1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

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36 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 2007 EditionThe consequences of requesting a king 8:10-22Samuel explained what having a king similar to all the nations would mean. The elderswere interested in the functions of monarchy, but Samuel pointed out the nature ofmonarchy. It meant the loss of freedoms and possessions that the people presentlyenjoyed. In verses 11-17 Samuel did not define the rights of a king but described theways of most kings. 104 Note the recurrence of the words "take" and "best" in these verses."By nature royalty is parasitic rather than giving, and kings are neversatisfied with the worst." 105The people would also regret their request because their king would disappoint them (v.18). God would not remove the consequences of their choice. Their king could have beena great joy to them instead of a great disappointment if the people had waited for God toinitiate the monarchy. As becomes clear later in Samuel as well as in Kings andChronicles, David was God's choice to lead the Israelites. If the people had not beenimpatient, I believe David would have been their first king. Saul proved to be a "falsestart" to the monarchy. 106In the argument of Samuel this chapter serves to introduce the reason Saul became such adisappointment to the Israelites and such a disaster as a king. Nevertheless his reign wasnot totally unsuccessful because at its beginning he sought to please Yahweh.2. The anointing of Saul 9:1—10:16In chapters 9—11 the writer painted Saul as the ideal man to serve as king from thehuman viewpoint. This pericope (9:1—10:16) sets forth his personal conduct. 107Saul's background 9:1-2Saul ("Asked [of God]," cf. 8:10) came from good Benjamite stock. His father was a manof property and influence. The same Hebrew expression, gibbor hayil, translated "valor,"describes Boaz in Ruth 2:1 and King Jeroboam I in 1 Kings 11:28 (cf. 1 Sam. 16:18).Saul himself was physically impressive, tall, and handsome. At this time he would havebeen in his late 20s (cf. 13:1). God gave the people just what they wanted.104 G. Coleman Luck, "Israel's Demand for a King," Bibliotheca Sacra 120:477 (January-March 1963):61.For evidence that Israel's neighbor nations really did suffer under their kings exactly as Samuel warned, seeI. Mendelsohn, "Samuel's Denunciation of Kingship in the Light of the Akkadian Documents from Ugarit,"Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 143 (October 1956):17-22.105 Youngblood, p. 614.106 David Payne, p. 1.107 You may want to read the series of three articles on Saul by W. Lee Humphries listed in thebibliography of these notes. Especially helpful is, "The Tragedy of King Saul: A Study of the Structure of 1Samuel 9—31." The other two are quite technical.
2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 37Saul's personal traits 9:3-14Saul's concern for his father's peace of mind was commendable. It shows a sensitivity thatwould have been an asset in a king (v. 5). Likewise his desire to give Samuel a presentfor his help was praiseworthy (v. 7; cf. 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 8:8-9). Saul had someappreciation for social propriety. He was also humble enough to ask directions from awoman (vv. 11-14). 108The high place (v. 12) was a hilltop on which the people offered sacrifices and may havebeen Mizpah (lit. watchtower; cf. 7:9), or a town near Bethlehem (lit. house of bread, i.e.,granary). 109Saul's introduction to Samuel 9:15-25Even though God had broken the Philistines' domination at the Battle of Mizpah (7:10-11), they still threatened Israel occasionally and did so until David finally subdued them(v. 16).". . . after the victory of Mizpeh [sic], the Philistines no longer totallycontrolled Israel and . . . did not again make a full-scale invasion." 110God referred to Saul as a "prince" (Heb. negid, v. 16), a king-designate. Notwithstanding,Yahweh was Israel's true "king." Also in verse 17 the Hebrew word translated "rule"(asar) usually means "restrain." Saul would not rule as most kings did but would restrainthe people as God's vice-regent.Samuel gave preference to Saul by inviting him to go up before him to the high place (v.19). Samuel promised Saul that not only his lost donkeys but all that was desirable inIsrael would soon come into his possession (v. 20). Saul's humble response to Samuelwas admirable (v. 21; cf. Exod. 3:11; 4:10; Jer. 1:6)."On the one side Saul was a man hunting for donkeys who instead found akingdom; and on the other side there was Samuel, who was looking for asuitable king and found a young man of remarkable politicalunawareness." 111Evidently a dining hall stood near the high place (v. 22). It may have been a room in alarger religious building. 112 Giving the special leg of meat to Saul was a sign of special108 Years later, at the end of the story of Saul's reign, the king asked directions from another women, butshe was a forbidden witch (ch. 28).109 Wood, p. 78, n. 12.110 G. Coleman Luck, "The First Meeting of Saul and Samuel," Bibliotheca Sacra 124:495 (July-September1967):259.111 David Payne, p. 45. Saul's unawareness is evident in that he did not know who Samuel was even thoughSamuel was Israel's leading judge and prophet.112 Youngblood, pp. 622-23.
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1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

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