1 Sam 8:1-18 — The People Ask for a King, but not Without due Warning
1 Sam 8:19-22 — The Israelites Receive their King
1 Sam 9 — Saul Chosen to be King
1 Sam 10 — Saul Anointed and Proclaimed King over Israel
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
This narrative is mostly about Saul’s selection, but starts out by revealing Samuel’s sons “did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gains and accepted bribes and perverted justice” (1 Sam 8:3). As with Eli, Samuel’s sons have not followed his ways, why does this happen? How sad to see such a great leader’s own sons fall away and disobey God.
Saul goes out looking for donkeys and finds Samuel. Saul is treated to a feast, though he feels unworthy of such recognition. Samuel tells Saul to send his servant home and asks him to “stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God” (1 Sam 9:27). Samuel tells Saul what will happen next, most notably, “the Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you…for God is with you” (1 Sam 10:6-7). Samuel selected Saul as king of Israel through some process which most accepted triumphantly, but some “despised him and brought him no gifts” (1 Sam 10:27).
Saul has a great start as the first king of Israel. He appears humble and honorably accepts the appointment. Since we know the rest of this story, or at least that Saul ultimately loses God’s favor, it will be interesting to watch the story unfold and glean lessons for our own lives. I pray I will remember the first days of God’s calling, the elation of feeling God’s presence. This is evident at our baptism services at the beach where fresh new faith is publicly declared. Lord, help us to remember these days.