Scripture: 1 Samuel 9-31 - Israel had been governed by judges whom God had raised up in crucial times in the nation's history however the nation had degenerated both morally and politically. Israel had been under the onslaught of the Philistines.

At this stage Samuel was a judge in Israel. Not only was he in this position but he was also a prophet of God and a military leader. This was a very unique position only held by three people in the Bible. Moses, Deborah and Samuel held all these positions. This combination of these positions was a powerful triple position of authority and responsibility. Samuel was very well known as a prophet.

Samuel's sons did not share his godly character. The people also did not have confidence on his son's abilities. As Samuel grew older the people press him to give them a king. Reluctantly he does so. He knew it was not the correct timing for it. The people requested a king to rule them. He must be like the king of the other nations. The people did not wait on God to give them a king. The people accelerated the office of the king in Israel. They wanted it their way. They did not want to adhere to the lay down scriptures of their time.

In 1 Samuel 9 we first read about Saul. Saul's father was Kish, a Benjamit and he was a mighty man of power. Saul was a handsome and charismatic man. There was just not another man like him. He was taller than any of the people and he stood head and shoulders above the people. He is very keen to become the king of Israel. He wanted to be Israel's first king. His ego is large as his statue.

Samuel knew that the Lord told him that the nation wanted a king. Saul was chosen and the desire of Israel rests on him. Samuel anointed Saul with oil in a vessel. This vessel was handmade. It was also the first time and recorded instance of any anointing with oil. Oil symbolized the Holy Spirit. The monarchy or kingdom was given similar importance as the priesthood. Now Saul was anointed with a flask. This is a manmade instrument or holder which was used to anoint Saul as king.

Saul was later proclaimed King of Israel at Mispah. Samuel told the people that they rejected God because they wanted a king. Not all the people were happy about the choice. Some rebels refused to bring presents to Saul and they despised him. This was a serious breach of ethics. When Saul became the king of Israel he did not take steps to form a government. Saul still saw Samuel as an integral part of the government of Israel. Some people were up in arms against Saul to be their king and they wanted to put the man to death who put him in this position.

They even approached Samuel asking this. When Saul saw and heard this he said that nobody will be put to death. Samuel then told the people to go to Gilgal so that they can unify the kingdom - to renew the kingdom. Here all the people were unified and they accepted Saul as their king and rejoiced greatly. Samuels ruling as a judge came to an end.

Saul then brought an offering after he saw that frightened soldiers started to abandon him and he felt his leadership was at stake. Samuel told him that he did a foolish thing because he did not keep the commandment of the Lord. Because of this foolish thing Samuel told Saul that his kingdom will not continue. Saul wanted to regain and asked Samuel to be his successor to the throne. Samuel rejected this.

Saul was involved in many battles. In one of the battles the people ate the blood of the animals. This was against the law. Saul then built an altar because of this. Saul established his sovereignty and he secured himself as king. He continued to war for many years. Samuel then went to Saul and said to him to attack Amelek.

This was a special instruction from God. Samuel told Saul all about it. Samuel told Saul exactly what to do. Saul did not obey this instruction and compromised with his feelings. In this war spoil was considered to be a sacrifice to God. Saul took the best for himself.

He also spared the Kings life. This was in rebellion against God. Saul did not do what he was instructed to do and required to do. Saul returned and told lies to Samuel about the sacrifice. Saul had a weakness. He first claimed that he has obeyed the word of God. He blames then the people and then justifies himself.

This shows truly the work of a worthless and hopeless leader. Saul's motives are rebellion and stubbornness and by doing this he is standing in opposition to God's commandments. This caused the Lord to reject him. Saul was concerned about his image and appearance. He would like Samuel to be with him. By doing this it would appear that everything is right. Saul had to regain his image. Saul's religious activity has no value. It was not real. He only did it because he wanted to impress his followers.