Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the LORD anointed you leader over His inheritance? I Samuel 10:1 (Chapters 9-11)
Israel was losing its identity as a nation. The law of the jungle reigned in Canaan and ‘might’ made ‘right’, so God selected a king. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin which had been mostly annihilated. He had great physical stature but he wasn’t born expecting to be a king.
Lost donkeys began Saul’s journey to the throne. His father sent him, along with a servant, to find the missing beasts. Miles away, God spoke to Samuel, informing him that a young man would arrive. Between signs and confirmations, Saul comes to understand the weight that has fallen on his shoulders.
Samuel goes through great ceremony to express to all of Israel that Saul is God’s chosen leader, and for the first time since Joshua, the nation is united. Still, everyone is not on team Saul. God takes care of that too. The city of Jebesh is threatened by the Ammonites. Sweeping in at the last minute, Saul and his forces win a magnificent victory, sealing his recognition as Israel’s new government.
Saul is an explicit example of God qualifying the called. If you’re called you will become qualified.
Love,
Gretchen