Saul, an Enigma

Saul & David, Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, 1655-1660

Where did Saul come from?  David, I understand.  He has a heart for the things of the Lord--he's dynamic, he's winsome.  But Saul?  Saul was clearly chosen by divine design (through Samuel), yet--a bit like Moses---he wears the cloak of king reluctantly at first.  We find him hiding amid the baggage!

I wish I had time to linger over Saul this morning, over Jonathan too, over David---so many nuances in this story in the way that they are chosen, how they interact with each other, their loyalties, friendships, multiple sides, strengths, and shortcomings.  They would make a more than worthwhile topic for a "Book Club." ; )

The BKC has this to say....

Saul, "who appeared quite naive and unkingly in many ways. He hailed from the town of Gibeah (1Sa_10:26), where the concubine of a Levite who had sought hospitality was raped and killed (Jdg_19:1-30)." -BKC

And although I have many more half-formed thoughts, they will remain exactly that for now---someday, ah....to have the leisure to contemplate Saul and his times.


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Here is a comment on Saul's decision to hide when he was to be anointed king before the people:


"When Saul was selected he was hiding either because of modesty or fear. Matthew Henry gives four reasons why Saul might have been afraid:
(1) Because he was conscious to himself of unfitness for so great a trust. . . . (2) Because it would expose him to the envy of his neighbors that were ill-affected towards him. (3) Because he understood, by what Samuel had said, that the people sinned in asking a king, and it was in anger that God granted their request. (4) Because the affairs of Israel were at this time in a bad posture; the Philistines were strong, the Ammonites threatening: and he must be bold indeed that will set sail in a storm."  -BKC

My though on these possibilities?

1-he does seem to struggle with feelings of inferiority often, so I could see this one
2-possible, as he was a people pleaser and people fearer
3-not enough evidence at this point to understand is Saul was in tune with God enough to be able to discern that the people's wish was wrong...seems like this would suggest a very attuned spirit, which I doubt Saul had (although it does mention he prophesied?? and that God's Spirit came upon him earlier????).  Saul's understanding of and relationship to the Lord is puzzling.
4-he was a coward at times, so this does seem to be in keeping with that facet of his character---fear of having to face enemies.

James Tissot, "Saul Prophesies with the Prophets"1836-1902

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Saul's Prophetic Ecstasy

More to ponder...what exactly happened in 1 Samuel 10 when Saul first encounters Samuel and has some sort of ecstatic experience? 

"And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man."  -1 Samuel 10:6 

 1 Samuel 10:9 says that God gives Saul another heart:

 "And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day." -1 Samuel 10:9

The adjective here in the KJ is rendered  "another" not new.

 1) another, other, following
1a) following, further
1b) other, different
-Brown-Driver Briggs'


The word "new" only occurs in the NLT and Message translations.

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 "A new fire was kindled in his breast, such as he had never before been acquainted with: seeking the asses is quite out of his mind, and he thinks of nothing but fighting the Philistines, redressing the grievances of Israel, making laws, administering justice, and providing for the public safety; these are the things that now fill his head." -Matthew Henry's Commentary

Is this new heart different than the Spirit of God that comes upon multiple Judges?

"The People of Israel cried out to GOD and GOD raised up a savior who rescued them: Caleb's nephew Othniel, son of his younger brother Kenaz.  The Spirit of GOD came on him and he rallied Israel."--Judges 3:9

The JFB commentary thinks it is a genuine conversion:

"Influenced by the words of Samuel, as well as by the accomplishment of these signs, Saul’s reluctance to undertake the onerous office was overcome. The fulfillment of the two first signs [1Sa_10:7, 1Sa_10:8] is passed over, but the third is specially described. The spectacle of a man, though more fit to look after his father’s cattle than to take part in the sacred exercises of the young prophets - a man without any previous instruction, or any known taste, entering with ardor into the spirit, and skillfully accompanying the melodies of the sacred band, was so extraordinary a phenomenon, that it gave rise to the proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (see 1Sa_19:24). The prophetic spirit had come upon him; and to Saul it was as personal and experimental an evidence of the truth of God’s word that had been spoken to him, as converts to Christianity have in themselves from the sanctifying power of the Gospel."  -Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown

So JFB thinks this is his religious conversion, but Believer's Bible Commentary does not!

"It should not be concluded from verse 9 that Saul was genuinely converted. Actually, he was a man after the flesh, as his later history so evidently demonstrates. He was equipped for his official position as ruler of God's people by the Spirit even though he did not know God in a personal, saving way. In other words, he was God's man officially even though we believe he was not a true believer." -BBC

Out of the two, I'm not sure there's enough textual evidence within the passage to discern the authenticity of the conversion.  A few points:

1. It says that God changed him.  In this case, how can one doubt the authenticity of what the Lord has begun?  Is His arm too short? To question the nature of Saul's change suggests that God is somehow limited in His ability to give a new heart.  Why would God equip him for office but not for belief?  It's an odd take on a whole-hearted God.

2. Based on later events (Saul hiding among the baggage, his later fear-filled and people pleasing decisions, even before the evil spirits come...) his trust and relationship with the Lord seems inconsistent at best.  Is he just another reluctant Moses?  (needs to talk it out, then moves on in faith?)  I don't think so.  Moses had doubts and frustrations, but he hashed it out with the Lord.  His actions may have been impulsive at times (throwing down tablets, striking the rock), but they were never cowardly or self-preserving in the way Saul's were.

Here are some more commentaries on his conversion and prophetic ecstasy:

"His prophesying was publicly taken notice of, 1Sa_10:11, 1Sa_10:12. He was now among his acquaintance, who, when they saw him among the prophets, called one another to come and see a strange sight. This would prepare them to accept him as a king, though one of themselves, when they had seen how God had advanced him to the honour of a prophet. The seventy elders prophesied before they were made judges, Num_11:25." -Matthew Henry

Makes sense---perhaps the prophetic ecstasy was more for the people than for Saul's spirit?

"When those who had known Saul of old saw that he prophesied with the prophets, the people said one to another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” This expression presupposes that Saul's previous life was altogether different from that of the disciples of the prophets." -K & D

I agree with K & D here.  For sure it suggests that Saul was not passionate toward the Lord or predisposed to prophetic utterances before this event.  Whether it was a short term experiential fervor or whether it was a reflection of a long-term heart converted still remains unclear.

By כֵּלִים (the things or vessels, Eng. ver. the stuff) we are to understand the travelling baggage of the people who had assembled at Mizpeh. Saul could neither have wished to avoid accepting the monarchy, nor have imagined that the lot would not fall upon him if he hid himself. For he knew that God had chosen him; and Samuel had anointed him already. He did it therefore simply from humility and modesty. “In order that he might not appear to have either the hope or desire for anything of the kind, he preferred to be absent when the lots were cast” (Seb. Schmidt).-

Matthew Henry on Saul's loss of the kingdom:

"(1.)That for aught that appears, he did not send any messenger to Samuel, to know his mind, to represent the case to him, and to receive fresh directions from him, though he had enough about him that were swift enough of foot at this time. (2.) That when Samuel came he rather seemed to boast of what he had done than to repent of it; for he went forth to salute him, as his brother-sacrificer, and seemed pleased with the opportunity he had of letting Samuel know that he needed him not, but could do well enough without him. He went out to bless him, so the word is, as if he now thought himself a complete priest, empowered to bless as well as sacrifice, whereas he should have gone out to be blessed by him. (3.) That he charged Samuel with breach of promise: Thou camest not within the days appointed (1Sa_13:11), and therefore if any thing was amiss Samuel must bear the blame, who was God's minister; whereas he did come according to his word, before the seven days had expired. Thus the scoffers of the latter days think the promise of Christ's coming is broken, because he does not come in their time, though it is certain he will come at the set time. (4.) That when he was charged with disobedience he justified himself in what he had done, and gave no sign at all of repentance for it. It is not sinning that ruins men, but sinning and not repenting, falling and not getting up again. See what excuses he made, 1Sa_13:11, 1Sa_13:12."

My own thoughts on Saul

1. He doubted God and himself.
2. He was impressionable.
3. He was self-centered, not God-centered
4. He failed to seize initiative and step out in faith.
5. He rationalized his sins to himself, God, and others

Saul is a man who most every man sadly sees a piece of himself within.  In many ways, he is a foil to the character of David, who although imperfect, is more honest in his intuitive trust and knowledge of the Lord.  David and Saul were both full of fault, but David's moments of nobility outshine or at least maintain their own against his sins.  In contrast, Saul, even when at his best, is less than noble.

Saul was full of doubts about God and his plans for his life.  This started at the very beginning when he was hiding among the baggage instead of stepping out and receiving the kingdom.  His behavior could stem from a false sense of humility--not being worthy enough to assume the kingship.  However, if Saul had the right view of God (I am enough because God is with me), he would have had the right attitude (neither overly self-effacing or prideful, but confident in the Lord).  Instead Saul spends most of his life vacillating between hubris and what we would nowdays call "low self-esteem."  I would argue it was more "low God-esteem."

How telling that during Israel's victory of the Philistines at Geba, Jonathan is mentioned as the conqueror, yet it was Saul who "blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying "let the Hebrews hear" (1 Samuel 13:3) I don't think it's too much to suggest that Saul was relieved and delighted to be able to boost the confidence of Israel and himself, riding the first of his many waves of emotion-based thinking.

Israel is called out to join the campaign at Gilgal , but when the Philistines show up in total force at Michmash, the text describes the scene this way:  "thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude." (1 Samuel 13:5).  I can empathize with the many Israelites who fled into the rocks and caves at the sight of such force.  The writer of 1 Samuel pithily sums it up this way: "Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling." (1 Samuel 13:7)

From the distance of history and the watershed of all that followed, it's easy to relate to Saul's impatience and desire to get into the battle before he lost even more of his men.  It's also tempting to over-simplify Saul's mistakes, thinking "of course he should have waited for Samuel, clearly this is a test."  But real life and sin does not come to us with warning tags, nor did it for Saul.  What did Saul make the decision based upon?
It seems to me it's 1)Physical evidence of a foreboding opponent 2)Physical evidence of his people disappearing and defecting.

Beyond the set-up above, we are not given access or privy to the inner workings of Saul's mind in this circumstance.  How frustrating it must have been when Saul decided to go ahead with the sacrifices, and "as soon as he had finished" the missing Samuel shows up!  Again, it's easy to step into Saul's skin here and be mutually frustrated with Samuel for his lack of punctuality.  Ah, but if it was a test, Samuel was actually right on time. ; )   Even Saul's reply is relatable,

""When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.' So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering."
1 Samuel 13:11-12.

But within the words, I hear the voice of my children, of any person, caught in a mistake and wishing to explain it away.  After blaming everyone but himself---the people were fleeing, you didn't show up on time, and I was trying to do the right thing by seeking God's favor--he concludes that he had to force himself  to make the offering.  In Actuality, I think it was a lack of self force, or self-control that led him to jump the gun.  When we indulge ourselves by justifying our sins with multiple excuses, we neither fool others or help ourselves.  Saul had trouble owning his sin and this is a worse trouble in many ways, a doubling of the original sin itself.

Upon several occasions, Saul is contrasted again men of action and falls short.  When the Philistines gathered at Michmash, it was his son Jonathan who seizes the initiative and goes over to the Philistine garrison.  Notably the text mentions that he chooses not to tell his father.  There is a world of commentary and within that statement.  Our children know us better than most anyone, and although we are not given insight into Jonathan's choice, it speaks poorly of Saul.

Jonathan's comment highlights his willingness to take a gamble on God when Saul will not:

"Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." 1 Samuel 14:6

Whereas Saul grounds his sin in an assessment of the natural world ---the people are fleeing, the Philistines were numerous---Jonathan grounds his bold faith in his assessment of God's ability despite natural circumstances.  When David faces Goliath, his perspective is similar.

Also, Saul seems adept at leading others into sin.  After joining in the battle which Jonathan kicked off, he musters the people, fights, and then lays an unnecessary restriction on them that they should eat nothing until evening and after they have avenged Israel.  Saul doesn't follow the guidelines he should, yet forces others to follow unnecessary and foolish guidelines of his own that harm the people and jeopardize their ability to  fight.

In this physically weakened state, they are ripe for the sin of gorging themselves on the plunder, and they do. After correcting the people in this, Saul makes an altar to God and is ready to fight the Philistines that evening.  It only the priests who step in and think to consult God first.  Not surprisingly, God chooses not to respond.   God's silence on a matter should prompt us to step back and contemplate.  Oddly, Saul has a habit of delaying when he should move in faith and rashly proceeding when he should wait in faith.  Saul wants God and the battles to operate on his timetable.  The climax of this crazy leadership is his conclusion that Jonathan (the one who stepped out in faith!) should die for his sin.  It's only the people who stop him.
After this crisis is averted, we are given a summary of Saul's military action, though it doesn't flesh out the whys and hows of the various victories.  It notes that Saul fought against his enemies on every side and routed them successfully, that he fought valiantly and struck the Amalekites. I wonder what the significance of this comment is: "And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself."  1 Samuel  14:52. Saul is not so simple.  Neither a complete coward, but certainly not a hero, Saul falls somewhere in between.

Looking through outside commentary on this episode, it's hard for me to make definitive sense out of it.  When was God's will clear?  This chapter seems particularly full of loose ends of sorts:

1. Was it right for Jonathan to initiate an attack without consulting his father?  I would say yes, it is viewed as an act of faith in God.

2. Was it right for Saul to seek God's will first (consulting the Urim & Thumin) only to conclude midway that he was sure of God's will from the disorder of the Philistine camp?  He asks the priest to withdraw his hand.

The general consensus seems to be that this was ok, reading through commentaries.  He does seem to value God and seek him in seeking the ark and consulting the priest....but then he decides he knows the mind of God and goes to action.  It's hard to know how to interpret this...muddy

"Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear.And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal." 1 Samuel 13:3-4

David and Saul are contrasted with each other most vividly when David fights Goliath.  In contrast with Saul's impatient nature (evident when he conducts his own sacrifice before the battle.

Another example of Saul's insecurity is when he is haunted by the people's victory chant "Saul has slain thousands and David ten thousand."  He defines his worth in the estimation of the people and lives in continual fear that David will take the kingdom from him.