The Heart of a King: Lessons from the First King of Israel
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When God’s chosen nation came out of Egypt and were led about in the wilderness by God, He knew they would see the governments of the nations around them He knew they would want what they had, want to live as they did. This included having a human king to reign over them. Early on the people even insisted that Moses speak directly with God because they were afraid of Him (Exodus 20:18-21). It was always God’s intention that He should rule over His own people directly. In the wilderness He guided and directed them in a pillar of cloud and fire. Just as Jesus Christ is the head of the church today, so was He the head of the nation of Israel then (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) God knew that His people would reject His leadership and instead ask for a king, so He made provisions for just such a situation. Certain instructions and guidelines were laid out for how a king was to act when ruling over his own brethren. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) The king was supposed to take care of the people, not take advantage of his power. He was supposed to write his own copy of the law: Deuteronomy 17:20 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. The king was not to be above the laws of God, but was instead to be familiar with the same laws that all the people were to keep. Just because he was king didn’t mean he was more special than his brethren. He wasn’t to treat himself any different than anyone else, although God warned that this would happen contrary to what He had commanded. We can see this progression take place at the end of the time of the Judges of Israel. Samuel the Prophet and his sons, Joel and Abijah, were the last of the judges. Just as God had said, the people further rejected the direct leadership of their God, even rejecting the judges that He had placed over them to lead them. They looked at the nations around them and wanted what they had. They wanted a king to rule over them. One they could see and hear. 1 Samuel 8:1-5 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 … Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel,
“Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods— so they are doing to you also. 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”
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(10-17 - Samuel forewarned them as God had said) 18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day. The people wouldn’t listen to Samuel and insisted on having a king for themselves just like the nations. It happened just as God said it would. God chose a king for the people just as they had asked. Today we are going to read through parts of this story and look at this first king that God had chosen for His people. We are going to take a look at what was in his heart. We are going to look at his strengths and also some of his weaknesses. There was a time when his heart was in the right place, not yet “lifted above his brethren”. In the beginning he was the right man for the job in the eyes of God and in the eyes of men. But he made mistakes just as God said kings would do. Why are we looking at this man? We are looking at this story, reading what was in The Heart of this King because: We are to be kings. It is God’s intention that we reign in the Millennium alongside our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. If we are to be the kinds of rulers that God intends us to be, then we should look at the example of this man who, at one time, was chosen by God to lead His people. Let’s take a look at The Heart of a King: ————— 1. Saul Was the Right Man For the Job The people desired a king who would fight for them. Someone who they could rally behind and who they could defend their nation alongside.
1 Samuel 9:1-2 - description of Saul 1 There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 2 And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
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He was tall and handsome, and from a powerful family. He was the kind of man who could go and fight battles for the people, just like they asked for. God had given Israel the land of Canaan as an inheritance. They were to drive out the inhabitants of the land and dwell there themselves as a people, a special people of God, different than the other nations. After the death of Joshua, the tribes began to move into the land and conquer some of the nations that inhabited the land, but failed to completely drive them out. The people rejected God so He allowed them to be oppressed by these other nations and to be tempted by their pagan gods. (Judges 2:1-4) After the death of Joshua and the first generation to enter the promised land, a cycle began of disobedience, oppression, crying out to God, and deliverance by a judge. The Philistines were often one of the nations God used to punish Israel during this time. When they turned to Him, God heard the cries of His people He desired to protect them even after they had turned away from Him. He sent them a king to fight their battles for them just as they asked: 1 Samuel 9:15-17 15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” 17 So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.” All the things God does for His people, He does out of His love for them. That’s why He gives us His commandments. Sometimes that means giving them exactly what they asked for. In this case, God chose for them a king who they would choose, but also a man He would choose. God saw the potential that Saul had to be a great leader, a great king under God’s own leadership and direction. He was a man who knew he should turn to the true God rather than to foreign gods for help when he needed it.
He was definitely a man who would fight battles for the people and protect them from other nations.
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What makes us right for the job? You and I are to be kings and to reign with Christ, but we are mere physical human beings. I would even say that not one of us has had any experience being a king. What makes us right for the job? The fact that God has called us and sees our potential is what makes us right for the job. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” It is nothing that we have done, but what God is doing in us and through us that makes us right for the job. ————— 2. Saul was Humble in His Own Eyes Saul wasn’t looking for glory or position. In fact, when we are first introduced to him, Saul was looking for donkeys. His father’s donkeys had wandered off and he was sent out to look for them. He was immediately obedient and diligent in his search for his father’s property. Saul was humble enough to ask for help when he needed it. He sought help from a man of God rather than going to a foreign god. 1 Samuel 9:18-21 18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, “Please tell me, where is the seer’s house?” 19 Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart. 20 But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father’s house?”
21 And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?”
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It was obvious that Saul didn’t think too much of himself at this time. Samuel described him as “little in [his] own eyes”. Although a strong leader needs to have confidence in what he is doing, there needs to be a sense of humility. A willingness to seek counsel from others who have more knowledge and understanding. There also needs to be a respect and fear for God, and a willingness to follow His commands. In Proverbs 1:7, King Solomon wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” There was a time when Saul feared God. He allowed that good and proper fear to guide his decisions. He was a humble man, not eager for power. In fact when Samuel was announcing to the nation who was to be their king, Saul was hiding. Perhaps he wasn’t quite ready to accept his role as king, but nonetheless, God was ready for Saul to be His chosen king. Are We Humble In Our Own Eyes? Do we think that we are something when really we are nothing? Or do we think of ourselves as greater than others who haven’t yet been called by God? Isaiah 66:1-2 1 Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. We should be humbled by the opportunity to be called out by God, to be given the potential to become kings and reign in His kingdom. The glory should go to God and not to ourselves. ————— 3. Saul allowed God to Change his Heart Samuel anointed Saul with oil. This anointing meant that God was behind this choice. To prove this even further, Saul was to meet a group of prophets and was, himself, to prophesy with them.
These were unique signs from God that He had chosen this man to lead His people. (1 Samuel 10:5-7)
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Saul was to be the political leader and protector of the people, as well as a spiritual leader, not to replace the priests and prophets of God, but to be an example to God’s people of being led by God’s Spirit, to demonstrate to the people how to follow God. 1 Samuel 10:9 9 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God have him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. God gave Saul another heart. God was changing him into a man who would follow Him in his heart, and not merely on the outside. Evidence of a Heart led by God: 1 Samuel 10:27 - Most of the nation of Israel were in support of Saul, some even moved by God to follow him and fight with him (valiant men). But some despised him. “But he held his peace” - Saul didn’t react against these men. These were men of Israel who he was to lead and to protect. 1 Samuel 11:6 - Led by God’s Spirit, Saul rallied troops together to fight against the armies of the Ammonites. This was righteous anger fueled not by hatred or arrogance, but inspired by God in protection of His people. 1 Samuel 11:12-13 - The people wanted to rally behind their new king, and even put to death the rebels who spoke out against Saul. But Saul erred on the side of mercy, He let the victory God gave him show that he was the man God chose to be king. Do We Allow God to Change Our Hearts? Are we allowing God to change us so that we can become the kings that He wants us to be? Are we being led by His Spirit so we can reach our full potential? Are we willing to let God be our guide as He intended for Israel? As He has intended for His Church today? Romans 8:12-14, 17 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
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Being led by God’s Holy Spirit should produce a change in us that makes us more like God, having the potential to become children of God and heirs of His kingdom. Potential to reign as righteous kings. ————— God had made a covenant with His people. A covenant to be their God and to be with them always. But in turn they were to follow His lead and keep His commandments. The king was not above this covenant. Samuel reminded the people that it was God who had saved them from the hands of their enemies time after time. He also reminded them that they had repented of their sins and promised to serve only God. This time instead of accepting the judges that God had sent them, they demanded a king of their own. 1 Samuel 12:13-15 13 “Now therefore, here is the king whom you have chosen and whom you have desired. And take note, the Lord has set a king over you. 14 If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the LORD your God. 15 However, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers. Saul would have heard this message since Samuel was speaking to all Israel. God sent thunder and rain that day so the people would believe the words of Samuel. They repented of their sin of rejecting God and asking instead to be led by a king. Samuel reassured them, but again reminded them of the warning to fear God and follow His commandments.
1 Samuel 12:20-25 20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. 22 For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
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This was a strong reminder that it is with their whole hearts the people and the king were to serve God. Not thinking of themselves and exalting themselves above one another. But instead to be the ideal nation that God had intended them to be. They were not supposed to be like everyone else but were supposed to be an example to everyone else of how to live. They were supposed to give their neighbors a glimpse into the future kingdom of God, to be a nation at peace. A whole nation that follows God. This is also a reminder to us that, although we may make mistakes and turn away from God, we can turn back to Him and serve Him with our whole heart. ————— What Happened to Saul? We read in the book of Samuel that it wasn't long before the first king of Israel lost his ability to be patient and humble. He still fought for God's people, but he cared more about what the people thought than what God thought. He was no longer the man for the job. He was no longer little in his own eyes. And he no longer was led by God's Spirit. Saul had become just like any other king in any other nation just like the people wanted. Saul took matters into his own hands, thinking that just because he was king he could do whatever he wanted. Samuel had told him that he was to “do as the occasion demands” at one point, but that didn’t mean he was supposed to disobey God. It meant he was supposed to allow himself to be led by God’s Holy Spirit. It meant he was to obey God, to follow His commands. Saul’s downfall was his unwillingness to fully obey God rather than himself. Saul became impatient. He began making decisions without seeking God’s guidance. He offered sacrifices even though he wasn’t the priest. Saul began making foolish oaths to try and remain in control. He tried to motivate the people negatively instead of pointing them to God. At times, he appeared to still seek God and want to please Him, but this was only in word and not in action.
1 Samuel 13:13-14 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
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Saul remained loyal to God’s people, but not to God Himself. He followed God’s commands in part. Perhaps he did have good intentions, but good intentions are only meaningful if they are accompanied by right actions. 1 Samuel 15:17, 19 17 So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel? 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the Lord?” Saul claimed that he was following what God told him to do, but it was obvious that he didn’t completely follow God’s commands. Vs 22-23 22 So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.” Psalm 51:16-17 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burn offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Are We Willing to Remain Obedient to God? Are we loyal to our God and willing to follow His instructions rather than seeking our own advice? Or do we allow our own pride and stubbornness get in the way? Do we seek to please people rather than God?
There is a huge element of trust that comes with obedience.
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Proverbs 3:5-8 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. Do we trust God enough to follow His instructions? Or are we more willing to try and do things the way we think they should be done? This is what Saul ended up doing. He did as he thought should be done. He took things into his own hands instead of waiting on God to lead him. ————— We have the awesome potential to become kings in God’s coming kingdom; to reign with Jesus Christ throughout the entire length of the Millennium. Many earthly kings have come and gone. All have ultimately come short of their potential. If we want to live up to our potential, it is good for us to look at the examples we have of the kings who came before us, both good and bad, so we can learn how to be righteous kings in God’s kingdom. —— 10/29/16 - HSV 11/5/16 - G+B 8/12/17 - LL