“So Sh’mu’el had all the tribes come forward, and the tribe of Binyamin was chosen. He had the tribe of Binyamin come forward by families, and the family of the Matri was chosen, and Sha’ul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he couldn’t be found.”-1 Samuel 10:20-21
Yesterday I told you the process to reveal Saul as King to the people was done by “lots”.
However, the Hebrew word for “lots” is GORAL or גורל…
And nowhere is this word present in these passages.
So how in the world do I know lots was the method used to reveal Saul as king?
Well, here’s the thing.
In those days there were only two divine methods used to reveal God’s Will.
One was the Urim and Thummim and the other was lots.
Since the Urim and Thummim only provided “yes” or “no” answers by rolling two stones that served as ancient dice…
And since this process had to be overseen by the High Priest who kept these two mystical stones inside his ritual vest…
We can see that’s NOT what was happening here with the unveiling of Saul as king.
First, in this case, it was Samuel who was overseeing everything…
Second, recall that Moses used lots to determine which tribe would get which tribal territory.
So I think good ‘ole common sense tells us it was lots being used here to select Saul.
Ya, feel me?
Now I’m aware we modern folks consider lots to be a form of gambling.
We see it as nothing more than a game of chance.
But that’s not the Biblical perspective.
In Scripture, lots done “before God” was a trusted method to reveal the Lord’s Will or choice.
Again, things kicked off with the choice of ONE tribe among the 12…
Then it progressed to the selection of ONE clan among the numerous ones (Benjamin)...
Next, ONE family was selected out of the many (Matri)….
Finally, ONE individual was chosen.
From the outside, it may have seemed like some kind of lottery was being conducted.
Well, if that’s the case, then this was a “fixed” lottery.
The purpose wasn’t to decide a winner but to REVEAL who God had chosen to be King.
Psychologically speaking, this also greatly benefited Saul.
Why?
Because he was still filled with doubts of all kinds and needed reassurance.
So what’s the takeaway for today?
Well, I’m reminded of the fact there is no word for “coincidence” in ancient Hebrew.
The idea of getting lucky or things just happening by chance is foreign to the Scriptures.
God is sovereign and nothing happens or doesn’t happen without His watchful eye aware of what’s going on.
There is one Hebrew word HASHGACHA or הַשְׁגָּחָה that refers to unexpected events or circumstances.
But this word still still relates to divine providence or the idea that events are guided or overseen by a higher power.
So that’s your lesson for today.
Whatever happens in your life…
Whether good or bad…
Know that your Father in Heaven is in complete control…
And will work out all things for the good according to His perfect timing.
Shalom.
Well, now, here is a post that I can finally agree on! Well done!
I might also ADD that there is a REASON that Saul was the FIRST KING for Israel on earth. Because he REPRENTS that LAST KING that Israel will have ON THIS EARTH before Jesus returns. We call him…THE Anti-Christ.
What does scripture say?
Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning…
If you want to know how the story ends, read Genesis backwards.
Ed Chapman
I would never expect anyone to completely agree with anything I present on this blog…
But happy to hear you found something you can resonate with.
Be blessed!
The beauty of this platform is more particular about being ‘Critical ‘
This is not my first time of reading the book of 1 Samuel. However, this is my first time of turning my mind to an issue to do with ‘lots’
May be I have always taken it for granted simply because the prophet of God had already declared that Sauul was appointed by God to be the King of Israel.
I never imagine for once, that Saul himself might be quetioning the circumstances that led to his election if it was truly from God . So it was relevant to have another neutral supporting evidence of proof.to convince him beyond his doubts.
My personal experience is when our Business had difficulties during the financial crunch in my country, I had a lot of sleepless nights. In my, confusion, I just needed someone who understand the situation better than myself to talk to. Soometimes I went to God in tears to ask Him HOW HE ALLOWED ME to go into this business. In the first place, I wanted to know if God approved of it or not, is that why I find myself in that bad situation ?
Again, I agree that NOT every body will believe the AUTHENTICITY of his kingship, because Saul’s family and roots was not recognised as such.Remember this is not democratically elected, and as a king he needs aceptance by alll.
Casting of LOTS was necessary
Many thanks