Scripture

By Deborah Hillman

1 Samuel 9: 1-2; 10: 17-26
Related Scriptures: 1 Samuel 8:6-22; 16:1-13; 1 Kings 1:32-40; Luke 4:17-32

In this week’s lesson we are told that Saul was introduced as the 1st king of Israel chosen by God, demanded by the people, but wasn’t the best for them. Saul was praised for his physical qualities, and his name meant “Asked of God”. Saul was a reflection of the spiritual state of Israel, presenting a spiritual image, but their heart was far from where God wanted it to be.

1 Samuel 8: 6-22, speaks of the people rejecting the Lord and not Samuel as their king. They did not heed the warning and the consequences of their actions, would eventually take everything they had, cattle, homes, sons, daughters and would make them slaves of the king. 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 tells us of how Samuel led by God chose the king for Israel, then Samuel anoints David as king. “ …For the LORD seeth not as man seeth ;for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart”( vs.7).

1 Kings 1: 32-40 shows us that King David had his priest and prophet take Solomon, riding on his mule to Gihon, to be anointed as his successor for the King of Israel. The people rejoiced with great joy..! Luke 4: 17-32 reminds us of Jesus being rejected in his own home town of Nazareth. He began to teach in the synagogue, from Isaiah 61: 1-2( vs. 18,19). Jesus answered their objections and walks away from an angry and murderous crowd.

Synopsis

By Brittenne Boykin

In today’s lesson we see Israel rejections, being led and governed by God and crying out for a king. God grants them their desire and sends the Prophet Samuel to anoint the man who would be their King. We are introduced to a man who is of the tribe of Benjamin, by the name of Kish who has a son named Saul (Vs. 2) Samuel gathers the people to the Lord. God used the Prophet Samuel to remind the children of Israel (His children) that he has cared for them and delivered them as a good leader and loving Father. (Vs.18).

God declares and makes it known that in asking for a King, he marked the day as the one that Israel had rejected Him. (Vs. 19) Saul gathers the tribes near, and singles out the tribe of Benjamin (Vs. 21) and sought Saul. This is where it gets odd! Saul is nowhere to be found. Samuel inquires of God, who tells him that Saul is hiding (Vs.22).

When Saul is found he stands head and shoulders above the rest. (Vs.23) Samuel brings Saul before the people and they indeed champion him as king. Samuel recorded it and laid it before the Lord. Saul for his part went to Gibeah, and with him a band of men, that the text notes had hearts that had been touched by God. (Vs.24-26)

Practical Application

By Charlene Brown

1 Samuel 10 gives us the details of a time when Israel anointed and selected Saul as their first king. This passage of scriptures may deal with one of the most historical events in the life of the Israelites, but it also offers some practical advice on the do’s and don’ts related to decision-making and leadership. The selection of a king was an outward expression of Israel’s rejection of God as their King. After all that God had done for His people they still weren’t satisfied nor content with His grace and blessings. Too often we find ourselves desiring more and more because of our human nature and lack of contentment.

Israel’s rejection of God was birthed out of a desire to be like other nations around them who had physical kings as their leaders. The bible warns us, in Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our desire for more is a result of human nature and external influences from the world we live in. We must be content and fulfilled with who God is, who we are, what we have and what God’s will is for our lives.

Contentment develops a heart of gratitude, it seeks God’s will, and it understands that true fulfillment can only be found in an intimate relationship with God. Israel’s rejection of God was a rejection of His will and God Himself. God’s will is and always will reflect His wisdom, His desires and His plan for our lives. Where the will of the Lord is operating in our lives we have the pleasure of experiencing His presence. Psalm 143:10 (NKJV): “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”