Chapter 17 - A Practical Study of 1 Samuel - 1 Samuel 8
1. Sometimes God gives sinful people the kind of ruler they want in order to demonstrate to them the disastrous end to which such a ruler will bring them.
As the old adage goes, "Be careful what you ask for!" In the case of Saul, God gave the people a man with great stature and small character. Although Saul was head and shoulders above the rest of the people, the flaws in his character were apparent even before he became the king. First, he was careless in failing to inform his father of his whereabouts when searching for his donkeys. Second, he seemed to have little regard for God or His prophet in that he himself did not think to consult the prophet Samuel to find his lost donkeys. His servant suggested consulting the man of God. Saul did not even seem to know anything about Samuel. Third, he showed ignorance and poor judgment by seeking to pay a prophet of God (The Reformation Study Bible, 389). Fourth, when Saul prophesied, the people who had formerly known Saul were startled. Perhaps they were startled to see him among the prophets because his character had not been such as was fitting for a prophet of God. However, the reason for their astonishment is not clear.
Finally, Saul displayed a cowardly reluctance to be king on three occasions: 1) When Samuel first suggested that he be king, Saul claimed that he was from the least important family in the tribe of Benjamin when he was a descendent of a "mighty man of power;" 2) When his uncle questioned him about what Samuel told him, and he left out all information about becoming the king; and 3) When the people were looking for him after Samuel announced that he would be the king and the LORD revealed that he was "hidden among the equipment." The last two occasions were even after the LORD had demonstrated to Saul that He had chosen him through three signs of fulfilled prophecy. Thus by cowardly reluctance, Saul revealed a lack of faith and confidence in the LORD even after the LORD had clearly demonstrated His omniscience, His purpose, and His power.
Saul, however, was the kind of king the people wanted--a king that was impressive to look upon, who would stand out in a crowd--a king that would make them like all the surrounding nations, who would judge them and would stand out in front and lead them into battle. They wanted a king to make them prosperous and secure, but not necessarily a righteous and godly king who would lead them in worshipping and obeying the LORD.
Isn't this the kind of President that America wants--a man who is charismatic and eloquent and who promises security and prosperity for our nation? Elect me and I will protect you from terrorists. Elect me and I will fix the economy and provide more jobs. But what about character? Every time moral character is brought up or questioned in an election, those who bring it up are accused of mud slinging and told to get back to the real issues. Most Americans, including many professed Christians, don't care anymore whether a President cheats on his wife, lies, supports the murder of innocent babies through abortion, endorses homosexual marriage, or worships a false god. They do not understand that true and lasting security and prosperity belong to those who trust in the LORD and obey His commandments. God blesses a nation whose God is the LORD. Furthermore, many Americans like many of the Israelites in the days of Samuel and Saul do not want a ruler who submits to God's commandments because they themselves do not want to submit to God's commandments, and, therefore, they don't want a ruler who will hold them accountable to God's standards.
Review and Reflect
Why was Saul the kind of king that Israel wanted? What were some of Saul's flaws?
What kind of president do most people in America want today? Is this the kind of president that Americans should be looking for? Why or why not?
2. Although God appoints flawed and sinful human rulers, He remains in control. He remains the King of Kings.
Even as Saul is becoming the king of Israel, we see in these two chapters, a God, who is planning and orchestrating everything. God chooses Saul to be king. He reveals this to His prophet Samuel. He uses lost donkeys to bring and the advice of a servant to bring Saul to Samuel. He tells Samuel various signs he is going to perform, and then brings these signs to pass by preparing two men to prophesy to Samuel, preparing three men to give him goats, bread, and wine, and a preparing group of prophets to meet him with instruments, prophesying. His Spirit comes upon Saul and causes Saul to prophesy. Then when Saul is hiding because he is reluctant to be king, it is the LORD who reveals his whereabouts.
We must remember that even when flawed, wicked men are elected to government, God remains in control. They are in power because he has chosen and appointed them to rule. God's people can trust him even when wicked and oppressive governments rule over them.
Review and Reflect
In what ways do we see God ruling over Saul's appointment as king?
Does God control who is elected to office in our country? See Romans 13:1-7.
Is God still ruling over sinful rulers in the world today? See Proverbs 21:1.
3. God plans the future, and, therefore, He knows the future.
God basically told Samuel everything He was going to do and then did it. He knew what was going to happen because He was making it happen. He caused Saul's donkeys to be lost, brought Saul to Samuel, and then brought various signs to pass after revealing them to Samuel. God knew that Saul would be he king because He chose him to be the king. Then He carried out His plan and made Saul the king of Israel.
God will not be surprised by the results of the next election because regardless of the results, He remains in control. He already knows the outcome because He has decided it. This does not negate our responsibility to fight injustice by seeking to elect a candidate that fears God and honors His commandments, but it does give us assurance that even if a wicked man is elected President, this man cannot thwart the sovereign and perfect plan of God.
Review and Reflect
In what ways does the story of Saul demonstrate that God knows and plans the future?
How can this truth that God knows and plans the future encourage believers today? See Romans 8:28.
4. God arranges circumstances and events to reveal His purpose and power to His people so that their faith in Him will grow stronger.
God told Samuel that Saul was coming so that Samuel would know that Saul was to be king, but also so that Saul would know that this was God's plan and that God had everything worked out. Then God demonstrated His plan and His ability to carry out His plan through various signs. These signs were meant to encourage Saul and to give Him confidence that the LORD was with him, and would empower him to be king. Although, Saul remained reluctant, one has to wonder how cowardly he would have been were it not for the signs that God used to encourage him. Saul is eventually courageous enough to lead the Israelites to victory in battle. Samuel and the people of Israel were also encouraged through the clear presence of God's hand in Saul's appointment as king.
When believers look at history, we see God's wisdom in appointing certain men to leadership. When reflecting on our pasts, we see His wisdom in bringing certain things to pass in our lives though at the time we might not have understood the good in what He was doing. Sometimes He even shows us in the present that He is working all things together for our good.
Review and Reflect
How did God arrange circumstances and events to reveal His purpose and His power to a) Saul, b) Samuel, and c) others in the story?
How has God revealed His purpose and His power to you through circumstances and events in your life?
SOURCES CONSULTED
Keil, C. F. and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament in Ten Volumes, Vol. II: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel. trans. Martin, James. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988.
Sproul, R.C. et al., The Reformation Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.
1 comment:
Post a Comment