Calendar

SAUL THE NEW KING CAME INTO THE PICTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
1 Samuel 11

Isaiah 25:1-4

 

“I will praise thy name;
for thou hast done

wonderful things…”

 

SAUL THE NEW KING CAME INTO THE PICTURE
 
The threat of the Ammonites was reported to all Israel, and this came to the ears of Saul. He was in his city of Gibeah when the messengers came and reported the sad news. As a new king, he probably saw an opportunity to demonstrate that he was capable of military action, and that he was a worthy king. The rest of the people of Israel heard of this threat and wept for they foresaw painful days.
 
The Ammonites waited for Israel’s response, assured of victory. They did not know that victory in any war depended on God. Saul, the son of Kish, was now a legitimate king who had the Spirit of the Lord to guide him. The Spirit came upon him and he was greatly angered. He also knew that it was his primary duty as king to protect his nation from any aggression. He was like a lion that had smelt his prey. He moved swiftly and sent a strong message to all Israel. He took a yoke of oxen and hewed it to pieces and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel. He ordered everyone in the nation to follow him and Samuel, and whosoever would not do so would have his oxen suffer the same fate. His message was clear to the people. The fear of the Lord came upon the people, and they all came to King Saul in one accord.
 
As a king, he had to have military skills. He knew what to do in the situation that presented itself before him. He also understood the mind of the people and how to exercise authority over them. In this instance, there was a spontaneous response to his authority. The people did not respond to him as Saul, but to his authority as king. Samuel was still on the scene because the new king needed his assistance. The people still trusted Samuel and they knew that he was speaking for God. They were now set to move into action and help the king fulfil his mandate of protecting the nation. They were ready to obey the orders of the king.
 
THOUGHT: God never forsakes His appointed servants.
PRAYER: Father, grant wisdom to Thy servants.

Search