Topical Bible: Government: God In in Appointment of Saul As King

◄ Government: God In in Appointment of Saul As King ►

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The appointment of Saul as the first king of Israel marks a significant moment in biblical history, illustrating the divine involvement in the establishment of earthly governance. This event is recorded in the First Book of Samuel, where the transition from theocratic judges to a monarchical system is divinely orchestrated.

Context and Demand for a King

The narrative begins with the Israelites' demand for a king to lead them, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8. The elders of Israel approached the prophet Samuel, expressing their desire to have a king "like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:5). This request displeased Samuel, and he prayed to the LORD. God responded, saying, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king" (1 Samuel 8:7). Despite the people's rejection of divine kingship, God instructed Samuel to warn them of the consequences of having a human king, yet ultimately to grant their request.

Divine Selection of Saul

God's involvement in the appointment of Saul is evident in the divine selection process. In 1 Samuel 9, Saul, a Benjamite, is introduced as a young man of impressive stature and appearance. Unbeknownst to him, God had already chosen him to be king. The LORD revealed to Samuel, "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over My people Israel" (1 Samuel 9:16). This divine revelation underscores God's sovereignty in the selection of leaders.

Anointing of Saul

The anointing of Saul is a pivotal moment where God's choice is publicly affirmed. In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul's head, and kissed him, declaring, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1). This act of anointing signifies God's empowerment and consecration of Saul for the role of king. Samuel also provided Saul with specific signs that would confirm his divine appointment, further emphasizing God's hand in the process.

Public Affirmation and Acceptance

Following his anointing, Saul's kingship is publicly affirmed. Samuel gathered the people at Mizpah and presented Saul as the chosen king. The lot fell to Saul, and Samuel declared, "Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people" (1 Samuel 10:24). The people responded with acclamation, shouting, "Long live the king!" This public recognition reflects the acceptance of God's choice by the nation.

Saul's Initial Leadership

Saul's early reign demonstrates the divine endorsement of his leadership. In 1 Samuel 11, Saul leads Israel to victory against the Ammonites, rallying the people with the Spirit of God upon him. This victory solidifies his position as king and confirms God's blessing on his leadership. Samuel then calls the people to Gilgal to renew the kingship, where Saul is reaffirmed as king before the LORD (1 Samuel 11:14-15).

The appointment of Saul as king serves as a profound example of God's involvement in the governance of His people. Despite the people's initial rejection of divine rule, God graciously provides a leader, demonstrating His sovereignty and purpose in the unfolding of Israel's history.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 9:15-17
Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it on his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD has anointed you to be captain over his inheritance?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ...
... CHAPTER 4. The Appointment Of A King Over The ... resolution, and this injurious treatment
of God has quite ... thought that he willingly took the government upon him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 the appointment of.htm

The Historical Books.
... judges under the Theocracy, of the appointment of which ... The change to the kingly
form of government constituted a ... in worldliness and unbelief, yet God, for the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The First Kings.
... we have seen, was the first form of government in the ... God had selected the first
monarch of earth outside of ... fact the man on whom the divine appointment to be ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... of David's army, met him, according to David's appointment. ... mind to it, for they
knew that God had appointed ... he did tended to confirm the government to Saul's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Of Civil Government.
... 6. Divine appointment of Magistrates. ... magistrates is laws, the strongest sinews of
government, or, as ... already king elect by the ordination of God, and anointed ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ...
... similar to that of Herod in the appointment of the ... him by the Romans, who took the
government into their own ... wondering at a religion which had no visible God. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi about the time of.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... preserved through the providence of God by Ambacub ... for the onset, Pisistratus, too,
strengthened his government. ... assigned me from a child by divine appointment. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Upon The Evil Administration Of The Government By Them ... CHAPTER 4. The Appointment
Of A King Over The Israelites ... Was Saul; And This By The Command Of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... to the secret counsel of God in the government of the ... takes place save according
to his appointment; that received ... When it is said that God repented of having ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Adonijah
... The government was theocratic, not monarchical nor democratic ... by Jehovah, that Nathan
had made this solemn appointment. ... setting his will against God's, and this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm