Suggested reading: 1 Samuel 9-11

This was a time when Israel wanted a King. Though God didn’t want to give Israel a King, he did anyway, and Samuel had chosen Saul.

Saul Made King

⁹ As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. ¹⁰ When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.

1 Samuel 10:9-10

Saul had a humble background, although the bible depicts him as handsome. Even though he was chosen, the people didn’t take him seriously and questioned his authority.

²⁶ Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. ²⁷ But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.

1 Samuel 10:26-27

But because God had honoured Samuel in making a King out of Saul, God’s spirit came upon Saul, who helped him win his first battle.

¹¹ The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

Saul Confirmed as King

¹² The people then said to Samuel, “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.”

¹³ But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.”

1 Samuel 11:11-13

When Saul had the chance to do something about the people who questioned his authority, he didn’t punish those men or show contempt. Instead, he focused on the positive: Israel won the battle that day.

Now, there’s a reason why my interpretation of the three chapters is the way it is. I will not disclose the specifics but I’m sure many readers can relate to this – that you will always have people who will question your authority. Or may be it’s even yourself who question this authority.

But Saul didn’t hate these men. He kept quiet. He kept his cool. He didn’t retaliate. He focused on the positive. God eventually came through for him.

My dear readers, may we all find the strength to ignore our haters and forgive them. It is their task to hate, not ours. Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom, strength and humility to overcome and let God.