Saul becomes King

1 Samuel Chapter 10

Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it over Saul's head. He kissed Saul on the cheek and told him that God had appointed him to be leader of his people. When you leave me today, Samuel told him, you will see two men beside Rachel's tomb at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will tell you that the donkeys have been found and your father is worried about you and is asking everyone if they have seen his son.

When you get to Tabor, said Samuel, you will see three men coming toward you who are on their way to worship God at Bethel. One will have three young goats, one will have three loaves of bread, and the third man will have a skin of wine. They will greet you and offer you two of the loaves, which you are to accept.

When you arrive at Gilbeah of God, said Samuel, where the garrison of Philistines is located, you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the altar on the hill. they will be playing harp, a tambourine, a flute and a lyre and they will be be prophesying. At that time the spirit of the Lord will come upon you with power and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person. After these signs, do whatever you think is best, for God is with you. Then go down to Gilgal ahead of me and wait for me there seven days, I will join you there to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. When I arrive, I will give you further instructions.

As Saul turned to leave, God changed his heart and all Samuel's signs were fulfilled that day. Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeath and saw the prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of God cam upon Saul and he too, began to prophesy. When his friends hear of this, they wondered how the son of Kish became a prophet. But one of his neighbors responded that it didn't matter who his father was, anyone could become a prophet.

When Saul had finished prophesying, he climbed the hill to the altar. His uncle asked where he had been and Saul answered that he had gone to look for donkeys, but went to the prophet Samuel instead. Saul told his uncle the donkeys had been found, but he did not tell his uncle that Samuel had anointed him kings.

Samuel called all the people of Israel to meet before the Lord at Mizpah and gave them a message from the Lord, "I brought you from Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and from all nations that were oppressing you. But though I have done so much for you, you have rejected me and said you wished a king instead. Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by tribes and clans.

Then Samuel called all the leaders of the tribes before God and Benjamen was chosen. Then he brought each family from Benjamin to the Lord and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally Saul was chosen from among them, but when they looked for him, he had disappeared.

The Lord said, "He is hiding among the baggage. So they found Saul and brought him out and he stood head and shoulders above anyone else. Then Samuel said to the people that Saul was the man the Lord had chosen as king. And the people shouted, "Long live the King."
Then Samuel told the people what the rights and duties of a king were and wrote them down on a scroll and placed it before the Lord.

Later when Saul returned to his home in Gibeah, a band of men whose hearts God had touched became his constant companions. But there were some wicked men who complained, "How can this man save us?" And they despised Saul and refused to bring him gifts, but Saul ignored them.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Saul could be filled with the Spirit and yet later commit evil acts. Why? Probably because the Spirit came upon a person temporarily so God could use that person for great acts. The Holy Spirit gave a person power to do what God asked, but it did not always produce other things like self-control.
The Israelites chose their first king by casting lots or by using the Urim and Thummim, two plates or flat stones carried by the high priest. That makes it sound like Saul was chosen by luck, but in fact God had instructed the priests to turn everything over to him.
Why did Saul hide in the baggage when he knew he was the new king? Because he hid from responsibility, was afraid of failure or unsure how to proceed. The regulations outlined for the king, was to make sure their rule was different from any pagan kings.
Saul's constant companions had people who despised them. Criticism will always be directed toward those who lead because they are out in front. Saul at least did that right in ignoring them and focusing on what was ahead.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? This chapter has many lessons for us. Israel's true king was God, but they wanted a human king and rejected God. Are we doing that today- rejecting God by pushing him away and acknowledging something or someone else as our "king" - like money or power. Examine your priorities and see to it that God is your number one.
God wants us to step up and take responsibility. Not hide from it like Saul. It is natural to feel unsure about things, but our faith must give us the courage to go forward.
Criticism from others is normal. People by nature can be jealous and petty when they think about those who lead. Be sure to listen to constructive criticism but don't waste time on those who oppose you. Focus on helping others.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

SUCCESSFUL HEALING REPORT: Thanks to your prayers, Al’s cancer is gone! His tumor, however remains inoperable and he is home living as normal a life as can be expected. Continue to pray for him. Gene’s biopsy proved his tumor was benign and he has been removed from our prayer list. Barb has been moved to a rehab facility to work on her speech etc., keep praying for her.

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. And Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke. Also for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She is 10 weeks old and has her own room at the hospital. The doctors continue to experiment with respirators, but her parents can see progress in her lung activity. Pray also for healing of Mark after brain surgery. Pray also for Craig who is undergoing heart tests. These folks need your prayers so badly. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.