The prophet Samuel served as the last accepted judge of Israel, as recorded in 1 Samuel. In chapter 8 of the text we are told that when he became old he appointed his sons as judges, but their behavior was unacceptable to the people who asked for a king. “Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5).
We find an interesting statement by the Lord in 1 Samuel 8:7, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” God had established the system of appointing judges, and by insisting for a king, the people basically had rejected God’s design. That in and of itself serves as an important lesson for us. Put simply the churches of today constitute changes to God’s design under the New Covenant. Denominationalism, the Social Gospel, instrumental music, women preachers, etc., all can be explained in this same way. “They have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”
The first king God appointed over Israel was Saul, of the house of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a “choice and handsome son. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people” (1 Kings 9:2). Everything about Saul in the scriptural introduction of the man was positive. In fact, it was interesting that when Saul was announced as king to the people, his humility is clearly seen. He had been appointed by Samuel, so he had knowledge of what was going to happen. Saul called the tribe of Benjamin, before him, and when the Matri family was chosen, they sought Saul the son of Kish. “But when they sought him, he could not be found” (1 Kings 9:21). God revealed him , “There he is, hidden among the equipment” (22). They brought him forward, where he was introduced as an exceptional individual and Israel’s first king.
Saul’s early reign was good, but his kingship changed him. It validates the truism, power corrupts. In fact, at a later date the prophet Samuel made reference to Saul’s early humility. After defeating king Agag and the Amalekites, but did not utterly destroy them as God commanded, Samuel went to where Saul was supposed to be to deal with him. He was told, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself” (1 Samuel 15:12). These two words clearly show the difference the kingship had made in Saul’s life. Consider Samuel’s admonition of the king, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel? Now the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” (1 Samuel 15:17-19).
Saul’s claim was that he had obeyed the voice of the Lord, and that the disobedience was on the part of the people. “But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:21). This was strikingly similar to Aaron’s attempt to escape condemnation for fashioning the idol at Sinai, (cf. Exodus 32:22-24). Saul was king. Nothing was done that did not have his approval. He was responsible. Samuel responded, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Much can be learned from all of Samuel’s words, but for our study, consider this statement, “Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” Consider how closely tied is pride and disobedience to God’s word. A humble man will determine to do God’s will rather than his own. Jesus is the best demonstration of this, seen in His willingness to be the sacrifice for mankind, as recorded in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of His betrayal. “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:41-42). In His coming, we are told that Jesus “learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
May we all strive to humble ourselves before God. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:6-7). This was the mistake of Saul, and it cost him his throne, and his acceptance by God. While he was little in his own eyes, he pleased the Lord, but when he began to do as He willed rather than Jehovah, he fell and was rejected as king.
Such is the same today, and why we have to be so careful to do it God’s way. It is rather presumptuous and arrogant to substitute our own wishes and will for His!
