Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of 1 Samuel 9 & 10
by Max Frazier, Jr.

In 1 Samuel chapter 9 we are introduced to King Saul, while
in chapter 10 we observe the anointing of him as King.

I. Saul's background (1 Samuel 9:1-2)
II. Saul searches for the lost donkeys (9:3-5)
III. Decision to consult the prophet (9:6-14)
IV. God's instructions to Samuel (9:15-17)
V. Samuel and Saul (vs. 18-27)

Saul was indeed a very special young man. He was born into a privileged family in Benjamin. He was a man of unusual physical stature. He was a man of diligence, for how many young men would, at their father's request, pursue a pack of renegade donkeys for three days? From first appearances he seemed to be a humble man. He is almost embarrassed at the remarks made to him by Samuel (see verses 20-21). Saul was a young man with tremendous potential, even to the point of being kingly. Yet, as we shall read, his life soon changed. He no longer was Saul the positive role model, but Saul the negative one. And it all had to do with his walk with the Lord. When that changes so does our lives. When we walk close to Him all is well. When we forsake Him our lives often become self-destructive. As we follow this study in the life of Saul, let us notice just what not to do so that we do not become like him.

Oh, the intimate relationship between Samuel and God! This is really seen clearly in verses 14-17. Samuel is approaching this tall impressive young stranger who had just entered the town gates. God had previously shown Samuel that the future leader of Israel would be arriving that particular day. Now, as Samuel approaches the stranger God tells him that this is the man. Oh, the beauty of such an intimate relationship that God can speak to us even as we are walking down a street. Oh to be so led by His Spirit. Oh to be so in touch with God. Yet we have been promised not only God's guidance but His presence in our lives. How we need to exercise care in how we walk.

I. Samuel anoints Saul king (1 Samuel 10:1-8)
II. Saul arrives at Gibeah (vs. 9-16)
III. Saul's public declaration to be king (vs. 17-27)

"God changed Saul's heart" (verse 9). A man can do a lot of things. He can initiate a lot of changes in his life. He can change jobs. He can change homes. He can even change families, although that was never God's plan. But the one thing man cannot change is his heart. Only God can do that. The reason being that most people do not realize that their hearts need changing. Basically we feel we are all right. So God not only has to do the changing, He has to also initiate the desire so that we allow Him to effect the change. I think this is what Jesus had reference to when He said that no one can approach God unless God draws him first. He is the one who stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. If we respond to His invitation, then He will enter and change our hearts. As the Apostle Paul would write to the Corinthians, we are new creations - the old has passed away, behold all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your heart can be as changed as was Saul's. Praise God!

1Samuel 7-8 Return to the Table of Contents 1Samuel 11-12