1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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40 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 2007 Editioninference Solomon also) because <strong>of</strong> the lack <strong>of</strong> a temple. However, thehistorian was writing from a later perspective when religion had becomesyncretistic, and the high places were a snare to the people." 121This section closes with another reference to Saul's humility (v. 16; cf. Phil 2:8; James4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6).3. The choice <strong>of</strong> Saul by lot 10:17-27"Saul's rise to kingship over Israel took place in three distinct stages: Hewas (1) anointed by <strong>Samuel</strong> (9:1—10:16), (2) chosen by lot (10:17-27),and (3) confirmed by public acclamation (11:1-15). 122Saul's anointing had been private, but his choice by lot was public.Mizpah was the scene <strong>of</strong> Israel's previous spiritual revival and victory over the Philistines(7:5-13). Perhaps <strong>Samuel</strong> chose this site for Saul's public presentation because <strong>of</strong> thoseevents. As we have noted, the tabernacle may have been there as well. <strong>Samuel</strong> took theopportunity to remind Israel that Yahweh was Israel's real deliverer so the people wouldnot put too much confidence in their new king (v. 18; cf. Exod. 20:2; Deut. 5:6; Judg.6:8-9). He also reminded them <strong>of</strong> their rebellion against God's will (v. 19). 123The lot (v. 20) showed all Israel that Saul was God's choice, not <strong>Samuel</strong>'s (cf. Josh. 7:14-18). That is, he was the king God permitted (Prov. 16:33). Was Saul hiding because hewas humble or because he was afraid to assume the mantel <strong>of</strong> leadership? My judgmentis that he was humble since there are other indications <strong>of</strong> this quality in chapters 9 and 10(cf. Prov. 25:6-7).". . . there seems to have been a modesty that was combined with a shytemperament." 124"If Saul had been an ambitious person, he would have been at the center <strong>of</strong>activity; and, even if he had been only an average person, he would at leasthave been available on the fringes <strong>of</strong> the crowd. Saul, however, hadhidden himself, so that he would not be found." 125However, Saul may also have been wisely reluctant to assume the role andresponsibilities <strong>of</strong> Israel's king. The Lord had chosen Saul (v. 24) because He wanted himto be His instrument. Saul had the potential <strong>of</strong> becoming a great king <strong>of</strong> Israel.Consequently, <strong>Samuel</strong> commended him, and most <strong>of</strong> the people supported him (vv. 24,27). They cried, "Long live the king!"121 Heater, p. 126.122 Youngblood, p. 623.123 See Bruce C. Birch, "The Choosing <strong>of</strong> Saul at Mizpah," Catholic Biblical Quarterly 37:4 (1975):447-54.124 Baldwin, p. 90.125 Wood, Israel's United . . ., p. 81.