Now king, Saul summons an army to fight the Philistines who have gathered at Michmash and waits for Samuel to offer a sacrifice before the battle. “Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him…So Saul said, ‘Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here…
Matthew 7:13-23
1 Samuel 11-12 Audio file includes communion Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Saul raises an army and delivers the people of Jabesh Gilead from the Ammonites, thus cementing the loyalty of the nation. Samuel renews Saul’s kingship with a coronation ceremony at Gilgal with the entire nation in attendance. In his address to the people on this occasion, Samuel reminds them of…
God tells Samuel to obey the peoples’ demand for a king, but instructs him to “solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:9 NKJV). The people respond, “No, but we will have a king over us” (1 Samuel 8:19 NKJV)! God leads Samuel to His choice, and Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s first king.…