Saul, the First King of Israel
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Samuel now proposed that a national assembly be convoked at
Gilgal, that the kingdom might be publicly confirmed to Saul. It was
done, “and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before
the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.”
Upon this plain, linked with so many thrilling associations, stood
Samuel and Saul; and when the shouts of welcome to the king had died
away, the aged prophet gave his parting words as ruler of the nation.
Samuel had previously set forth the principles that should govern
both the king and the people, and he desired to add to his words the
weight of his own example. From childhood he had been connected
with the work of God, and during his long life one object had been
ever before him—the glory of God and the highest good of Israel.
In consequence of sin Israel had lost their faith in God and their
discernment of His power and wisdom to rule the nation—lost con-
fidence in His ability to vindicate His cause. Before they could find
true peace, they must see and confess the sin of which they had been
guilty.
Samuel recounted the history of Israel from the day God brought
them from Egypt. The King of kings had fought their battles. Often
their sins had sold them into the power of their enemies, but no sooner
did they turn from their evil ways than God’s mercy raised up a deliv-
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erer. The Lord sent Gideon and Barak, and “Jephthah, and Samuel,
and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and
ye dwelt safe.” Yet when threatened with danger they had declared, “A
king shall reign over us,” when, said the prophet, “Jehovah your God
was your King.”
In humiliation the people now confessed their sin, the very sin of
which they had been guilty. “Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy
God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to
ask us a king.”
Samuel did not leave the people in a state of discouragement, for
this would have prevented all effort for a better life. To look upon God
as severe and unforgiving would expose them to manifold temptations.
“Fear not,” was the message of God by His servant: “ye have done all
this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve
the Lord with all your heart; and turn ye not aside: ... For the Lord
will not forsake His people.”