As Saul set out on the road to kingship there were to be seen in him some encouraging signs of attitude and character that held hope for the future. For example, when introduced to us as he sought the missing donkeys of Kish, his father, 1 Sam. 9. 3, he showed great perseverance in his quest, and travelled a considerable distance over a three-day period, 1 Sam. 9. 4-5. In his dilemma on that occasion, he turned for help to Samuel (‘a man of God … an honourable man’) thus seeking, indirectly, the help and guidance of God through His appointed servant, 1 Sam. 9. 6. Then there was the lowliness of mind so evident in his response when told of his future elevation to kingship, and his modesty at the time of his proclamation as king, 1 Sam. 10. 20-23. His humility was such that when already appointed to become king of Israel, he spoke not to his uncle concerning ‘the matter of the kingdom’, 1 Sam. 10. 16. His self-control was evident in refusing to react to insult and affront by certain ‘children of Belial’, 1 Sam. 10. 27. In an early conflict against the Ammonites, Saul showed undeniable bravery in leading his people to victory at Jabesh-Gilead, 1 Sam. 11. 11. To begin with he looked to Samuel for guidance, and obeyed his instructions to the letter in a spirit of dependence, 1 Sam. 10. 1-9.
What encouraging signs for the future we see here: a man who was persevering, looking to God for guidance, lowly of mind, modest and self-effacing, showing humility, self-controlled, brave, dependent, obedient. Such a catalogue of virtues would mark out the man as someone of exceptional calibre, with promise of great things to come as king over Israel. Alas, Saul flattered to deceive, for his character was flawed. Subsequent events would reveal that the king of the people’s choice was essentially a fleshly man, and the flesh always flatters to deceive.
So it is with us, for the flesh may promise much to begin with, but passage of time will reveal it in its true light. Whatever its apparent virtues, let us disclaim it – let us ‘have no confidence in the flesh’.
