Saul begins his reign over Israel. The first battle with the Ammonites cemented the people’s loyalty but things slowed down afterwards. Three years pass before another battle is waged. Today’s reading raises a LOT of questions that I would LOVE to take up with the Lord. Not because I doubt anything put forth in our […]
Samuel has just finished reaffirming Saul as king. Now he addresses the people on his own and God’s behalf. He is stepping back. The people MUST follow the Lord or they and their king will be swept away. My bible titles this section “Samuel’s Farewell Address” (ESV Study Bible). This is the last time he […]
Saul’s victory has cemented the hearts of the people to him. Those who refused to follow him in the beginning are in danger now. Not from Saul but from the people. Before we jump into our story I have a few things I want to look at. The first is that Samuel was apparently present […]
Saul raises his first army under threat of consequences to those who didn’t come. But the Spirit of the Lord is what moved and motivated ALL involved, even Saul. This will be Saul’s first duty as king and Israel’s first response to their king. I’m curious about Saul’s threat. Did he have the means to […]
After anointing Saul privately Samuel presents Saul publicly as God’s answer to Israel’s request. Saul had to be dragged from hiding though as he appears to be a reluctant king. Something just struck me as I reread that last sentence. Saul had the position forced upon him while Jesus ‘died to get it.’ Saul was […]