“This One Shall Reign”
Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” So when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.” (vv.15-17)
Back in chapter 8 the elders of Israel demanded that Samuel anoint a king to rule over them just like all the other nations. In so doing, they had literally rejected God as their king for a man. Samuel warned them of the dangers of desiring an earthly king but the people refused to hear his voice. They wanted someone they could see, someone to led them into battle against their enemies and to judge them, a visible image (8:19-20).
Here in chapter 9 we see God’s choice, Saul, a Benjamite, a donkey herder, not exactly a great resume for the job. However, to look upon, he was everything the elders could want. Scripture tells us he was, “a choice young man, and goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people” (v.2). Thus, his outward appearance was exactly what the people were desirous of having as king over them, one just like the nations around them had.
The longer I live, the longer I understand and appreciate the great truth of, not judging a book by its cover. On very few occasions are people exactly who they seem to be at first glance. Outward appearances can be very deceiving and misleading. Therefore, before making any impulsive or superficial decisions, get to know someone's heart.
Here God has selected for the people exactly what they demanded back in chapter 8, someone who has the outward appearance of kingship like all the other nations. However, as we will learn throughout the book of 1 Samuel, he will fall short in leadership.
Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.
The Truth: “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b)
