1 Samuel 9-10: The Anointing of Saul as King
The Search for the Donkeys
In 1 Samuel 9, we find Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, searching for his father's donkeys that have gone missing. Saul's father, Kish, sends him and a servant to look for the donkeys, and they search high and low, but to no avail. As they near the land of Zuph, Saul suggests that they return home, but the servant suggests that they visit the prophet Samuel, who lives in the area, in the hopes that he might be able to help them find the donkeys.
The Prophet Samuel
Samuel is a wise and respected prophet who has been serving the Lord for many years. When Saul and his servant arrive, Samuel is aware of their presence, even before they reach his home. The Lord has revealed to Samuel that the visitors are coming, and that one of them will be the future king of Israel.
The Anointing of Saul
Samuel invites Saul and his servant to eat with him, and during the meal, he whispers to Saul that he is the one chosen by God to be the next king of Israel. Samuel takes a flask of oil and anoints Saul, saying, "Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and save them from the hand of their enemies around them" (1 Samuel 10:1).
The Signs of the Kingdom
Samuel gives Saul three signs to confirm that he has been truly anointed by the Lord:
- The Three Men: Saul will meet three men on his journey, who will give him two loaves of bread.
- The Grove of Tabor: Saul will come to a group of prophets, who will be prophesying.
- The Spirit of the Lord: The Spirit of the Lord will come upon Saul, and he will prophesy along with the prophets.
The Confirmation of Saul's Anointing
Saul sets out on his journey, and as he travels, the signs begin to unfold before him. He meets the three men, who give him two loaves of bread, and he meets the group of prophets, with whom he prophesies. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he is transformed.
The Beginning of a New Era
With the anointing of Saul, a new era begins in Israel. The people of Israel have been demanding a king, and now they have one. However, as we will see in the coming chapters, Saul's reign will be marked by challenges and struggles, and ultimately, his disobedience will lead to his downfall.
In 1 Samuel 9-10, we see the sovereign hand of God at work, as He chooses and anoints Saul to be the king of Israel. We are reminded that God is the one who raises up and brings down kings, and that His ways are not our ways.
