Sunday, July 26, 2020: “Saul Anointed King” Commentary ...



Sunday, July 26, 2020Lesson: I Samuel 9:25-10:1, 6-16; Time of Action: 1043 B.C.; Place of Action: Ramah (see I Samuel 8:1; 9:6) and Mizpeh (see I Samuel 10:17)Golden Text: “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man” (I Samuel 10:6).INTRODUCTION. In the eleventh century B.C. Israel was undergoing a transfer of political power and the inauguration of a new form of government. The rule of local judges was giving way to a centralized monarchy; but the change occurred neither by election nor by a coup, for Israel was a unique nation under God’s rule.He supervised the transition so that the last of the judges would visibly pass the ruling authority to the first of the kings.The elders of Israel’s tribes had asked Samuel, the last judge for a king (see I Samuel 8:4-5, 19-20).God approved their request (see Samuel 8:21-22), and in this lesson we see how the authority was transferred through an anointing.THE LESSON BACKGROUND.Following the victory over the Philistines in answer to Samuel’s prayer (see I Samuel 7:9-10), the Philistines threat was removed. The Lordwas against the Philistines during the rest of Samuel’s life (see I Samuel 7:13).There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites (see I Samuel 7:14) which allowed Samuel to lead Israel all his life going from place to place judging the Israelites.Every year he traveled around the country, going to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah judging the Israelites in all those places.But Samuel always went back to his home in Ramah.There he built an altar to the Lord and judged Israel (see I Samuel 7:15-17).Although Samuel was a capable and godly judge, his sons did not follow in his footsteps (see I Samuel 8:1-3).This fact, combined with Israel’s continuing weakness, led the tribal leaders to go to Samuel and demand a king (see I Samuel 8:4-5).God agreed to their request, but commanded Samuel to warn His people what having a monarchy or king would do to them (see I Samuel 8:8-18).Even after receiving these warnings, the people refused to listen to Samuel and still demanded a king so they could be like all the other nations around them (see I Samuel8:19-20).Then Samuel told God everything the people had said, and the LORD told him to do as they had asked—make them a king (see I Samuel 8:21-22).Samuel then waited for the LORD to reveal who the king was to be (see I Samuel 8:23).In chapter 9, we are introduced to Saul who was the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite.We are also told that Saul was the handsomest man in Israel and was very tall (see I Samuel 9:1-2).It’s interesting that the name “Saul” means “asked for” and that’s exactly what God gave His people; the king they asked for (see I Samuel 8:4-5, 10, 19-22).In the providence of God, some of Kish’s donkeys got lost, and he sent Saul and one of his servants to find the donkeys (see I Samuel 9:3).When they had searched extensively but were not able to find them, Saul proposed to the servant that theyreturn home.But at the servant’s suggestion, Saul agreed to ask for divine guidance in a nearby town where Samuel was ministering (see I Samuel 9:4-14).In the meantime, God had prepared Samuel for this meeting through a revelation the previous day.He advised Samuel that he would meet with the one He has chosen to be Israel’s captain (king) and to anoint him as such (see I Samuel 9:15-16).When Samuel saw Saul, he told him not to worry about the donkeys because they had been found and he also invited Saul to dinner and revealed that he was to be Israel’s king (see I Samuel 9:17-20).Saul, feeling that he was not worthy to be Israel’s captain because he was from the smallest and least influential tribe in Israel, asked Samuel why he was being chosen.Samuel didn’t directly answer Saul but instead told him to eat the meal he had saved just for Saul’s visit (see I Samuel 9:21-24).Our lesson begins with verse 25.SAUL SECRETLY ANOINTED TO BE KING (I Samuel 9:25-10:1)Samuel communes with Saul (I Samuel 9:25-26).(vs. 25). Our first verse says “And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.”When “Saul” found “Samuel” in order to get his help in finding the lost donkeys (see I Samuel 9:3, 10), “Samuel” invited him to a feast “in the high place” wheresacrifices were made (see I Samuel 9:18-19).The term “high place” often referred to hills where animal sacrifices were made until the temple was completed under King Solomon.Before that time, both Israel and pagan nations offered animal sacrifices in the “high places” (see I Kings 3:2).It appears that using high elevations for altars was universal, but the practice in itself was not evil (see Genesis 12:7-8; 22:2-4; 31:54).After they finished eating in “the high place,” they returned to the city to Samuel’s house where “Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.”This means that they talked while sitting on the flat roof of Samuel’s home.This was an ancient custom, and the roofs of houses were flat and designed partly for this purpose.We are not told what they talked about, but it seems very likely that it concerned “Saul” being chosen by God to be Israel’s king.(vs. 26). This verse says “And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.” After spending the night at Samuel’s house, the next day “they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away.”The phrase “the spring of the day” refers to dawn or daybreak. It appears that Samuel got up first and then “called Saul” who was sleeping on the flat roof of “the house” telling him to get up so that he could “send him” on his way back home.Samuel privately anoints Saul to be king (I Samuel 9:27; 10:1).(vs. 27). This verse says “And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on), but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.”We are told that “Samuel” walked with “Saul” and “the servant” to “the end” or the outskirts “of the city.”As they walked, “Samuel” told “Saul” to send “the servant” on ahead, but Saul was to wait “a while” with “Samuel” for he said so “that I may shew thee the word of God.”In other words, “Samuel” had a message from “God” for “Saul” and for him alone.This is why they sent “the servant” on ahead.(vs. 10:1). This verse says “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?”Only God knows why He wanted Saul to be alone with “Samuel” (see verse 27) for this act of anointing Saul as king.But at any rate, “Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his (Saul) head, and kissed him.”Pouring the “vial of oil” on Saul’s head was symbolic of God’s approval of him to beking.“Samuel” also “kissed him” which shows that he was in agreement with God’s choice of a king.After the prophet “kissed” Saul, he said to him “Is it not becausethe Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?”In other words, “Samuel” was saying “I am doing this because the LORD has appointed you to be theking of his people, Israel!”The word “captain” can mean “ruler” or “leader,” but in this case it can also mean “king.” “Samuel” refers to Israel as “his (God’s) inheritance” probably because as the descendants of the nation’s forefathers or the patriarchs (i.e. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) they would inherit the promises made to them (see Deuteronomy 32:8-10).The LORD’S willingness to grant the people a human king does not mean that He forfeited His rule over His own people, Israel.The appointed king would always be subordinate to God.Note:The Hebrew word translated “anoint” in the NIV (New International Version) and the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translations is “masah.”The word is used in the Old Testament and means “to apply oil” by pouring, or spreading.The practice of “anointing” was common in many cultures of the ancient Middle East.It appears first in Scripture when Jacob “anointed” a pillar he had set up as a memorial of his meeting with God at Bethel (see Genesis 28:18).“Anointing” was used in religious ritual and for induction into leadership offices.The act has several functions.First, it was done to consecrate religious items (see Exodus 29:36; 40:10; Leviticus 8:10) and served to ordain religious leaders (see Exodus 28:41; 30:30; Leviticus 8:12).Later, anointing with oil was extended to kings (see I Samuel 15:1; 16:3, 12; I Kings 1:34), and at times to prophets (see I Kings 19:16).In each case the idea is that of setting aside, or authorizing for God’s service.Therefore, a functioning priest was an “anointed priest,” one who has been consecrated or set aside to his ministry (see Leviticus 4:3, 5).Second, anointing was done by a human agent (such as Samuel who anointed both Saul and David), itwas considered to be done by Yahweh Himself (see II Samuel 12:7).Because God set the anointed person apart to be His servant, that person was worthy of special respect, as seen when David refused to kill his enemy Saul when he had the chance to do so (see I Samuel 26:9-23).Anointing was also associated with hospitality and the treatment provided to an honored guest (see Luke 7:45-46; John 11:2).SAUL’S HEART OPENLY CHANGED BY THE SPIRIT(I Samuel 10:6-13). Verses 2-5 are not part of our printed text, but in those verses, we learn what Samuel told Saul what to expect on his way home. Samuel said “When you leave me today, you will meet two men beside Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys you went to look for have been found. And your father has stopped caring about them and is worriedabout you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?”’ Then you will go on further from there, and you will come to the plain of Tabor, and three men going up to sacrifice to God at Bethel will meet you there.One will be carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and anothercarrying a jug of wine. They will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you are to accept fromthem. After that you will come to the hill of God where the garrison of the Philistines is; and when you come there to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place of worship with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyrebefore them, and they will be prophesying.”Our lesson continues with verse 6.The promise of the Holy Spirit (I Samuel 10:6-7).(vs. 6). This verse says “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.”As Samuel continued to tell Saul what to expect on his wayhome, he said “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee.”The anointing of Saul with oil was a symbol of the anointing of “the Spirit of the Lord” would come upon him (see verse 10).Frequently in the Old Testament the bestowal of the “Holy Spirit” is an empowerment by God enabling an individual to perform a particular task or mission.When the “Holy Spirit” came upon Saul, Samuel said “thou shalt prophesy with them.”The pronoun “them” refers to the group of prophets Samuel told Saul he would meet on his way home (see I Samuel 10:5).In addition to being empowered to prophesy with the other prophets, at the very moment that “the Spirit of the Lord” would come upon Saul, Samuel said that he “shalt be turned into another man.”In other words, Saul would be transformed, or experience such a spiritual change, that he would act like “another man” meaning a different person.Note:Just like Saul went through a spiritual change, likewise believers are changed by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and we are declared to be new creatures in Jesus Christ (see II Corinthians 5:17).A changed heart is the evidence of true faith in the finished work Jesus Christ.God actually gives us new hearts (see Ezekiel 36:26-27) in the sense that now that we have the Holy Spirit, we strive to do what God requires: “to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God” (see Micah 6:8).As believers, when we can do those things consistently, we too have been “turned into another man” or woman.(vs. 7). This verse says “And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.”The words “these signs” refer to the things that Samuel told Saul would happen to him when he headed home.There would be three of “these signs.”First, Saul would be told that the donkeys he had been looking for had been found (see verse 2); second, he would meet three men who would provide him with food (see verses 3-4); and finally, Saul would meet a group of prophesying prophets (see verse 5).So Samuel said to Saul “And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.”In other words, Samuel was saying that once “these signs” came to pass, from that time on Saul’s decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances.The reason why Saul would be able to trust his own judgment under any circumstances would be because as Samuel declared “for God is with thee.”This means that the LORD would guide him since he had been anointed with God’s Spirit.But in order to make the wisest decisions that he may face, Saul still had to submit to the LORD’S guidance.Remember, even though as believers we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (see I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19),we can still make bad decisions unless we submit to God’s Spirit (see James 4:7).Samuel to offer sacrifices (I Samuel 10:8).This verse says “And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.”As Samuel continued to give Saul instructions for what to do after the signs he mentioned were fulfilled, he also said “And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings.”Saul was to go ahead of Samuel to “Gilgal” where he would meet him and “offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings.”The town of “Gilgal” was a special place for Israel.It was Israel’s first campsite after they crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land (see Joshua4:19-20).They set up stones there at “Gilgal” as a memorial to God’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage.The first Passover in Canaan was held at “Gilgal” (see Joshua 5:9-10) and it was the base of operations for Israel during the conquest of Canaan.It was from “Gilgal” that Joshua led Israel against the city of Jericho (see Joshua 5:10; 6:1, 14).So it is no wonder that Samuel chose to meet Saul at “Gilgal.”Samuel stated that when he met Saul there, he would make “burnt offerings” and “peace offerings.”The “burnt offerings” were offered to the LORD by burning the entire animal (male sheep, goat, bull, turtledoves, or young pigeons) except the skin (see Leviticus 7:8), on the altar (seeLeviticus 1:3-17; 6:8-13).“Peace offerings” were offered to the LORD by burning the fat covering the inward parts of an animal, on the breast and the right thigh with the kidneys on the altar (see Leviticus 3:3-4).Then Samuel said “seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.”Saul was directed to “tarry” or wait for Samuel at “Gilgal” for “seven days” when he would arrive and tell Saul what to do next.Previous signs confirmed (I Samuel 10:9).This verse says “And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.”After receiving all the instructions from “Samuel,” as soon as they finished talking, Saul “turned” away from “Samuel” to head home, and suddenly “God gave him another heart.”We don’t know exactly what is meant by this statement concerning Saul.The Bible reveals that as time went on, Saul would make some mistakes based mainly on his bad decisions.So, New Testament regeneration (see Titus 3:5) or conversion, the new birth (see Acts 3:19; I Peter 1:23) is probably not what is meant here for there is no repentance for sin mentioned.Therefore, most likely the words “another heart” refer to a different attitude or behavior. After “God gave him another heart,” we are told that “all those signs came to pass that day” (see comments on verse 7).In other words, everything “Samuel” prophesied that would happen to Saul that day happened just as he said.The presence of the Holy Spirit (I Samuel 10:10-11).(vs. 10). This verse says “And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.”The pronoun “they” here refers to both Saul and his servant who had accompanied Saul on this trip.As they traveled, “they came thither to the hill” which is a reference to Gibeah.In Hebrew, the word “hill” is Gibeah.When Saul and his servant reached Gibeah “behold, a company of prophets met him.”These were the same “prophets” Samuel predicted that Saul would meet on his way home (see I Samuel 10:5).When Saul met them, “the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.”The fact that “the Spirit of God came upon him,” does not mean that God’s “Spirit” came to abide on him.There is no evidence in the Old Testament that when “the Spirit of God” came on someone it remained with that person permanently as He does with believers today (see Ephesians 1:12-14; 4:30).In fact, the opposite appears to be true.When a person was overcome by God’s “Spirit” in the Old Testament, it was only long enough to empower that person to accomplish some great feat of strength or to fulfill some mission (see Judges 3:10; Judges 6:34; Judges 13:24-25; 14:6, 19; 16:28; II Chronicles 15:1; 24:20), and then “the Spirit” departed (see I Samuel 16:14).However, for the present, God’s “Spirit” had a strange effect upon Saul, for he immediately joined with the “prophets” in their devotion to the LORD.But just because the “Holy Spirit” came upon someone in the Old Testament, He didn’t force that person to do anything or prevent him from giving in to temptations (see Judges 16:15-19; I Samuel 16:13; II Samuel 11:1-5).Note:As previously noted,normally in the Old Testament, the “Holy Spirit” came upon people from time to time to empower them to do unusual feats (see Judges 3:9-11; 6:33-35; 11:29; 13:24-25; 14:19), but did not dwell with that person always (see I Samuel 16:14).In the New Testament, the “Holy Spirit” indwells all believers (see I Corinthians 3:16) at the moment of salvation (seeEphesians 1:11-13) and remains with us until the day of redemption (see Ephesians 4:30).(vs. 11). This verse says “And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”We are not told exactly what happened when “Saul” began to prophesy with the other “prophets” or even what they “prophesied.” The writer tells us that “when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish?”Those in Saul’s village who knew him “beforetime” or before this incident were stunned that “he prophesied among the prophets.” The onlookers who knew “Saul” were surprised to find him associating with religious enthusiasts.Seeing this change in “Saul” caused the people who knew him to ask among themselves “What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”In other words, they asked one another “what has happened to Saul, Kish’s son? Is he one of the prophets too?”Undoubtedly they had never seen this type of behavior from him, and it surprisedthem.Apparently “Saul” was never known as a religious man.This inner change in “Saul” was seen in his outer life so that those who saw him asked if it was really “Saul.”This is a reminder that to whomever God gives another heart it will soon show itself.As it was with “Saul,” when God changes our hearts our friends may not recognize us, and may even ask, “What has happened to you?”A changed life becomes a witness to those who knew us before salvation (see II Corinthians 5:16-18).Spiritually, at least for the present (see I Samuel 15:12-26), “Saul” was not the same man he was before God anointed him.Likewise, believers today are never the same after we have truly received the saving power of the gospel and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.Note:“Saul” was now among his acquaintances, who, when they saw him among “the prophets,” called one another to come and see a strange sight.Apparently this was part of God’s plan.Although “Saul” was one of their own, when they had seen how God had promoted him to the honour of a prophet, it would prepare them to accept him as their king when the time arrived (see I Samuel 10:17-24).This is similar to what happened with the seventy elders who were to assist Moses with judging the people.They also prophesied before they were made judges over the people (see Exodus 18:17-22; Numbers 11:16-17, 25).Saul’s prophetic ability is doubted (I Samuel 10:12-13).(vs. 12). This verse says “And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father?Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?”Not only did Saul’s acquaintances ask among themselves what has come over “Saul” causing him to prophesy with the other “prophets,” there was one in the group who was really skeptical about the entire situation.That individual said “But who is their father?”It appears that this question was meant to ridicule both “Saul” and the other “prophets.”Since everyone knew “Saul” and his “father,” they also knew Saul’s previous behavior which was different from his present behavior.So this led some to question whether “the prophets” he had joined were legitimate themselves.In other words, they reasoned that if “Saul” wasn’t a legitimate prophet, because of what they knew of him previously, neither were the other “prophets.” So the question was asked “But who is their father?”Who is the father of those prophets?Since leaders of prophetic groups were sometimes called “father” (see II Kings 2:12; 6:21), this question might mean who was the leader of this particular group of “prophets.”Knowing the answer to this question would help the people determine if “Saul” was a legitimate prophet or not.The same individual then repeated what was said in verse 11, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”But here, it was an expression of surprise concerning worldly “Saul” becoming religious, like when we say, “He’s got religion?” As a result, the words “Is Saul also among the prophets?” became a “proverb” or a commonly used saying in Israel when people would express their wonder when a bad person became good, or at least was found in good company.The point of the “proverb” is that we shouldn’t let a person’s outward show of devotion and a sudden change in their behavior for the present moment,impress us too much; for although “Saul” was among “the prophets” and even prophesied with them, he was still “Saul.”Remember, unlike today, the Holy Spirit didn’t abide forever with the person He came upon; it was temporary (see comments on verse 10).The Scriptures don’t give us any reason to conclude that “Saul” or “the prophets” prophesied falsely.But as believers, if we have any doubts about whether a leader or their gifts are real or not, God authorizes us to test them to see if they are of God (see I John 4:1).Remember, everyone who claims to know Jesus and are spiritually gifted are not necessarily known by Him (see Matthew 7:22-23).(vs. 13). This verse says “And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.”As noted earlier, we don’t know what Saul prophesied, but when he finished “prophesying” he went up “to the high place” which was the place of worship (see I Samuel 9:12) in Saul’s hometown of Gibeah (see I Samuel 10:26).SAUL STRANGELY SILENT ABOUT SAMUEL’S WORDS (I Samuel 10:14-16)Saul is questioned (I Samuel 10:14-15).(vs. 14). This verse says “And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that theywere no where, we came to Samuel.”Whether this conversation between “Saul” and his “uncle” occurred before or after he went to the “high place” is not known.But we do know that at some point “Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye?”His “uncle,” which was probably a reference to Ner (see I Samuel 14:50) wanted to know where “Saul” and “his servant” had been. “Saul” replied to his “uncle” saying “To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.”He explained to his “uncle” that he had gone out to look for his father’s donkeys, but when he couldn’t find them he went to see “Samuel,” the esteemed prophet.(vs. 15). This verse says “And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.” Since “Samuel” was the best-known and most esteemed person in Israel, “Saul’s uncle’s” interest was piqued prompting him to say to his nephew, “Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.”The phrase “I pray thee” can be translated as “please” indicating that “Saul’s uncle” really wanted “Saul” to tell him what “Samuel” said.Saul’s response (I Samuel 10:16).Our final verse says “And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.” “Saul” answered “his uncle” honestly saying that “Samuel” simply told him and his servant “that the asses” or the donkeys had been “found.” However, “Saul” didn’t tell him about “the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake.”In other words, “Saul” didn’t tell “hisuncle” that he had been anointed king.Note:It is not stated why “Saul” didn’t mention “the matter of the kingdom,” that he had been anointed king, to “his uncle.”But several thoughts have been rendered.First, this may have been an instance of Saul’s humility. Many people would have been so overjoyed with being elevated to the position as king of Israel that they would proclaim it from the roof-top.But “Saul,” at least in this instance did not exalt himself among his neighbours.Second, this may be an instance of Saul’s wisdom.If he had been proud enough to proclaim that he had been anointed king, he might have been envied even by his uncle; and no one knows what difficulty that might have brought on him. “Samuel” had communicated Saul’s selection to be king as a secret (see I Samuel 9:27; 10:1), and he may have wanted to honor Samuel’s secrecy.Third, this may have been an instance of his dependence on God.He leaves it to God to carry out His own work by “Samuel,” so “Saul” remains quiet to see how things will work out.Of course, all of these thoughts are merely guess work.What we do know is that for some reason, known only to “Saul” and the LORD, “Saul” decided to keep “the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake” to himself for the time being.Conclusion. The very last thing that Saul had on his mind when his father sent him looking for his lost donkeys was meeting the prophet Samuel and being anointed king ofIsrael. But as I often remind myself as well as others, “God can un-plan your plans;” just ask Jonah.Like Saul, we may never know what God has in store for us, and it may not be anything like what we want.But God doesn’t make any mistakes and His choices for our lives whether it’s what we want or not, will ultimately be right and good with Him receiving the glory.***The Sunday School Lesson, Union Gospel Press Curriculum; The Bible Expositor and Illuminator*** ................
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