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{{DOD-March}}
Chapters 8--15 cover the early life of [[Saul]] and the sins that led to his rejection by the [[Lord]]. Specifically today's reading covers the request for a king.
[[Jehovah]] [[God]] had been King of [[Israel]] and had cared for the nation since its beginning; but now the elders of the nation wanted a king to lead them. Their request was motivated by several factors: (1) [[Samuel]]'s sons were not as [[God]]ly as he, and the elders feared that they would lead the nation astray when [[Samuel]] died; (2) The nation had been through a series of temporary leaders during the period of the judges, and they wanted a more permanent ruler; (3) [[Israel]] wanted to be like the other nations and have a king to honor. [[Samuel]]'s reaction to their request shows that he fully understood their unbelief and rebellion. They were rejecting [[Jehovah]] in wanting a king. In choosing [[Saul]] the nation rejected the Father; in choosing Barabbas they rejected the Son; and when they chose their own leaders instead of the witness of the apostles, they rejected the Holy [[Spirit]].
Chapter 9 explains how [[Saul]] was brought to [[Samuel]] and privately anointed for the kingship. Note his humility in verse 21, and also in chapter 10:22, when he hesitated to stand before the people. [[God]] gave [[Saul]] three special signs to assure him and these signs occurred. [[Samuel]] also instructed [[Saul]] to tarry at Gilgal and wait for him to come.
[[Saul]] had everything in his favor. He had a strong body, a humble mind, a new heart, spiritual power, loyal friends, and most of all the guidance and prayers of [[Samuel]]. Yet, in spite of these advantages, he failed miserably because he failed to allow [[God]] to be the [[Lord]] of his life.
