Bible in 365 Days

1 Samuel 9-12

1 Samuel 9

The king is now presented to us, and the story of his selection is told. Saul appears in every way to be a remarkable man. He was of good position, of the tribe of Benjamin; and, moreover, was wealthy. Among all the men of the nation he would appear to have been the finest in physique. He is revealed as a man living strongly, quietly at home, and interested in his father's affairs. Moreover, he was naturally a man of modest disposition, as his account of himself as a member of the least family of the smallest tribe testifies.

In pursuit of his filial duty he was led into contact with Samuel. It was a strange day of communion, that first day of their meeting. Not least among Saul's advantages was his fellowship with the prophet. "So Saul did eat with Samuel that day." The meal itself was suggestive, for Samuel had carefully provided that the shoulder, which is ever symbolic of government, should be placed before Saul. Through this day of first communion Samuel led Saul toward the great announcement which he was about to make to him.

1 Samuel 10

On the morning of the day following Saul's meeting with and eating with Samuel, Samuel told him of his election by God to be king of the nation. This communication was made when they were quite alone, even the servant in attendance on them having been sent on before. The terms of the appointment were definite and solemn. It is easy to understand how startling a thing it must have been to this man. Three signs ratifying the authority of the appointment were promised, and all were granted. Thus no room was left for doubt in the mind of Saul as to this being the definite call of God.

This took place at Mizpah. How long a time elapsed between this divine appointment and Saul's formal presentation to the people we have no means of knowing. Right here, at the beginning of the story, we have the first manifestation of that weakness of character which eventuated in his ultimate failure. Notwithstanding that he had received so clear a demonstration of the will of God, on the day when he was to be presented to the people he was found hiding away among the baggage. Some have treated this as an evidence of modesty, and as manifesting an excellent trait in his character.

It is well that we remember that modesty becomes sin when it prevents any man from stepping at once into a place to which he knows that God is calling him. It is by no means an uncommon failure, and the very fact that modesty is in itself a virtue makes the peril all the more subtle. The standard by which conduct is ever to be measured is the standard of simple loyalty to the will of God. If even a virtue interpose, it thereby becomes a vice.

1 Samuel 11

It would seem as though Saul, going down as he did to his house in Gibeah, did not take up the active responsibilities of the kingship until the Ammonite invasion occurred. This would seem to have stirred within him, as the Spirit of God came upon him, a sense of responsibility, and he responded thereto. Immediately, in the presence of the danger, and under the divine power of the Spirit, he gathered the people together, and gained a great victory.

The closing sentences of the previous chapter reveal that there were certain men in the kingdom who were rebellious against his appointment. Now, in the day of his victory, the people suggested the punishment of these men. In this connection the possibility of greatness in Saul was manifested, in that he refused to mar the day of God's victory by visiting the traitors with punishment.

At this time Samuel at once took advantage of the accession of Saul to gather the people together at Gilgal, at which gathering he was confirmed in the kingdom.

1 Samuel 12

At the confirmation of the king appointed by God by the consent of the nation, Samuel delivered what was practically his last address to them.

It was of the nature of a farewell message, in which was there a touch of pathos in his speaking of his past relation with the people.

He first challenged them as to his conduct during the period in which he had walked before them, and then proceeded solemnly to warn them, in view of the new departure in their history now taking place.

In a rapid survey of that history he reminded them of two things; first, the consistent faithfulness of God; and, second, their constant failure. The incident is full of dramatic force as Samuel, in the presence of Saul, charged people with having sinned, in that they had sought a king; and it is the more remarkable because he so spoke to them as to bring home a consciousness of wrong.

However, the thing was done, and he now charged them still to serve and follow Jehovah, and promised tenderly that he would continue to pray for them and instruct them in the right way. His final word was to warn them that if they continued in their waywardness their king would not be able to save them.

It is evident how clear Samuel's vision was of the fundamental truth concerning the people - that they were, and could be, great only as they remained a people governed by God and obedient to Him.