(1) Donkey v.1-6
In the first part of the book of Samuel, 2 cows carried the ark back to Israel and the Philistine elders confirmed that it was God's hands that struck them, not out of natural cause. Now, the donkeys wandered off, which caused Saul to go out and eventually arrived at Zuph, where Samuel lived and met him there.
(2) Samuel came to the town the same day Saul arrived.
Twice the girls coming out to draw the water told Saul and his servant that Samuel is coming and they can find him v.12 and 13.
(3) The meeting was by design v.14-15
The day before they met, the LORD told Samuel, "I will send to you a man..." v.16, "He will save my people..." v.16, "He will rule over my people" v.17.
Reflections: To Saul the meeting happened because of a series of coincidence, but not to God. God designed the meeting the day before they met and even the wandering of the donkeys was under His sovereign plan. Why did God plan this meeting? It was because the cry of the people reached Him and He planned to have Saul as their leader to save them.
What else we cannot trust God? He hears us. He knows how much we suffered under Covid and other difficulties in our lives. Pray that He will save us and send us a good leader.
(4) What makes Saul a good leader?
His father was a prominent person v.1, and he himself was handsome, young, and tall v.2. Even Samuel said, "Whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you, and all your father’s family?" v.20. However, Saul was very humble and said, "Am I not a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and is not my family clan the smallest of all the tribes of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me in this way? v.21”
Side notes: The reputation of Samuel was damaged by his on v.6-8
Isn't it sad that Saul did not want to go to the man of God because he did not have any gift to offer him? When his servant told him they have some money to offer then Saul agreed that they could go.
9:8 The servant went on to answer Saul, “Look, I happen to have in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God and he will tell us where we should go.”
Eventually when they met Samuel they did not need to pay him anything and got their answer (and more!). I think it is probably due to Samuel's sons who were accused of accepting brides and damaged Samuel's reputation 8:3. What a pity to a great judge like Samuel.
2024
v.15-27
Bright spots
1. What did God do for His people
The leader was sent over by God to Samuel so that he could anoint him v.16a, a leader to lead over them v.16b, He will save them from Philistines v.16c. The reason why God sent them a leader is because He loves them v.16d. God not only sent Saul to Samuel, but He also told Samuel ahead of time v.17.
Even though Israel rejected God as their king, God did not give up on them. He still called them, "my people." He showed favor to them and saved them from the Philistines.
2. Saul could feel this is a meeting set up by God for the preparation of Samuel for their meeting
As soon as they met Samuel already knew everything that Saul was thinking v.19, and he told him about the donkeys v.20. He must be surprised to hear about the leadership of his family v.20b, 21. The meat was kept for him x3 before they met v.23, 24.
3. Saul should knew very clearly that the message Samuel going to tell him was from God
Samuel then said, “You remain here awhile, so I can inform you of God’s message.” v.27
The way God set up this meeting was to show Saul Who He is. If Saul was going to me the leader under God he had to know God was the one who installed him. He could not go over God in his rulership if he honored this arrangement.
The choice whether he would follow or Israel would follow God were all theirs.
Reflection
I pray that God would not give up on us, and DMSS. I asked God to show them that He is God in their lives. Whether DMSS will follow God (and I will follow God) is their choices.
Audrey
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