What qualities in Saul might have led God to say, "This is the man"? Setting the Verse 1 Samuel 9:17 — “When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, ‘Here is the man of whom I spoke to you; he shall rule over My people.’” Visible Strength for a Visible Need Israel wanted “a king to judge us like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). God met that desire with a leader who looked the part. • “Saul was an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—taller than any of the people from his shoulders up” (1 Samuel 9:2). • A commanding presence would rally a fearful nation against Philistine aggression (1 Samuel 9:16). Responsibility Toward Family Duties Before crowns and coronations, we meet Saul on a mundane chore—searching for lost donkeys. • He travels through Ephraim, Shalishah, Shaalim, and the territory of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:4). Persistence under inconvenience reveals reliability. • His first concern is his father’s peace of mind: “Come, let us return, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us” (1 Samuel 9:5). Faithfulness in small tasks often precedes larger trust (Luke 16:10). Humble Self-Assessment Though tall in stature, Saul’s first view of himself is small: “Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and is not my clan the least of all the clans?” (1 Samuel 9:21). • Humility positions a person to depend on God’s empowerment (James 4:6). • Even after being publicly chosen, he hides “among the supplies” (1 Samuel 10:22). The reluctance shows an absence of arrogance. Respect for Spiritual Guidance Saul is willing to seek prophetic counsel at his servant’s suggestion (1 Samuel 9:6–10). • He values the word of God enough to bring an offering (v. 8). • Teachability opens the door for divine direction (Proverbs 9:9). Openness to the Spirit of God Samuel promised, “The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy… you will be transformed into a different man” (1 Samuel 10:6). • At Gibeah it happens: “God changed Saul’s heart” and “the Spirit of God rushed upon him” (10:9–10). • A leader must be more than charismatic; he must be Spirit-empowered (Zechariah 4:6). Zeal for the Welfare of God’s People When Jabesh-gilead is threatened, “The Spirit of God rushed upon Saul, and his anger burned greatly” (1 Samuel 11:6). • He mobilizes Israel to rescue the city, proving readiness to defend the helpless. • Such righteous indignation mirrors God’s own protective heart (Exodus 22:22–24). A Sovereign Answer to Israel’s Cry God’s choice of Saul satisfied Israel’s immediate demand while preserving His overarching plan. Samuel later says, “Here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested” (1 Samuel 12:13). • Saul embodied the qualities the nation thought essential—visibility, military potential, and initial humility. • God could say, “This is the man,” not because Saul was perfect, but because he fit God’s purpose for that moment in Israel’s story. Bringing It Together In Saul we observe: • Physical stature that inspired confidence • Faithful attention to ordinary responsibilities • Genuine humility at the outset • Respect for prophetic counsel • Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s moving • Compassionate zeal to protect God’s people These traits combined to make Saul the man God pointed out to Samuel—“the man of whom I spoke to you.” |
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