What can we learn from Saul's uncle's inquiry about Samuel's message? The Scene in a Nutshell 1 Samuel 10:15: “Tell me, please,” said Saul’s uncle, “what did Samuel say to you?” The inquiry comes moments after Saul has been anointed king in secret (vv. 1–13). Only Saul, Samuel, and the servant know what has really happened. Why the Question Matters • Prophets were God’s recognized mouthpiece (1 Samuel 3:19–21). If Samuel spoke, people wanted to know. • Saul’s uncle assumes any word from Samuel is worth hearing—showing a culture that respected God’s voice. • The question reveals genuine curiosity about divine guidance, not idle gossip. This frames how we should value Scripture today. Lessons from the Uncle’s Inquiry Healthy Expectation for God’s Word • Like Saul’s uncle, believers should eagerly ask, “What has the Lord said?” (cf. Acts 17:11). • Expectation fuels attentiveness; we don’t treat God’s messages as ordinary. Recognizing Spiritual Authority • The uncle points to Samuel’s authority without question (1 Samuel 9:6). • In every generation, God uses servants whose words must be weighed seriously (Hebrews 13:7). Discernment in Sharing Revelation • Saul answers partly: “He assured us that the donkeys had been found” (v. 16). • There is a time to speak and a time to withhold (Ecclesiastes 3:7; Matthew 17:9). • Mary “treasured up all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19); discretion can protect God’s unfolding plan. Early Glimpse into Saul’s Character • By omitting the kingship news, Saul shows either humility or fear. • Later, hesitation and half-obedience mark his reign (1 Samuel 13:8–14; 15:24). The seeds of future failure appear here. The Communal Nature of Revelation • The uncle expects God’s word to benefit the family, not just Saul. • Scripture is meant for edification of the body (1 Corinthians 14:26). We must steward truth for others’ good. Connecting Threads to Other Passages • 2 Kings 4:9 – The Shunammite woman recognizes Elisha as “a holy man of God,” mirroring the uncle’s respect. • Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” • Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold,” underscoring the value placed on Samuel’s message. Practical Takeaways for Today • Cultivate a hunger for Scripture; ask with sincerity, “What is God saying?” • Honor faithful teachers of the Word. • Exercise Spirit-led timing in sharing personal revelations. • Guard against selective obedience; partial disclosure can hint at deeper compromise. • Remember that God’s messages are meant to bless the wider community, not inflate personal status. Summary Saul’s uncle’s simple question reminds us of the weight we should give to God’s Word, the discretion sometimes required in sharing it, and the early indicators it provides of a person’s heart. Let his inquiry stir us to seek, honor, and faithfully steward every message God entrusts to us. |
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