Title: Leader Saul (1 Samuel 11:1-15)
Contents Saul became king, but the kingship has not yet been established. Because there were some people who did not want to recognize Saul as king. However, in today's text, Saul became a decisive opportunity to establish the kingship by leading the war to victory through his outstanding leadership.
King Nahash of Ammon invaded Jabez Gilead in the land of Israel, and Saul led an allied Israeli army of 330,000 people and went out. The battle ended with the destruction of the Ammon army.
With this victory, Saul gained the trust of the people of Israel and was crowned king in name and reality.
1. Invasion of Jabez Gilead of Ammon (1-5)
(1 Samuel 11:1) When Nahash the Ammonite came up and camped against Jabesh Gilead, all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you. They were a blood-related tribe (Genesis 19:18). Thus, until Israel conquered Canaan, they were friendly enemies (Numbers 21:24), but from the time of the Judges, frequent territorial disputes resulted in an uncomfortable relationship (Judges 3:13). By the time Saul was recognized as king, Israel was almost defenseless, and in this state was invaded by Nahash the king of Ammon. For Saul, who had been silent and patient for a long time without receiving absolute recognition even after becoming king, this invasion was an opportunity to establish the kingship. And it became a test bed to evaluate the qualifications of Saul, who was called to be the leader of Israel.
However, even though Israel, God's chosen people, is under God's protection, it is revealed that they will surrender to them and make a covenant with them when they are attacked by the Ammonites, descendants of Ruth.
1) God's people are more despised when their spiritual strength is weakened.
When God's people face difficulties, it is wrong to have an attitude of panicking and arguing with the world because of lack of confidence as God's people. When the Israelites said that they would forsake God and serve the Ammonites, in verse 2, the Ammonites became more arrogant and said that they would take off their right eye and make them slaves in ignoring the Israelites. This is an insult to Israel, who has become a coward, and to make someone wholly useless. Those who have departed from God will be miserable like this.
2) God says that the more difficult the chosen people are, the more they should approach God (3-5).
Israel had seven days to spare, and sent people all over Israel to directly appeal for help.
However, the more difficult the people of God, the more completely they must approach God to live.
Whether you live or die, you must completely depend on God. A believer who has the hope of heaven must walk with God with faith that can overcome everything, prayer without ceasing, and thanksgiving. When you do that, you will finally win. The ultimate winner will be the believer.
2. Great Leaders (6-15).
1) Saul was prepared to do God's will.
Seoul was furious with the enemy's aggression, but it was even more angry at the humiliating attitude when the people were crying without preparing to fight. And, in verse 7, while Saul was performing the king's office, if anyone comes out and does not follow Saul and Samuel, so will his oxen! Therefore, in the sense of respecting the word and will of God, the prophet was given preference.
Then the fear of the Lord came, and the people responded to Saul's words. Faith and fear of God lead to interest in the country and make good citizens.
2) Saul had faith, confidence, and courage.
Saul sends messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead, who are discouraged, and tells them in verse 9, “You will be saved when the sun is hot tomorrow!” So they know that God is with them and that they will succeed. These words of Saul gave courage to the unbelievers who were grieving and worried about the ensuing calamity.
There are many people around us who have suffered sorrow and have suffered difficulties. We need to instill courage in them by sharing the gospel with them and giving them the comforting words of God.
3) Saul gave the glory of victory to God.
Saul made it clear that his victory was entirely through God's saving power. (1 Samuel 11:13)... It is said that the Lord has provided salvation in Israel today. He gave all glory to God and shared his joy with the people.
(1 Samuel 11:14) Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom. Now, Saul has not been recognized for his leadership as a king, and he has not been able to fulfill his role as a king. At the age of 40, he was officially crowned as king (1 Samuel 13:1).
When we live centered on God, all glory and blessings come together.