April 10, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Samuel 9 - Though Israel demanded a king, and though Samuel, as well as God, were grieved that such a demand was made, God still had His way in the choice of who that would be.  Saul is seen as a young man, quite large in size, who had an obedient spirit to his father and a sensitive spirit to meeting a prophet.  He was diligent to work hard and he was considerate of his father's feelings.  All these characteristics are seen in this chapter.  Saul was "head and shoulders" taller than any other Israelite.  He obeyed his father willingly when he and a servant were sent to search for two missing donkeys.  When the servant suggested they meet with a seer (see if you note what that word means), Saul felt he wasn't worthy to do so without a gift.  Surprisingly, the servant was the one with the money!  Saul also thought more of his father's concern for his life rather than the donkeys.  As you read this chapter you will see how Samuel and Saul met.

1 Samuel 10 - Samuel takes great interest in spending time with Saul and helping him to see what God had planned for him.  You can only imagine how Saul felt as he listened.  He was being told that God would make him into "another man" vs. 6.  Saul appears to be honesty humbled by all that was being said to him.  As you will read of Saul's kingship in later chapters, you can only wish he hadn't lost this humility.  Note where Saul was hiding when the announcement was made that he would be the new and first king of Israel!

1 Samuel 11 - Saul didn't jump into a palace when he was anointed king.  He went back to his daily work until a crisis drove him to action.  The Ammonites had shown great violence against some of the Israelites and were threatening others.  When Saul heard of this he showed righteous anger and called for Israel's men to fight their enemy.  The people responded and brought a great victory for Israel.

1 Samuel 12 - As Samuel realized his role as a judge was coming to an end he declared his integrity in his ministry.  He also showed Israel that their request for a king was an affront to God, vs. 12.  God sent a terrible thunderstorm to show His disapproval but also showed He would work with their new king if the people would obey Him.  Samuel covenanted to pray for the people every day and considered it a sin if he should cease doing so.