READ 1 SAMUEL 11
GO DEEPER
At the conclusion of 1 Samuel 10, Saul assumes his new role as the king of Israel. He must have felt overwhelmed as he contemplated the significant changes unfolding in his life. However, in 1 Samuel 11, the initial period of ease comes to an end. Saul is faced with crucial decisions to make and people to protect. The Israelites residing in Jabesh Gilead find themselves in a dire situation, forced to choose between submitting to the cruel Nahash and having their eyes gouged out or risking utter annihilation. It was a daunting dilemma with no clear solution in sight. When they reached out for assistance, Nahash agreed for two reasons: to instill fear in others and to exploit the disunity among the Israelites, hindering their ability to come together and rescue their brethren.
After learning about their difficult situation, Saul was informed as mentioned in verse 6, "And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly."
Saul, driven by the guidance of the Spirit of God, acted swiftly. Utilizing his keen military expertise, he formulated a strategy to engage the Ammonites. Saul's rapid response, coupled with God's favor, resulted in the defeat of Nahash and his forces, leading to the rescue of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead. This pivotal moment solidified Saul's position as the king of Israel, a well-deserved recognition considering his heroic deeds. Despite his achievements, Saul remains humble, attributing the success to the Lord. (v. 13).
Chapter 11 marks a crucial moment in Israeli history and the narrative of Saul’s reign as king. It is crucial to bear in mind that the concept of kingship was new for Israel at this time. The events in this chapter stem from Saul’s complete submission to God, who guided and worked through him. This allowed Saul to discern the right course of action and demonstrate effective leadership. Consequently, Israel experienced prosperity. The account illustrates that remarkable outcomes unfold when we align with the Spirit rather than yielding to our own impulses or wants. Saul serves as a model of authentic leadership by heeding God’s guidance while guiding others. Nonetheless, Saul's behavior was not always consistent in this regard (as will be revealed in the future). Today, let us draw lessons from Saul's conduct and understand the impact of being led by the Spirit rather than by our earthly desires.
QUESTIONS
1. The name Nahash signifies "serpent" or "snake." How can you find similarities between the strategies of Satan, our adversary, and Nahash, who was the enemy of Israel?
2. Can you recall a recent instance of submitting to the Spirit and experiencing God's favor through your obedience?
3. What insights about God's character can you derive from this passage?