1 Samuel 9
-The back story of Israel’s first king is given here in the
9th chapter. Kish, a man of Benjamin, which was a tribe with quite a
sordid past during the time of the judges (Judges 19-21), had a son by the name
of Saul who was extraordinarily handsome and head and shoulders taller than any
other Israelite. He was from all exterior appearances a choice candidate to
lead the people, and the LORD took note of this in His sovereign plan. Kish had
some lost donkeys that he sent his son, along with one of his servants, to go
out and find. They went all throughout the hill country of Ephraim, Shalishah,
and Shaalim, but they could not find their missing donkeys. They even searched
their homeland of Benjam in their journey, but could find nothing. When they
came to the land of Zuph and came up empty again, Saul concluded that at this
point his father would be anxious and send out a search party for them
forgetting all about the animals. This is when the servant recommended a man of
God who was in this city who was held in honor with all his words coming to
fruition. He thought they should inquire of this man for some wisdom in their
journey before returning home. Saul agreed, but they were short on supplies and
would be expected to give this type of individual a gift according to cultural
norms upon their arrival. Their bread was gone; there was no present other than
a forth of a shekel of silver. This they would give in hopes of getting him to
tell them their way to go on their hunt. Samuel at this period in Israel’s
history was called a seer rather than a prophet. And so they went ahead towards
the city, Samuel, and God’s divine destiny (1 Samuel 9:1-10).
-As they went up the slope of the city, they found some
young women who were going out to draw water from the well. They asked them,
“Is the seer here?” They answered in the affirmative, but they told him he’d
better hurry for the people had a sacrifice that day at the high place. They
relayed to him that he would find him before his duty and his eating ritual.
His blessing on the sacrifice was all important to the people, and they would
eat until he came. And then, only those whom he invited would be able to eat.
Then they reiterated that he hurry and go up in order to find him (1 Samuel
9:11-13).
-Saul and his servant went up to the city, and as they came
in, providentially, Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the high
place. The LORD had revealed to His prophet the day before Saul’s coming that a
man from Benjamin would be coming to him for him to anoint the prince over His
people Israel. This anointed one was promised to deliver the LORD’s people from
the hand of the Philistines because God regarded His peoples’ cries for help (1
Samuel 9:14-16). At first look, Samuel knew in his spirit that Saul was the one
whom God had appointed. The LORD told him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to
you! This one shall rule over My people.” Saul approached the prophet
unbeknownst and asked him, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.” Samuel
then told him who he was and instructed him to go up before him to the high
place for he would be eating with the man of God that day. Samuel also told him
that in the morning he would let him go after he told him all that was on his
mind. He then gave Saul some assurance. The donkeys which were lost three days
before had been found. Further, all that was desirable in Israel was for him
and his father’s household (1 Samuel 9:17-20).
-Saul’s response showed humility and surprise, “Am I not a
Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of
all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this
way?” Samuel took Saul and his servant into the hall and gave them a place at
the head of those who were invited to the meal, about 30 men were there. Samuel
then instructed the cook to bring him the portion that he had given him earlier
to set aside. Then the cook took up the leg with what was on it and presented
it to Saul. He ate with Samuel that day. Later, when they came down from the
high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of where he would
lodge for the night. The next day they arose early and Samuel continued the
pivotal conversation as he was about to send them away back on their journey
home. Saul and Samuel were on the street of the city strolling along. As they
got down to the edge of the city, Samuel had Saul’s servant to go on ahead of
them so that he could have a private talk with the future king. As Saul stood
still, Samuel proclaimed the word of God to him, which is picked up in the next
chapter (1 Samuel 9:21-27).
-*Application* The miraculous nature of the prophet of God
is super evident here in this text. We too can hear from God for the
extraordinary in this age of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. When was the last
time the LORD revealed something that was supernatural and incredible? If these
types of things aren’t happening, we probably need to tune in a little, or
really a lot, better. God wants to reveal things to us that will blow our
minds. Samuel’s faith was such that he knew that at the appointed time on the
next day, God would bring about all that He promised. Do we know God’s Voice
and trust Him like that?
Verse to Memorize:
1 Samuel 9:17
No comments:
Post a Comment