After a disastrous campaign, Samuel wins a great victory over the Philistines with the direct intervention of God. Peace descends upon Israel for a time, but when war threatens again, the people ask for a king to lead them out in battle.

Samuel appointed his sons to be judges, but the people immediately see that they are not men of Samuel’s character. They are more like Eli’s sons-corrupt, taking bribes, and of no use in securing peace and prosperity. The elders of Israel come to Samuel at his home in Ramah and ask for a king, as other nations have. Samuel is very unhappy at this request, but God accepts it. However, He requires Samuel to warn the people what they will obtain from a king. They will be in bondage to him and it will be crushing. They will plead for relief, but none will be in sight.

In spite of this warning, the people will not listen, but insist on having a king. God speaks to Samuel and tells him to give them a king, just as they desire. Samuel then accepts their rebellion, and tells them to return home.

Benjamin is the smallest of the tribes of Israel, having nearly been exterminated in the incident recorded in Judges 19-21. Within the tiny tribe, though, a notable family includes Kish, who commissions his son, Saul, to go search for some stray donkeys. Along with a servant, he travels around the area, without success. When they find themselves near Ramah, the servant suggests that they go to the “seer” as prophets were called then. They resolve to do that and come to the town where Samuel is about to bless a sacrifice.

They are welcomed by the people of the town, and Samuel recognizes Saul as the one promised by God. He goes to Saul, tells him the donkeys are found, and declares that he is the greatest in Israel. Saul is astonished at this, but Samuel insists on feeding him the choice dish specially prepared at Samuel’s instructions. Later, they have a private meeting on the rooftop of Samuel’s house, where Saul spends the night. The next morning, Samuel takes him aside for a special message from God.

Samuel anoints Saul king in a special, private ceremony, making Saul truly, “the Lord’s anointed,” or, as we might say, “Messiah.” He promises Saul three confirming signs that what he is saying is true:

1. Saul will receive a message saying that the donkey are found and his father is now worried about Saul!

2. Saul will meet three travelers on their way to worship God at Bethel. From one, Saul will receive two loaves of bread.

3. Outside Gibeah, Saul would meet a procession of prophets, himself be overcome by the Spirit of the Lord, and begin prophesying.

Upon confirmation of these three signs, Saul was to go to Gilgal and wait seven days for Samuel to join him.

As Saul leaves Samuel, God intervenes and changes his heart. All the signs were fulfilled and Saul returned home, but said nothing to anyone about his experience with Samuel. The people were summoned and they assembled. Samuel cast the lot and the tribe of Benjamin was taken, then the clan of Matri, then the family of Kish, and finally the person of Saul-yet he was not present. They searched for him and found him hiding. He was presented as the king and looked every inch the part. Some immediately supported him, but others spoke against him. Saul said nothing but returned to his home.

The city of Jabesh was on the eastern side of the Jordan river, vulnerable to attack from Syrians. Nahash the Ammonite (in Jordan) invaded and demanded surrender-vowing to gouge out the right eye of all the men. They pleaded for seven days to search for a deliverer, which Nahash granted. In that time, Saul summoned all the fighting men of Israel and promised deliverance to Jabesh.

Saul divided the army into three groups who burst upon the Ammonites just before dawn, inflicting great slaughter and scattering the rest. In celebration, all the people gather at Gilgal for a great event. Saul is confirmed as king and shows mercy to those who earlier spoke against him.

At that time, Samuel stands up and demands an audience. He then takes his leave of judging Israel. He claims to have been honest in all his dealings and truthful always. The people agree, and he continues to tell them the trajectory of their history.

God rescued them, cared for them, and provided for them again and again, but they rebelled against Him. They demanded a king and that displeased God. God confirms Samuel’s word with a great sign-an unseasonable thunderstorm arises and destroys the wheat crop. The people were convinced and penitent, but Samuel urges obedience to God and promises to pray for them and teach them still. But from now on, Saul is the king and he’s in charge-much to their eventual dismay.

Discussion Questions:

1. With such a strong character for a father and recent history to teach them, how could Samuel’s sons turn out corrupt? Why didn’t the people believe Samuel’s description of their bondage to a king?

2. How would you describe Saul in his earliest days with Samuel and at his unveiling? How would you react if you were granted a message from God indicating that God specially chose you?

3. How did God give Saul every advantage in making him king? How did God give Israel a king just as they desired? What does this say about God’s grace to us?

4. Why did Nahash wish to gouge out the right eye of the men of Jabesh Gilead? After such a great victory, why did some want to kill earlier skeptics of Saul?

5. Why did Samuel take that occasion to step aside as judge of Israel? Why did he recount their own history to them? When is it time for a leader of God’s people, doing God’s will, to step aside in favor of another leader chosen by God?