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King Saul....
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The first King of Israel, the son of Cis of the tribe of
Benjamin (ix, 1, 2). Waiving critical discussion of the parallel, though
often divergent, sources underlying I Kings, suffice it to say that the
narrative of the life and times of Saul is constructed from two traditional
accounts, each of which has its particular viewpoint. This appears
especially in the divergent accounts relative to the circumstances attending
the election of Saul and his fall from Divine favour. |
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The prophet Samuel, who is counted as the last of the
great Judges of Israel, was growing old and the administration of civic and
religious affairs had been confided to his sons. These proved unfaithful to
their trust and the people being dissatisfied petitioned Samuel to select a
king to rule over them after the manner of the other nations. Samuel resents
this request, and the Lord, though affirming it to be an offence against
Himself, a virtual rejection of the theocratic regime, nevertheless
instructs the prophet to accede to the demands of the people. Samuel informs
them of the Lord's displeasure and predicts the retributory evils that will
come upon them through the exactions of the future king (I Kings, viii). |
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The choice of the new ruler is determined by a
providential incident. Saul, in quest of his father's strayed asses, happens
to consult Samuel the "seer" in the hope of obtaining information as to
their whereabouts. The prophet assures him of their safety, and after
entertaining Saul, reveals to him his mission with regard to the Chosen
People and anoints him king. Forthwith Saul's heart is changed, and to the
surprise of many he prophesies in the midst of the company of prophets (I
Kings, x, 10).
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A month after these events the newly-chosen king, who had
hitherto refrained from asserting his royal prerogatives, justifies his
election by defeating the Ammonites and delivering Jabes Galaad. Later he
engages in war with the Philistines and being in straits, he presumes to
offer the holocaust because of Samuel's unexplained delay in arriving on the
scene. For this usurpation of the priestly function he is reproved by the
prophet and already the end of his kingdom is announced (I Kings, xiii). |
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