1 Samuel 9:1-10:16 – The Wrong King?
This whole chapter raises a question – did God make a mistake in giving Saul to Israel as King. It’s become clear this week that he is not the man for the job. And it will become increasingly clear as we move on through 1 Samuel. The kingdom will come crashing down from the high point of Samuel’s time as judge, things will get pretty low. Why did God give them this man?
There are two things to say. First of all, God had to show these people that their hope and confidence was not to be placed in men, but in him. After the triumphs and reforms of Samuel’s time it would be easy to focus on Samuel and his strengths, and forget the God who thundered from the heavens to scattered his enemies (7:10). Israel could easily have thought that the key to her long term success was in having the right man as leader. Saul shows us that we are not the best judges of what we need. Saul ticked all the boxes in the vetting and interview process: rich, handsome, strong. But Saul shows us not to put our trust in princes, nor for help on man to depend, but to look to God. The interlude of Saul’s reign is to help all of us recalibrate our viewfinders on God’s strength.
But secondly and more profoundly: Saul did incalculable damage to Israel, but God through him, did much good in that time and place. Read 9:16 again, slowly. God has a plan and a purpose to do good through this ‘wrong choice’ by the people. He is going to be the answer of his people’s prayers and God’s vehicle to bring blessing. Not withstanding that much of what he does will also be a disaster. The final analysis is never so black and white as we think. The final harm is never so complete as we think. God specialises in bringing blessing through sin. You want proof? Just look at the cross.
Questions
- What are the wrong choices in your life that you need to hold onto hope for that God will bring much blessing?
Prayer Points
- Ask God for patience to wait on his ultimate goodness from dark situations.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.