The Story of Saul: Israel’s First King

Introduction: A Search for Lost Donkeys

Kish, a wealthy farmer from the tribe of Benjamin, called out to his son one morning with urgent news: “Saul, the donkeys are missing! Take a servant and go look for them” (1 Samuel 9:3).

Saul, a tall and striking young man, set out with his servant. For days, they searched the hills and valleys but found no trace of the donkeys. On the third day, Saul, concerned about his father’s growing worry, decided to return home.

But the servant had an idea. “We’re near Ramah,” he said. “The prophet Samuel lives there. Perhaps he can tell us where the donkeys are” (1 Samuel 9:6).

1. Meeting Samuel

Ramah was buzzing with excitement when Saul and his servant arrived. Samuel, the prophet of Israel, was preparing for a feast. As Saul approached the town’s entrance, he met Samuel, who greeted him with surprising news: “Don’t worry about the donkeys—they’ve been found. But more importantly, God has chosen you to be the leader of His people” (1 Samuel 9:20).

Saul was stunned. “Me?” he asked incredulously. “I’m from the smallest tribe, Benjamin, and my family is insignificant.”

Samuel simply smiled and invited Saul to the feast. He gave Saul the seat of honor and served him the best portion of food, prepared in anticipation of his arrival.

That night, Samuel privately anointed Saul as Israel’s first king, pouring a flask of oil over his head. “The Lord has chosen you to be the ruler of His inheritance,” Samuel declared (1 Samuel 10:1).

2. Signs of Confirmation

Samuel, knowing Saul’s doubts, told him to watch for three signs on his journey home:

1. He would meet men who would confirm the donkeys were safe.
2. He would encounter men carrying offerings to God, who would share bread with him.
3. He would join a group of prophets, where the Spirit of God would come upon him, filling him with joy and enabling him to prophesy (1 Samuel 10:2-6).

Each sign occurred as Samuel had foretold, and Saul’s confidence in his divine calling began to grow. However, Saul remained hesitant to share this astonishing news with others, even his family.

3. Saul’s Public Proclamation

Samuel gathered the people of Israel at Mizpah for a special assembly to reveal their first king. Through a process of casting lots, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen, then Kish’s family, and finally Saul. But when Samuel called for Saul to step forward, he was nowhere to be found.

“He’s hiding among the supplies!” someone shouted (1 Samuel 10:22).

Saul, overwhelmed by the responsibility, had concealed himself. But the people brought him forward, and Samuel declared, “Here is the man the Lord has chosen! There is no one like him among all the people” (1 Samuel 10:24).

The crowd erupted in cheers: “Long live the king!” Yet, not everyone was pleased. Some doubted Saul’s abilities and refused to accept him as king.

4. A Good Start: Victory at Jabesh

Saul returned to his father’s farm, still unsure of his new role. But soon, a crisis called him into action. The Ammonites besieged the Israelite city of Jabesh, offering cruel terms for peace: “We’ll make a treaty with you only if we gouge out the right eye of every citizen” (1 Samuel 11:2).

Desperate, the people of Jabesh sent messengers throughout Israel, pleading for help. When Saul heard their cries, the Spirit of God came upon him powerfully. He immediately took command, rallying an army of 330,000 men from across Israel.

Saul divided his forces into three companies and launched a surprise attack at dawn, overwhelming the Ammonites and saving Jabesh.

The victory silenced Saul’s critics. When some of his supporters suggested punishing those who had doubted him, Saul refused. “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel” (1 Samuel 11:13).

5. Renewing the Kingdom

Following the victory, Samuel called the people together at Gilgal to renew Saul’s kingship. There, they celebrated with sacrifices and worship, pledging their loyalty to Saul as their God-appointed king (1 Samuel 11:15).

Samuel, now an old man, reminded the people of their decision to have a king. “You have said, ‘We want a king to rule over us,’ even though the Lord your God was your king,” he said. He urged them to remain faithful to God, warning them of the consequences of disobedience: “If you fear the Lord and serve Him, all will be well. But if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you” (1 Samuel 12:12-15).

Moral of the Story: Trusting God’s Leadership

The story of Saul’s rise to kingship offers profound lessons about God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the challenges of leadership:

1. God Chooses the Humble:
   Saul came from a modest background, yet God chose him to lead Israel. His initial humility and reluctance to seize power highlight the importance of trusting God’s timing and plans.
2. Faith Requires Courage:
   Saul’s initial hesitation showed his fear, but his courage at Jabesh demonstrated his ability to trust God and lead with boldness.
3. God’s Plans Are Greater Than Ours:
   While the people demanded a king to be like other nations, God worked within their choice to provide a leader who would guide them. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
4. Leadership Demands Responsibility:
   Samuel warned Saul and the people that kingship would bring challenges. Saul’s early successes showed his potential, but his future would depend on his obedience to God.

Conclusion

Saul’s story marks a significant transition in Israel’s history, from being led by judges to having a monarchy. His rise as Israel’s first king was a mixture of humility, divine calling, and human struggle.

As we reflect on Saul’s early days, we are reminded of the importance of trusting God’s leadership, remaining humble, and seeking His guidance in all things. While Saul’s journey as king was just beginning, his story serves as a powerful example of God’s sovereignty and the potential for greatness when we walk in obedience to Him.