Topical Bible: Joy: when Saul Was Presented As Their King

◄ Joy: when Saul Was Presented As Their King ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The anointing and presentation of Saul as the first king of Israel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marked by a profound sense of joy and celebration among the Israelites. This moment is recorded in 1 Samuel 10 and 11, where the people of Israel, having long desired a king to lead them like the other nations, finally see their wish fulfilled.

Context and Background

The period leading up to Saul's anointing was one of transition for the Israelites. They had been governed by judges, with Samuel serving as the last and one of the most influential. However, the Israelites desired a monarchy, expressing their wish to Samuel: "Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:5). Despite Samuel's warnings about the potential pitfalls of having a king, God instructed him to heed the people's request.

The Anointing of Saul

Saul, a Benjamite, was chosen by God to be the first king. Samuel anointed him privately, as described in 1 Samuel 10:1: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" This anointing signified God's selection and empowerment of Saul for the role of king.

Public Presentation and Joy

The public presentation of Saul as king is a moment of great joy and celebration for the Israelites. In 1 Samuel 10:24, Samuel presents Saul to the people: "Samuel said to all the people, 'Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.' And the people shouted, 'Long live the king!'" This acclamation reflects the people's joy and acceptance of Saul as their leader.

The joy of the Israelites is further amplified after Saul's victory over the Ammonites, which solidified his position as king. In 1 Samuel 11:14-15, Samuel calls the people to Gilgal to renew the kingship: "Then Samuel said to the people, 'Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.' So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly."

Significance of Joy

The joy experienced by the Israelites at Saul's presentation as king is multifaceted. It represents the fulfillment of their desire for a monarch, a tangible sign of God's provision and leadership, and a moment of national unity and hope. The people's joy is expressed through their acclamations and sacrifices, indicating a communal celebration and acknowledgment of God's hand in their governance.

This joy, however, is not without its complexities. While the initial response is one of celebration, the narrative of Saul's kingship unfolds with challenges and eventual decline, reminding the reader of the importance of obedience to God and the potential consequences of straying from His commandments. Nonetheless, the joy at Saul's anointing and presentation remains a pivotal moment in Israel's history, reflecting the deep-seated human desire for leadership and divine guidance.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 10:24
And Samuel said to all the people, See you him whom the LORD has chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King after Man's Heart
... as each tribe, family or individual was 'presented' was the ... he had beaten Nahash
for them; but Saul for God ... than an unseen Guide, Helper, Stay, Joy, and Peace ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

The King --Continued.
... never punished as those of the unhappy Saul; and then ... to his hopes, and a new object
presented to his ... Possibly, too, his joy in exchanging his armour and kingly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

Hosanna!
... Do you not think that when Saul of Tarsus was converted ... the same mind, then is it
a day of joy. ... to be expected of them, are cheerfully presented as sacrifices ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/hosanna.htm

The Alarum
... that you are where the gospel is graciously presented to you ... God, would ascend to
heaven in vehement joy of adoration ... Saul would not have lain so quiet if he had ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... continual scenes of his infinite goodness presented to their ... we must have hearts
harder than Saul's, nay, harder ... Fulfill you then my joy, by continuing thus ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final ...
... nor yet from Jewish Hellenism, that Saul of Tarsus ... in that state the soul had true
rest [242] and joy. ... three ideas, with their sequences, are presented in the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv philo of alexandria.htm

Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ...
... Pontius presented the petition; Pontius declared that the apostate ... to God was even
our Saul, though not ... him safely out again, in his joy and congratulations he ...
/.../chapter 93 202 petilianus.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with ... king, they said: "Also in time
past, when Saul was king ... Even here we are presented with a picture of peace ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... and Saul lift up his voice, and wept" (1 Samuel 24:16 ... "We are helpers of your joy"
(2 Corinthians ... the weeds and binds the flowers, and so it is presented to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

The Saviour's Many Crowns
... is the light of that city, he is the joy of its ... Like Saul of Tarsus, you have become
"exceeding mad" against him. ... it came with a fair face and presented to him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the saviours many crowns.htm