Back to our readings in the History section of the Old Testament. If you’re following the schedule, the blog is a bit behind because of Holy Week. I won’t try to write in detail about every event.

We’re moving into the monarchy phase of Israel’s history with the selection of Saul:

There was a man from the tribe of Benjamin named Kish. He was the son of Abiel, grandson of Zeror, great-grandson of Becorath, great-great-grandson of Aphiah—a Benjaminite of stalwart character. He had a son, Saul, a most handsome young man. There was none finer—he literally stood head and shoulders above the crowd! (1 Samuel 9.1, MSG)

“Stalwart character” is the word rendered “wealthy” in some translations. Kish was a mighty man, by whatever measure you want, but the text doesn’t say Saul was a mighty man of stalwart character. This goes with my observation from the beginning of chapter 8. The sons don’t always measure up to the father. Saul was tall and handsome. Maybe that’s all he had. We’ll see.

Saul starts in humility with a “Who, me?” moment similar to what we saw with Gideon:

“I’m the Seer,” said Samuel. “…At this moment, Israel’s future is in your hands.” Saul answered, “But I’m only a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and from the most insignificant clan in the tribe at that. Why are you talking to me like this?” (1 Samuel 9.19 – 21, MSG)

Samuel anoints Saul at the beginning of chapter 10 and gives him three confirming signs, which take place as advertised. When he gets home, he doesn’t even tell his family what happened. And when the people gather to meet their new king, he’s hiding!

After Samuel got all the tribes of Israel lined up, the Benjamin tribe was picked. Then he lined up the Benjamin tribe in family groups,…and the name Saul, son of Kish, was picked. But when they went looking for him, he was nowhere to be found. Samuel went back to GOD: “Is he anywhere around?” GOD said, “Yes, he’s right over there—hidden in that pile of baggage.” They ran and got him. He took his place before everyone, standing tall—head and shoulders above them. Samuel then addressed the people, “Take a good look at whom GOD has chosen: the best! No one like him in the whole country!” Then a great shout went up from the people: “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10.20 – 24, MSG)

Saul starts humbly. We find him in chapter 11 back plowing the fields when he is called into action. Nahash, king of the Ammonites, threatened to gouge out the right eye of all the people of Jabesh Gilead.

The town leaders of Jabesh said, “Give us time to send messengers around Israel—seven days should do it. If no one shows up to help us, we’ll accept your terms.” The messengers came to Saul’s place at Gibeah and told the people what was going on. As the people broke out in loud wails, Saul showed up. He was coming back from the field with his oxen. Saul asked, “What happened? Why is everyone crying?” And they repeated the message that had come from Jabesh. The Spirit of God came on Saul when he heard the report and he flew into a rage. He grabbed the yoke of oxen and butchered them on the spot. He sent the messengers throughout Israel distributing the bloody pieces with this message: “Anyone who refuses to join up with Saul and Samuel, let this be the fate of his oxen!” The terror of GOD seized the people, and they came out, one and all, not a laggard among them. Saul took command of the people at Bezek. There were 300,000 men from Israel, another 30,000 from Judah. (1 Samuel 11.3 – 8, MSG)

Saul leads them to victory and gives the credit to God:

This is the day GOD saved Israel! Come, let’s go to Gilgal and there reconsecrate the kingship.” They all trooped out to Gilgal. Before GOD, they crowned Saul king at Gilgal. And there they worshiped, sacrificing peace offerings. Saul and all Israel celebrated magnificently. (1 Samuel 11.13 – 15, MSG)

A good start for Saul and a clear lesson: a leader can rally the entire population, and good things can happen if…

• The Spirit of God is on the leader.
• The terror of God falls on the people to follow him.
• There is a worthy cause.
• The leader gives credit to God.

Chapter 12 contains Samuel’s last address to the people, in which he declares his integrity. (See 1 Samuel 12.1 – 5.) Then Samuel closes with a promise and a warning:

And neither will I walk off and leave you. That would be a sin against GOD! I’m staying right here at my post praying for you and teaching you the good and right way to live. But I beg of you, fear GOD and worship him honestly and heartily. You’ve seen how greatly he has worked among you! Be warned: If you live badly, both you and your king will be thrown out.” (1 Samuel 12.23 – 25, MSG)

And, after a good start, things start to go downhill right away. Stay tuned.