How does 1 Samuel 10:24 connect to Romans 13:1 about authority? Seeing Saul’s Coronation in Context – 1 Samuel 10:24 • “Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ Then the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’” • Israel had clamored for a king (1 Samuel 8:5). God granted their request yet made clear the selection was His doing—“the LORD has chosen.” • The public acclamation (“Long live the king!”) signaled submission to God’s appointed ruler. Key Truths Revealed in 1 Samuel 10:24 • Leadership originates with God, not human preference. • A visible, vocal affirmation of the leader reinforces communal recognition of God’s choice. • Even imperfect rulers (Saul would stumble badly) are still installed under divine sovereignty. Romans 13:1 Echoes the Same Principle “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are appointed by God.” • “Every soul” covers all believers without exception. • “No authority except from God” repeats what Samuel declared at Saul’s coronation. • The verb “appointed” mirrors God’s action in choosing Saul; both passages attribute the placement of rulers to the Lord. Scripture Interwoven – Other Witnesses • Daniel 2:21—“He removes kings and establishes them.” • Proverbs 8:15—“By Me kings reign, and rulers enact justice.” • 1 Peter 2:13-17—submit “for the Lord’s sake” to every human authority. • Titus 3:1—be “subject to rulers and authorities, obedient, ready for every good work.” Connecting the Two Passages 1. Same Source of Authority – 1 Samuel 10:24: “the LORD has chosen.” – Romans 13:1: “no authority except from God.” 2. Expected Response – Israel: “Long live the king!” (public submission). – Church: “Be subject” (personal, continual submission). 3. God’s Sovereign Purpose – Kings in Israel served His redemptive plan (even flawed Saul prepared the way for David). – Civil authorities today restrain evil and maintain order so the gospel may advance (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Practical Takeaways for Believers • Honor leaders—even those who disappoint—because honoring them honors God’s choice. • Participate respectfully in civic life: pray (1 Timothy 2:2), pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7), obey laws unless they clearly contradict God’s commands (Acts 5:29). • Remember that submitting to authority is ultimately an act of worship directed to the Lord who installs and removes rulers at His will. Living Under Authority with Confidence • God’s sovereignty over governments assures us that world events are never random. • Because He placed rulers, He also limits them; He remains the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). • Therefore, believers can live with peace, courage, and active obedience, trusting the same God who chose Saul and who still governs every throne today. |
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