I Samuel 9:2-10:23

Hook

Let's talk about that ancient, dusty feeling you get when you hear about biblical stories. You know, the one that whispers, "I tried this, and it was all rules and confusing genealogies, and frankly, I just didn't get it." Maybe you remember wading through lists of names that sounded like tongue twisters, or perhaps you encountered pronouncements that felt utterly disconnected from your life. The story of Saul's anointing, for instance, can often feel like a historical artifact, interesting perhaps, but not exactly relevant.

But what if I told you that this ancient text, specifically the narrative of Saul's reluctant rise to kingship, is actually a masterclass in navigating the messy, unexpected turns of adult life? What if the "rules" you remember were just the tip of a much richer, more nuanced iceberg? You weren't wrong to find it challenging, but let's try again, with a fresh lens. We're going to explore how this story, far from being a dry history lesson, offers profound insights into leadership, identity, and the surprising ways purpose finds us, even when we're just looking for lost donkeys.

Context

The story of Saul’s rise to kingship in I Samuel 9-10 is often misunderstood because we approach it with a set of preconceived notions about how things should happen, especially in religious or leadership contexts. Let's demystify one of the biggest "rule-heavy" misconceptions: that divine selection is always a grand, obvious, and universally recognized event, and that the chosen one is instantly ready and willing.

Misconception 1: The "Obvious Chosen One" Paradigm

• The "Rule": When God chooses someone for a significant role, it's supposed to be a clear, unmistakable sign, and the person chosen will immediately step into their destiny with confidence and clarity. Think of a spotlight, a booming voice from the heavens, and a heroic pose.
• The Reality in the Text: This passage paints a far more human and relatable picture. Saul isn't seeking kingship; he's looking for lost donkeys. The divine intervention is subtle, happening through indirect means (a wise servant, a prophetic encounter) and accompanied by profound internal shifts rather than external fanfare. God's choice of Saul is revealed to Samuel before Saul even arrives, but for Saul himself, the revelation is gradual and marked by moments of profound doubt and confusion. His initial reaction to Samuel's words about kingship is not excitement, but disbelief and a feeling of inadequacy.
• Why This Matters for Us: We often expect our own "calls to action" or moments of purpose to be similarly dramatic. When life presents us with opportunities or challenges that don't come with a celestial announcement, we can feel lost or question if we're on the right path. This story reminds us that purpose can emerge from the mundane, and that internal transformation, often accompanied by self-doubt, is a crucial part of the process.

Misconception 2: The "Instant Readiness" Myth

• The "Rule": Once someone is designated for a great task, they are immediately equipped with the necessary skills, confidence, and understanding to fulfill it. They're like a fully downloaded app, ready to run.
• The Reality in the Text: Saul's anointing is followed by a series of signs that are meant to prepare him, not instantly transform him into a seasoned leader. The "spirit of God will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy; you will become a different person" is a profound internal shift, but it’s not the end of the journey. He is explicitly told to "act when the occasion arises" and to "wait seven days until I come to you and instruct you what you are to do next." Even after this, when he's presented to the people, some "scoundrels said, 'How can this fellow save us?' So they scorned him and brought him no gift." This indicates that his new status isn't immediately accepted or validated by everyone, and he still has to navigate skepticism.
• Why This Matters for Us: In our professional and personal lives, we often feel pressured to be "ready" for every new responsibility or challenge. This story highlights that growth is a process. True readiness isn't about instant perfection, but about having the humility to learn, the courage to act when prompted, and the resilience to face doubt and criticism. The internal transformation is the beginning of the equipping process, not the final product.

Misconception 3: The "Perfect Leader" Archetype

• The "Rule": The chosen leader will be flawless, embodying all the ideal qualities from the outset. They will be charismatic, wise, and universally admired.
• The Reality in the Text: Saul is described as "an excellent young man; no one among the Israelites was handsomer than he; he was a head taller than any of the people." These are impressive physical attributes, but the text immediately pivots to his character: "a distinguished and fine person in appearance, and there was no man among the children of Israel who was better than he; from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people." This points to a good, upstanding individual before his anointing. However, his subsequent reaction to being chosen is one of profound humility bordering on self-deprecation ("But I am only a Benjaminite... my clan is the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin!"). Later, he "pretended not to mind" the scorn of those who doubted him. These are not the reactions of a naturally confident, self-assured leader. They are the reactions of a human being thrust into an extraordinary situation, grappling with his own limitations and the expectations of others.
• Why This Matters for Us: We often hold leaders, and ourselves, to impossibly high standards. This narrative shows that a leader doesn't have to be perfect, or even fully confident, to be chosen or to lead. True leadership often involves acknowledging one's own imperfections and working through them, rather than pretending they don't exist. It’s about how one responds to the call, even with reservations, and how one navigates the inevitable challenges and criticisms.

Text Snapshot

"Once the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish went astray, and Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take along one of the servants and go out and look for the donkeys.' [...] When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, 'Let us turn back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and begin to worry about us.' But he replied, 'There is an agent of God in that town, and the man is highly esteemed; everything that he says comes true. Let us go there; perhaps he will tell us about the errand on which we set out.'"

"Now the day before Saul came, GOD had revealed the following to Samuel: 'At this time tomorrow, I will send a man to you from the territory of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him ruler of My people Israel. He will deliver My people from the hands of the Philistines; for I have taken note of My people, their outcry has come to Me.' As soon as Samuel saw Saul, GOD declared to him, 'This is the man that I told you would govern My people.'"

"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.'"

"And when he took his place among the people, he stood a head taller than all the people. And 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!'"

New Angle

This ancient story of Saul, the accidental king, is less about divine destiny and more about the profound, often messy, intersection of personal growth and unexpected responsibility. It’s a narrative that speaks volumes to the adult experience, particularly when we feel like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water, juggling work, family, and the persistent hum of existential questions. The tale of Saul’s anointing isn't a fairy tale where a prince is instantly recognized; it's a grounded exploration of how purpose often finds us, rather than the other way around, and how we, like Saul, can learn to navigate this calling, even when we feel utterly unqualified.

Insight 1: The "Lost Donkey" Phenomenon of Purpose

Think about Saul’s initial quest. He’s not on a grand mission to save his people. He’s not even particularly looking for spiritual enlightenment. He’s looking for his dad’s lost donkeys. This is a deeply relatable starting point for many of us. How often does a significant life change, a new career path, a deeper relationship, or even a moment of profound personal insight, begin with something as mundane as a missing item, a bureaucratic hiccup, or a routine task that suddenly takes an unexpected turn?

The text highlights this beautifully: "Once the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish went astray, and Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take along one of the servants and go out and look for the donkeys.'" This isn't a grand pronouncement; it's a domestic chore. Saul’s journey is dictated by a practical problem, not a spiritual yearning. He searches through multiple districts, a testament to the often frustrating and circuitous nature of even simple tasks. It’s only when they are about to give up, when Saul’s pragmatic concern for his father’s worry surfaces ("Let us turn back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and begin to worry about us"), that the narrative shifts.

His servant, the often-overlooked wise counselor in our lives, introduces the idea of the "agent of God" – a seer. This isn't a direct divine intervention for Saul, but a suggestion from someone who knows the system, who understands where to seek guidance when practical solutions fail. The servant’s motivation is also pragmatic: "perhaps he will tell us about the errand on which we set out." They aren't seeking divine prophecy; they're hoping for a practical solution to their donkey problem.

This "lost donkey" phenomenon is critical for us because it reframes our understanding of purpose. We often wait for a lightning bolt, a sign from the universe, a profound revelation that clearly articulates our life's mission. But this story suggests that purpose can bloom from the soil of our everyday lives, from the problems we need to solve, the responsibilities we have, and the detours we take.

Consider the professional world. Many successful entrepreneurs didn't wake up one day with a fully formed business plan for a revolutionary product. They often started by identifying a gap, solving a persistent problem for themselves or others, and then that initial solution grew into something much larger. A software developer might start by automating a tedious internal process, which then becomes the core of a new product. A teacher might develop a new pedagogical approach because a particular student struggles, and that approach ends up benefiting an entire class, or even a school district.

In family life, a parent might initially be focused on the immediate needs of a child – ensuring they’re fed, clothed, and safe (the "lost donkeys"). But through that process, they discover a deeper capacity for patience, empathy, and resilience, which then informs how they navigate other relationships, their work, and their own personal growth. The "errand" of raising a child, which starts with basic needs, can lead to profound self-discovery and a redefined sense of purpose.

This "lost donkey" principle is also deeply empathetic. It acknowledges that we don't always start from a place of lofty ambition or spiritual clarity. We start from where we are, with the problems and tasks that are immediately in front of us. The divine, or the universe, or simply opportunity, works through these mundane beginnings. The key is to remain open, to be willing to follow the suggestion of a wise servant (a colleague, a mentor, a friend, or even an intuitive nudge), and to understand that the journey itself, the search, is where the revelation begins. Saul’s search for donkeys becomes the vehicle for his anointing. Our own searches, our own practical problems, can be the very pathways to our own unfolding destinies.

Insight 2: The Agony and Ecstasy of Becoming "Someone Else"

Saul’s transformation from a concerned son looking for livestock to a divinely anointed ruler is not a smooth, predictable arc. It’s marked by confusion, self-doubt, and a profound internal shift that is both unsettling and ultimately empowering. The narrative doesn't just tell us he was anointed; it shows us the process of becoming.

When Samuel anoints Saul, he declares, "GOD herewith anoints you ruler over this people—God’s own." This is a momentous declaration. But immediately after, Samuel outlines a series of signs – meeting specific people, encountering pilgrims, witnessing prophets. These aren't just confirmation; they are instructions for how Saul will begin to integrate this new identity. The most striking of these is the prophecy: "The spirit of GOD will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy along with them; you will become a different person."

This "becoming a different person" is the crux of the adult experience of growth. We are not static beings. Life throws us challenges, opportunities, and revelations that demand we adapt, evolve, and sometimes, quite literally, become someone new. This can be terrifying. Imagine being Saul. You’re a respectable young man, perhaps known for your quiet competence and good looks. Suddenly, you’re being told you’re destined to rule a nation. Your immediate reaction is incredulity: "But I am only a Benjaminite... my clan is the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin!" This is the voice of the old self, clinging to familiarity and fearing the unknown.

The ecstatic prophecy is particularly fascinating. It’s not a calm, reasoned acceptance of leadership. It’s an overwhelming, almost involuntary, outpouring of the spirit. This speaks to the fact that significant growth or change often feels beyond our direct control. It grips us. It can manifest in ways that are surprising, even to ourselves and those who know us. When Saul is seen speaking in ecstasy with the prophets, the reaction is shock: "What's happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul too among the prophets?" They don't recognize this transformed version of him. This is a common experience in adult life. When we undergo significant personal or professional development, our established relationships can sometimes feel the strain. Those who knew us "before" might struggle to reconcile the old image with the new reality.

The text further emphasizes this by stating, "God gave him another heart." This isn't a superficial change; it's a fundamental reorientation. This metaphor of "another heart" speaks to the deep, internal recalibration that occurs when we embrace new responsibilities or step into a fuller version of ourselves. It’s about a shift in perspective, in motivation, in capacity.

For adults, this insight is crucial. We often face moments where our existing skills or ways of thinking are no longer sufficient for the challenges before us. This might be a promotion that requires leadership skills we haven't fully developed, a family crisis that demands a level of emotional maturity we're just beginning to cultivate, or a personal quest for meaning that requires us to shed old beliefs. The "ecstasy" isn't necessarily literal divine possession; it can be the overwhelming feeling of stepping into a new role, the exhilaration and terror of pushing beyond our comfort zone. The "different person" is the evolved self, capable of handling the new demands.

Saul’s journey is a reminder that this transformation is a process, not an event. Even after the anointing and the prophecy, he still has to deal with skepticism from his own people. He "pretended not to mind" when people scorned him. This isn't about ignoring criticism, but about developing the inner fortitude to persevere despite it. It’s about recognizing that the "new heart" God has given him allows him to respond differently to external validation or criticism. He can focus on the task at hand, on the calling, rather than solely on the opinions of others.

This is incredibly relevant to our careers and personal lives. When we take on a new role, we aren't expected to be instantly perfect. We are expected to show up, to be open to the "spirit of God" (or inspiration, or opportunity) that grips us, to allow ourselves to be changed, and to learn to navigate the inevitable resistance, both internal and external. The "act when the occasion arises" instruction is key. It's not about having a perfect plan, but about being present and responsive when the moment calls for it. The story of Saul, the reluctant king found searching for donkeys, is a powerful testament to the idea that our greatest transformations often begin when we feel most out of our depth, and that the journey of becoming "someone else" is where true purpose is forged.

Low-Lift Ritual

This week, let's embrace the "lost donkey" principle of purpose and the "becoming a different person" process. We often feel we need grand gestures or perfect conditions to make a meaningful shift in our lives. But the story of Saul shows us that purpose can begin in the mundane, and transformation is a gradual unfolding, not an instant download.

The "Unexpected Detour" Observation Practice

The Goal: To become more attuned to how purpose and personal growth can emerge from everyday, even inconvenient, circumstances, and to practice responding with openness rather than resistance.

The Practice (≤ 2 minutes daily):

1. Identify a "Lost Donkey" Moment: At some point during your day, notice a situation that feels like a minor detour or an unexpected inconvenience. This could be:

   • A meeting that runs over, making you late for something else.
   • A computer glitch that interrupts your workflow.
   • A sudden request from a family member that derails your plans.
   • A wrong turn on your commute.
   • Misplacing an important item.
   • A conversation that takes an unexpected turn.

2. Pause and Acknowledge: Before you react with frustration or resignation, take a deep breath. Silently acknowledge the situation. You can even think, "Ah, a lost donkey moment."

3. Ask the "What If?" Question (Gently): Instead of dwelling on the inconvenience, ask yourself, not to solve it immediately, but just to observe:

   • "What might this detour be teaching me?"
   • "Is there a small, unexpected insight or opportunity here?"
   • "How might I respond to this differently than I usually do?"

   You don't need to find the answer or act on it in this moment. The goal is simply to shift your perspective from "this is an obstacle" to "this is a potential pathway."

4. Observe Your Internal Shift: Notice any subtle shift in your internal state. Do you feel a flicker of curiosity instead of annoyance? A moment of stillness instead of agitation?

Example: You're rushing to get ready for work and can't find your keys. Instead of panicking, you pause, take a breath, and think, "Okay, lost donkey moment. What if this delay allows me to notice something I usually rush past?" You might then notice the way the light is hitting your desk, or remember a thought you had earlier that you can now jot down, or simply experience a moment of calm before the rush.

Why it’s Low-Lift:

• Time: It takes less than two minutes.
• Effort: It requires only a slight shift in your internal focus and a single question.
• No "Failure" Mode: There's no right or wrong way to do this. The practice is in the attempt to observe and reframe.
• Cumulative Effect: Over the week, this practice can subtly rewire your brain to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as potential invitations to growth and discovery, much like Saul’s search for donkeys led him to his destiny.

This ritual is about cultivating the habit of looking for the hidden gifts in inconvenience, recognizing that the path to becoming "a different person" is often paved with these unexpected detours.

Chevruta Mini

Let's engage in a mini-study session, like a traditional Chevruta partnership, to deepen our understanding.

Question 1: The Reluctant Leader's Voice

Saul’s immediate reaction to Samuel’s words about kingship is one of profound self-doubt and humility: "But I am only a Benjaminite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my clan is the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin! Why do you say such things to me?"

Consider: How does this expressed feeling of inadequacy, this voice of the "smallest tribe," resonate with moments in your own adult life where you felt unqualified or overlooked for an opportunity or responsibility? What does it suggest about the nature of divine calling or significant life transitions that they often begin with a sense of not being enough, rather than an overwhelming sense of preparedness?

Question 2: The "Other Heart" and Our Own Transformations

The text states, "As [Saul] turned around to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart; and all those signs were fulfilled that same day." Later, when he's seen speaking in ecstasy with prophets, people exclaim, "What’s happened to the son of Kish?"

Consider: Think about a time you felt a significant internal shift – perhaps a change in perspective, a new passion, or a deeper capacity for empathy – that made you feel like a "different person" to yourself or others. How did this transformation manifest? Was it a sudden event, or more of a gradual unfolding? What does the idea of God giving "another heart" signify to you in terms of intentional personal growth versus unexpected life changes?

Takeaway

You weren't wrong to find the ancient texts challenging. The story of Saul's anointing, far from being a dusty relic, is a vibrant testament to the adult journey. It reveals that purpose often emerges from the most unexpected, even mundane, beginnings – like looking for lost donkeys. It teaches us that true growth isn't about instant perfection, but about the courageous, and sometimes uncomfortable, process of "becoming a different person," marked by internal shifts and the willingness to act when the occasion arises, even amidst doubt and external skepticism. This week, try to notice your own "lost donkey" moments and approach them with curiosity, recognizing that the path to a fuller self is often paved with these very detours.