1 Samuel

1 Samuel 9:1-2

Saul was an imposing figure, impressive, a head taller than any others.  His father was a mighty man of power.  This means he was wealthy and influential.  He is a Benjamite - not the priestly line.  So, if the qualifications for being King said: impressive, tall, good looking man of influence and wealth, then Saul was the guy.  Unfortunately, those are the qualifications of the pagan kings who they were emulating.  God is missing from these first few verses.  This is indicative of the spiritual state of the people in the land at this time.  They were far from God and seeking leaders far from God.

1 Samuel 9:3-14

Saul was sent looking for his father's donkeys.  He looked until he became frustrated and decided they should go home before his dad started worrying.  The servant knew of a man of God and said they should ask him what direction to go.  It's somewhat fascinating that these servants made this suggestion to go to the man of God.  It wasn't because they were God-fearing men but that they know of this man Samuel.  What they knew was that whatever Samuel said happened, so maybe he could tell them which way to go. 

This is the lost leading the lost to lead the lost.  Yet, it was also a sovereign and divine appointment.  Saul was offering a sacrifice to the Lord at the high place.  The 'high place' is often associated with pagan worship.  In this case, since there is no tabernacle or home for the Ark, temporary places of sacrifice were set up. 

1 Samuel 9:15-27

God had told Samuel that a man was coming who would be their king.  This information was put 'in his ear'.  This doesn't mean Samuel audibly heard the Lord but the Lord made Him hear.  Saul may have thought it a coincidence that he runs right into the man he was looking for; and he may have thought it odd that this prophet would invite him to eat with him in this way.  Before Saul can ask about the donkeys, the answer is given.  Samuel begins to hint to Saul that he is the desire of Israel.  Saul's answers is humble and modest; but he isn't just a poor farm boy looking for his donkeys.  He is from a home of power and influence.  Samuel gets Saul to send his servant on and gets him alone.  The prophet was going to speak a word of God into Saul's life.  How amazing this must have been.  Instead of hunting donkey's he was going to hear from the Lord.

It's amazing how quickly what we perceive as the mundane circumstances of today can be used to lead us to hear a word from God.  Are you ready?  Are you anticipating hearing from the Lord?  We don't need to read deep spiritual meaning into the mundane, but we shouldn't ignore the fact that God can use the mundane and speak into our lives.  Most of us won't hear words that shake the land or move the earth.  Instead we will hear Him speak from His word, through other people, by circumstances by countless ways; all in little ways to move our life and relationship and use us in His kingdom. 

©2015 Doug Ford