Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”
Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the LORD. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valour whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.
Comment: Quite frankly this passage almost makes me laugh. I wonder where the writer’s tongue was as he wrote it. This is not to deny that it is a very significant part of the history of the Israelites and God’s dealing with them. Picture this official coronation scene.…
- Samuel against his personal desires is doing what God has instructed him to do. God was allowing the people to reject Him as king and choose a human king.
- The ‘to-be-crowned’ king is dragged from behind the baggage heap.
- His size is the only credential mentioned in his favour. But, I guess, the people wanted a warrior king!
- At last the people are able to shout ‘Long live the king!’
- The rights of a king as described in the Pentateuch are tabled after being announced.
- Some men of valour returned with Saul to his home, but some ‘worthless fellows’ despised the new king and failed to acknowledge him.
- Wisely the new king just got on with his business.
We will have to wait and see how this new king turns out in the long run!
Prayer: No matter what it is, help me to do Your will with great enthusiasm, please.
As I read it! 
Thanks Barry for your comments on this passage. Saul obviously didn’t want to be conspicuous by his presence, so he was conspicuous by his absence. At that point, perhaps he was showing that he had no confidence in himself, nor obviously in God, unfortunately. Thankfully Samuel got everything sorted out in the end, and Saul became their first king. God bless you.
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