Lighthouse scribes

1 Samuel 9
The Bible introduces King Saul to us in 1 Samuel 9. This chapter gives us a good understanding of who the man was before he was crowned king. He was from a wealthy and influential family (v. 1) and was the most handsome man in Israel (v. 2). These two attributes depict outward strength—the kind humans are naturally attracted to—and the Israelites would certainly find him comparable to the kings of the nations around them.
He was also empathetic (v. 5), respectful, and courteous (v. 7). He showed humility (v. 7–10, 19–21); from his response to the servant and to Samuel, you can see his willingness to listen to wise counsel and his modesty, especially when compared to how we were introduced to his family’s status in verse 1.

1 Samuel 10
In this chapter, Samuel anoints Saul as king privately and declares him as king to the people shortly after. Also, in this chapter, we learn how God confirms to Saul through prophesied occurrences that he was indeed king. I don’t recall ever seeing this happen with many kings in the Bible, but there is a lot to read and learn about the kings of Israel. However, coupled with his hiding when he was pronounced king before the people of Israel, I’m inclined to think that Saul might have been afraid or uncertain.
Also in this chapter, we learn that God gave Saul a new heart. I have read commentaries that said God gave him a heart for leadership and it wasn’t of any spiritual implication. Some argue that if he had a new heart, then why did he deviate later on? Well, for one, John 15 tells us that not all branches abide in the vine. I believe that Saul had a spiritual conversion, as it is consistent throughout the Bible when God gives a person a new heart.
Saul did not think too highly of himself—there was a point in his life when he didn’t think that he was the center of the world (humility), nor did he allow those who berated him to control how he acted. The Bible tells us in verse 27 that after Saul was anointed as king, there were those who scorned and dishonored him. Their actions were similar to Nabal’s attitude toward David. As king, Saul could have exercised his authority and dealt with them, but the Bible tells us that he ignored them. Saul would not force anyone to recognize him as king.
The end of chapter 10 in the NLT (the addendum in the NLT is not in many translations—this goes back to how Bibles are translated, and a Google search will provide some help) gives us the introduction to Saul’s rule.

1 Samuel 11
Saul had a heart for the people and started out wanting to do things God’s way. When the message came that King Nahash of Ammon was threatening the people of Israel in Jabesh-gilead, he was instantly consumed with zeal for God’s people. So, we see a man who, though not totally accepted by the people, was moved to defend them.

1 Samuel 13
Saul was 30 years old when he was crowned king, and he reigned for 42 years, fighting wars against the enemies of Israel. The Bible doesn’t tell us how many years had passed between when Saul fought his first battle and the events in this chapter, but we see that Saul was still going to war with Samuel. It looked good on the outside, but were things still good on the inside?
You see, in chapter 11, Saul did not yet have the commitment of the people when he demanded that they go to war against the enemy. When you read chapter 11:9, Saul—a man who had probably never fought in a battle—was so confident that they had victory before they went to war. But over the years, things had changed on the inside. Saul, out of fear and pride, disobeyed God.
As I reviewed this post, this aspect struck my own heart. I have been patiently waiting for God on a certain matter, and for a while, I’d become restless—wondering, asking, and feeling the depression of waiting without an answer. Although a godly friend had specifically said to me, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4), and the Holy Spirit had reminded me to “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 NLT), I still struggled, especially as pressures in other areas of life began to build up. It wasn’t as I reviewed this post the final time that the veil over my heart, fell.
I’m especially grateful for the help and teaching of the Holy Spirit in moments like this, when at the defining hour between stepping into victory and losing everything, He brings all the strength and help that we need.

If you are wondering if Saul ever had an inclination in his heart to not disobey God, he did. We all do. God had given Saul commandments, and Saul, for the fear of losing his men and his own pride, chose to do what would improve his situation. And what was worse? When Samuel confronted him, he made no attempt to seek God’s mercy. Unfortunately, that singular act resulted in the eventual loss of everything: his sanity, his family, his kingdom—everything.

Closing Thoughts
As I bring today’s study to a close, I’d like to tell you that your disobedience to God is not the end of you. Yes, it was wrong. Yes, you’re living in the consequences (big or small), but true repentance is not misery. True repentance removes you from the center of your life and places God right where He should be. If you’re wallowing in self-pity or carrying on stoically, you haven’t yet put God where He should be. In fact, you are still making this all about you.
Today, I invite you with God’s own words:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
In life in the Spirit: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28).
So, when we realign ourselves with God, He causes even the consequences of our actions to work together for the good of those who love Him—not just us. Our lives can still be a blessing.

Love,

Osi