1 Samuel 9-12 ESV
The Anointing of Saul
1 Samuel 9 ESV
In 1 Samuel 9, we read the story of Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, who was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. Saul was a handsome and tall man, and the people of Israel were impressed with his physical appearance.
The Search for the Donkeys
The story begins with Saul's father, Kish, sending Saul and his servant to search for his donkeys that had gone missing. During their journey, they met a prophet named Samuel, who was waiting for them in Ramah. Samuel had been told by God that the king of Israel would come to him, and he was instructed to anoint him as the ruler over Israel.
The Anointing of Saul
Samuel anointed Saul with oil and kissed him, 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 9:17-19, ESV)
1 Samuel 10 ESV
In 1 Samuel 10, Saul's anointing is confirmed by three signs. The first sign was that Saul would meet two men near Rachel's tomb, who would tell him that the donkeys had been found. The second sign was that Saul would meet three men going up to Bethel to worship, and they would give him two loaves of bread. The third sign was that Saul would meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, and they would prophesy with music.
Saul's Change of Heart
As Saul encountered these signs, his heart was changed, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him. He prophesied with the prophets, and the people were amazed, saying, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:11, ESV)
1 Samuel 11 ESV
In 1 Samuel 11, Saul is faced with his first test as king. The Ammonites, led by Nahash, surrounded the city of Jabesh-gilead, threatening to gouge out the right eye of every inhabitant. The people of Jabesh-gilead sent a distress signal to Saul, who was plowing his field.
Saul's Victory
Saul was moved with compassion and anger when he heard the news, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him. He took a yoke of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!" (1 Samuel 11:7, ESV)
The people of Israel responded to Saul's call, and they defeated the Ammonites in a great victory. Saul then became the leader of the people, and they made him king at Gilgal.
1 Samuel 12 ESV
In 1 Samuel 12, Samuel addresses the people of Israel, reminding them of their sinful demand for a king. He warns them that they will face the consequences of rejecting God as their king.
Samuel's Farewell Address
Samuel says, "If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well." (1 Samuel 12:14, ESV)
Samuel reminds the people that they have rejected God as their king, and that they will face the consequences of their actions. However, he also offers them hope, saying, "But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king." (1 Samuel 12:25, ESV)
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 9-12 ESV tells the story of Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel, his confirmation as king, and his first test as a leader. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of following God and obeying His commands.
