Saul Is Chosen As King
Book of 1 Samuel Chapters 9 through 11
Those of us that love the Word of God, love it because we know that it is the truth.
We also know of the great comfort we can get from many of the great passages and the Book of Psalms.
We also get the great history of the creation of this universe.
Another thing we should take great notice in is the warnings that written in God's Word.
God will teach us the costs for going against the Word of God.
Some of those costs are truly severe!
We are placed upon that path of decision and the choices we make in this life will reflect on the way we live here and the glory of Heaven.
Our greatest decision is to decide to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him as close as we can!
When it comes time to choose a new leader, we must try to avoid choosing an ungodly leader.
An ungodly people will choose an ungodly leader.
Ungodly leaders will lead the people to do more ungodliness!
Any politician who goes against the Word of God is an ungodly leader!
Most politicians make terrible leaders because they have had to compromise all their days to rise in politics.
The most important quality of a good leader is, "does he or she show full obedience to the Word of God".
This is the most important thing in choosing those who will lead the Church.
This is the most important characteristic we should see in choosing national leaders.
This was the intent of our forefathers.
There is a big mistake when certain people say our Constitution guarantees the right of freedom of religion, when our forefathers gave us the right and the freedom to serve the Lord Jesus Christ not all religions.
This is why the settlers came to America for the freedom to be Christians.
Israel had determined that they needed a king.
Not just any king but a king like the kings of those people that had possessed the land promised to them.
They forgot God gave them the Promised Land because of the sin of those people was so great.
We could title this lesson "How Not To Choose A King".
*****1Sa 9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.
Kish was a wealthy and powerful man from the tribe of Benjamin. We do not know anything else much of this man and this is not a good trait in choosing a king.
Good leaders do not necessarily come from rich families.
In fact this is seldom ever true.
No doubt this man Kish had his way with the people around his home.
The only other thing we read of him is that he sent his son Saul in search of some donkeys that had strayed from his land.
*****1Sa 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
All we know about Saul is that he had a noble appearance and a gigantic stature for an Israelite.
He was well suited to impress the average Jew.
We see that physical qualifications, strength, and looks were the most favorable qualities in choosing leaders of that time period.
No one in Israel in that day had similar qualifications that could be seen.
A tall stature was of much value for a king in ancient times.
We should notice that nothing is said of the quality of Saul's mind.
God does not choose His leaders this way and neither should we!
1Sa 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
As parents we love to see our children as having exciting potential in this world when we should look upon them as having an exciting potential in the service of God.
Those that have an exciting potential to serve God may also be great leaders.
It seems that Saul was a humble man also being tall and some would say handsome.
He also seemed to be trustworthy when dealing with the possessions of his father who appeared to be a leader in the tribe of Benjamin.
What do we know?
We know that appearances can be very deceiving!
Appearances can lead to destruction.
Character and integrity are much better qualifications!
God's Word is noticeably clear on this subject.
We must not judge by appearance.
Joh 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
As this passage continues, we will see how Jehovah used a bunch of lost donkeys to get Saul in touch with Samuel.
Those donkeys would return to their homeland unharmed but not by Saul.
*****1Sa 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
1Sa 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
In all his travels Samuel had not known this man so God told Samuel so, Jehovah God introduced Samuel to Saul.
Notice the use of the word "captain" and not the word "king".
We must be able to hear that "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit.
Israel was surrounded by her enemies, but it was the Philistines they dreaded the most.
It was the Lord who chose Saul but remember Israel desired a king who was like the kings of those other nations.
Saul would be that type of king.
Now Jehovah was not relinquishing His authority over these people.
Jehovah is still God of the universe, and He will always be!
There would always be a remnant of the Israelites who would remain close to the Lord, just as there is today.
Israel is still God's "treasured possession" and the Church is God's children.
What would be this king’s purpose? To deliver Israel out of the clutches of the Philistines.
Though we do not understand why, God so chooses all the leaders of all nations.
In some way they will serve the purpose that God has given to them, and the end result will be the Rapture of the Church, Armageddon, and Israel restored as lead nation of this world before this world sees its end.
**Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Each leader will serve a purpose that only Jehovah knows!
Then Samuel saw Saul for the first time.
*****1Sa 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Jehovah had revealed His choice for the first king of Israel to Samuel.
The purpose of Saul was clearly stated; he was to deliver God's people Israel from their oppressive enemy the Philistines.
We read that since the death of Joshua and from the very beginning of the Book of Judges we read that the Israelites had been suffering terrible oppression from the surrounding nations.
This was true because God had told them to eradicate these wicked nations from the Promised Land and they had chosen to compromise and in some cases because of fear.
They had cried out to the Lord and God had prepared for their deliverance.
Part of that preparation was to make Saul King of Israel.
As we have already stated it is God who chooses the rulers and leaders of this world we live in and God has a purpose for each and every one of them!
What we see is in many cases these leaders violate the privilege God has given to them and they will face the Judgement of God and it will be severe.
Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Dan 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
As God's chosen to be first King of Israel, Saul needed to understand he was to rule according to the Word of God and that it was Jehovah who had called him and God had His reasons. To teach Israel a valuable lesson!
*****1Sa 9:27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
1Sa 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
Again we see that word "captain" and not king.
When we see that word "anointed" we should be looking for "types of Christ".
It was pointed out to Saul that the children of Israel belong to Jehovah God and as God's children he was to be careful how he ruled over them.
He was to rule according to the Word of God.
These things would be the same for the Messiah when He would come to redeem God's people.
No doubt Israel was a peculiar people!
A leader that does not know the Law of God and His anointed Messiah is not fit to rule any people!
Saul could accept the words of Samuel, God's prophet, or he could reject them but the Word of God is always true!
Saul would be given another heart which is a new nature.
1Sa 10:9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
Saul was baptized with the Holy Spirit.
1Sa 10:10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
Having just witnessed the coronation of the new King of England we see this coronation of Saul to be King of Israel is still observed by the English people in Great Britain.
Then Samuel called all of Israel to Mizpeh.
*****1Sa 10:17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;
1Sa 10:18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:
1Sa 10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
Samuel called all those together who had requested a king.
Saul was anointed to be the new leader of God's inheritance.
God's inheritance refers to the people of God and the Promised Land!
Here we see another type of Christ.
What did we learn from chapter nine?
We learn the will of God for all His children.
1) There must be a transformed life. We must be "Born Again"!
2) We are to conquer the trials and temptations, and the problems and difficulties of this life, if we are to victorious Christians over sin and wickedness.
God gives us the power over our enemies and those who try to defeat and destroy us. God gives us the power over death and Hell.
We must be converted to have this power.
Samuel intended to install Saul as King of Israel as quickly as he could.
Samuel assured Saul that he was God's chosen man to lead Israel.
Samuel also informed Israel that they had rejected the rule of the Lord and Saul would be their earthly ruler.
To ensure the people Samuel began to choose the new king by lot.
*****1Sa 10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
1Sa 10:21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
The process of choosing by "lot" is much greater than these few instances that are recorded but these things written by the Holy Spirit give us a condensed version of what actually happened.
Matri was the head of the family of Kish.
Kish was the head of the family of Saul.
If we remember the story of David and Jonathan we will realize that the family of Saul would have ended if not for the Grace of God saving one son named Mephibosheth.
Samuel knew that Saul would be chosen, yet he still went through the motions of selecting Israel's first king by lot.
If Samuel had done this any other way, then Saul could have been rejected.
Saul, seeing that this thing was happening, hid himself.
Saul showed genuine modesty to be selected for such an honor.
It is the Lord who told Samuel where Saul was hiding.
*****1Sa 10:22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
1Sa 10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
1Sa 10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
It is probable that the word "stuff" means that like an army, Israel would have come together being afraid that the Philistines would take advantage of such a gathering.
That stuff would be the things they would use to defend themselves.
As Saul stood beside Samuel it could easily be seen that Saul was a big man. More than a head taller than any other Jew.
Jews tend to be short people, but Saul would have been taller than the average man of most any nation.
We can believe that at this time Saul felt inadequate and unqualified to be the King of Israel.
In typology, Saul is a notable example of those who flee from God's call.
When God's call comes, He has already qualified you to fulfill the purpose He has for you!
His purpose means we are qualified only if we serve with His help!
Many refuse to surrender to the call of God for many varied reasons but being unqualified should not be a reason for none of us are qualified, we must serve in God's power!
We should be more like the Apostle Paul when we hear God calling us.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
To reject the call of God is not an option that we should take!
It is after these things are settled that Samuel told the people the manner of the new kingdom.
*****1Sa 10:25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
We should consider this book Samuel gave to the people as a charter defining the position of a king in relation to Jehovah and to the people.
We know that God allows to make our own decisions, but God always warns us of the outcome of those decisions.
This book is probably similar to the things that Moses had written because God never changes.
Deu 17:14 When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;
Deu 17:15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
Deu 17:16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.
Deu 17:17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Deu 17:18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
Deu 17:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Deu 17:20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
Then Samuel sent everyone home to think about all that happened that day, but Saul was now King of Israel.
*****1Sa 10:26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
1Sa 10:27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
There are always those who try to make things work because they trust the Word of God.
There are also those children of the devil who immediately want to start trouble.
The word Belial still means "worthless fellows".
They refused to pay homage to their new king but despised him.
A great trait of any leader is that they do not yield to human weaknesses.
By the way, this is a great trait for every Christian.
Our greatest enemy to being a Christian is our own selves most of the time.
Who is our example again?
It is not Saul!
It is the Lord Jesus Christ!
Mat 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Mat 26:62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
We cannot allow this world to entice us into sin.
It is the Lord who will take revenge on all those who cause harm to the Church.
Amen
