Many people take steps to fit in with the people around them--they say the right phrases, socialize at known establishments, walk a special way, show off important possessions, or are seen in the right places. Being accepted and fitting in matter a great deal.
Israel is finally getting a king--Saul. Remember, the nation has been in the process of conquering the land of Canaan, as God had commanded them. But they haven't felt comfortable with the unique identity they have in contrast to their neighbors. They want to fit in. By having a king, now they do -- at least they think so.
Israel wanted a king for several reasons: 1. Samuel's sons were not fit to lead Israel. 2. The 12 tribes of Israel continually had problems working together because each tribe has its own leader and territory. It was hoped that a king would unite the tribes into one nation and one army. 3. The people wanted to be like neighboring nations. This is exactly what God didn't want. Having a king would make it east to forget that God was their real leader. (Much like a President.) It was not wrong for Israel to want a king; God had mentioned the possibility in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Yet, in reality, the people were rejecting God as their leader. The Israelites wanted laws, an army and a human monarch in the place of God. They wanted to run the nation through human strength, even though only God's strength could make them flourish in the hostile land of Canaan.
8:5,6
The people clamored for a king, thinking that a new system of government would bring about a change in the nation. But because their basic problem was disobedience to God, their other problems would only continue under the new administration. What they needed was a unified faith, not uniform rule.
Had the Israelites submitted to God's leadership, they would have thrived beyond their expectations (Deuteronomy 28:1). Our obedience is weak if we ask God to lead our family or personal life but continue to live by the world's standards and values. Faith in God must touch all the practical areas of life.
8:19,20
Samuel carefully explained all the negative consequences of having a king, but the Israelites refused to listen. When you have an important decision to make, weigh the positive and negatives carefully, considering everyone who might be affected by your choice. When you want something badly enough, it is difficult to see the potential problems. But don't discount the negatives. Unless you have a plan to handle each one, they will cause you great difficulty later.
Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from and unique among all others (Leviticus 20:26). The Israelites' motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them. This was in total opposition to God's original plan. It was not their desire for a king that was wrong, but their reasons for wanting a king.
Often we let others' values and actions dictate our attitudes and behavior. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? Be careful that the values of your friends or "heroes" don't pull you away from what God says is right. When God's people want to be like unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster.
9:3
Often we think that events "just happen" to us, but as we learn from this story about Saul, God may use common occurrences to lead us where he wants. It is important to evaluate all situations as potential "divine appointments" designed to shape our lives. Think of all the good and bad circumstances that have affected you lately. Can you see Gods purpose in them? Perhaps he is building a certain quality in you or leading you to serve him in a new area.
9:21
"Why are you talking like this to me?" Saul's outburst reveals a problem he would face repeatedly--feeling inferior. Like a leaf tossed about by the wind, Saul vacillated between his feelings and his convictions. Everything he said and did was selfish because he was worried about himself. For example, Saul said his clan was "the least important" in the smallest tribe in Israel but 9:1 says his father was "a wealthy, influential man." Saul didn't want to face the responsibility God had given him. Later, Saul kept some war plunder that he shouldn't have and then tried to blame his soilders (15:21) while claiming that they had really take it to sacrifice God. (15:15)
Although Saul had been called by God and had a mission in life, he struggled constantly with jealousy, insecurity, arrogance, impulsiveness, and deceit. He did not decide to be wholeheartedly committed to God. Because Saul would not let God's love give rest to his heart, he never became God's man.
10:6
How could Saul be so filled with the Spirit and yet later commit such evil acts? Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit "came upon" a person temporarily so that God could use him or her for great acts. This happened frequently to Israel's judges when they were called by God to rescue the nation (Judges 3:8-10). This was not always a permanent, abiding influence, but sometimes a temporary manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Yet, at times in the Old Testament, the Spirit even came upon unbelievers to enable them to do unusual tasks (Numbers 24; 2 Chronicles 36:22,23). The Holy Spirit gave the person power to do what God asked, but it did not always produce the other fruits of the Spirit, such as self-control. Saul, in his early years as a king, was a different person (10:1-10) as a result of the Holy Spirit's work in him. But as Saul's power grew, so did his pride. After a while he refused to see God; the spirit left him (16:14), and his good attitude melted away.
10:19
Israel's true king was God, but the nation demanded another. Imagine wanted a human being instead of God as a guide and a leader! Throughout history, men and women have rejected God, and they continue to do it today. Are you rejecting God by pushing him aside and acknowledging someone or something else as your "king" or top priority? Learn from these stories if Israel's kings and don't push God aside.
10:22
When the Israelites assembled to choose a king, Saul already knew he was the one (10:1). Instead of coming forward, however, he hid among the baggage. Often we hide from important responsibilities because we are afraid of failure, afraid of what others will think, or perhaps unsure about how to proceed. Prepare now to step up to your future responsibilities. Count on God's provision rather than your feelings of adequacy.
10:26,27
Some men became Saul's constant companions, while other despised him. Criticism will always be directed toward those who lead because they are out in front. At this time, Saul took notice of those who seemed to be against him although later he would become consumed with jealousy (19:1-3;26:17-21). As you lead, listen to constructive criticism, but don't spend valuable time and energy worrying about those who may oppose you. Instead, focus your attention on those who are ready and willing to help.
11:6
Anger is a powerful emotion. Often it may drive people to hurt others with words or physical violence. But anger directed at sin and the mistreatment of others is not wrong. Saul was angered by the Ammorites' threat to humiliate and mistreat his fellow Israelites. The Holy Spirit used Saul's anger to bring justice and freedom. When injustice or sin makes you angry, ask God how you can channel that anger in constructive ways to help bring about a positive change.
12:23
Is failing to pray for others a sin? Samuel's words seem to indicate that it is. His actions illustrate two of God's people's responsibilities: 1. They should pray consistently for others (Ephesians 6:18) and 2. they should teach others the right way to God (2 Timothy 2:2) Samuel disagreed with the Israelites' demand for a kind, but he assured them that he would continue to pray for them and teach them. We may disagree with others, but we shouldn't stop praying for them.
12:24
This is the second time in his farewell speech that Samuel reminded the people to take time to consider what great things God has done for them (12:7). Taking time for reflection allows us to focus our attention upon God's goodness and strengthens our faith. Sometimes we are so progress-and future-orientated that we fail to take time to recall all that God has already done. Remember what God has done for you so that you may move ahead with gratitude.
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