Our verse today is 1 Samuel 10:21–24, which recounts the fascinating and humorous story of Saul becoming king.
“Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected to be king. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. So again they inquired of the LORD, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the LORD replied, ‘Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’ So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’”
Saul’s story is one of great beginnings but a tragic end. His early humility made him likable, but that changed with time.
One of his major mistakes was offering an unlawful sacrifice. Instead of waiting for Samuel, Saul took matters into his own hands, showing a lack of trust in God’s timing. Later, when commanded to destroy an enemy and their possessions, he disobeyed, sparing the enemy king and keeping the best livestock. This act of defiance led God to reject him as king.
Saul’s jealousy of David consumed him. David’s successes angered and unsettled Saul, driving him to repeatedly try to kill David. In his rage, Saul even attempted to kill his own son, who supported David.
Saul’s life reminds us that whether king or commoner, rich or poor, we must value obedience, trust, and humility before God.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.
(Explore 1 Samuel 8 through 31) to read more about his life.