I Samuel 10:24-12:21

Shalom and welcome! Ever feel like you're just going through the motions, and wonder what it's all about? Or maybe you've heard about ancient stories and wondered if they have anything to say to us today? Well, you've landed in the right spot! Today, we're going to peek into a really significant moment in Jewish history, where people are making a big change and a new leader steps onto the scene. It's a story about leadership, community, and how we connect with something bigger than ourselves. We'll explore how this ancient narrative can offer us some fresh perspectives on finding our own way in the world, even when things feel a little uncertain.

Context

Who, When, and Where?

This story comes from the Tanakh, which is the collection of sacred texts in Judaism. Specifically, it's from the book of I Samuel. This part of the Tanakh tells the story of the transition from a time when Israel was led by judges and prophets to a time when they had kings. This was a pretty big deal! It happened a long, long time ago, somewhere around the 11th century BCE, in the land of Israel. Think of it as the very early days of the Israelite monarchy.

One Key Term: Anointing

One of the central actions in this passage is "anointing." When Samuel anoints Saul, he pours oil on his head. This isn't just a fancy ceremony; it's a symbolic act. It means that Saul is being chosen and set apart for a special task – in this case, to be a leader, a king, for the people of Israel. It's like a public declaration of his role, blessed by God and acknowledged by the prophet.

The Setting

We're introduced to Saul, who is initially just a regular guy. He's actually out looking for his father's lost donkeys when things take a turn! The story unfolds in various locations in the ancient land of Israel, including near Rachel's tomb, the territory of Benjamin, and eventually on a "Hill of God," which is also called Gibeah. These places are significant in Israelite history.

A New Kind of Leadership

Before this, Israel was often led by charismatic figures called judges, and by prophets who spoke for God. The people decided they wanted a king, someone who would rule over them like the other nations. This passage marks the beginning of that change, with the selection and anointing of Saul as the first king. It’s a moment of huge transition for the community.

Text Snapshot

Here's a little taste of what happens:

Samuel took a flask of oil and poured some on Saul’s head and kissed him, and said, “God herewith anoints you ruler over this people—God’s own. ... When you leave me today, you will meet two men near the tomb of Rachel in the territory of Benjamin, at Zelzah, and they will tell you that the donkeys you set out to look for have been found, and that your father has stopped being concerned about the donkeys and is worrying about you, saying: ‘What shall I do about my son?’ ... You shall pass on from there until you come to the terebinth of Tabor. There you will be met by three men making a pilgrimage to God at Bethel. One will be carrying three kids, another will be carrying three loaves of bread, and the third will be carrying a jar of wine. They will greet you and offer you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept. After that, you are to go on to the Hill of God, where the Philistine prefects reside. There, as you enter the town, you will encounter a band of prophets coming down from the shrine, preceded by lyres, hand-drums, flutes, and harps, and they will be speaking in ecstasy. The spirit of God will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy along with them; you will become a different person. And once these signs have happened to you, act when the occasion arises, for God is with you.

And later, when Saul is presented to the people:

Samuel said to the people, “Do you see the one whom God has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people acclaimed him, shouting, “Long live the king!” Samuel expounded to the people the rules of the monarchy, and recorded them in a document that he deposited before God. Samuel then sent the people back to their homes. Saul also went home to Gibeah, accompanied by upstanding men whose hearts God had touched. But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” So they scorned him and brought him no gift. But he pretended not to mind.

Later still, after a crisis is averted:

Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there inaugurate the monarchy.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there at Gilgal they declared Saul king before God. They offered sacrifices of well-being there before God; and Saul and everyone connected with Israel held a great celebration there. Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have yielded to you in all you have asked of me and have set a king over you. Henceforth the king will be your leader. As for me, I have grown old and gray—but my sons are still with you—and I have been your leader from my youth to this day. Here I am! Testify against me, in the presence of God and in the presence of this anointed one: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded or whom have I robbed? From whom have I taken a bribe to look the other way? I will return it to you.” They responded, “You have not defrauded us, and you have not robbed us, and you have taken nothing from anyone.”

And finally, Samuel’s powerful message:

Samuel said to the people, “God [is witness]—who appointed Moses and Aaron and who brought your ancestors out of the land of Egypt. ... But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was advancing against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king reigning over us’—though the Eternal your God is your King. Well, God has set a king over you! Here is the king that you have chosen, that you have asked for. If you will revere, worship, and obey God—and not flout God’s command—if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Eternal your God, [well and good]. But if you do not obey God—and you flout God’s command—God’s hand will strike you as it did your ancestors. Now stand by and see the marvelous thing that God will do before your eyes. It is the season of the wheat harvest. I will pray to God—who will send thunder and rain; then you will take thought and realize what a wicked thing you did in God’s sight when you asked for a king.” Samuel prayed to God, and God sent thunder and rain that day, and the people stood in awe of God and of Samuel.

Close Reading

This is a packed passage, and even for beginners, we can pull out some amazing insights that are relevant to us today. Let's break down a few things that jump out.

### The Unexpected Leader and the "Different Person"

One of the most striking parts of this story is how Saul's transformation happens. He's looking for donkeys, a very down-to-earth problem, and suddenly he's being anointed king. Then, when he encounters a group of prophets, something shifts. The text says, "The spirit of God will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy along with them; you will become a different person." It’s not just about being crowned; it’s about an internal change.

From the commentaries, we see that Saul's physical presence was also considered important for leadership: Radak notes that Saul was "a man of stature and handsome appearance, fitting for kingship, and the people would fear him more." The idea of becoming a "different person" isn't about losing yourself, but about stepping into a new role with a new sense of purpose and capability. It’s like when you take on a new responsibility, and you find strengths you didn't know you had. The ancient commentators, like Metzudat David, explain that seeing Saul, "who is like no other," was a sign of his fitness for leadership. This suggests that leadership can manifest in many ways, and sometimes it’s about a visible presence, and sometimes it’s about an inner transformation.

### The People's Choice and Their Doubts

The passage shows the people actively choosing a king. They gather, lots are cast, and Saul is chosen. But even after he's anointed and presented, not everyone is on board. The text mentions, "But some scoundrels said, 'How can this fellow save us?' So they scorned him and brought him no gift." This is a really human moment. Even when something significant happens, there are always those who are skeptical, who doubt the new direction, or who don't see the value in what's happening.

Samuel, the prophet, plays a crucial role here. He doesn't just crown Saul and walk away. He lays out the "rules of the monarchy" and later, in a powerful speech, reminds the people of God's faithfulness and their own history. He's essentially saying, "You asked for this, now understand what it means." He’s not just telling them what to do, but reminding them of their covenant, their agreement with God. The commentary from Steinsaltz highlights the people cheering, "Long live the king," showing their initial joy. But the "scoundrels" represent a different perspective, a reminder that change isn't always met with universal celebration. This is a timeless dynamic: leadership is often tested, and community decisions can bring both unity and division.

### The Importance of Remembering and Repentance

One of the most profound parts of this text is Samuel's sermon at the end. He reminds the people of all the times God has delivered them, from Egypt, from various oppressors. Then, he addresses their decision to ask for a king, even though God was their king. He warns them that if they don't follow God, both they and their king will face consequences.

The most dramatic moment is when Samuel prays, and God sends thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, a time when it normally wouldn't rain. This is a sign, a wake-up call. The people realize their mistake and cry out, "We have added to all our sins the wickedness of asking for a king." Samuel's response is incredibly compassionate: "Have no fear... Do not, however, turn away from God, but serve God with all your heart."

This teaches us about the cycle of human behavior. We make choices, sometimes mistakes, and then we have the opportunity to acknowledge them, learn from them, and recommit. The commentators point to the idea of "repentance," of turning back. Samuel isn't just scolding them; he's offering a path forward. He emphasizes serving God "with all your heart" and not turning to "worthless things" that can't help them. This is a powerful message about the importance of remembering our past, acknowledging our present, and choosing a path guided by faithfulness. It’s a reminder that even after making a significant change, like choosing a king, the relationship with the divine remains central.

Apply It

This week, let's focus on that idea of "becoming a different person" and acting when the occasion arises.

My "Different Person" Moment

For just 60 seconds each day, take a moment to think about a small, positive change you'd like to make. It could be something like being a little more patient, offering a compliment, or taking a deep breath before reacting. Imagine yourself embodying that quality. Then, look for one tiny opportunity during your day to practice it. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture; it could be as simple as smiling at someone, holding a door, or sending a quick, kind text. The goal is to consciously step into that "different person" for that brief moment. It's about building that muscle of positive action, one tiny step at a time.

Chevruta Mini

Let's imagine you're discussing this passage with a friend. Here are a couple of questions to get you thinking:

Q1: The Donkey Searcher and the King

Saul was found hiding among the baggage after being chosen as king. Why do you think he was hiding? And what does this tell us about how people might feel when they're suddenly thrust into a new, important role, even if they're chosen?

Q2: The "Scoundrels" and the Signs

When Saul is first presented, some people scorn him. Later, after he leads a great victory, they want to punish those who doubted him. How do you think people's opinions of leaders can change so dramatically, and what role do events like the Ammonite crisis play in shaping those opinions?

Takeaway

Remember this: Even when we feel like we're just looking for lost donkeys, we can be chosen for something greater, and sometimes, becoming a different person happens in unexpected ways.