Saul Established As King

I Samuel 11:1-15

“Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. 

And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. 

And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.” (I Samuel 11:1-3)

Shortly after Saul was named as king, the Ammonites invaded the land of Gad, attacking the city of Jabesh Gilead.  The Ammonites had not caused trouble since Jephthah had defeated them, about a hundred fifty years before.  In the intervening years, the Philistines had been considered the biggest threat, so the people of Jabesh Gilead were caught unprepared, and offered to surrender if they could get a treaty.

After centuries of hearing about how Israel had taken their land, even though the stories were untrue, Nahash was carrying a grudge against Israel.  He wasn’t about to let them get off that easy.  He was looking for a chance to get even, and the only way he’d make a treaty with them was if they’d allow him to put out the right eye of every man there as sign of Israel’s cowardice.

Knowing they were outnumbered, but not wanting to lose their eyes, the leaders of Jabeshgilead asked for seven days delay in hopes of enlisting aid from other tribes, agreeing to surrender at the end of that time.  Obsessed with his desire to humiliate Israel, and knowing their lack of a strong standing army or central government, he didn’t believe they could raise an army capable of defeating him, so he agreed.  After all the more they had the more humiliating the defeat would be.

“Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept. 

And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.” (I Samuel 11:4-5)

Though he had just been declared king, Saul was out herding livestock when the message came about Jabeshgilead.  It caused an uproar among the people to think about such a disaster, probably similar to that of nine eleven.  When Saul returned from herding his sheep or cattle, he had to ask what was going on.

“And the spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.  And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. 

And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.” (I Samuel 11:6-8) 

When he heard the details, the spirit of God moved Saul to go to the rescue of Jabesh Gilead.  In an effort to force the people to help, he chopped up a team of oxen and sent pieces throughout the land warning that he would do the same thing to anyone who didn’t show up to help’s oxen, effectively putting them out of business and sentencing them to starvation.

In taking this approach, he completely ignored Gods command in Deuteronomy 20:2-8.  “And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. 

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.  And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.   And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.   And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.”

Rather than trusting God to motivate the people, Saul depends on human power and wisdom.  The same attitude will characterize his entire reign.  He never learned to just trust God.  Three hundred thirty thousand men showed up to fight.  Remember that seven hundred years before, they had six hundred thousand men?  When they fought against Gibeah in Judges 20, they had raised an army of over four hundred thousand.  Threats aren’t very good motivators.
 
“And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and showed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.  Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.” (I Samuel 11:9-10)

Saul sent messengers ahead to let Jabesh Gilead know they were coming and would arrive about mid morning.  The men of Jabesh were relieved, but decided not to let the Ammonites know help was coming, so they promised to give themselves up the next day to have their eyes put out.  Convinced no one was coming, Nahash undoubtedly let down his guard.

“And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.” (I Samuel 11:11) 

Attacking about daylight or shortly after, Saul attacked from three sides, leaving the Ammonites no place to escape except as individuals slipping through the perimeter, and completely breaking their power.  They were even more humiliated than they had hoped to do to Israel.

“And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.  And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.” (I Samuel 11:12-13) 

After gaining such a victory, the people wanted to punish those who had complained about making Saul king.  Saul still had a sense of humility and forbid them to kill them, saying the victory was from God.  He still didn’t think of himself as being too important to herd sheep.  Unfortunately, later in his reign, he would not show such a meek spirit.

“Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.  And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” (I Samuel 11:14-15)

Earlier, God had chosen Saul and Samuel had anointed him king, but now the people accept him as their leader.  He had “earned his spurs.”  Too many think having the title makes one the leader.  Until one demonstrates one’s ability and skill, the title means very little.  It was the ideal time to renew their commitment to God, as well as to the kingdom.

Saul Presented To The People

I Samuel 10:17-27

“And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.” (I Samuel 10:17-19)

During the week after anointing Saul to be king, Samuel contacted all Israel, telling them to come to Mizpeh where God would reveal who their king should be.  He reminded them of what God had done for them in the past, and warned that in selecting a king they were rebelling against God.  As Samuel told Saul in I Samuel 15:23, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…”  God would allow them to have their king, but as Proverbs 105:15 states, “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”  It wasn’t pleasing to God.  Each tribe was to come before the Lord and God would show which was to be king.

“And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.  When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.  Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither.” (I Samuel 10:20-22)

Proceeding in an orderly fashion, it was quickly determined that the King was to come from the tribe of Benjamin.  Next, God indicated that he was to be of Matri’s family, and finally Saul was identified, but they couldn’t find him.  They prayed, asking God whether he would be coming or not so they could take appropriate action.

“And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. 

And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.” (I Samuel 10:22b-23)

Probably afraid of the responsibility and a little shy, Saul had hidden among all the things the people had brought.  When they brought him out, he towered over everyone else by almost a foot.

“And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? 

And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. 

Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.” (I Samuel 10:24-25)

Samuel pointed out that Saul was unlike anyone else, being taller, and the people, desiring a hero to protect them, rejoiced to have such a big man.  Samuel then wrote down the things God had told him about what the kingdom would be like and stored it in the temple.  Finally he sent the people home.

“And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. 

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.” (I Samuel 10:26-27)

Saul went home like everyone else, although he was accompanied by a group of men whose hearts had been touched by God to build the kingdom.  Though God had clearly indicated that he had chosen Saul to be their king, a group who followed Satan rebelled against the idea of him being king and were quite insulting.  Such people will always stand against what God wants, so when we get a 100% vote it is a near certainty that Satan thinks he can use the selection to his advantage.  Saul did not make an issue of their slights.

The Designated King

I Samuel 9:26-10:16

“And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. 

And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may show thee the word of God.” (I Samuel 9:26-27)

Early the next morning, before commencing his daily schedule, Samuel called in and spoke to him privately about what he needed to do.  He sent the servant ahead, asking Saul to wait a little while.

“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” (I Samuel 10:1)

Once the servant was out of sight, Samuel anointed Saul to be the king, declaring that God had chosen him for the job.  He then gave him three signs that would demonstrate the message came from God.  Deuteronomy 18:21-22declared that a prophet speaking by God’s power would provide a sign that it really came from God.  “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?  When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”  Here Samuel provides three signs so there can be no question.

“When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? 

Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands. 

After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.  And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.” (I Samuel 10:2-7) 

The first sign would be two men who would meet him at Zelzah, near Rachel’s tomb and tell him that the donkeys were found and his father was worried.  In the plain at Tabor, he would meet three men on the way to Bethel to worship, each carrying a specific item.   They would give him two loaves of the bread.   Finally, at a particular hill close to a Philistine outpost, he would meet a company of prophets carrying various musical instruments away from their worship.  The Spirit of god would come upon him and he would feel and behave totally out of character.  When it happened, he was to just yield to the Spirit, because God would be directing him.

“And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do.” (I Samuel 10:8) 

Once Saul was assured the message came from God, he was to go to Gilgal and wait for Samuel to arrive.  When he came, Samuel would instruct him what he was to do, and offer burnt offerings and peace offerings for him.  Samuel promised to arrive on the seventh day.

“And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.  And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 

And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?” (I Samuel 10:9-12)

The prophesied events happened just as Samuel described, including the Spirit coming on him and giving him a whole new heart attitude.  As a result Saul joined the band of prophets, prophesying himself.  People who knew him were shocked to see Saul prophesying, and questioned what was happening.  Saul became a topic of discussion throughout the land.

“And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.  And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye?

 And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. 

And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. 

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.” (I Samuel 10:13-16)

When he finished prophesying, Saul met with his uncle, who questioned where they had been.  Saul told him that after not finding the donkeys, thay had consulted Samuel, who had told them the donkeys were found.  He said nothing about Samuel anointing him to be king, probably not fully convinced himself.

Introducing Saul

I Samuel 9:1-25

“Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.  And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.” (I Samuel 9:1-2) 

Israel was demanding a king, rejecting God as the leader.  Among the Benjamites, there was a powerful and influential leader named Kish.   Benjamin was centrally located, and was a very small area, so he was widely known throughout Israel.   Kish’s son Saul was almost a foot taller than anybody in the country, and had been voted as the best looking man alive.  He attracted attention everywhere he went.

“And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.  And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. 

And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.” (I Samuel 9:3-5) 

Kish’s herd of donkeys strayed from his pastures, and disappeared.  Kish sent Saul and one of his servants to find them.  They searched everywhere within a radius of about ten miles, starting in Ephraim, moving west to Dan and throughout the land of Benjamin before moving south into Judah’s land.  Not finding the herd after days of searching, Saul worried that his father might be worried about why they had been gone so long, and told the servant they needed to go home.

“And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can show us our way that we should go.” (I Samuel 9:6) 

The servant knew Samuel’s reputation and suggested they visit him to see if he had any useful information since they were so close.

“Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? 

And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.  (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)” (I Samuel 9:7-9) 

Recognizing that Samuel’s time was valuable, Saul was concerned they had nothing to pay for his time as their food was depleted and they hadn’t brought anything to pay for information.  The servant said he had a couple dollars worth of change if he’d consider it.   Notice the use of the word seer or see-er, referring to one who sees beyond normal things.  Samuel had been known as a prophet before he became a judge.

“Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.  And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? 

And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.” (I Samuel 9:10-14) 

Besides his home office in Ramah, Samuel also maintained satellite offices in Bethel, Mizpeh and Gilgal.  Saul and the servant asked some of the girls whether Samuel was in town.  They were informed that he was in town for a special sacrifice, and that if they hurried they would catch him before he got involved in it.  They arrived just a s Samuel was leaving to conduct the ceremony.

“Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.  And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.” (I Samuel 9:15-17)

God had already warned Samuel that a man was coming and told him that he was to be anointed as king over Israel, to help protect them from the Philistines.  Now God told Samuel that Saul was the person he had told him about.

“Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is. 

And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.  And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?” (I Samuel 9:18-20) 

Saul didn’t know Samuel and asked him where this house was.  Samuel introduced himself and asked him to attend the ceremony with him, volunteering that the donkeys they were looking for had already been found, so they didn’t need to worry about them anymore.  He concluded by telling Saul that the entire nation of Israel was wanting him.

“And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?” (I Samuel 9:21)

At the time Saul had no special sense of entitlement or destiny.  He knew his father was respected, but he thought it was just the same way everyone else was.   He saw himself as pretty ordinary, in a relatively unimportant family, so Samuel’s comment about All Israel wanting him seemed unlikely.

“And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.  And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. 

And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. 

And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.  And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.” (I Samuel 9:22-25)

Samuel brought Saul into a meeting with about thirty of the leaders of Israel, giving him the most prestigious seat in the house, and giving him a special serving of the most desirable food to emphasize his importance to the leaders.  It was a startling introduction that would prepare them for accepting him as king.  That night, Saul and Samuel spend hours privately discussing what was needed on top of the house.

A Demand For Change

Isaiah 8:1-22

“And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.  Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.  And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” (I Samuel 8:1-3) 

After judging Israel and maintaining a circuit court for thirty or forty years, Samuel was tired, and Israel was still growing.  Opening another court in Beersheba made a lot of sense, and his sons could manage it.  Perhaps one day they’d be able to take over his job so he could retire.

While they undoubtedly heard stories, his sons had no memory of what it had been like under Philistine domination during Eli’s day and when Samuel first became judge.  Like many second generation business owners, politicians, and religious figures, they had no real clue what it had taken to get Israel to where they were.   They saw it as an opportunity to enrich themselves, rather than as a calling to turn people to God.  They began taking advantage of their positions, taking bribes and basing their decisions on economic and political ideas rather than on right or wrong, much as our regulators and courts are doing today.

“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” (I Samuel 8:4-5)

While they had no problem with Samuel himself, the people were frustrated with the injustices and corruption,  Knowing that his sons were part of th problem the people decided a change was needed.  Unfortunately, Like Saumel’s sons, a majority of the people had little or no memory of what it had been like before Samuel’s administration either.   They decided a whole new system was required, to prevent corruption.  They demanded a king.

“But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.” (I Samuel 8:6) 

Like Gideon, Samuel recognized that the problem was not with the system God had designed but with the system was being use.  The changes they were demanding would take away their greatest strength, their individual responsibility and freedom.   It was similar to what has happened in the last couple of election cycles in the United States, pitting the older and more conservative groups against the more liberal young people.  Samuel was really upset by their demand

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.  According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.  Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.” (I Samuel 8:7-9) 

God told Samuel that it was just part of the same pattern they had been following for over six hundred years, since he brought them out of Egypt, constantly trying to set some other god in God’s place.  While God would allow them to get what they wanted and find out for themselves, Samuel was to warn them of the consequences of their action.

Since the United States was established, there has been a constant effort to eliminate individual freedom and responsibility, establishing of election cycles have placed proponents of such a system in power.  Today, Christians should be playing the same role Samuel was to play, warning people of the consequences of their actions  and trusting
God to have his way, rather than rebelling.

“And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.  And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.  And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.  And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.  And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. ” (I Samuel 8:10-16)

A strong central government would necessitate the establishment of a standing army, rather than depending on the individuals to unite and defend themselves.  It would be necessary to collect taxes to support such an army, and to seize private property for military installations and training facilities.  A bureaucracy would be needed to administer the taxes and properties, and see to it that the needs of the army were met.  The strongest and bravest men would be siphoned off military service, as well as the best livestock, and food.  Private property would be taken from right ful owners to reward favored officials and supporters.

“He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.  And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.” (I Samuel 8:17-18) 

As time went on individual rights and freedoms would be taken away by the strong central government and taxes would become so burdensome they would beg God to reduce the load, but they needed to understand it was the result of their decision, and God would leave them to live with the consequences.

“Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (I Samuel 8:19-20) 

Just like the majority of the electorate today, the people ignored the warnings, even becoming more insistent.  They wanted a system that offered the same things as the other countries,  A strong government could insure their safety and protection and enforce a legal system just as it did in other countries.  The same arguments are used to justify increasing government power today, so that government will be responsible for protecting the people and enforcing the rules.

“And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 

And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. 

And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.” (I Samuel 8:21-22)

Samuel prayed about the people’s demands, and God told him to acquiesce to their demands and give them a king.  Conceding defeat, Samuel instructed the people to go home until the necessary arrangements could be made.

Samuel Becomes Judge

I Samuel 7:1-17

“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.  And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.” (I Samuel 7:1-2) 

After the death of over fifty thousand men at Bethshemesh, Nobody else wanted to take chances of moving the ark around, so it remained at Kirjathjearim for twenty years, before being returned to the tabernacle.   For twenty years after the Philistines returned the Ark, while Samuel was establishing himself as judge, Israel didn’t really worship the Lord, continuing the way they had under Eli.  During the entire time they were oppressed by the Philistines.

“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 

Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. 

And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 

And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.” (I Samuel 7:3-7) 

About sixty years after Samson’s death, when Samuel was in his late twenties or early thirties, he was finally recognized as judge.  He announced that if Israel would put away their false gods and turn wholly to the Lord, God would free them.  Israel repented of their sin and turned to God in a great revival, with Samuel judging them in Mizpeh.

“And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.  And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.” (I Samuel 7:7-8) 

Hearing about the revival in Mizpeh, the Philistines attacked, terrifying the Israelites.  They begged Samuel not to stop praying for God to save them.

“And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.  And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 

And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.” (I Samuel 7:9-11)

The Philistines attacked just as Samuel was offering the burnt offering, and God intervened, sending a great thunderstorm and totally disrupting their attack.  Israel was able to defeat them, pursuing them to well inside the Philistine boundary.

“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” (I Samuel 7:12)

At the place where the main battle occurred, Samuel erected a great stone for a monument, calling it Ebenezer to as a memorial to remind them how God had helped them.

“So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.  And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.” (I Samuel 7:13-14)

During  Samuel’s judgeship the Philistines were never able to make serious inroads, and much of the land they had taken from Israel was re-taken including the city states of Gath and Ekron.  The Amorites remained quiescent during the period as well.

“And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.  And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.  And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.” (I Samuel 7:15-17)

Samuel made Ramah his home, building an altar there, and making it the primary worship place.  He also established a regular circuit of places where he held court and taught God’s law, meeting at Bethel, Mizpeh, and Gilgal.  He Judged  Israel from the time he was about thirty until his death near the middle of Saul’s reign.

Is It A Natural Phenomena Or An Act Of God?

I Samuel 6:2-7:1

“And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.” (I Samuel 6:2)

The Philistines had kept the Ark of God for seven months.  Every time they moved it into a city there was an epidemic of plague, besides other disasters.  While they didn’t really believe in God, the Philistine leaders were convinced there was a connection between the Ark of God and the disasters.  They called in the experts of their day in the field of religion and asked what they could do to return the Ark to it’s proper place that would free them of the consequences.

“And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.” (I Samuel 6:3) 

Their priests and shamans did not believe in God, but they had a respect for religious things.  They warned that simply sending the Ark back would not be sufficient if they had offended a god.  They would need to send some token of an apology as well.  If the problem was some pathogen the Ark harbored, sending it back should solve the problem, but if it was the result of God’s anger, it might not satisfy him.  By sending the Ark back with a proper evidence of apology, they would find out whether the problem was in fact their keeping the Ark or not.

“Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? 

They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.  Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land. 

Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?” (I Samuel 6:4-6)

The priests and experts recommended sending five golden copies of the lumps or emerods, and of the mice that infested the land as signifying they apology to God.  Since Bubonic plague is usually carried by fleas on rodents and small animals, this instruction would seem to indicate it is probably the disease involved, and that they had at least a rudimentary understanding of how it was spread.

People were dying and it would be pretty stupid to delay in hopes that the problem would go away and they could keep the Ark as a symbol of their domination over Israel.  Six hundred years before, Pharaoh had tried the same thing and it hadn’t worked then.  It would be foolish to repeat his mistakes.  Stubbornness would only result in more deaths.  There was no question that the plague was in some way related to the Ark.

“Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go. 

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.” (I Samuel 6:7-9) 

The priests and shamans then recommended a scientific approach to learning whether it was God or some pathogen the Ark harbored that was causing the plague.  Anyone who has worked with cattle knows that unless they have a particular destination in mind, cows amble along wandering from one clump of grass to another.  When separated from their calf, they become quite protective and will fight almost anything to get to it.

Cows that had been worked might from habit or experience work together and go to a certain destination in hopes of being released, but cows that had not would never do so.   Taking away their calves would further frustrate them.  To go against all their natural instincts and follow a road away from their calves without wandering around would clearly indicate that God had to be directing them, and they would know it was
God causing the plague.

“And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home: And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods. 

And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.” (I Samuel 6:10-12) 

The cows went straight down the road, responding to their calves cries verbally, but not turning back, and not swerving to grab a bite along the way.  The Philistine lords were convinced it was God, not just some pathogen that caused the plague after following the ark about ten miles.  It was totally abnormal behavior.

“And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. 

And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.  And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the LORD.” (I Samuel 6:13-15)

When the men of Bethshemesh saw the Ark, they were thrilled.  Some of the Levites among them unloaded the ark and box of gold pieces and placed them on the large rock.  They then killed the milk cows as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, using the cart for fuel.

“And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day. 

And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one; And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.” (I Samuel 6:16-18) 

Each of the five Philistine city-states had contributed an offering, and sent a representative to see what would happen.  When they saw the Israelites offering the cows as sacrifices, they reported back to their cities what had happened.

“And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter. 

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?  And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.” (I Samuel 6:19-21)

Not trusting the Philistines to leave everything in the Ark, or trusting god to prevent their taking something out, the people of Bethshemesh looked inside to see if everything was there.   Fifty thousand and seventy men died as a result.  Just imagine what the Philistines reaction would have been if they’d still been watching.

The men of Bethshemesh had no doubt as to why the Philistines sent the Ark back.  They contacted Kirjathjearim and asked them to come get it.

“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.” (I Samuel 7:1)