ADULT STS LESSON 200ISRAEL DEMANDS A KING
MEMORY VERSE:
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:4,5).
TEXT:
1 Samuel chapters 8 to 10
This lesson records the unfortunate turn of events in Israel, especially as Samuel began to show signs of old age. It encapsulates an example of God’s permissive will to pacify a presumptuous and obstinate people, the perversion of the sons of Samuel, the prediction of the nature of human kings and the preeminence of God as the only true King.
In this lesson, God chose Saul to be Israel’s first king. Events recorded in the texts are significant in Israel’s history. It marked the nation’s transition from theocracy to monarchy and highlights the encounter between Saul and Samuel, which culminated in anointing the first king for the nation.
It also throws light into the personality of the new leader, his selection process, its implications for a nation founded by the Lord Himself and the conflicting reactions of stakeholders to the emerging king. With reference to the incidents under consideration, it is clear that the Lord’s consent was purely permissive. In making our request, we should not be “unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). As we make scripturally acceptable requests, we shall receive enduring answers and be spared the pains of future regrets.
GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL IN CHOOSING A KING
(1 Samuel 8:1-22; 10:19; 12:17; Deuteronomy 17:14-20; Hosea 13:9-11; Acts 13:20-22; Psalm 106:15; 1 Samuel 10:25; 1 Kings 4:7,22-28; 9:22,23; 12:4; 2 Chronicles 26:10-15; Isaiah 66:4)
The elders of Israel approached Samuel requesting a king who would lead them like other nations. On the surface, they predicated their request on the evil ways of Samuel’s sons who were made judges to assist in the administration of justice in Israel (1 Samuel 8:3; 12:1-5). It could be recalled that a similar thing happened between Eli and his sons.
Highlighted in these instances is that faith and righteousness are not genetically transferred or inherited but obtained from the Lord on individual basis.
The hidden motive of the children of Israel in demanding a king was revealed in their request: “…now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). They seemed not to value their being under a theocracy, the direct rule of God as King. They desired a system that would not demand faith and obedience to the word of God, but a human government full of pomp and colourful displays, comparable to those of the surrounding nations.
However, they did not realise that by their action, they had rejected the Creator and replaced Him with mortal man. They had forgotten that they defeated many nations in battle despite their kings. Neither did they remember that God wrought great victories for them in all manners of challenges they had faced without a king. Why then would they want to change a winning formula without direct instructions from God?
Israel was fond of comparing themselves with other nations and looking down on the great heritage they had. We must beware of sinful imitations and carnal comparison; else, we lose focus of our peculiarity and the eternal purpose of God for our lives.
Israel’s request grieved Samuel and he was sorrowful, but he took the matter to God in prayer. He was not primarily concerned about his personal honour, nor did he attempt to defend or make excuses for his wayward children. In answer to his prayer, “the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).
God instructed Samuel to tell them what to expect from an earthly king. Instituting a monarchy would bring about a form of tyranny and oppression, which Israel had not known before (1 Samuel 10:25; 14:52; 1 Kings 9:22,23; 10:26; 12:4). Besides, God predicted that the rule of kings would bring oppression in form of forceful acquisition of property, forced labour, taxation and loss of personal liberty. All these came to pass (2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5; 4:7,22-28; 21:7; 2 Chronicles 26:10-15).
When Israel asked for a king, obviously they did not consider the negative consequences and responsibilities associated with it. “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us” (1 Samuel 8:19). The people were determined to have their way. “And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king” (1 Samuel 8:22).
Here, God grants the desire of a difficult people again. He had done so before when the children of Israel lusted for meat in the wilderness (Numbers 11:31-34; Psalms 78:29-31; 106:15). He gave them their desire but sent leanness to their soul. Failing to learn from their past missteps, they fell into the same error again.
Believers should recognise the dangers of living in God’s permissive will. It gives a false sense of security and deceives a person into a fake assurance of God’s favour. Later, God said concerning this event, “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath” (Hosea 13:11). If Israel had remained patient under God, He would still have given them a king after His own heart (Genesis 35:11).
It was presumptuous to initiate, rather than wait for God to appoint a king for them. His perfect will also has a perfect timing attached to it. If we rush ahead, we may mar or complicate matters and the consequences may be dire. We must learn to wait for God.
SAUL’S SEARCH FOR THE LOST ASSES
(1 Samuel 9:1-27; Luke 15:3-10; Matthew 10:5-7; Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 1 Samuel 30:8; Exodus 30:30; 1 Kings 1:32,34,39; Acts 8:26-31; Matthew 22:4)
The asses of Kish, Saul’s father, had wandered away. This informed his commission to go and find them. Though Kish had other children, Saul’s sense of responsibility made his father entrust this all-important task into his care. He searched at different places and mobilised his most dutiful servant to assist him. His doggedness to find the lost animals is worthy of emulation.
All sinners in the world are lost. This informed Christ’s advent into the world to seek and save us. All believers must arise and ensure that lost sinners are found, converted and established in the Kingdom.
“And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us” (1 Samuel 9:5). Although Saul’s persistence yielded no fruit, he was mindful not to let a worse thing happen to his father as a result of their delayed return.
Meanwhile, his servant suggested that they seek counsel from a prophet on the way forward (1 Samuel 9:10,11). This decision to seek counsel and direction is commendable. Sometimes, life may present us with challenges and decisions that we need to seek direction.
Unlike other people who would rather seek counsel from sorcerers, false prophets or diviners, Saul was determined to seek a true man of God for directions. In seeking counsel, it is important to examine the character and values of the counsellor. We should seek advice from people who know and love God and His word, and evaluate the merit of their counsel from the word of God. Any counsel from any person, no matter their status or position, contrary to the word of God should be discarded. We should also be willing to do the will of God.
“Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel…” (verses 15,16). God spoke directly to Samuel that he should anoint the person He would send to be captain over His people. God was unmistaken about the timing and details of the individual for anointing.
Though Kish and Saul did not perceive any divine operation in the loss of the asses, the turn of events to seek advice from the seer and God’s directive to Samuel showed that they were divinely arranged. The Scripture is replete with instances where God led His people. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, the wise men from the East and Philip all received instructions from God.
To authenticate Saul’s appointment as king, Samuel took him to the high place “and made [him] sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons”. Before his arrival to the city, the prophet had made necessary arrangements to honour him among the divinely favoured (1 Samuel 9:23,24). He was a good planner who ensured that proper arrangements were made before their meeting. Planning and preparation, physical or spiritual, are paramount to succeed.
The discreetness with which Samuel communicated the matter of the kingdom to Saul is noteworthy. He communed with him “upon the top of the house” where there would be no interruption. While accompanying him to the outskirts of the city the following morning, he made Saul send his servant forward as discussion on his divine appointment continued. Where necessary, Christian leaders must give sensitive counselling sessions the privacy required.
SAMUEL ANOINTS SAUL KING
(1 Samuel 10:1-9; 16:13; 24:6; 26:11; 2 Samuel 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:21)
The emergence of Saul as king was in phases. The first was between him and Samuel alone. This secret anointing was to personally intimate Saul of God’s interest in him ahead of his unveiling to the public (1 Samuel 10:1). This act was in obedience to divine directives and sets Saul above others to enforce righteousness in the nation.
Saul’s anointing was proof of his divine selection and approval. Anointing a person or thing was a practice in ancient times to set such apart and as a mark of honour (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12). It was to show that the individual or thing thus anointed had a special and sacred purpose to fulfil. They became sanctified vessels and perhaps untouchable for harm or malevolence.
It was believed that anointing a person in the name of the Lord imparted a special presence of the Spirit of God on the recipient (Isaiah 61:1). New Testament saints enjoy this privilege through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27).
To support this divine selection and approval, Samuel gave Saul three signs, which were designed to enhance his faith in his new estate and prepare him to conform to the arrangement of God for his administration (1 Samuel 10:2-6). Samuel further instructed Saul to “tarry” until his coronation was complete. He was not to run ahead into his new office without proper directive and leadership.
“And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day” (1 Samuel 10:9). The fulfilment of the signs was proof that Samuel was a true prophet of God (1 Samuel 3:30). Secondly, they were to encourage Saul to depend on God to execute the divine purpose of his appointment and new assignment.
SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT FOR THE NEWLY ANOINTED
(1 Samuel 10:10-27; Joel 2:28; Acts 1:8; 9:3-17; Numbers 27:15-20; 2 Kings 2:9,10; Proverbs 18:18; Romans 13:1,2)
Every leader appointed by God had always been sealed by His Spirit. Saul was no exception. “And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him…” (1 Samuel 10:10).
In fulfilment of Samuel’s prophecy and divine confirmation, Saul took on a new heart and spirit in preparation for leadership. His experience emphasises the importance of the Holy Ghost baptism for effective ministry. The work of the Kingdom cannot be done in the energy of the flesh but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The weak and spiritually anaemic believer can be empowered to do exploits for God.
As Saul eventually headed home, he met his uncle who “…said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you” (1 Samuel 10:15). Though the questions were directed at the duo (Saul and his servant), Saul wisely took the lead to respond. His answer revealed divine wisdom and circumspection. He revealed only the part that was needed to answer the question.
While a believer must not be evasive or deceptive, we should be wise to keep classified information until they are due for public use. Since the inquiry was not directly about the issue of the kingdom, divulging it would be unwise and self-serving.
“And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh” (1 Samuel 10:17). The purpose of this convocation was to present the new monarch to the nation. In spite of the attitude of the children of Israel, God guided Samuel solemnly through the selection process of a king and the lot fell on Saul. Though already sure that the lot would fall on him, Saul did not present himself.
We need not shrink from a call to service since Christ has promised to abide and strengthen us with the power of the Holy Ghost to do the will of God (Philippians 4:13).
When he was eventually sought out from the stuff, Saul’s physique coupled with Samuel’s commentary won the applause of the majority who prayed, “God save the king” (1 Samuel 10:24). Samuel proceeded to tell the people the terms of the new leadership and kingdom. Israelite kings were not to be absolute rulers but theocratic monarchs, recognising the supremacy of God over the king and his subjects.
After the pronouncement, Saul returned to Gibeah with a band of men induced by God to offer themselves to honour and protect him. But some people, properly described as “children of belial”, despised him. However, he displayed such magnanimity that is commendable to all leaders not to use their power and authority to oppress others, but be fair to all.
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
- What do you understand by the expression, “God’s permissive will”?
- Why is it dangerous for the people of God to desire to be like others who do not know Him?
- Specify the challenge Saul’s persistence to find the lost asses poses to us as Christians.
- What should be our attitude when seeking counsel?
- Mention instances in the Scripture where people received divine directives from God.
- As Christians, why is it necessary to be discreet when handling sensitive matters?
- Why is it important for Christian leaders to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
