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| INSIGHTS FROM THE SCRIPTURE: In response to Israel’s insistent request for a king, God chose Saul as Israel’s first king. The story of Saul begins in I Samuel 9 with reference to his parentage. His father, Kish, was a man of good standing from the clan of Benjamin. Saul is identified as an impressive young man, without equal among the Israelites, a head taller than any other man. When Samuel, the aging judge of Israel, comes to anoint Saul as God’s choice for King, Saul protests, in an attitude of humility, saying, “I am from the smallest tribe, and the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Again when Samuel attempts to present Saul as King to the Israelites, he is found hiding among the baggage. So, in a scene of humility and reluctance, Saul is declared God’s choice for King over Israel. The people of Israel responded by shouting, “Long live the King!” Early in Saul’s reign, he displays his military prowess by successful battles against Israel’s neighboring enemies. Prior to going into battle with the Philistines, Saul and his army were to wait for Samuel to come and offer sacrifices to the Lord. When Samuel’s coming was delayed, Saul took it upon himself to offer the sacrifices, which was contrary to the command of the Lord. When Samuel arrived, he rebuked Saul and informed Saul that his kingship would be short lived as a result of his disobedience. From this account we see Saul’s propensity towards impatience and disobedience concerning the Lord’s commands. In I Samuel 15 (see summary of scripture passage) the Lord formally rejects Saul as King because of his outright disobedience in the battle with the Amalakites and informs him that some one better will replace him. Continued... |
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