MARCH 23
Today’s reading covers the renewal of the kingdom. Saul
returned home and was actually hesitant to talk about his great
experience. Keep in mind that this was at the beginning of the
kingdom, when everything was new, Samuel was still the spiritual
ruler of the land, and he and Saul were waiting for God’s leading
concerning the future of the nation. The nation did not have modern
means of transportation or communication, and it would take months
for Saul and Samuel to unite and rally the people. Saul’s first
opportunity came when Nahash threatened the nation. The Spirit of
God came on him mightily and he utterly defeated the enemy.
Certainly this national victory put Saul before the people and
established his power. Some of his associates wanted Saul to kill
those Israelites who had opposed his reign, but Saul showed humility
and restraint by giving the glory to the Lord and refusing to take
vengeance on others.
This victory was the occasion for a renewal of the kingdom
and a rededication of the nation. Samuel reviewed his own ministry
and reminded the people that he had been faithful to them and to the
Lord. He then reviewed the history of the nation and led the people
to see that they had greatly sinned against the Lord by asking for a
king. He called for rain to show the people his own faith and the
power of God, and the sudden storm in harvest (an unusual thing at
that time of the year) brought fear to the people. They admitted
their sin and Samuel reassured them of God’s grace.