Study In1 Samuel

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Saul Made KingChapter 10v1-27

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IntroductionDespite being spirituality suspect Saul is given every encouragement by God who

will equip him to fulfil the role of monarch for which he had been set

apart. A number of signs are given to him by

Samuel in v2-6 to authenticate what he had been told and to deal with any self

doubt. Generally it is not the spiritually mature

but weak who receive such signs.

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What Happened To Saul?Those who knew Saul best were surprised

that he had ‘got religion’ cf v11-12. The most significant and controversial of the signs given to Saul is found in v10. The Spirit of God came upon Saul at Gibeah when he came across a procession of

prophets. The Spirit would bring changes into Saul’s life.

The question we need to ask, especially in the light of Saul’s later development is, 'What was the nature of the change he

would bring?'

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1. Was it a change of nature, in other words was it regeneration?

If we answer "yes", how do we explain God's rejection of Saul and Saul's subsequent involvement with the

demonic? Do we want to suggest that the regenerate can become unregenerate again? Can we

experience the saving work of God and then have that withdrawn? Does God operate a revolving door of salvation?

No!

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What Happened To Saul?

2. Could the change refer to Saul's equipment for service? - a special anointing of the Holy Spirit as

distinct from his indwelling nature. Remember that the symbolism of the anointing oil poured on the heads of both king and high priest indicated the idea that God equipped them to fulfil their

office. An office that was to be exercised in dependence upon God. Did Saul receive super

added gifts to enable him to fulfil his kingly function?

Jonathan Edwards observation of the New England revival, led him to conclude that it is

possible to experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit without experiencing his regenerating grace.

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What Happened To Saul?

We can find biblical support for that idea in Matt. 7v21 ff. See also Heb. 6v4. and Jn. 18v14

where we read that Caiaphas prophesied concerning the atonement.

In Isa. 45v1 Cyrus, a benevolent yet pagan ruler, is described as ‘God's anointed’. The anointing of the Spirit for service does not guarantee a

person’s salvation nor does it indicate that their hearts are changed.

This helps us to understand why scripture encourages us to test the genuineness of our Christian profession not by enumerating the number of spiritual gifts we possess but by

searching out evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.

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The prophets were clearly baffled by Saul's behaviour perhaps because they knew he

had little interest in spiritual things. We must always be careful before we

denounce or approve of something that mystifies us in someone else's life. Time will tell what is and what is not of God.

We must never assume that what appears to be of God, necessarily is and vice versa.

Think of Gamaliel’s advice to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5v35 . cf. also 1Jn. 4v1.

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What Happened To Saul?

What Happened To Saul?Returning home Saul does not blab about his recent experience. There is a time for keeping

our own counsel, and to ponder upon the implications of what God is doing with us cf.

Lk. 2v19,51. This sometimes necessary because of the

overwhelming intimacy of our experience 2 Cor. 12v1-6.

I am concerned when people speak about some deep experience of God at every

conceivable opportunity. Such is the pride in the human heart that it seeks out religious

kudos from the acclaim of others.

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Choosing A KingIsrael is summoned by Samuel to travel to

Mizpah where they are again reminded of the consequences of rejecting God as their 10v17ff. They will now have to live with the fruit of their

choice. An idea that many people today find unpalatable. But it is more pastorally

responsible to point this out than to tell them afterwards that you thought at the time they

were making a mistake! Israel are determined to proceed and so a

formal document is produced outlining the responsibilities of both king and subjects. Each party was to realise the binding nature of their

responsibilities.

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Choosing A KingAlthough Saul had been anointed king we

are introduced to a public selection process in v19ff. We are not told the precise

manner in which the selection process took place. Perhaps by the use of lots, or Urim

and Thummim but note Prov. 16v33. Israel were used to decisions being made

where God’s hand was seen at work in the process. It is a tremendous comfort in

every situation to know that, where votes are counted and decisions made, God

orders our way whether we are aware of it or not.

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Choosing A KingWas it genuine humility or

something else that caused Saul to hide after this process and prior to

being made king? Some have suggested that it is not so

much humility but an indication, even at this point, of the underlying psychological insecurity of the man.

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Choosing A KingOnce Saul is crowned we see the

timeless trend of a pendulum swing of both support and opposition towards a

chosen leader v26. There are always people, who are against anything that is

done or any decision which is made. They are essentially negative, often

spiteful, sometimes without realising why. They are certainly often unaware of being dupes of a devil, whose interest is

served by dissension and division.

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Choosing A KingBut Saul is God's anointed and God

ensures that his man is surrounded by those who will support and encourage

him. Despite all that we have said about

Saul’s character and lack of spirituality, Saul was still God's servant with a job

to do. The very fact that God is determined to advance his work, no mater what material he is working

with, should encourage all our hearts.

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