I Samuel 9:2-10:23

Hook

This passage from I Samuel marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Jewish people: the transition from a decentralized tribal confederation to a unified monarchy. It’s a story filled with divine intervention, human humility, and the weighty responsibility of leadership. The hope here is for a strong, unified nation capable of facing its enemies. Yet, the dilemma is immediate: the very people who cry out for a king, and the chosen king himself, grapple with the implications of this new era. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply with the ongoing journey of the Jewish people, particularly in the modern State of Israel, where the aspiration for security and self-determination is intertwined with profound questions of identity, governance, and relationship with the Divine.

Text Snapshot

“Now there was a man in Benjamin, whose name was Kish… And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a handsome 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)

“And the LORD had revealed to Samuel, ‘Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel; and he shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come up to me.’” (I Samuel 9:16)

“And when Saul was taken up, 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, ‘Long live the king!’” (I Samuel 10:24)

Context

Date

This narrative unfolds in the period of the Judges, roughly around the 11th century BCE, a time when Israel was a confederation of tribes facing external threats, particularly from the Philistines.

Actor

The central figures are Saul, a humble and physically imposing Benjaminite, and the prophet Samuel, the last of the Judges, who acts as God’s intermediary in establishing the monarchy. The Israelite people are also key actors, demanding a king.

Aim

The primary aim of this biblical account is to illustrate the divine selection of Saul as Israel’s first king. It highlights God’s direct involvement in the political destiny of His people, while also introducing the complexities and challenges inherent in the establishment of a human monarchy, a desire that God, through Samuel, reluctantly grants.

Two Readings

This foundational story of Israelite nationhood can be understood through at least two distinct, though not mutually exclusive, lenses:

Reading 1: The Covenantal Mandate and Divine Providence

This reading emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The establishment of the monarchy is not merely a political pragmatism, but a divinely orchestrated response to the people's needs and their cry for deliverance. God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, hears their pleas and foresees the necessity of a unified leadership to protect them from their oppressors, the Philistines.

• Divine Revelation: The narrative is saturated with divine communication. God directly reveals to Samuel that Saul is the chosen one. This isn't a matter of political maneuvering or popular acclaim initially, but a direct divine appointment. This highlights the idea that leadership in Israel, even a human monarchy, is ultimately under God’s purview. The “spirit of God gripped him” (I Samuel 10:10) signifies a supernatural empowerment for the task.
• Salvation and Deliverance: The explicit mention of delivering Israel from the Philistines underscores the functional purpose of the monarchy within the covenant. It's about ensuring the survival and well-being of God’s people. This resonates with the concept of God acting as the ultimate redeemer of Israel throughout its history.
• The People's Cry: The people’s demand for a king is framed by Samuel as a rejection of God as their king (I Samuel 12:12). This introduces a tension: while God grants their wish, it’s framed as a concession, a sign that they are turning away from a more direct, spiritual form of governance for a human one. This underscores the responsibility inherent in any form of leadership, and particularly in a covenantal people, to remain aligned with divine will.
• Saul's Character: Saul is presented as physically imposing – “from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people” – and morally upright – “a handsome young man, and a goodly.” The commentators like Malbim and Metzudat David highlight his inner goodness and lack of susceptibility to youthful temptations, suggesting he possesses the qualities deemed necessary by God for leadership, even if he himself feels inadequate. This reading focuses on the inherent qualities divinely endowed and the spiritual dimension of leadership.

Reading 2: The Formation of Peoplehood and the Burden of Responsibility

This reading focuses on the formation of Israelite peoplehood and the emerging concept of civic responsibility within a nation. The narrative explores the human experience of leadership, the anxieties of the governed, and the challenges of transitioning from one form of governance to another.

• The Search for Lost Donkeys: The story begins with a mundane quest – lost donkeys. This relatable human problem serves as the catalyst for a profound national transformation. It illustrates how seemingly small, personal events can be interwoven with destiny. The humility of Saul, seeking lost property, contrasts sharply with the grand destiny awaiting him.
• The Role of the "Seer": The figure of the "seer" (later prophet) is crucial. He is the intermediary who bridges the gap between the divine and the human, providing guidance and legitimacy. The servant’s suggestion to seek out the seer for their lost donkeys, and the offering of a small silver coin, highlights a nascent understanding of seeking divine counsel for practical matters. This reflects an early form of seeking guidance for collective well-being.
• The People's Agency (and its Limits): While God chooses Saul, the people are integral to the process. They cry out for a king, and they ultimately acclaim him. This introduces a dynamic of popular will, even within a divinely ordained system. Samuel’s pronouncement, “See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen… And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’” (I Samuel 10:24), signifies the consent of the governed, a crucial element of any functioning polity.
• Internal Dissent and Shared Destiny: The presence of "scoundrels" who scorn Saul and bring him no gift (I Samuel 10:27) reveals the inherent challenges of leadership and nation-building. Not everyone is immediately supportive. This highlights the ongoing need for unity and the active participation of all segments of the population in forging a shared destiny. Saul’s response – “he pretended not to mind” – suggests a nascent understanding of political resilience and the need to lead even when faced with opposition. The proverb, "Is Saul too among the prophets?" (I Samuel 10:11-12), reflects a societal questioning and the establishment of new norms and expectations for leadership. This reading emphasizes the human element, the social contract, and the collective effort required to build and sustain a nation.

Civic Move

The "Shared Scrolls" Initiative

Recognizing the profound tension between divine mandate and human responsibility, and the inherent human struggles with leadership and belonging, we propose the "Shared Scrolls" Initiative. This initiative aims to foster deeper understanding and dialogue around the foundational narratives of our peoplehood and nationhood, drawing inspiration from the very texts that shape our identity.

Action: Establish a series of community-based learning circles, both in Israel and in diaspora communities, dedicated to exploring key biblical and historical texts that speak to the challenges and aspirations of Jewish self-governance and collective responsibility.

• How it Works:

  • Each circle, facilitated by educators and community leaders, will meet regularly to engage with foundational texts such as I Samuel (focusing on the establishment of the monarchy), Deuteronomy (laws of kingship), and also modern texts that grapple with the principles of citizenship, pluralism, and security in Israel today.
  • Participants will be encouraged to explore diverse interpretations, drawing from classical commentators (like those whose insights are provided here) and contemporary thinkers. The aim is not to arrive at a single, monolithic truth, but to cultivate a richer, more nuanced understanding of our shared heritage and its implications for our present and future.
  • A key component will be the inclusion of texts that highlight both the ideals and the struggles of leadership, the importance of ethical governance, and the imperative of mutual responsibility among all members of the community. This will include examining moments of unity and dissent within these historical narratives, mirroring the complexities of contemporary society.
  • The circles will be designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, political perspectives, and levels of religious observance. The emphasis will be on respectful dialogue and the creation of a safe space for exploring challenging questions about our collective identity and future.
  • We will develop a digital platform where participants can share their insights, resources, and reflections, creating a broader conversation that extends beyond the local circles. This platform could also feature expert interviews, curated readings, and opportunities for cross-communal dialogue.

• Why this Move?

  • Addresses the "Hook": This initiative directly confronts the hope for a strong and secure Jewish future by grounding it in a deep understanding of the historical journey that led us here. It acknowledges the inherent dilemmas of self-governance and leadership by learning from the past.
  • Centers Peoplehood and Responsibility: By focusing on texts that define our collective identity and the responsibilities that come with it, the initiative actively promotes a sense of shared peoplehood. It encourages participants to consider their own roles and responsibilities in contributing to the well-being of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
  • Builds Bridges: In a time when divisions can seem deep, the "Shared Scrolls" initiative offers a common ground for learning and dialogue. It fosters empathy and understanding by encouraging participants to engage with different perspectives on our shared destiny.
  • Promotes Informed Citizenship: By delving into the historical and ethical underpinnings of governance and leadership, this initiative equips individuals with a deeper framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the State of Israel today. It encourages thoughtful engagement with the principles of democracy, pluralism, and justice.
  • Hopeful and Future-Minded: This initiative is an investment in the future. By fostering a more informed, engaged, and connected Jewish community, it strengthens the foundations upon which we can build a more resilient and just future for all. It embodies the hopeful belief that by understanding our past, we can better navigate the challenges of the present and shape a brighter tomorrow.

Takeaway

The story of Saul’s anointing in I Samuel is far more than a historical anecdote; it is a profound exploration of leadership, divine will, and the intricate tapestry of peoplehood. It teaches us that even when a leader is divinely chosen, their journey is fraught with human anxieties, doubts, and the ever-present challenge of earning the trust and commitment of the people they are meant to lead. As we look to the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, this narrative reminds us that true strength lies not only in inspired leadership but in the collective responsibility of a people to engage with their destiny, to learn from their history, and to actively participate in the ongoing covenant of shared responsibility. The hope for security and flourishing is inextricably linked to our commitment to understanding ourselves, each other, and the enduring principles that have guided us through millennia.