Study 10: 1 Samuel 9: 1-22: Trent Evans

This sermon study delves into 1 Samuel 8, a pivotal chapter that marks Israel's transition from theocracy to monarchy—a moment when the people reject God as their king in favor of a human ruler. The study explores the spiritual consequences of this choice, revealing how fear, distrust, and a desire to conform led Israel to trade God's proven leadership for worldly imitation. Through close examination of the text, listeners are challenged to reflect on their own hearts: Do we seek God’s Word for comfort yet resist His authority in our decisions? The study ultimately emphasizes God's grace even in rejection, His intimate care for those who feel cast aside, and the urgent call for believers to surrender the throne of their hearts to the only true King.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Context

⏱️ Timestamp: 0:01 – 1:55

🔑 Key Points:

• Worship and gathering—God’s presence matters more than who is present.

• Recap of 1 Samuel 8: Israel’s rejection of God as King, desire for a human king.📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 8

  
  

Chapter 2: Israel’s Desire for a King

⏱️ Timestamp: 1:55 – 4:40

🔑 Key Points:

• The elders of Israel want to be like other nations, rejecting God’s design.

• God consoles Samuel: “It isn’t you they are rejecting, it’s me.”📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:7

  
  

Chapter 3: Introduction of Saul

⏱️ Timestamp: 4:40 – 9:00

🔑 Key Points:

• Saul’s background: son of Kish, a man of standing.

• Saul’s physical attributes—impressive stature and appearance.

• 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:1-2

  
  

Chapter 4: Pedigree vs. Personal Choices

⏱️ Timestamp: 9:00 – 17:57

🔑 Key Points:

• Importance of spiritual lineage and legacy, but ultimate choice is personal.

• Saul’s story shows God can use anyone regardless of their background.

• 📖 Scripture: Judges 19-20 (Benjamin’s shame); 1 Samuel 9

  
  

Chapter 5: The Search for Donkeys—God’s Plan Unfolds

⏱️ Timestamp: 17:57 – 27:46

🔑 Key Points:

• Saul’s three-day search for donkeys seems futile but is part of God’s plan.

• God uses “irrelevant” tasks to lead to divine appointments.

• 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:3-6

  
  

Chapter 6: The Role of the Unnamed Servant

⏱️ Timestamp: 27:46 – 33:47

🔑 Key Points:

• The unnamed servant guides Saul to seek the prophet Samuel.

• Value of faithful, unnamed servants in God’s work.

• 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:6-8

  
  

Chapter 7: Divine Timing and Providence

⏱️ Timestamp: 33:47 – 40:49

🔑 Key Points:

• God’s perfect timing—Saul and Samuel’s meeting is no coincidence.

• Trusting God’s providence even in delays and obstacles.

• 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:15-17

  
  

Chapter 8: God’s Compassionate Provision

⏱️ Timestamp: 40:49 – 53:20

🔑 Key Points:

• Samuel’s invitation to Saul to dine, revealing God’s care for small needs.

• Even when we don’t choose God, He still shows kindness and provision.

• 📖 Scripture: Proverbs 18:16; 1 Samuel 9:23-24

  
  

Chapter 9: Saul’s Insecurities and God’s Calling

⏱️ Timestamp: 53:20 – 55:16

🔑 Key Points:

• Saul’s insecurities rooted in family history (Judges 19-20).

• Insecurity can undermine calling and obedience to God.

• 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:21

  
  

Chapter 10: Application and Closing Prayer

⏱️ Timestamp: 55:16 – End

🔑 Key Points:

• God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance and transformation (Romans 2:4).

• A call to trust in God’s provision, respond to His kindness, and choose Him daily.📖 Scripture: Romans 2:4

Scripture References

1. 1 Samuel 8

⏱️ Timestamp: 0:57 – 4:40

📖 Description:

• Describes Israel’s demand for a king, rejecting God’s theocratic rule.

• Used to highlight the tragedy of Israel’s choice to abandon God’s direct leadership and seek human leadership instead.

  
  

2. 1 Samuel 9:1-2

⏱️ Timestamp: 10:49 – 12:33

📖 Description:

• Introduction of Saul, the son of Kish, a man of standing and stature.

• Emphasizes Saul’s outward qualifications—wealth, physical appearance, and reputation—as humanly appealing traits for a king.

  
  

3. 1 Samuel 16:7

⏱️ Timestamp: 21:56 – 22:55

📖 Description:

• “The Lord does not look at the things people look at… the Lord looks at the heart.”

• Contrasts Saul’s physical qualifications with God’s criteria of the heart, showing that God ultimately values inward character.

  
  

4. Judges 19-20

⏱️ Timestamp: 49:02 – 50:10

📖 Description:

• Refers to the near-extermination of the tribe of Benjamin after a horrific crime.

• Provides historical context for Saul’s insecurity as a Benjamite, shaping how he viewed himself and his calling.

  
  

5. Proverbs 18:16

⏱️ Timestamp: 34:52 – 35:34

📖 Description:

• “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”

• Cited to explain the cultural practice of bringing a gift when seeking counsel from a prophet—emphasizing honor and respect, not payment for prophecy.

  
  

6. Romans 2:4

⏱️ Timestamp: 55:16 – End

📖 Description:

• “God’s kindness leads you to repentance.”

• Concludes the sermon by urging listeners to recognize the kindness and provision of God in their lives as an invitation to repentance and deeper faith.

Word Study

1. Heart

Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

Original Word: לֵב (lev)

Strong’s Number: H3820

Pronunciation: labe

Definitions:

• Simple: The inner person, mind, will, or heart.

• Extended: In biblical usage, it refers to the seat of thought, emotion, understanding, and moral choices. It encompasses feelings, motivations, and the direction of a person’s life.

Synonyms / Antonyms:

• Synonym: רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit”

• Antonym: Concepts like a hardened or obstinate heart (לֵב סָתָם) highlight resistance to God.

Other Key Passages:

• Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

• Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

• Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Reflection:The sermon emphasized Saul’s outward qualifications and how God ultimately values the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The word “lev” deepens this message, showing that real transformation and alignment with God’s will begins internally, regardless of appearance or external accomplishments.

2. Anoint

Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

Original Word: מָשַׁח (mashach)

Strong’s Number: H4886

Pronunciation: maw-shakh’

Definitions:

• Simple: To smear or anoint with oil.

• Extended: To consecrate or set apart someone for a divine purpose or role, such as a king, prophet, or priest.

Synonyms / Antonyms:

• Synonym: קָדַשׁ (qadash) – “to sanctify, to set apart”

• Antonym: חָלַל (chalal) – “to profane, make common”

Other Key Passages:

• 1 Samuel 16:13: Samuel anoints David as future king.

• Psalm 23:5: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

• Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me…”

Reflection:The sermon explores how Saul’s anointing was God’s choice, not man’s. The Hebrew concept of “mashach” underlines the divine selection and consecration involved. It also reminds us that while God may anoint someone for a task, it is still up to them to choose to walk faithfully in that calling.

3. Direct / Establish (implied by “providence”)

Language: Hebrew (Old Testament concept, expressed through words like “direct,” “guide,” “prepare”)

Original Word: כוּן (kun) – “to establish, direct, prepare”

Strong’s Number: H3559

Pronunciation: koon

Definitions:

• Simple: To set up, establish, or make firm.

• Extended: God’s active involvement in guiding and directing circumstances, establishing His plans and purposes.

Synonyms / Antonyms:

• Synonym: נָחָה (nachah) – “to lead”

• Antonym: הָפַךְ (haphak) – “to overturn, overthrow”

Other Key Passages:

• Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

• Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.”

• Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Reflection:Though the sermon does not explicitly use the word “providence,” it explores how Saul’s search for donkeys was divinely directed by God to accomplish His plan (1 Samuel 9). This word study highlights the theme of God’s unseen guidance—how He uses ordinary events and even delays to fulfill His purposes and lead His people to crucial encounters.

Reflection Questions

1.How does God’s choice of Saul—a man with outward strength and stature—contrast with God’s ultimate choice of Jesus, who came as a humble servant rather than a conquering king (Philippians 2:5-8)? What does this teach us about the kind of leaders God values and the kind of people He chooses to work through?

2.In the sermon, the search for donkeys ultimately leads Saul to God’s plan. In your own life, what “ordinary tasks” might God be using to direct you toward a divine purpose? How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33 (“Seek first the kingdom of God…”) shape how you see these small moments?

3.The unnamed servant in the sermon played a crucial role by pointing Saul to the man of God. How does this mirror our calling to be like the servant, pointing people to Jesus—the true King and Shepherd?

Read John 1:35-42 and consider how you might be an “unnamed servant” in your context.

4.Saul’s story warns us about letting insecurities shape our choices rather than trusting God’s purpose. How does Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 (“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden…”) speak to areas of insecurity or self-reliance in your life?

5.Finally, the sermon reminds us that God’s kindness and provision—even in small details—are meant to draw us to repentance and faith (Romans 2:4). How does the life and work of Jesus reveal God’s kindness in your life today? How might that kindness be leading you to deeper trust and transformation?