What began as an innocent quest to look for his father’s missing donkeys, it became an anointing ceremony for Saul to become the first king in the historyof Israel. Saul was not looking for a kingdom, in fact he was never a spiritual person. The people who knew him previously could attest to that. They were surprised by the sudden change in Saul when they saw him prophesying that it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

But as Saul turned to take his leave after spending time with the prophet Samuel, God changed his heart (10:9). God in working in Saul’s life left him a changed man. In order to affirm Saul of his new assignment as the future king of Israel, Samuel gave his three signs and all were fulfilled on the same day. The last sign was fulfilled because the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul and empowered him to prophesied among prophets. Saul did not have the gift of prophesy, but because the Spirit of God was with him, he performed a sign as a unique form of affirmation of his new found appointment.

Soon, Samuel called the people of Israel together to the Lord at Mizpah for the public selection of the king that the people of Israel desired. Through the casting of lots, Saul was publicly acknowledged as the new King. The casting of the lot was a public affirmation of the anointing that was already accomplished in private. God was sovereign in the entire process of the lot casting. Furthermore, it was God who moved the hearts of a group of men of valor to follow Saul after he was elected as king. Everything was in the control of God.

Note that Saul was quiet in the entire process of becoming the king. In fact, the author had subtly showcase Saul’s weakness who went into hiding when he was chosen to be the king. Verse 22 tells us that he has hidden himself among the baggage. He was not trapped by someone else by intent, neither did he overslept in the baggage, he had hidden himself there. He knew that he was going to be appointed to be the king, but he had hidden away, probably in fear. Bill Arnold tells us that

“this is not a (record of the) history of Israel’s kingship. Rather, the narrator has a deeper interest. The story is first and foremost about Yahweh, not Saul or Samuel or even Israel. God is the guiding hand behind all that occurs in this passage.”

Yet the irony of the story was that the people could not see God’s hand in it. When Saul was appointed, they shouted “Long live the King! (v24)” They were of all praises of a human and imperfect king, when it should have been about their one true eternal King Yahweh.

Dear brothers and sisters, who is your king? How often do we turn to our earthly kings or worldly wisdom because of our forgetfulness of who the true king really is. That is why Samuel reminds Israel of God’s heart, “I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you. But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses (18b-19a)”

As we come to the last day of the lunar calendar and enter into a new year, may we remember and acknowledge that we belong to God, and all good things come from Him. We remember God by applying proverbs 3:5-6. ”Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your path straight. ”

Prayer: Dear God, you are my sovereign King and saving Lord. help me to remember you and trust you in all my ways and works. In Jesus name I pray, amen.