Saul, Israel’s first king, is presented in scripture as an unhappy, even tragic, figure. His name means “asked for”, and how appropriate this was, for it was by popular demand of the people for a king to rule over them that he came eventually to occupy the throne. Although this development had been accelerated by the people’s recognition that Samuel’s sons were incapable of acting as judges in eventual succession to their father, this demand coming from them was something long anticipated by God, Deut. 17. 14. Hitherto, they had been a theocracy – now they would adopt a policy of monarchy, identifying themselves in this respect with the ungodly nations that surrounded them.
The people approached Samuel, judge over the nation, saying, ‘Make us a king …’, and caused his displeasure. There is a poignancy in God’s response to Samuel’s complaint; ‘they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them’, 1 Sam. 8. 7.
In such circumstances, Saul appeared upon the scene as, seemingly, the ideal candidate for the projected role, and suitable to meet the people’s demands. Supremely handsome, and standing taller than any of the people, he appeared as a monarch amongst men. Even his pedigree would seem to provide recommendation, for he could trace his ancestry back to Aphiah (‘Striving’), ‘a mighty man of power’, 1 Sam. 9. 1.
But what were the people choosing in Saul? Through Samuel, God gave fair warning of what lay ahead – their chosen monarch would take and take, over and again, year after year, of those possessions that they counted their own. Alas, the seer’s comments were disregarded, for in their wilful demands they could only visualize the appointment of an earthly monarch as an elevation of their international status.
They clamoured for a king they could see – an obvious leader, to rally them and to lead them in times of war and peace. In reality, Saul the people’s choice would preside over a decline in their prosperity. He would bleed them like a leach, and dominate them to suit his own fleshly desires. How different from former days, under the benign rule of a generous God, who gives and gives, over and again, year after year!
