Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, "Has this man come here yet?" So the Lord said, "Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage." (verse 21-22)
Message: A King in Hiding
Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 10 began with Saul being anointed by Samuel with a flask of oil. His father had placed him on a trail to find donkeys and Saul lets him know where the donkey reside. Saul is set aside for the Lord's work with the Lord choosing him, changing his heart, being with him, and the Spirit of God coming upon him mightily. And yet when his uncle appears he says nothing and only mentions the donkey. Back in I Samuel 9 in describing Saul he is "a choice and handsome man." Nothing else is mentioned. He has been given much by the Lord and yet he doesn't seem to be stepping up to this calling.
Now in verse 17 Samuel speaks to the people at Mizpah (meaning Watchtower). This is the city in which Saul is anointed and is the a part of the territory of Benjamin. Samuel has a word of the sons of Israel. What God has done: brought out of Egypt, delivered them. Their response: rejecting God today asking to have their own king of their choice.
Verse 20 says, "Then Samuel brought all the tribes near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot." In verse 18 Samuel speaks to the "sons of Israel." When the Lord speaks to His people, it is to the sons of Israel or God's chosen people which is the descendants of Jacob that became the nation of Israel - God's chosen people - the 12 tribes. The contrast here is one of choosing. One people are chosen versus those chosen by lot. The Jews are the chosen one's, but everyone else is by lot. And this is Saul's choosing - by lot. And yet in verse 21, "he could not be found" as he was (in verse 22) "hiding himself by the baggage (stuff)." He had to be taken from there to stand among the people and he was seen to be taller than anyone else. Samuel states this is the one the Lord has chosen (by lot) and no one is like him.
And yet as Samuel then identifies in the charter that Saul is the man to lead them, then people start to wonder if that is possible or question the choice.
Today's passage is the move from Saul being first chosen in private and now he is presented before the people publicly.
The people have received what they wanted - not wanting someone the Lord chooses, but instead someone from among the people. God's choice is seen to be by lot then rather than chosen. And upon that announcement, Saul can't be found. He has a big responsibility and while he is tall in stature he is hiding and not ready it would seem to stand out in front and lead. But Samuel writes it in the charter. It is decreed.
Summary: Saul had been chosen by God and presented before the people and yet at this choosing, Saul cannot be found and appears to be hiding.
Promise: If God has called us, he will equip us and we not hide in fear.
Prayer: It is good to have this time in Your Word Lord. Thank you for the way You choose and then showing me the contrast for that, by lot. Still a choice but falling somewhat where it falls to show us the difference. We are your chosen ones. I am so fortunate to be of this chosen ones. I pray taht more would be chosen. People need you and pray that they would recognize this calling.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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