The Search For a King

My Mom was an amazing person! She had eyes in the back of her head; the wisdom of a Supreme Court Justice; and an eternal tenderness for me that is still felt today. As astounding as she was, it is astonishing to know that most of us have mothers with the same characteristics. Of … More

Characteristics

Several characteristics we learn about Saul from this passage.

1. Saul was from a leading family (v. 1). “There was man of Benjamin whose name was Kish ... a Benjamite, mighty man of power.” Saul was from the house of Benjamin, the smallest tribe of Israel, an unlikely source for future kings.

2. Saul was physically strong and attractive (v.2). “And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.”

3. He was obedient in the Small Things. (vv. 3-4) “Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, “Please, take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.”

4. He was sensitive enough to be concerned for others (v. 5). “.... Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us.” He was aware that if he was gone too long his father would worry.

5. He was secure enough to listen to advice (v. 6). “And he said to him, “Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go.”

6. He was concerned about giving something to the man of God (vv. 7-8). ..."there is nothing to bring to the man of God.” The servant replies, “I have a shekel of silver that I will give to him.”

Saul was looking for the person who would give visions to the prophets (vv. 9-10). He and his servant went to the town where the prophet lived (v. 11). As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to get water, and they said to them, “We’re looking for the man who can see visions. Is he in town (v. 12)?” “Yes, he is,” they replied. “He’s in town today because there’s going to be a sacrifice and a sacred meal at the place of worship. In fact, he’s just ahead of you. Hurry and you should find him right inside the town gate (v. 13). He’s on his way out to the place of worship to eat with the invited guests. They can’t start eating until he blesses the sacrifice. If you go now, you should find him.” As they went to the town, and just as they were going through the gate, Samuel was coming out (v. 14).

Application

I need to recognize that even the little things that happen in my life have a purpose and I need to be ready to learn the lesson that God wants to teach me.

I Samuel 9:1-14 (English Standard Version)


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