God Chooses Saul to be King

For the first time there was a king anointed to reign over the nation of Israel. As God gives Israel what they want they will become a monarchy with all the trappings 'like all the nations' - sadly though, it because they had rejected God as their king.

The man Saul is introduced who will be that king. He is a respected man of mighty valor who looked the part of a king. God's Spirit came upon Saul to empower and enable him to be Israel's king. However, as was true in Old Testament times, this was not a regenerating, indwelling of the Spirit. The testimony of Saul's life will prove that this was not a conversion experience and he will prove to be an unregenerate man.

As Samuel continues to serve the Lord as the last of Israel's judges and their priest, he consistently demonstrates godly obedience. He anoints Saul as Israel's king knowing the heart of the nation has rejected God and they are acting in rebellion.

The providence and sovereignty of God are once again evident as recounted in the details of Saul being directed to Samuel. Although Israel has rejected God, they will have the man He chooses to be their king His purposes continue to be accomplished.