Saul, the First King of Israel
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In the character of Samuel we see reflected the likeness of Christ.
It was the holiness of Christ that stirred up against Him the fiercest
passions of falsehearted professors of godliness. The Jews looked for
the Messiah to break the oppressor’s yoke, yet they cherished the sins
that bound it upon their necks. Had Christ applauded their piety, they
would have accepted Him as their king; but they would not bear His
fearless rebuke of their vices. Thus it has been in every age of the
world. When rebuked by the example of those who hate sin, hypocrites
become the agents of Satan to persecute the faithful.
God had reserved to Himself the right to choose their king. The
choice fell upon Saul, a son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin.
“There was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person
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than he.” Of noble and dignified bearing, comely and tall, he appeared
like one born to command. Yet Saul was destitute of those higher
qualities that constitute true wisdom. He had not learned to control his
impetuous passions; he had never felt the renewing power of divine
grace.
Saul was the son of a wealthy chief, yet he was engaged in the
humble duties of a husbandman. Some of his father’s animals hav-
ing strayed upon the mountains, Saul went with a servant to seek for
them. As they were not far from Ramah, the home of Samuel, the ser-
vant proposed that they inquire of the prophet concerning the missing
property.
As they drew near to the city they were told that a religious service
was about to take place, that the prophet had already arrived. Worship
of God was now maintained throughout the land. There being no
ministration in the tabernacle, sacrifices were for the time offered
elsewhere. The cities of the priests and Levites, where the people
resorted for instruction, were chosen for this purpose. The highest
points in these cities were usually selected as the place of sacrifice,
and hence were called the “high places.”
King Revealed to Samuel
At the gate of the city Saul was met by the prophet himself. God
revealed to Samuel that at that time the chosen king of Israel would
present himself before him. As they now stood face to face, the Lord