1 Samuel 11:1-15
King Saul’s authority is to be asserted on the occasion of a victory over the enemies of the people. These are well-known enemies – the sons of Ammon! Under their arrogant and cruel threats, the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead are in a dreadful situation, almost without hope. We do not see them turning to the LORD; on the contrary, they would like to make an alliance with the enemy. But, exercising His mercy, God is nevertheless going to deliver them by the hand of Saul. These inhabitants of Jabesh illustrate in a telling way, the fear, disgrace and finally miserable slavery which awaits those who make an alliance with the world and its prince (see Hebrews 2:15). Saul, as conqueror, shows some beautiful traits of character. Besides zeal and courage, we see in him nobleness, generosity, clemency (v. 13) as well as a certain modesty. He rightly ascribes the victory to the LORD. This is a very promising start! How many young people have, like him, made a very good beginning! And then they have stumbled at the first obstacle placed in their pathway to test their faith. Why does this happen? Simply because this faith was probably not real at all!