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SAMUEL AND SAUL (II)
TUESDAY, MARCH 28
1 Samuel 10:1-8, 17-25

Psalm 75

 

“But God is the judge:
he putteth down one,

and setteth up another.”

 

SAMUEL AND SAUL (II)
 
Samuel performed his duties to God with such diligence, faithfulness and ease such that we quickly forget that at the first instance when the people requested for a king, he was displeased (1 Sam 8:6). To many of us, like the prophet Jonah, our emotions and views of things would greatly affect our performance of duties and tasks required of us. What maturity we see in Samuel. His initial attendance to Saul was quite remarkable. In this section, we see Samuel’s anointing of Saul.
 
“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him…” (1 Sam 10:1). The initial actions of Samuel (in having the servant proceed forth, anointing, and speaking to Saul in confidence and in secret) presents the wisdom with which Samuel went about performing his duty. Saul would be the people’s choice, but the people’s choice was within the providence and foreknowledge of God, and the people’s choice would reign by God’s permission. Samuel, in private, made known to Saul what would happen to him, and gave him signs that would confirm to Saul that though he was the people’s king, he had to know that “the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will” (Dan 5:21).
 
“And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh” (1 Sam 10:17). The selection of Saul was by lot. The people had asked for a king, and Samuel had solemnly warned them. Despite the warning, they insisted, saying, “Nay; but we will have a king over us” (1 Sam 8:19). The day they would have their king came, and they were gathered at Mizpeh, the same place where they had repented and turned to the LORD, and asked Samuel, “Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us” (1 Sam 7:8). At this place, Samuel again charged them and plainly told them: “ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations” (1 Sam 10:19). And yet the people still presented themselves for the choosing of a king by lot.
 
THOUGHT: Do I reaffirm my commitments or negate my vows?

PRAYER: (Read Psalm 116:14.)

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