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1 Samuel 9:11–17
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” (v. 17).
The events in today’s passage are not presented in chronological order, for verses 15–16 constitute a flashback wherein the author of 1 Samuel tells us what happened to Samuel the day before Saul appeared before him. God spoke to Samuel at that time, which was not an unusual experience for the prophet. But God’s words were of great import for the matter of the kingship. “‘Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man … and you shall anoint him commander over My people,'” God said. The word commander does not denote a mere general but “one designated to rule,” a monarch. None of the judges of Israel was ever anointed for his task, but Samuel is instructed to anoint the man God will bring to him, thereby signifying that this one is designated by God to sit on the throne. And yet, the word commander is fitting, for God notes that He is raising up a man who will save the Israelites from the Philistines, who apparently have reasserted themselves (see 7:13). Saul, therefore, will be the channel both of God’s blessing to His people (by leading them against the Philistines) and of His chastisement (as the improper model of a king).
As we saw yesterday, Saul and his servant decide to visit Samuel before completely abandoning their search for Kish’s donkeys. As they approach Ramah, they ask for directions to Samuel’s home and are told that the prophet may be found just inside the city, where he is preparing to go up to a high place to bless a sacrifice. Here is another indication that the tabernacle is destroyed, for worship that should be conducted only there is now occurring in Samuel’s town. Saul and his servant then proceed through the gates and practically bump into Samuel himself. But this is no “chance” encounter. By a string of small, seemingly insignificant events, God has brought together His prophet and His choice for the throne. “The divine providence ordered it for the forwarding of this great event,” Matthew Henry writes in his commentary. “The wise God serves very great and certain purposes by very small and casual occurrences.”
Samuel undoubtedly is eagerly scanning the crowd, looking for the Benjamite whom God is sending. But when Samuel’s eye falls on Saul, God eliminates the need for guesswork. “‘There he is,'” God tells Samuel. “‘This one shall reign over My people.'”
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
In His wrath, God remembers mercy. He sees the people’s request for a king as both a rejection of Himself and as a cry for deliverance. Thus, in one man He sends blessing and chastening. In the same way, though God may chasten us, He does it out of love for us. Thank Him that He loves you enough to discipline you for righteousness.
For Further Study
- Ps. 81:11–12
- Prov. 16:9; 20:24
- Rom. 1:26–32
- Heb. 12:5–11