What can we learn from Saul's response to his uncle's inquiry? Passage in Focus 1 Samuel 10:14 – “Then Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, ‘Where did you go?’ ‘To look for the donkeys,’ Saul replied. ‘When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.’” Setting the Scene • The previous night, Samuel privately anointed Saul as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:1). • Saul has just experienced three confirming signs (10:2-7) and the Spirit of God coming upon him (10:10-13). • Returning home, he meets his curious uncle, a trusted family elder (10:14-16). Saul’s Immediate Reply: Honest yet Reserved • He reports the literal facts: the search for donkeys and the visit to Samuel. • He withholds the revelation of his kingship (10:16). • Truthful—but selective; transparent—but only as far as God has yet revealed. Lessons in Humility and Discretion • Humility before exaltation – Proverbs 27:2: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” – Saul resists flaunting a royal commission. • Submission to God’s timing – Samuel had not publicly presented Saul; therefore Saul waits (cf. 1 Samuel 10:17-24). • Recognition that some matters are sacred secrets – Ecclesiastes 3:7: “a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them” (Luke 2:19). Guarded Speech: A Biblical Thread • Proverbs 17:27-28—sparing words shows knowledge; restraint signals understanding. • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” • Jesus to many He healed: “Tell no one yet” (e.g., Mark 1:44)—disclosure awaits strategic moments. Waiting on God’s Unfolding Plan • God orchestrates the public casting of lots to reveal Saul (10:19-24), preserving divine credibility. • Saul’s silence allows God, not human promotion, to elevate him—mirroring 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you at the proper time.” Early Signs vs. Lifelong Character • Saul begins well—modest, restrained. • Later, insecurity erupts into rash vows (14:24), self-promotion (15:12), and rebellion (15:23). • A caution: initial humility must become cultivated habit, not momentary posture (Galatians 3:3). Practical Takeaways for Today • Speak truthfully, but don’t feel compelled to reveal every detail prematurely. • Let God open doors and announce your calling—He guards reputations better than we do. • Practice quiet confidence; humility today guards against pride tomorrow. • Evaluate motives before sharing spiritual experiences: edify others or elevate self? • Trust that hidden obedience now prepares public usefulness later (Matthew 6:4). |
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