Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 88: Israel Gets a King

Good morning, everyone!

Today I read 1 Samuel 9-12.

In today's reading, a young man named Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, goes in search of his lost donkeys. When Saul is ready to give up and go home, his servant suggests going to seek wisdom from Samuel, the prophet.

When Saul arrives, God tells Samuel that he is the king God has chosen to reign over His people. So, Samuel invites Saul to join the feast, and to eat with him. He anoints Saul king, and he sends Saul on his way with a word from God, telling him that he will find his lost donkeys.

A little while later, Samuel has to publicly choose Saul as king. So, first he picks the tribe of Benjamin. Then, the Matrite family. Then Saul, the son of Kish is chosen.

But Saul cannot be found anywhere, because he is hiding among the baggage.

Now, my question is "Why?" Why was Saul hiding? And my best guess right now, is that it's a foreshadowing of his character. Deep down, I think he's a coward.

And there's something that happens that sort of confirms this.

So, Saul has been chosen king of Israel. Now, this wasn't random. God chose Saul as king for a reason, but Israel demanded the king.

So, most of Israel worships God and reveres Samuel. And they also pay homage to Saul, by giving him gifts.

1 Samuel 10:27 - But certain worthless men said, "How can this one deliver us?" And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent.

But he kept silent.

Saul has trouble confronting people who don't like him. In this respect, he is a coward.

Now, I know this can be hard for everyone. I don't like it either. But bear with me. Saul has just been chosen as king over Israel. The people wanted a king. They begged God for a king. So, He gave them one.

And yet, still some people won't accept Saul, even though he is the Lord's anointed.

Now, I can understand wanting people to like you...to an extent. But these people are not only disrespecting Saul by not giving him gifts. They are disrespecting God.

And the Spirit of God has been with Saul since his anointing. And yet, Saul is still a coward and won't confront these people.

This is only the beginning, however. If you've already read Saul's story, you'll know what I'm talking about.

But I digress.

Saul can be a coward and won't stand up to people. But he's not a coward in battle.

The men of Jabesh-gilead are being set upon by the Ammonites, and they need help. When Saul hears of it, the Spirit of God comes upon him, and he is angry at the treatment of God's people. So, he calls upon Israel to go up and fight. And they defeat the Ammonites, with Saul leading them.

So, in battle, he is a valiant warrior.

And that's the beginning of Saul's story.

I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Samuel 13-14.