This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of 1 Samuel 8-15, given on Sunday, October 19, 2008.

As the narrative of Samuel continues from its earlier chapters it is evident that Hannah’s prayer is being fulfilled (1 Sam 2:1-10). Samuel succeeds Eli as priest and judge over Israel. As 1 Samuel unfolds, we see a transition in chapter 8 to begin a new story – “Tale of Two Kings.” This lesson is about the first king. Israel demands for a king to rule over them like the rest of the nations – a people’s king (8:4). Here we see failure in the leadership of Samuel, who, though he has ruled wisely, raised wicked sons as Eli had done before, sons who “took bribes and perverted justice” (8:3b). This was also a failure on behalf of a nation who did not want God as king but rather insisted upon a king like the rest of the nations (8:5b)

When Samuel goes to the Lord in prayer, God answers in saying, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Sam 8:7). This raises the questions, “Was it ever God’s intention for Israel to have a king?” Considering Deuteronomy 17:14-20 it is evident that God makes provisions and guidelines for a king of Israel. Samuel warns the people the consequences of having their desires met. “In that day you will cry out because your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day” (1 Sam 8:18). Nevertheless, Samuel’s warning falls on deaf ears; they want their king.

Of all the tribes of Israel God chooses Saul from Benjamin (1 Sam 9:16). Remember that this is the same Benjamin that in Judges 19-20 was almost wiped out because of their Sodomy. Saul from Benjamin is a foreshadowing of his future failure. From the perspective of the people, Saul is handsome and head and shoulder above all the rest (1 Sam 10:23). Saul is anointed by Samuel, the Spirit of God rests upon him (11:6), and Saul defeats the Ammonites (11:1-11). With Israel’s enemies defeated and kingdom renewed it would seem as though getting a king was a good idea. Would God honor Israel’s disobedience?

Samuel reconfirms God’s covenant with his people and their king. The instructions were simple: fear God and serve him will all your heart (1 Sam 12:24-25). If Israel should fail, then they and their king will be swept away. In a matter of days, Saul and his army are going to war against the Philistines. Samuel’s instructions were to wait for the seventh day so that he could make a burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. Saul, impatient and unconfident that Samuel would come takes matters into his own hands and makes the sacrifice himself. Though Saul’s disobedience was rebuked by Samuel, he showed no signs of repentance. This act of disobedience would be the first of many failures for Saul. As a result of Saul’s rule, Israel did not know peace but only war with their enemies (14:47-48). Both king and country had failed at obeying God’s covenant.

This lesson serves as a warning for us both corporately and individually. Corporately, we should be wise in whom we choose to place our confidence and trust in leadership. Recognize Israel’s identity crisis for what it is. This not only applies to us as Americans choosing a president but most importantly as a church and whom we serve. We belong to the Lord. Let us not be guilty of fellowshipping together and worshipping together under any other name than the name of Jesus Christ. Individually, we must consider Samuel’s words, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” We are reminded of our failures and the pains of personal disobedience to Lord, but more importantly what it means to repent. Let us not be guilty of disobedience without repentance (Hebrews 4:7). The failures of Saul remind us of our own obstinate failures.

Let us not forget that we have a great high priest who has gone before us and whose body and blood were sacrificed for our disobedience and in whose resurrected life there is righteousness. Be encouraged this week that, in Christ, we have our king who is faithful, a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and a righteousness that cannot be taken away.

~Ryan Helfenbein

~ds