I Samuel 11
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I Samuel 11:6-8, When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one. When Saul mustered them at Bezek, the men of Israel numbered three hundred thousand and those of Judah thirty thousand.
In this chapter, Saul is given the opportunity to prove to Israel that he has what it takes to be their king. The Ammonites were known to be very aggressive and violent and they were taking aim at the people of Jabesh, even threatening to put out eyes so that the men would not be able to aim in future battles. Very ugly stuff. To make matters worse, the people of Jabesh don't seem to think the rest of the tribes will come to their aid. They are basically resigned to their fate, although they do ask for seven days to think about what to do.
During that seven day period, messengers come to tell the new king about what was transpiring in another area of Israel. The messengers themselves were so upset, so very distraught, by the situation that they begin to weep, just as Saul is returning. When Saul inquires of the situation and is told of what is going on in Jabesh, Scripture says that the Spirit of God came over him and he burned with anger, righteous anger in this case. Then, he does something very unorthodox. He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends pieces of the animals to all the tribes of Israel, stating that the oxen of those who don't follow him will face the same fate. Interesting leadership strategy for sure. The people are scared but they come together to fight the Ammonites and Jabesh is saved.
Saul has made it clear - he is king, he is to be followed, and Israel is to be unified. And the story will be continued tomorrow.
Let's pray...Almighty God, You are a God of justice and righteousness. How often we forget this! Give us wisdom to know when to burn with righteous anger and give us courage to stand up for those who are being oppressed. We love you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.