Order of Worship
Sunday Service 10.28.2018

        • Psalm 63:1–4ESV

        • Beautiful Saviour
                    • Holy Holy Holy (Nicaea)
                    • 10,000 Reasons
                    • Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)

                      • The Making of a King: 1 Samuel 10:17-11:15

                        PRAY
                        INTRO: Biblical Narrative in Perspective
                        A. The beauty of narrative - Because our very lives are a story in the making, we are (and I believe by God’s design) personally drawn to narratives, finding real connection to real conflicts and real pleasures that are common to human experience.
                        B. 3 parallel threads running through scripture narratives (here OT history) [and really the Bible as a whole]
                        The primary theme - God and His gospel
                        Ethnic Israel - God chose them to be a people set apart to him for the proclamation of his glory (through their existence and obedience) to all peoples of the earth, which is ultimately fulfilled as being the people through whom the Messiah came (to perfectly and permanently deliver those who believe in him from the power of sin and death, to be set apart to God for the proclamation of his glory). As such, even Israel’s failure to glorify God does not thwart the purposes or the glory of God. - So too in the NT, God’s people, the Church…
                        Individuals (and accounts from their lives) become both God’s means to his sovereign end as well as examples of real people interacting with a faithful and merciful God who seeks after hearts that will be wholly his. - And from their actions and interactions with God flow innumerable points of contact with our own lives that we may use to apply God’s truth and training to ourselves.
                        Reminder of the title of the series - 1 Samuel: A Heart for God
                        Ok, now let’s head back to our specific narrative of study.
                        When we left off last time: After God orchestrated a meeting between the man of God and this formerly unknown tall and handsome Benjaminite, Samuel privately anointed Saul king, and God confirmed his choice to Saul in the Holy Spirit’s power (supernatural evidence: detailed fulfillment of all Samuel said… AND Saul even prophesied!) The last thing we learned was that when his uncle inquired (probably Abner, whose name comes up again as the commander of Saul’s armies), Saul mentioned only the donkeys, NOT the news about being anointed king (which was probably wise and a credit to Saul’s character).
                        Here’s where our passage of study takes us today: In spite of Saul's personal misgivings, and reiterated warnings from Samuel concerning Israel's sin in requesting a human king, God publicly appoints Saul as Israel's first king. (Not everyone is convinced, however.) After his demonstration of military leadership in rescuing the oppressed inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead, all Israel recognizes Saul as their king and formalizes his kingship in celebration.
                        1 Samuel 10:17–19 ESV
                        Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.”

                        Public Rebuke (10:17-19)

                        Ungrateful Rejection
                        God pins it as ingratitude toward Him that leads to this rejecting God’s current system of leading them.
                        Samuel: We’re going through with this on God’s command, but that doesn’t lessen your sin against him in demanding a king.
                        God is permitting this; he isn’t condoning it.
                        But God also graciously gives them better than they deserve.
                        ​
                        1 Samuel 10:20–27 ESV
                        Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 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 valor 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.

                        Public Recognition (10:20-27)

                        While God had already made his choice clear to Samuel and even to Saul, for all the people God formally and publicly recognizes Saul as Israel’s first king...
                        God reveals his choice by lot.
                        First, this clarifies God’s sovereignty over this choice of king.
                        “There is none like him among all the people.” - God’s choice is to the give the people their choice. - Again, this is not to say that Saul is doomed from the get-go (He, like all of us, is given opportunity to respond rightly to God.). But it does demonstrate that here God does give them the kind of king that will impress them. (a magnificent specimen of a human - Holy smokes, where did this guy come from? The dudes are like: he’s huge. and the ladies: what a hunk!)
                        Saul hides.
                        As the lots are being cast, and God’s choice is progressively being narrowed further and further, Saul already knows what others don’t. And the guy (though gorgeous and ginormous) is overwhelmed, undoubtedly feeling inadequate. - At this point, I like him. (In this passage today, you’ll see plenty of reason to be supportive of Saul at the beginning of his reign over Israel.)
                        Samuel formalizes the rights and responsibilities of kingship.
                        Once again, leading obediently according to God’s command. - Samuel records the duties and rights of kingship and sends the people home. - Even as Saul goes home, some “valiant men” give themselves to his service immediately.
                        The people are excited… mostly.
                        Except for some “worthless fellows” (The real problem here is their disdain for God’s choice of king… If God says he’s king, then he’s king.)
                        But Saul’s reaction is to hold his peace. (He’s fine, not clinging desperately to power... at this point.)
                        ​
                        NOW… If Saul can prove himself a capable military leader against their enemies, all Israel will accept Saul as their king (That’s chapter 11. ‘Can this guy lead successfully in war against our enemies, bc that’s what we’re looking for?’)
                        1 Samuel 11:1–11 ESV
                        Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a treaty with you, that I gouge out all your right eyes, and thus bring disgrace on all Israel.” The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will give ourselves up to you.” When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul, they reported the matter in the ears of the people, and all the people wept aloud. Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man. When he mustered them at Bezek, the people of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. And they said to the messengers who had come, “Thus shall you say to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have salvation.’ ” When the messengers came and told the men of Jabesh, they were glad. Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will give ourselves up to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good to you.” And the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

                        Convincing Confirmation (11:1-11)

                        Harsh Nahash
                        Nahash, the Ammonite leader, captures the Israelite town of Jabesh-gilead and threatens with horrific terms of treaty. (This is indeed cruel and barbaric—the devices of men apart from the ruling wisdom and kindness of God.) - These terms of surrender would both humiliate the men of Jabesh and hamper them from fighting back. - Nahash obviously has great disregard for Israel’s military power bc he gives the town the requested 7 days respite to seek any deliverance from their fellow countrymen.
                        So they send out word of their plight (apparently all over Israel).
                        Furious Farmer Turns Fearless Leader
                        Rather than eagerly presuming upon his kingship, Saul apparently continued farming and waited (held his peace). (‘brief retirement to private life’) Was he content to continue is normal life and see where this “king thing” led in terms of shifting his responsibilities, and so on? (We don’t know for sure... but Samuel had written it all down. So I don’t know what he’s doing. Not stepping up to the role even though God had chosen him?)
                        Nothing is being done until news reaches Saul. - Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Saul furiously sends word to Israel to come out and fight. - He uses a shock factor to warn people into submission. (also invokes Samuel’s leadership too, not just his own)
                        What makes the intimidated chicken(?) in chapter 10 courageous leader in chapter 11?
                        Love for his people. And anger against cruelty and against God’s people. Admirable qualities.
                        V. 6 is the most important factor, as the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul.
                        Saul effectually becomes king when he behaves as the leader. - A large army is mustered at Bezek [map], and Saul sends word to Jabesh, and they tell Nahash they’ll “come out” tomorrow. (They come out alright… come out fighting!)
                        Saul uses the 3 companies tactic (the famed tactic of Jerubbaal—this is, Gideon), and attacks in the early morning hours before his enemies are ready.
                        Crushing defeat for Nahash, and a decisive victory for God (and his people, and Saul)
                        ​
                        Now there’s one final episode to cover today that reveals another quality of Saul’s character at the outset of becoming king:
                        1 Samuel 11:12–15 ESV
                        Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.” Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

                        Coronation Celebration (11:12-15)

                        Now (having shown military leadership against their enemies) the people have all the proof they need that Saul should be their king. - In fact…
                        The People Say:
                        Bring out the naysayers so we can teach them a lesson.
                        Saul Says:
                        Let’s not do anything rash. Let’s unite and celebrate that “the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.”
                        Here Saul behaves like a God-fearing king. (v. 13)
                        Rather than seeking revenge and striking fear into the heart of any future treason, Saul responds mercifully to his own people.
                        What’s even more critical is that he gives credit to the Lord for the victory.
                        Samuel Says:
                        Let’s renew the kingdom—publicly acclaim Saul’s kingship in Israel.
                        ​
                        Conclusion: Saul has favor with God and Israel. And he has all the making of a good king.

                        Set Up for Success

                        Saul -
                        Saul has everything he needs to succeed, even all the making of a good king:
                        God’s blessing and presence
                        Humility and discretion
                        Samuel’s support and guidance
                        Written instruction (like a constitution of sorts)
                        Confidence of a win under his belt, etc.
                        Favor with the people
                        But now much of Israel’s successes and failures depend on the rise and fall of a mere man.
                        God’s People -
                        [Application involving both God’s gospel and our stories that are still being written in God’s grand narrative.]
                        God has given us everything we need to know him... and live for Him.
                        2 Peter 1:2–3 ESV
                        May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
                        God has provided the means to complete restoration to him through the God-man Jesus Christ.
                        And even as we continue to battle in this life against the flesh and for the advancement of the gospel, God has not set us up to fail or to flounder without leadership and provision. In Christ we have a perfect leader as well as full provision for the fight.
                        Keep your head and give God your heart. Remember the God who has chosen you and appointed you to be an emblem of his glory and a vessel of his grace.
                        ​
                        ​
                        • Through The Precious Blood
                        • Cornerstone
                          Branson Bible Church
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                          417-334-3678
                          http://bransonbible.com
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