![]() Moreover, he is ethnically mixed, not a pure Israelite because one of his great-grandmothers was Ruth (Ruth 4:21-22), an immigrant from the kingdom of Moab (Ruth 1:1-4). He is a last son in a society based on primacy of the first-born. David is a non-traditional candidate for reasons beyond his youth. A little later in the story, the Philistine giant Goliath is similarly dismissive (1 Sam. On the surface David does not project the image of gravitas people expect in a leader (1 Sam. The boy David seems inconsequential to Samuel, but with God's help, he finally recognizes in David God's choice for Israel's king. David Chosen to Succeed SaulĪs Samuel searches for Saul's replacement, he nearly makes the mistake of judging by appearances a second time (1 Sam. Throughout his reign Saul similarly doubted God, seeking counsel in the wrong places, and finally dying a suicide as his army was routed by the enemy (1 Sam. But when faced with Goliath, Saul's fear overcame his faith and he proved unequal to his role (1 Sam. Saul's primary task as king was to assure security for the Israelites from attack by the neighboring Philistines and other nations. The king they received ultimately demonstrated that same lack of faith in God. How are we to evaluate Israel's first king? Did God make a mistake in leading Samuel to anoint young Saul as king? Or was the choice of Saul an object lesson to the Israelites not to be seduced by outward appearances, handsome on the outside but hollow on the inside? In asking for a king, the Israelites showed their lack of faith in God. The people got what they asked for (and what Samuel had warned against), a militaristic, charismatic, self-aggrandizing tyrant. But before we measure Saul's actions against 21st-century leadership expectations, we should note that Saul simply did what kings did in the ancient Near East. Both Samuel and God became exasperated with him and began to look for his replacement (1 Sam. 13:8-15) and arrogant with his people (1 Sam. 11:13-14), but he quickly became disobedient to God (1 Sam. In the beginning, he served faithfully (1 Sam. Furthermore, he won military victories, the main reason for having a king in the first place (1 Sam. 1050-1010 B.C.), someone who looked the part-he literally stood "head and shoulders above everyone else" (1 Sam. God's first choice to be king is Saul (c. ![]() Learning From the Psalms How to Pray Through Your Work.Beyond Rank and Power: What Philemon Tells Us About Leadership.Evangelism - Sharing the Gospel at Work.10 Key Points About Work in the Bible Every Christian Should Know.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |