  He was commanded to utterly destroy them.

2.  But he spared Agag, and the best of the livestock.

3.  Samuel rebuked him (15:10-17).

4.  In many ways Samuel and the people were alike.  Instead of submitting to the will of God they pretty much did what they wanted.

5.  Samuel condemned them for rebellion and insubordination (15:22-23).

6.  Thus Samuel was rejected from being king (15:24-28).

7.  Samuel grieved over Saul (15:35).  The Lord regretted that He had made Saul king (15:35).  Has God placed you in a position of leadership among His people and then regretted it?  Are there those who grieve because you have chosen the route of rebellion and insubordination?

Conclusion:

1.  Thus God’s search for a king continues. 2.  He is looking for one who will give his heart totally and fully to His will. 3.  Who will that be? 4.  Will it be you?