Sermon Tone Analysis

The Making of a King: 1 Samuel 10:17-11:15

PRAY

INTRO: Biblical Narrative in Perspective

A. The beauty of narrative - Because our very lives are a story in the making, we are (and I believe by God’s design) personally drawn to narratives, finding real connection to real conflicts and real pleasures that are common to human experience.

B. 3 parallel threads running through scripture narratives (here OT history) [and really the Bible as a whole]

The primary theme - God and His gospel

Ethnic Israel - God chose them to be a people set apart to him for the proclamation of his glory (through their existence and obedience) to all peoples of the earth, which is ultimately fulfilled as being the people through whom the Messiah came (to perfectly and permanently deliver those who believe in him from the power of sin and death, to be set apart to God for the proclamation of his glory).

As such, even Israel’s failure to glorify God does not thwart the purposes or the glory of God. - So too in the NT, God’s people, the Church…

Individuals (and accounts from their lives) become both God’s means to his sovereign end as well as examples of real people interacting with a faithful and merciful God who seeks after hearts that will be wholly his.

- And from their actions and interactions with God flow innumerable points of contact with our own lives that we may use to apply God’s truth and training to ourselves.

Reminder of the title of the series - 1 Samuel: A Heart for God

Ok, now let’s head back to our specific narrative of study.

When we left off last time: After God orchestrated a meeting between the man of God and this formerly unknown tall and handsome Benjaminite, Samuel privately anointed Saul king, and God confirmed his choice to Saul in the Holy Spirit’s power (supernatural evidence: detailed fulfillment of all Samuel said… AND Saul even prophesied!)

The last thing we learned was that when his uncle inquired (probably Abner, whose name comes up again as the commander of Saul’s armies), Saul mentioned only the donkeys, NOT the news about being anointed king (which was probably wise and a credit to Saul’s character).

Here’s where our passage of study takes us today: In spite of Saul's personal misgivings, and reiterated warnings from Samuel concerning Israel's sin in requesting a human king, God publicly appoints Saul as Israel's first king.

(Not everyone is convinced, however.)

After his demonstration of military leadership in rescuing the oppressed inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead, all Israel recognizes Saul as their king and formalizes his kingship in celebration.

Public Rebuke (10:17-19)

Ungrateful Rejection

God pins it as ingratitude toward Him that leads to this rejecting God’s current system of leading them.

Samuel: We’re going through with this on God’s command, but that doesn’t lessen your sin against him in demanding a king.

God is permitting this; he isn’t condoning it.

But God also graciously gives them better than they deserve.

Public Recognition (10:20-27)

While God had already made his choice clear to Samuel and even to Saul, for all the people God formally and publicly recognizes Saul as Israel’s first king...

God reveals his choice by lot.

First, this clarifies God’s sovereignty over this choice of king.

“There is none like him among all the people.”

- God’s choice is to the give the people their choice.

- Again, this is not to say that Saul is doomed from the get-go (He, like all of us, is given opportunity to respond rightly to God.).

But it does demonstrate that here God does give them the kind of king that will impress them.

(a magnificent specimen of a human - Holy smokes, where did this guy come from?

The dudes are like: he’s huge.

and the ladies: what a hunk!)

Saul hides.

As the lots are being cast, and God’s choice is progressively being narrowed further and further, Saul already knows what others don’t.

And the guy (though gorgeous and ginormous) is overwhelmed, undoubtedly feeling inadequate.

- At this point, I like him.

(In this passage today, you’ll see plenty of reason to be supportive of Saul at the beginning of his reign over Israel.)

Samuel formalizes the rights and responsibilities of kingship.

Once again, leading obediently according to God’s command.

- Samuel records the duties and rights of kingship and sends the people home.

- Even as Saul goes home, some “valiant men” give themselves to his service immediately.

The people are excited… mostly.

Except for some “worthless fellows” (The real problem here is their disdain for God’s choice of king… If God says he’s king, then he’s king.)

But Saul’s reaction is to hold his peace.

(He’s fine, not clinging desperately to power... at this point.)

NOW… If Saul can prove himself a capable military leader against their enemies, all Israel will accept Saul as their king (That’s chapter 11. ‘Can this guy lead successfully in war against our enemies, bc that’s what we’re looking for?’)

Convincing Confirmation (11:1-11)

Harsh Nahash

Nahash, the Ammonite leader, captures the Israelite town of Jabesh-gilead and threatens with horrific terms of treaty.

(This is indeed cruel and barbaric—the devices of men apart from the ruling wisdom and kindness of God.) - These terms of surrender would both humiliate the men of Jabesh and hamper them from fighting back.

- Nahash obviously has great disregard for Israel’s military power bc he gives the town the requested 7 days respite to seek any deliverance from their fellow countrymen.

So they send out word of their plight (apparently all over Israel).

Furious Farmer Turns Fearless Leader

Rather than eagerly presuming upon his kingship, Saul apparently continued farming and waited (held his peace).

(‘brief retirement to private life’) Was he content to continue is normal life and see where this “king thing” led in terms of shifting his responsibilities, and so on?

(We don’t know for sure... but Samuel had written it all down.

So I don’t know what he’s doing.

Not stepping up to the role even though God had chosen him?)

Nothing is being done until news reaches Saul.

- Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Saul furiously sends word to Israel to come out and fight.

- He uses a shock factor to warn people into submission.

(also invokes Samuel’s leadership too, not just his own)

What makes the intimidated chicken(?) in chapter 10 courageous leader in chapter 11?

Love for his people.

And anger against cruelty and against God’s people.

Admirable qualities.

V. 6 is the most important factor, as the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul.

Saul effectually becomes king when he behaves as the leader.

- A large army is mustered at Bezek [map], and Saul sends word to Jabesh, and they tell Nahash they’ll “come out” tomorrow.

(They come out alright… come out fighting!)

Saul uses the 3 companies tactic (the famed tactic of Jerubbaal—this is, Gideon), and attacks in the early morning hours before his enemies are ready.

Crushing defeat for Nahash, and a decisive victory for God (and his people, and Saul)

Now there’s one final episode to cover today that reveals another quality of Saul’s character at the outset of becoming king:

Coronation Celebration (11:12-15)

Now (having shown military leadership against their enemies) the people have all the proof they need that Saul should be their king.

- In fact…

The People Say:

Bring out the naysayers so we can teach them a lesson.

Saul Says:

Let’s not do anything rash.

Let’s unite and celebrate that “the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.”

Here Saul behaves like a God-fearing king.

(v.

13)

Rather than seeking revenge and striking fear into the heart of any future treason, Saul responds mercifully to his own people.

What’s even more critical is that he gives credit to the Lord for the victory.

Samuel Says:

Let’s renew the kingdom—publicly acclaim Saul’s kingship in Israel.

Conclusion: Saul has favor with God and Israel.

And he has all the making of a good king.

Set Up for Success

Saul -

Saul has everything he needs to succeed, even all the making of a good king:

God’s blessing and presence

Humility and discretion

Samuel’s support and guidance

Written instruction (like a constitution of sorts)

Confidence of a win under his belt, etc.

Favor with the people