Journal Through the Bible: Week 38 Tuesday

Picture taken at the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum, Dayton, OH

I Samuel 10:17-11:15

Saul was introduced as the first national King of Israel and his first official duty was to rescue the men of Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites who demanded to put out their right eyes and make them slaves as opposed to putting them death. Remember Jabesh-Gilead? Read Judges chapter 21 again if you need a reminder. Most likely the men of Jabesh-Gilead were Saul's relatives.

Saul rallied the troops by sending the body parts of oxen throughout the land with the threat that he would slaughter the oxen of anyone who did not respond to the call to arms. He probably had heard tales of the Levite who dismembered and distributed the woman in such a way that it brought all of Israel against Saul's own tribe of Benjamin many years earlier. The oxen were a reminder that the tribes that responded would have no recourse but to punish those that didn't. This appeal worked.

Did God issue any commands in this passage?

• Through Samuel God had each tribe and family and household to present themselves before Him so that He could tell them who He had chosen as their first king. Then God had to tell them where Saul had hidden himself since he didn't seem to want to be acknowledged as the king.

Did God make any promises?

• Through the victory over the Ammonites and the rescue of the men of Jabesh-Gilead God confirmed His promise to be with Israel's king and use him to deliver His people from their enemies.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• As king of Israel Saul is a type of Jesus. When the King calls His troops into service they must be ready to heed his instructions.
• When Saul sent the message throughout Israel he told them to follow himself and Samuel. When the two persons of Saul and Samuel are combined they represent the offices of Jesus. Samuel is prophet, judge, and high priest. Saul is the king. Jesus is all four of these: Prophet, Judge, High Priest, and King.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• The King is calling His troops to battle. We are already the Lord's Army battling spiritual wickedness in high places now but one day we will be rallied for the final, quick, and decisive battle. All who are not for the King are against Him and will be punished according to their deeds.