A High Point for Saul

As Saul returns in triumph from his victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh Gilead, some of the people put a request to Samuel—now that Saul has so clearly demonstrated the truth of his divine calling as king, those who were displeased with Saul’s selection should be put to death. It is easy to imagine that this request comes from his jubilant troops, those “valiant men” who went with him after his selection as king (10:26). Perhaps they, like Saul, heard the contemptuous comments of others (10:27) and have been seething with anger, looking for an opportunity for vengeance. In truth, however, this appeal to Samuel could just as easily be coming from some of those who were seemingly indifferent to Saul’s selection but who now are jumping on his bandwagon. But no matter who these vengeance-minded individuals may be, the sad thing is that they were not so zealous for Saul’s honor before. “Saul’s good fortune (as foolish men commonly call it) went further with them to confirm his title than either his choice by lot or Samuel’s anointing him,” Matthew Henry writes. “They had not courage thus to move for the prosecution of those that opposed him when he himself looked mean, but, now that his victory made him look great, nothing would serve but they must be put to death.”

Saul, however, hears of the call for vengeance and intervenes, declaring that no one shall be put to death. It is not an appropriate time, he says, for it is a day of deliverance for Israel. But Saul also notes that it is God who has accomplished this deliverance, implicitly denying that he deserves any credit. This comment alone marks this as a high point of Saul’s reign, for here he seems to understand with perfect clarity that he is merely a regent—God is still Israel’s king.

Samuel then proposes a far more appropriate way of marking the victory over the Ammonites. He calls Israel to come together at Gilgal to ‘ “renew the kingdom.’ ” Actually, this is the true beginning of the kingdom in a way. God has designated Saul as king and has demonstrated that He is with him by using him as a deliverer. Therefore, it is time for him to be formally invested with the powers of monarchy. So the people come to Gilgal and there “make Saul king before the Lord.” Amid joyful worship, Saul is formally crowned as the first human monarch over the people of God.