Saul's Bad Press

I am intrigued by the discussion we had about Saul and how he is presented in 1 Samuel.
Frick notes 4 possible ways of understanding Saul’s role:
-Permanent Judge
-Self appointed protector
-Chieftain
-State Builder
He further indicates that whichever model is espoused, Saul represented something new in Israel. As we discussed in class, there are clearly pro and an anti views of kingship presented in 1Sam 8-12. The alternate view may have been inserted later than the original view to provide a balancing perspective. For me, this idea presents food for thought and leads me to wonder if Saul has gotten not only a bad rap but some bad press as well. I marveled even at the example where Saul was told to go with his army and wait for Samuel to come and offer sacrifice before going to battle. The troops had started to desert, the enemy seemed to be pressing, his experience and training as a warrior told him to strike now, his devotion to God told him not to wait, but to offer the sacrifice then go. Could it be that the influence of his background and training made him momentarily take his eyes off of the direction? Could it be that the writers of history are making a point and giving him a worse name that necessary? The story remains, he disobeyed God, the spirit of God left him, he went mad and ultimately, and, depending on your take of the story, fell on his sword (samurai style which is death with honor). It just feels to me like an abundance of bad press and perspective.

A Treasured Possession To God

In "The Ten Commandments and Human Rights", Walter J. Harrelson reminds us that God’s plan to deliver Israel was only a small part of the plan, the real plan involves us. The story might have started with Israel, but today we are the story. But, how, exactly are we to understand that plan? “To bring wholeness and health to all peoples” (153). Though us!

Harrelson wants us to consider how to execute that plan and why the Ten Commandments are the key to success. But, what makes Harrelson think that this might be news to us? Consider a bit of his rationale:

Have we slowly lapsed into the implicit belief that these Old Testament Commandments have been largely replaced by the two New Testament commandments: “Love God” and “Love neighbor?”

Can our children (and adults!) recite the Ten Commandments?

It’s a secular world and we no longer expect full compliance with the Commandments. To the extent that we do expect compliance, we have secularized some Commandments into laws such as: “Don’t kill” (well, unless you can do so without legal consequences); “Don’t steal” (again, unless you can do so without legal consequences); “No adultery” (the legal consequences of which are condoned and pardoned, often repeatedly); and so on.

Do you find his rationale compelling?

And so, with each passing page, Harrelson slowly tightens his grip around our collective necks.

His message became indelible, for me, with the Hebrew word סְגֻלָּה, pronounced “segullah”, which can mean “a special treasure to God,” as you can see in the following verse: “Now then, if you will obey Me faithfully and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all the peoples” (Exodus 19.5).

It’s a book worthy of reading…and praying.