But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, 'No, set a king over us.' Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans." But today you have rejected your GodThis phrase highlights a pivotal moment in Israel's history where the people demand a king, rejecting God's direct rule. This rejection is significant as it marks a shift from the theocratic leadership under judges to a monarchy. The Israelites' desire for a king like other nations ( 1 Samuel 8:5) reflects a lack of faith in God's unique plan for them. This rejection is reminiscent of other instances where Israel turned away from God, such as the worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32). who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions
Here, the text emphasizes God's past faithfulness and deliverance. Throughout the book of Judges, God repeatedly rescued Israel from oppression when they cried out to Him (Judges 2:16-18). This phrase serves as a reminder of God's power and mercy, contrasting with the people's current lack of trust. It underscores the theme of divine salvation, which is a precursor to the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ. and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’
This demand for a king signifies a desire to conform to the political structures of surrounding nations, rather than relying on God's unique leadership. It reflects a deeper spiritual issue of wanting to be like the world rather than set apart. This request was foreseen in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, where God provided guidelines for a king, indicating His foreknowledge of their request. The people's insistence on a human king foreshadows the coming of Jesus, the true King, who would fulfill God's perfect plan. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.
This command initiates the process of selecting Saul as king, which is done by casting lots (1 Samuel 10:20-21). The gathering of tribes and clans is reminiscent of earlier assemblies, such as the division of the Promised Land (Joshua 18:1-10). It underscores the communal aspect of Israel's identity and God's involvement in their national decisions. This moment also prefigures the gathering of all nations before Christ, the King of Kings, in the eschatological future (Revelation 7:9-10). Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel and a prophet who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. He is delivering God's message to the Israelites in this passage. 2. IsraelitesThe people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God's direct leadership. 3. GodThe sovereign Lord who had been the protector and deliverer of Israel, now being rejected by His people in favor of a human king. 4. SaulThe individual who would soon be anointed as the first king of Israel, as a result of the people's demand. 5. MizpahThe place where Samuel gathered the Israelites to present themselves before the Lord, as mentioned in the surrounding context of this passage. Teaching Points Rejection of Divine LeadershipThe Israelites' demand for a king signifies a rejection of God's direct rule. This serves as a reminder to prioritize God's leadership in our lives over worldly systems or leaders. Consequences of Demanding a KingThe desire for a king led to both immediate and long-term consequences for Israel. We should consider the potential outcomes of our demands and desires, especially when they deviate from God's will. God's Sovereignty and Human ChoiceDespite Israel's rejection, God remains sovereign and works through their choices. This teaches us that even when we stray, God can use our decisions for His purposes. Trust in God's DeliveranceThe Israelites forgot how God had delivered them from calamities. We should remember and trust in God's past faithfulness as we face current challenges. Community AccountabilitySamuel's call for the tribes to present themselves before the Lord highlights the importance of community accountability in spiritual matters. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the Israelites' demand for a king reveal about their relationship with God, and how can we apply this understanding to our own relationship with Him? 2. How does the concept of rejecting divine leadership manifest in today's society, and what steps can we take to ensure we are following God's guidance? 3. Reflect on a time when you demanded something from God that was not in line with His will. What were the consequences, and how did God work through that situation? 4. How can we, as a community of believers, hold each other accountable to ensure we are collectively following God's will? 5. In what ways can we remind ourselves of God's past deliverance in our lives to strengthen our faith in His current and future provision? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:14-20This passage provides the guidelines for a king in Israel, foreseeing the day when the people would demand a king, and emphasizing the king's need to follow God's law. Judges 8:22-23Gideon refuses kingship, emphasizing that the Lord should rule over Israel, contrasting with the people's current demand for a king. Hosea 13:10-11God expresses His displeasure with Israel's demand for a king, reminding them of their rejection of Him. People Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, ZuphTopics Adversities, Calamities, Clans, Delivers, Distresses, Evils, Nay, Places, Present, Rejected, Saved, Saves, Saveth, Saviour, Sorrows, Station, Thousands, To-day, Tribes, Tribulations, Troubles, Yet, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 10:19 6231 rejection of God
7263 theocracy 1 Samuel 10:17-19 5370 kingship, human 1 Samuel 10:17-21 5671 clan 1 Samuel 10:17-25 5366 king
7236 Israel, united kingdom Library The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePlace of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Trial of Saul.
"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."--1 Samuel xiii. 9. We are all on our trial. Every one who lives is on his trial, whether he will serve God or not. And we read in Scripture of many instances of the trials upon which Almighty God puts us His creatures. In the beginning, Adam, when he was first created, was put upon his trial. He was placed in a beautiful garden, he had every thing given him for his pleasure and comfort; …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 10:19 NIV1 Samuel 10:19 NLT1 Samuel 10:19 ESV1 Samuel 10:19 NASB1 Samuel 10:19 KJV
1 Samuel 10:19 Commentaries
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