Constitution of the kingdom

The monarchy under Saul officially began, but the new kingdom was yet to have formal structure. (1) Samuel informed the people of the king’s responsibilities, wrote them in the book, and placed it before the Lord (in the Ark of the Covenant). This book was akin to the constitution of the kingdom. (2) Thus, Samuel sent all the people back to their homes. (3) Since there was no royal palace yet, Saul too returned to his home in Gibeah. Despite being appointed as king, his life remained unchanged. Saul himself must have been anxious about what the future held for the kingdom and of his own fate.

Two types of people

Towards the newly appointed but insecure King Saul, two distinct attitudes were observed. (1) “The valiant men, whose hearts God had touched, went with him (Saul).” Those who followed Saul at this time would become the royal guards and form the core of his army. They are referred to as “valiant men, whose hearts God had touched.” They were the true believers of that time. Their allegiance was less about Saul himself and more about their conviction that supporting Saul was God’s will for them. These are the people that the Bible refers to as “the remnant of Israel.” (2) “But certain useless men said, ‘How can this one save us?’ And they despised him and did not bring him a gift.” Those who rejected Saul are described as “useless men.” These people did not understand the will of God, always acting and deciding based on their own interests. Even when faced with such contemptuous attitudes, Saul remained silent. He knew that it was a time for patience and silence. Saul’s attitude at this time is highly commendable. In every generation, God’s plan for human salvation has always been advanced through the hands of believers known as “the remnant of Israel.” Even today, God is gathering the modern “remnant of Israel.” Those who follow in the faith of Abraham are the true believers. Are you “a valiant man, whose heart God has touched,” or are you “a useless man”? Let’s take a moment today, to self-evaluate.