First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Ten

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. SAUL ANOINTED KING - (1-9)

II. SAUL ANOINTED PROPHET - (9-13)
III. SAUL'S HUMILITY - (14-16)
IV. SAUL PUBLICLY DECLARED TO BE KING - (17-25)
V. SAUL'S BAND OF MEN - (26-27)

 

I. SAUL ANOINTED KING - (1-9)

At this time Samuel was the chief living representative of God. The anointing with oil symbolized the endowment of the Holy Spirit upon Saul for the purpose of empowering him in his ministry as king. There are a number of ways that Saul typifies the Lord Jesus Christ, (Psa. 2:12) says, "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry , and ye perish from the way..." The context is the Lord Jesus, for in (vs. 7) we find, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." It is interesting to note that Jesus was betrayed by a "kiss." Secondly, Jesus is God's anointed; see (Acts 4:26; Lk. 2:26; Psa. 45:7; Heb. 1:9). Thirdly, Saul is called "captain over his inheritance," whereas Jesus is called the "captain of our salvation," (Heb. 2:10). Lastly, the place where Saul is to receive the first of his five signs is by Rachel's sepulcher, which is in Bethlehem, (Gen. 35:19,20), the birth place of Christ!

The nation Israel began with signs, (Ex. 4:1-9), and will come to its climax in this age with signs, (Zech. 12:10; Rev. 11:3; Matt. 24:30). "For the Jews require a sign...", (1 Cor. 1:22). Here in chapter (10), Saul is given five consecutive signs that will occur, just as the man of God prophesied. The purpose of signs has always been to authenticate the ministry of God's messenger, (Mk. 16:17,18). The will of God was very clear to Saul. Through an unusual set of circumstances, Saul came to Samuel and now Samuel puts it all "on the line." To prove his authority, he prophesies five consecutive events that are to follow immediately in Saul's life. God is always clear about what he expects if one will have the patience to wait.

Saul is given a blank check, "...do as occasion serve thee..." Once every thing falls into place, and you're convinced, do as you like! (Psa. 37:4), "Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Saul leaves final instructions, "seven days shalt thou tarry..."; Samuel is the priest, he will officiate at the sacrifice; this became the undoing of Saul, (1 Sam. 13:8-11). Saul was King, prophet, but not priest, only David fulfilled all three offices as a type of Christ in the Old Testament.

 

II. SAUL ANOINTED PROPHET - (9-13)

God gave Saul another heart. In verse six we read that he was "turned into another man." Only God can change the desires and affections of a man if he is willing to be used by God. See the covenant of (Eze. 36:23-28). The expression "change of heart" is a figure of speech, for in just a few short chapters, Saul goes the way of all flesh. Power corrupts!

A prophet is without honor in his own country," (Jn. 1:10; 7:5; Lk. 4:24; Jn. 4:44). "Is Saul also among the prophets?" Some of Saul's friends, family and acquaintances were astounded at the new Saul. It seems it is those to whom we are the closest that have the greatest difficulty in accepting the transformation from lost sinner to saved sinner. "Is not this the carpenter's son ... Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him...," (Matt. 13:55).

"…The Spirit of God came upon him...," what was signified in verse one, prophesied in verse six, becomes fact in verse ten. The Holy Spirit came upon men in the Old Testament to endue them with spiritual power for their work. It is also fact that the Holy Spirit indwelt certain individuals in the Old Testament, (1 Pet. 1:11; Isa. 63:11; Lk. 1:15; Psa. 51:11); this is a commonly misunderstood concept.

 

III. SAUL'S HUMILITY - (14-16)

As pointed out in our lesson on chapter nine Saul was a very humble man as he began his reign as King. Here is a close relative, Saul's uncle, who pry's into Saul's recent personal affairs and what an opportunity it could have been to tell his uncle all the great things God was about to do for him. "Tooting one's own horn" is a most obvious sign of pride and immaturity. Surely, Saul could have been imaginative enough to cloak his bragging in pious rhetoric (as so many Christians do), "Uncle Abner (14:50) would you pray about this with me? ... blah, blah, blah..." Saul was most tactful, he answers his uncle's questions but conveniently leaves some of the details out. At this time a wise move. Look at (9:21; 10:22,27).

 

IV. SAUL DECLARED KING - (17-25)

Samuel calls an assembly at Mizpeh (see 1 Sam. 7:5-7 and notes). He rehearses briefly the history of the Israelites as is done so often throughout the Old Testament. He then reminds them of their rejection of God and His counsel. You said, "Nay," now you are about to get what you have asked for. The process of selection resembles that of (Josh. 7:16-19 and 1 Sam. 14:41).

Saul. gets cold feet! He's nowhere to be found. Taken back by the seriousness and responsibility of his calling, Saul plays hide and seek. He's hiding among the stuff (baggage). It is always good that a man feel unworthy of an high calling or responsibility. The chances are that much care and consideration will enter into all one's decisions. A man is far more likely to look to God for wisdom and guidance when he feels a bit unqualified in his vocational calling.

The people wanted a king, but the Lord chose him. Not that Saul was God's first choice, but the Lord knew what they would accept, (1 Sam. 9:2; 10:23) as opposed to (16:7). At this time in history, David would have been unacceptable, not everyone could see David through the eyes of God, (1 Sam. 17:28)!

Saul told them the "manner of the kingdom; "that is he laid down the ground rules, (Deut. 17:14-20). The writing of the book eliminated the excuse that God had not told them how it would be. The Book is written that "every mouth may be stopped and all the world become guilty."

 

V. SAUL'S BAND OF MEN - (26-27)

Any man that becomes a dynamic leader seems to have the ability to polarize the populace, either you love him or you hate him. Saul was one of these leaders. Immediately God touched the hearts of a group of men that loyally followed their king wherever he might go. They would have, and in many cases did, give their lives for him.

On the other hand, the children of Belial (Deut. 13:13; Judg. 19:22; 20:13; 1 Sam. 2: 12; 25:17,25; 2 Sam. 16:7) were committed to disrupt the organization of anything. Their job was to oppose anything that set up goals for the future. These were some of those "lewd fellows of the baser sort." These are men committed to finding fault. Though not themselves engaged in any forward movement, they strive to prevent others from doing the will of God. Note Saul's wisdom, "he held his peace." Wise is the leader who early forms the habit of not attempting to justify himself or his actions. He should know that in time they will speak for themselves. Meanwhile he must wait until he has sized up the situation. Gladly should he welcome the support of everyone who stands ready to help. Modestly should he accept whatever comes in the way of mud and stones. A wise leader learns much from his fiercest critics.

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