Let's begin this study with Joshua's advice and declaration:
Joshua 24:15
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
The children of Israel have requested a king like the nations around them have. They wish to conform to the ways of the world. God does not want us to live in opposition to our justice systems, the governments modern times have established, but He does want us to place Him over those systems. The systems of the world are flawed, but God's sovereignty is not.
The children of Israel have always been organized and led by God but they trade Him for a man-made monarchy. Although cautioned against doing so, the children of Israel proceed with their disembarkation from God. God, through Samuel, has explained that the public's service to the man-king will be quite unlike their service to Him. God deals bountifully with His servants, Matthew 23:12, but man-kings only take. God's dominion is selfless and capable, a man king's rule will ultimately be tarnished by selfish and weak impulses.
9:1-2 We are introduced to a man named Saul. Saul's father is of the tribe of Benjamin. Saul is physically built like the kind of king the children of Israel have been desiring. He is handsome and taller than the average person. As far as the children of Israel are concerned, Saul's appearance will represent them well. Ironically, God's presence, transparent though it is, represented the children of Israel better than any handsome man ever could.
Still, the children of Israel requested a man king and the events of establishing one begin to take place.
9:3-4 Saul's father loses his donkeys and sends Saul on a quest to find them. Saul searches the mountains of Ephraim to Shalisha, Shaalim and the land of the Benjamites but does not find them. This very mundane and ordinary circumstance will be used by God to bring about the answer to the children of Israel's request. But Saul, like us, undertakes this task without knowing the purpose and orchestration of God.
9:5 Saul grows frustrated with the search and intends to return home; he will only go so far to recover a few donkeys. For Saul, this journey has extended long enough to be ridiculous. Little does he know, God has created and guided this journey; God knows where He intends it to lead Saul.
9:6 Instead of turning back, Saul's servant suggests that he and Saul visit "a man of God... an honorable man" in the city (referring to Samuel who has developed a reputation as such). The servant believes that Samuel will be able to guide Saul on the way he should go. And indeed, Samuel will be equipped by God to lead Saul - and not just to the donkeys.
Saul himself does not think to ask Samuel, the prophet, or even God Himself. Immediately we learn that Saul's priorities are already not as righteous as the prophets God has raised.
9:7-9 Saul tells his servant that he has nothing to offer the prophet but his servant has silver. This was a respectful custom.
9:10 So Saul and his servant journey to meet Samuel (who has likely already been informed of their arrival by God).
9:11-12 Saul and his servant find out from a woman going to a well for water that Samuel happens to be in town! This is not a coincidence. God has planned Saul's journey to intersect with Samuel's.
9:13 The woman explains that Samuel will come and bless the sacrifice the people offer to God and then there will be a meal.
9:14 As they enter the city, Saul realizes that Samuel is walking right toward them on his way to the high place, where the sacrifice would be offered to God.
9:15-16 We learn that Samuel has already been informed and directed by God about Saul. Samuel knows that this man, Saul, will approach him a day before he actually does. God instructs Samuel to make Saul commander over the children of Israel, their new defender against the Philistines.
We learn a lot about God's nature in this verse. God explains that He has looked compassionately on His people and has heard (and cared about) their cry. Even though they have traded Him for a much lesser model, so to speak, God is still listening and answering their prayers. They requested a king and they receive one, even though with God as their King they lacked nothing.
9:17-18 God points Saul out to Samuel just as Saul approaches the prophet.
9:19 Samuel introduces himself and invites Saul to eat with him. He also promises to prophesy over Saul's heart, for Samuel has been given insight from God regarding Saul.
9:20 Samuel also mentions, without Saul's prompting, the missing donkeys. He tells Saul not to worry about the donkeys because they have been found. Samuel has a direct and personal relationship with God; therefore God can easily communicate with Samuel. Saul does not have a relationship with God however, and the mention of his donkeys will inspire Saul to trust Samuel and believe in the will of God. Samuel hints to Saul that his destiny is one many will be envious of.
9:21 Saul is baffled by Samuel's words; he had no notion of being known or even regarded by anyone, never mind the whole of Israel. The whole situation catches Saul off guard. His simple quest for lost donkeys had led him to a prophet of God who has suggested that his whole life is about to change.
9:22-24 Saul dines with Samuel and receives a special portion set aside just for him - already, Saul begins to be treated as a king. The king the children of Israel requested. Saul has been requested by Israel but chosen by God. Saul is, however, just as imperfect as God warned he would be.
In the New Testament, God raises up a perfect king, the messiah, the King Jesus. And for a temporary period, humanity received a sample of what it will be like when He finally reigns.
9:25-26 Samuel has a conversation with Saul that takes place in the early morning, indeed a new day is beginning.
9:27 Samuel sends Saul's servant ahead of them. Samuel uses the private time to introduce Saul to the word of God.
