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SAUL GATHERED AN ARMY TO FIGHT THE AMMONITES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
1 Samuel 11

Romans 9:16-20

 

“…it is not of him that willeth,
nor of him that runneth,

but of God that sheweth mercy.”

 

SAUL GATHERED AN ARMY TO FIGHT THE AMMONITES
 
The Ammonites had declared war on Israel and were waiting for the appointed time to move into action. King Saul numbered his people. There were more than three hundred thousand. All able men came to form that huge army.
 
The men of Jabeshgilead, who went to Saul for help, returned with a good report (1 Sam 11:9). The promise was that they were going to get help against the Ammonites the following day. In the meantime, the new king organised that huge army and was set to fight and overcome the enemy. The Ammonites soon found out that they had entirely underestimated the ability of Israel. The men of Jabeshgilead were now confident that they were going to defeat the enemy. There was gladness in Jabeshgilead because their hearts were encouraged by the good report. This was to be Saul’s first war as king of Israel.
 
The main lesson in this account is not the skill of Israel or the new king, but God. The doctrine of the sovereignty of God is a truth that is taught in the Bible. It applies to all activities of man. However, God has not revealed the purpose of everything. He guides and determines the final outcome. Thus far, King Saul was set to face the Ammonites.
 
Israel fought with the Ammonites and defeated them. Saul also pardoned those who opposed him in Israel because he wanted the nation to be united. God’s eternal plan ensured that the nation was always secure. It is God who raises and puts down those who lead.
 
THOUGHT: Every achievement that God’s people make is attributed to His eternal plan.
PRAYER: Father, may Thy prophets and chosen leaders faithfully lead Thy people in paths of righteousness.

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