1 Samuel 9:22-24: The Unlikely King
The Unexpected Anointing
In 1 Samuel 9:22-24, we find an intriguing account of Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel. This passage is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking a significant shift in their system of governance.
The Calling of Saul
The story begins with Samuel, the prophet, instructing Saul to go to the high place in Gibeah, where the prophet would offer a sacrifice to the Lord (1 Samuel 9:22). Here, Saul is instructed to eat with the prophets, demonstrating his new status as the chosen one of God.
"And on the second day you shall go down to Bethel, and there you shall find a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying." (1 Samuel 10:5, NKJV)
The Unlikely King
Saul, a Benjamite from an unknown family, was an unlikely candidate for kingship. Yet, God saw fit to anoint him as the first king of Israel. This decision was not based on Saul's physical appearance or his family background but on God's sovereign choice.
"And you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is; and it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying." (1 Samuel 10:5, NKJV)
The Confirmation of Saul's Call
The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied with the prophets, further confirming his divine appointment. This public demonstration of God's presence in Saul's life marked the beginning of his reign as king.
"Then the Spirit of God was upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, 'What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?'" (1 Samuel 10:10-11, NKJV)
Conclusion
In 1 Samuel 9:22-24, we witness the extraordinary calling of Saul, an unlikely king who would lead Israel in a new era of governance. This passage reminds us that God often chooses the unexpected and the unknown to fulfill His purposes, and that His ways are not our ways.
