Let’s examine Israel’s political situation as it existed here in 1 Samuel Chapter 11.
So at this time, Israel was divided into the following 3 distinct political factions and alliances:
- The 8 tribes in the north of Canaan
- The 2 tribes in the south of Canaan
- The 3 tribes in the Trans-Jordan (the territory east of the Jordan River)
Now if you’re wondering ‘Hey that makes up 13 tribes, and not 12’…
Well, don’t forget that’s because one-half of the tribe of Manasseh decided NOT to live in the Promised Land and chose to live in the Trans-Jordan, and the other half decided to live in Canaan.
Now here’s what’s really interesting about King Saul’s tribe Benjamin.
Benjamin was located smack dab in the center of Canaan.
This meant it was situated at the intersection of all 3 political coalitions giving them both a strategic advantage and disadvantage.
It was an advantage because they could pick and choose which faction of Israel to side with…
But it was a disadvantage because they couldn’t choose to align themselves with one faction without alienating themselves from the others.
So they were kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.
For the most part, Benjamin chose to align themselves with the tribes in the north with one exception: the city of Yavesh-Gilead which was located in the Trans-Jordan.
Recall my discussion over the past couple of days about how Yavesh-Gilead was connected to the tribe of Benjamin.
You can review the topic by reading these articles HERE and HERE.
So as I explained earlier, Saul was NOT able to immediately assume the throne of Israel and begin ruling like a real king.
Why?
Because he had so much opposition.
There were many folks who despised him and didn’t even wanna accept the fact he’d just been made king.
Some because they knew the people had angered God because they chose an earthly ruler over Him.
Others were upset because they saw it as an affront to Samuel who had faithfully served them for so many years.
On top of that, several of the clan leaders were ticked off because they knew a king would trample on their own personal authority and power which they’d enjoyed exercising for years.
Now can you guess which part of Israel the leaders harboring this mindset came from?
It was the southern tribes of Judah and Simeon.
No surprise there, right?
So, it was this chaotic situation that prevented Saul from immediately ruling as king.
That’s why he went back home to Gibeah and returned to his old life as a farmer and herder.
He had to wait for a chance to prove himself…especially to those who opposed him.
Fortunately, that chance was right around the corner.
Let’s stop here but before I do I wanna share an interesting connection between Saul and Yeshua.
Just as Saul wasn’t able to fully assume his throne and begin ruling like a king because of the opposition against him, couldn’t we say the same thing about Yeshua?
During his first coming, he was rejected by the established religious authorities, which obviously prevented him from becoming King at that time.
Remember these words of Yeshua:
“For I tell you, you will not
see me again until you say,
‘Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord.’”
-Matthew 23:39
Another connection is just as Saul needed a chance to prove himself in battle, couldn’t the same thing be said about Yeshua?
In Yeshua’s case, that battle will be Armageddon.
I’ll leave you today with those thoughts.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city
that kills the prophets and stones
those who are sent to it! How
often would I have gathered
your children together as a hen
gathers her brood under her wings,
and you were not willing!
Behold, your house is forsaken.
And I tell you, you will not see
me until you say, ‘Blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
-Luke 13: 34-35
Blessed
Thank you.