Thoughts
Samuel 8
Samuel grows old and appoints his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges in Beersheba.
Unlike Samuel, his sons are corrupt and they take bribes and pervert justice.
- Seems to be a theme with corrupt sons
The elders of Israel gather at Ramah and demand that Samuel appoint a king to rule them, “like all the other nations.”
Samuel is displeased but prays to the Lord.
God tells Samuel to listen to the people, for they have not rejected Samuel but have rejected God as their king.
Samuel delivers a warning: a king will draft their sons for his armies, take their daughters as servants, seize their fields, vineyards, and flocks, and make the people his servants.
Despite Samuel’s warning, the people insist: “No! We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and fight our battles.”
Samuel repeats the people’s words to the Lord. God tells him to give them a king.
Samuel 9
Saul is the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite. He is tall and handsome “There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he”
Kish’s donkeys go missing, and he sends Saul with a servant to look for them. They search through several lands without success.
Saul suggests returning home so his father won’t worry, but the servant proposes they consult the “man of God” (Samuel). Saul hesitates, saying they have no gift to bring, but the servant has a quarter shekel of silver.
On the way, they meet young women drawing water, who directs them to Samuel
Interestingly enough, the day before Saul arrives, the Lord had told Samuel that He would send him a man from Benjamin to anoint as ruler over Israel.
God confirms Saul is the right man, and Samuel invites Saul to eat with him at the high place. He gives him the place of honor at the feast and tells him that the donkeys have already been found.
Samuel hints at Saul’s new role. Saul protests, saying he is from the smallest tribe (Benjamin) and the least family within it.
- After the civil war in Judges 19-21 (the Gibeah outrage), Benjamin was almost wiped out completely. Only 600 men survived (Judges 20:47).
Samuel takes Saul and his servant, brings them to the feast, and gives Saul the special portion of meat reserved for him.
Samuel 10
Samuel privately anoints Saul with oil, declaring that the Lord has chosen him as ruler over His inheritance.
Samuel gives Saul signs to confirm God’s call:
- He will meet two men who tell him the donkeys have been found.
- He will meet three men carrying goats, bread, and wine, who will give him two loaves.
- He will encounter a group of prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon him, and he will prophesy, becoming “a new man.”
Everything happens exactly as Samuel said.
When the Spirit comes on Saul, he prophesies with the prophets. People are astonished, saying, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” Which a phrase that becomes a proverb in Israel (used whenever someone acted completely out of character)
Saul’s uncle asks what Samuel said. Saul tells him about the donkeys being found but does not reveal Samuel’s words about becoming king.
Samuel gathers the tribes at Mizpah and reminds Israel that God is their true deliverer, yet they have rejected Him by demanding a king.
Samuel casts lots: the tribe of Benjamin is chosen, then the clan of Matri, then Saul son of Kish. The people accept him.
Samuel explains the rights and duties of kingship, writing them in a book and placing it before the Lord. Saul returns home with valiant men whose hearts God has touched, but not everyone was a fan.
Questions
Did Samuel ever rebuke his sons?
How did the writer know there was not a man more handsome than Saul?
Why is this sentence so long (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today’s “prophet” was formerly called a seer.)
Was Saul a God following man before the anointing?
Why did there need to be SO many signs/lots/etc to show Saul was king?
Why was Saul hiding in the baggage?
Application
Samuel tries to tell Israel over and over again that God is the true King. Why would a human need to reign when they have God? Even though God was more tangible in the Old Testament than today (appearances, conversations, fire, thunder, etc) the people still wanted a human king to rule – one that was tall, handsome, and impressive on the outside. Choosing a leader based on outward appearance rather than God’s character is dangerous. Israel’s longing for a human king was ultimately fulfilled with Jesus, and even then He was rejected. In what ways do we reject Gods authority today?
Jo Reads The Bible 
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