Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. Saul also went to his home in GibeahThe name "Saul" is derived from the Hebrew "Sha'ul," meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." This reflects the Israelites' request for a king, which God granted despite His preference for a theocracy. Saul's return to "his home in Gibeah" signifies a return to his roots and a moment of transition from private life to public service. Gibeah, meaning "hill," was a significant location in the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's tribe. Archaeological findings suggest Gibeah was a fortified city, indicating its strategic importance. This phrase highlights Saul's humble beginnings and the divine orchestration in his rise to kingship. and the men of valor
The term "men of valor" is translated from the Hebrew "gibborim," which denotes strength, bravery, and capability in battle. These were not just ordinary men but warriors recognized for their courage and skill. In the biblical narrative, such men often played crucial roles in the defense and leadership of Israel. Their association with Saul underscores the divine favor and support he initially enjoyed, as well as the potential for military success under his leadership. whose hearts God had touched
The phrase "whose hearts God had touched" indicates a divine intervention in the lives of these men. The Hebrew word for "touched" is "naga," which can mean to reach, strike, or influence. This suggests that God actively influenced these men to support Saul, ensuring that he was not alone in his new role. This divine touch signifies God's sovereignty and His ability to guide the hearts of individuals to fulfill His purposes. It also reflects the biblical theme of God preparing and equipping leaders with the necessary support to accomplish His will. went with him
The phrase "went with him" implies loyalty and commitment. These men of valor were not merely followers; they were companions ready to stand by Saul in the challenges ahead. This companionship is crucial for any leader, especially one embarking on a new and daunting task like kingship. Their willingness to accompany Saul highlights the importance of community and support in leadership, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture. It also foreshadows the trials Saul would face and the need for steadfast allies in his reign. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's journey to kingship marks a significant transition in Israel's history from a theocracy to a monarchy. 2. GibeahSaul's hometown, located in the territory of Benjamin. It serves as the initial center of Saul's reign and a place of gathering for his supporters. 3. Valiant MenThese are the courageous and strong men who were divinely inspired to support Saul. Their hearts were touched by God, indicating divine approval and support for Saul's kingship. 4. GodThe sovereign deity who orchestrates the events, touching the hearts of the valiant men to support Saul, demonstrating His involvement in the establishment of Saul's rule. 5. SamuelAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Samuel is the prophet who anointed Saul and played a crucial role in the transition of leadership in Israel. Teaching Points Divine Selection and SupportGod chooses leaders and provides them with the necessary support. Just as He touched the hearts of the valiant men to support Saul, God equips His chosen leaders with the resources and people they need. The Role of Community in LeadershipLeadership is not a solitary endeavor. Saul's initial support came from those whose hearts God had touched, emphasizing the importance of community and divine guidance in leadership. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsThe touching of hearts by God illustrates His active role in human history. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to guide and influence events according to His will. Responding to God's CallThe valiant men responded to God's touch on their hearts. Believers are encouraged to be sensitive to God's leading and to respond in obedience when He calls them to support His work. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the support of the valiant men reflect God's involvement in Saul's kingship, and what does this teach us about God's role in leadership today? 2. In what ways can we discern when God is touching our hearts to support a leader or a cause? Reflect on personal experiences or biblical examples. 3. How does the concept of divine selection in leadership challenge or affirm your understanding of leadership in the church or community? 4. Compare the role of community in Saul's leadership with that of other biblical leaders. What similarities or differences do you observe? 5. How can we apply the principle of responding to God's call in our daily lives, especially when it involves supporting others in their God-given roles? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 9-10Provides the context of Saul's anointing and the signs given to confirm his kingship, showing God's hand in choosing Saul. Judges 6:34Similar to how the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, God touches the hearts of the valiant men, indicating divine empowerment and support. Acts 13:21-22Reflects on Saul's kingship and God's ultimate choice of David, providing a broader account of God's sovereignty in leadership transitions. People Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, ZuphTopics Accompanied, Army, Band, Force, Gibeah, Gib'e-ah, Heart, Hearts, Home, Host, Saul, Touched, Valiant, Valor, Valour, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 10:26 5014 heart, human Library The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePlace of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Trial of Saul.
"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."--1 Samuel xiii. 9. We are all on our trial. Every one who lives is on his trial, whether he will serve God or not. And we read in Scripture of many instances of the trials upon which Almighty God puts us His creatures. In the beginning, Adam, when he was first created, was put upon his trial. He was placed in a beautiful garden, he had every thing given him for his pleasure and comfort; …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 10:26 NIV1 Samuel 10:26 NLT1 Samuel 10:26 ESV1 Samuel 10:26 NASB1 Samuel 10:26 KJV
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