The choice that makes all the difference (1 Sam 10:17-27)

Those who suffer from feelings of insecurity know how debilitating these can be. Irrespective of people’s real abilities, the sense of inadequacy can cause them to freeze or make self-defeating choices that confirm their impression of failure thereby creating a vicious cycle. As we continue Saul’s story, we discover that he, too, suffers from feelings of inferiority. Samuel gathers Israel for a public meeting at which Saul is chosen by lot, which confirms him as God’s choice before the people. Yet once again, there are disturbing signs around Saul When selected, he is absent, and is later found hiding among the baggage (1 Sam 10:22). Many heroes of faith – Moses or Gideon spring to mind – experienced similar insecurity and were reluctant to take on the ministry that the Lord had given them, and yet came to be highly successful leaders and servants of God. What was their secret of overcoming these obstacles to God’s service?

A careful reading of Saul’s story so far shows a pattern that point to earlier signs of insecurity in this young man. When Samuel hints at the high office Saul will receive, he protests his unworthiness (1 Sam 9:21). Such assertions are at odds with what we know about his family. Although Benjamin was a small tribe, Saul’s father was described as a powerful man (either referring to his wealth or skills as a fighter – 1 Sam 9:1) and Saul himself is an attractive proposition (1 Sam 9:2; 10:23-24). Either his response is the conventional language of humility or there is genuine self-doubt behind it. One wonders if this is further fuelled by the disbelieving attitude he encounters after God’s Spirit comes on him and he prophesies (1 Sam 10:11). His silence on his anointing when his uncle questions him may simply follow Samuel’s lead in secrecy or it may be a sign of ambiguity about his future role. Likewise, his public selection evokes a mixed response: some enthusiastically attach themselves to him, others despise him – and once again, he is silent (1 Sam 10:26-27). Is this an attitude of strength (it does not matter what the nay-sayers feel) or weakness? Scripture is deliberately leaving open several possibilities of interpretation thereby forcing us to probe Saul’s attitude.

As we tackle the issues raised in our passage, two aspects are worth noting. First, Samuel’s speech once again emphasises the tension inherent in kingship. Israel’s demand for a human king stemmed from their desire to feel safe and protected from enemies even though God had saved them from trouble and oppressive situations (e.g. in the exodus) without their having a king (1 Sam 10:18). Thus, what Israel sought through human power, God had already given. Nevertheless, the process in the public meeting makes it clear that God is giving them a king though Saul’s anointing suggests that He envisages the human king as submitted to God’s ultimate kingship (see my last post on this here). The instructions that Samuel writes out for the people may communicate these principles to the people (1 Sam 10:25 cf. Deut 17:14-20).[1] Secondly, Saul being found among the ‘baggage’ may have symbolic significance. The Hebrew kelim (translated as baggage or equipment) is frequently used in the book to describe weapons and this evokes the question whether Saul will be found where God had placed him or among human means of overcoming difficulty?[2]

Thus, Saul in his insecurity and Israel in theirs are faced with the same choice. Will they depend on God’s power to fulfil the task/be saved from enemies, or will they rely on themselves, their military power and weapons? They have the means to beat the odds with the help of God: Saul is empowered by God’s Spirit, while Israel knows from past experience that the Lord is their helper. Wherever we find ourselves, whether fearful of the path God calls us to, facing obstacles in our lives that seem difficult to overcome, the question facing us is the same. Will we trust God? This is the choice that makes all the difference.

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[1] Deut 17:14-20 enumerate key characteristics required in a king. He must be an Israelite (presumably to avoid idolatry and pagan worship), he should not increase horses (used in chariots, i.e. military strength), wives (a way of establishing political alliances) and wealth. All these create a reliance on self and on human power. Instead, the king should be a model Israelite studying God’s will (the law) and living in obedience to it.

[2] E.g. 1 Sam 8:12; 17:54; 20:40; 21:9; 2 Sam 1:27. Stephen B. Chapman, 1 Samuel as Christian Scripture (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2016), 110.

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