1 Samuel 10:25 "Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord. ..."

With the account of the choosing of Israel's first king, Samuel included a rewriting of the specific duties outlined for royalty, probably as given in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Monarch is presented as permissive, not imperative. Theocratic government means government by the Lord. This need not be so in monarchy that did not rule under the Lord and according to the covenant law given in Deuteronomy 17:15-20.

"The king was:

	To be chosen by God.
	To be an Israelite.
	Not to imitate royal courts of other nations, in his desire for horses, wives, and money. (1 Kings 10:28; 11:4 ).
	To have a copy of the law and obey it (Deuteronomy 17:18-19 ).

"The original law was deposited in the central sanctuary Cf Deuteronomy 31:9" Ryrie

Even God's chosen will experience opposition (1 Samuel 10:27 ). Saul's restraint is commendable - not acting in anger and hate.

They foolishly tried to make a covenant with the enemy (1 Samuel 11:1 ). There must be no compromise.

1 Samuel 11:2 "... 'On this condition I will make a covenant with you, that I may put out all your right eyes, and bring reproach on all Israel.'"

The enemy is always willing to make a covenant with us if we are willing to part with our spiritual eyesight.

1 Samuel 11:6 "And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly."

Different manifestation but the same Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4 ). With one, a hot, burning indignation. Another, melted with tender compassion. The demonstrated severe threat of Saul rallied Israel to the fight. (1 Samuel 11:7-8 ). Saul's strategy surprised the Ammonites completely (1 Samuel 11:9-11 ).

(1 Samuel 11:12-13; 10:27 ). It is a terrible thing when spiritual authority or leadership position is used to get back at others. Saul gave the praise and glory for the victory to God (1 Samuel 11:13 ). Thus Saul was fully accepted. Proof of a God-given leader is in evidence here: a man moved by the Spirit does not defend self or use office for personal vengeance, he exalts and praises God. Saul began well. Would that he had continued well. We can and should.

Samuel's integrity as the last judge is affirmed (1 Samuel 12:1-15 ). Samuel charges them with their wrong of wanting a human king. Fear of the Lord and serving Him only, would save them from unhappy consequences. (1 Samuel 12:13-15 ). A miracle storm confirmed that Samuel spoke with authority (1 Samuel 12:16-19 ). The storm came at the word of Samuel and during wheat harvest (May-June), not normal. Leadership should be able to say with Paul,

1 Thessalonians 1:5 "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake."

God is faithful and will accomplish his plans and purposes despite human failure (1 Samuel 12:22 ). He will do what pleases His reputation and character. Though disagreeing with Israel's action Samuel is committed to praying for them (1 Samuel 12:23 ), and to teaching them. Walking carefully in truth with the Lord guarantees enjoyable fellowship. (1 Samuel 12:24-25 ).

The place of his anointing. The waiting test proved too much for him. Rather than wait on Samuel as was the instruction (1 Samuel 10:8 ). This arrangement prevented Saul acting on his own without God. He offered a burnt offering.

"He resorted to situation ethics rather than biblical ethics." NIV Study Bible

Not waiting for God's word through Samuel, this was his impatient sin. The offering was done no doubt, by the hand of Ahiah the priest at the king's insistence.

1 Samuel 13:13 "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: ..."

To act without God's word is foolish and sinful - it disqualifies leadership.

God reigns - Israel's king must not function independently of the law and the prophets. Such disobedience cost Saul the kingdom (1 Samuel 13:13 ). A description of the reduced army and lack of weaponry is given in 1 Samuel 13:19-23. But Saul had still double Gideon's army - deliverance is in the Lord.

Jonathan in faith instigated an attack on the Philistines. He and his man who bore his armour slew 20 men. The Philistine raiders trembled as the earth quaked. Panic spread and Saul and his men attacked. When God is working, two dedicated men of faith are enough for Him to use.

The Lord was giving the victory - the deserters returned and joined the battle (1 Samuel 14:21-22 ). Saul made an unwise vow which showed neglect of his own men and nearly cost the life of his own son (1 Samuel 14:24-45 ). What insight the incident gives into the state of Saul's heart.

"He was ready to kill a son he loved for violating his command. But the king had knowingly violated the command of God. Instead of making Saul sensitive to the weakness of others, he was harsh with those whose fault was less than his own. Saul fought valiantly against Israel's enemies (1 Samuel 14:47-48 ). He won many victories. But Saul was never able to win the most important victory of all: a victory over his own inner weakness and flaws." Lawrence O. Richards - Teacher's Commentary page 210 - Victor Books - 1987, Scripture Press Publications, Inc.

Because of his partial obedience Saul was finally rejected. Can it be that we have professed to destroy all - yet God hears the bleating of the sheep. Are we truly meeting with full obedience the claims of God upon us? Sparing Agag and keeping the best of the spoil, Saul violated God's word to destroy all. (1 Samuel 15:8-9 ). Samuel's words to Saul need to be taken to heart by all of us.

1 Samuel 15:22,23 "Then 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.'"

Saul's "I have sinned" was tainted with saving of face before the elders of the people. (1 Samuel 15:30 ). The chapter ends with Samuel executing Agag and departing from Saul and seeing him no more (1 Samuel 15:35 ). What a warning against willful disobedience of God in service and leadership.

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Why was it necessary for a king of Israel to have his own copy of the law? (1 Samuel 10:25; Deuteronomy 17:14-20 ).
2. Would it be a good practice to write our own copy of conduct Scriptures?
3. How would you have responded to the opposition of the family of Belial had you been Saul? (1 Samuel 10:27 ).
4. Do you agree that compromise with spiritual foes leads to diminishing of spiritual sight? (1 Samuel 11:1-2 ).
5. In what ways do you see the Holy Spirit at work in the victory over the Ammonites? (1 Samuel 11:6-8 ).
6. How do you rate the way Saul dealt with the call for death on those who had opposed his reign? (1 Samuel 11:13-14 ).
7. Could the people find any charge against Samuel? And would you expect the highest integrity of leadership today? (1 Samuel 12:1-4 ).
8. What charge did Samuel make against Israel? (1 Samuel 12:5-15 ).
9. What miraculous sign confirmed the message of God through Samuel? (1 Samuel 12:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 1:5 ).
10. Why is God faithful in accomplishing His plans and purposes notwithstanding human failure? (1 Samuel 12:22 ).
11. What did Samuel promise to continue doing regardless of his disapproval of them? (1 Samuel 12:23 ). How did Samuel immediately begin to keep his word? (1 Samuel 12:24-25 ).
12. When under pressure, are you able to trust God? Are you able to wait for God and His timing? (1 Samuel 13:8-9 ).
13. What were the consequences for Saul because he disobeyed God's Word? (1 Samuel 13:13-14 ) Would you define disobedience as putting your own interests before God's interests and would you rightly call this foolish? (1 Samuel 13:13 ).
14. Do you have evidence that Jonathan's daring attack with the assistance of his armourbearer, had faith as its basis, with clear guidance? (1 Samuel 14:1-14 ).
15. What caused the confusion among the Philistines troops? (1 Samuel 14:15 ) Was this the kind of fulfilment of God's promise to His people when they trusted Him? (Deuteronomy 7:23 ).
16. Why would you regard Saul's vow as unwise? (1 Samuel 14:24 )
17. What insight do you get into Saul's heart in his harshness towards Jonathan? (1 Samuel 14:24-45 ).
18. Are there any bleating sheep that betray your partial obedience? (1 Samuel 15:14 ).
19. What is rebellion said to be equivalent to? (1 Samuel 15:22-23 ).
20. Have you heard people admitting to having done something wrong, not because they are sorry but because they were caught out and wanted to save face? (1 Samuel 15:30 ).
21. When those in leadership are involved in willful disobedience, and do not offer genuine repentance, should we mourn for them? (1 Samuel 15:35 ).