1S10-23: Do Modern Jews Exist Because Their Parents’ Rebelled Against Saul?

“True, there were some scoundrels who said, ‘How can this man save us?’  They showed him no respect and brought him no gift, but he held his peace.”-1 Samuel 10:27

It’s important to understand that all the action centered around Saul becoming king took place in the north….

This is important to understand.

The southern tribes of Judah and Simeon had become separated politically and socially from the northern tribes…

That’s why they weren’t too excited about having a northern king rule over them because they knew they’d be at a major disadvantage when major decisions were made.

One option I’m sure the 2 southern tribes considered was breaking away from their northern brothers.

I mean both of the tribes were pretty independent of each other at this time.

However, the South wasn’t so disillusioned as to think they were no longer a part of Israel.

And practically speaking, I’m sure they realized they’d be no match for the much larger northern population if a civil war broke out.

So understand that even though the tribal members of Judah and Simeon aren’t specifically called out, they are the ones being referred to as the BENE-BELIAL or the “scoundrels” in this chapter.

Also, don’t forget that although Benjamin’s territory (Saul’s tribe) overlapped with Judah in the south and Ephraim in the north, politically speaking, they were more aligned with the north than the south. 

Alright, so the takeaway for today is actually more of a fascinating observation.

So I’ve been talking about how Saul is gonna turn out to be a failed Messiah, right?

Now here’s what’s interesting.

Later on in Israel’s history, the nation will be split into two kingdoms: the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.

However, which of the two kingdoms will be scattered for idolatry and rebellion?

The northern kingdom, right?

Which means it will be only the southern kingdom remaining (the tribes of Judah and Simeon). 

Now what I find interesting is that the kingdom that remained was the one whose ancestors rebelled against this failed messiah in the form of Saul…

While the tribes who accepted and worshipped the failed messiah disappeared with the sands of the time (even though God is bringing them back now)…

Now I’m not saying the Southern tribes were perfect compared to their Northern counterparts.

Both had evil in their hearts.

Remember, the Southern tribe of Judah was cast off to Babylon.

But Biblical history shows us that Judah remained closer to the Lord and His ways, even though they also rebelled against God.

Now, come to think of it, there is a personal takeaway to extract from all of this.

Notice how those members of the southern tribes who rebelled against the “false Messiah” were labeled as “worthless men” or “scoundrels” by the majority?

Yet they ended up being vindicated when Saul turned out to be a total disaster…

And even to this day, they are the only visible survivors of ancient Israel.

Remember, a Jew is basically a descendant from the tribe of Judah.

Anyways, there’s a huge lesson here, don’t you think?

Pretty much, the only remaining members of the ancient nation of Israel are those who rebelled against the man who would become a failed Messiah here in 1 Samuel.

And aren’t we told that’s what’s gonna happen when modern believers rebel against the coming Anti-Christ?

We’ll be called “scoundrels” and subjected to all kinds of abuse and persecution.

Yet we’re told if we hold to our faith, we will not perish.

I’ll leave you with those thoughts to chew on.