King Saul: Star Quality

There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else.

1 Samuel 9:1-2 (NIV)

What do King Saul, Tom Brady, Duane Johnson, Muhammad Ali, Barack Obama, and Jason Mamoa have in common?

  • They’re all tall, strong, and handsome warriors.

  • They’re “kings” of sports, nations, and silver screens.

  • They’re strong leaders that other men follow.

  • They’re larger-than-life stars that fans admire.

Based on his remarkable appearance, young Saul was destined to get attention. He wasn't just Israel's tallest man, but he was also its most attractive. 

Today, Saul might be cast as a model, signed by a national basketball team, trained for an elite military post, or groomed to be a Hollywood hero. God had other plans!

Saul became Israel's first-ever king.

BACK STORY: After Israel conquered the Promised Land in a series of wars Joshua led, God’s children were ruled by priests and judges… to varying degrees of war and peace.* 

As centuries passed, bad choices were made! The worst one of all? The Lord’s chosen people stopped choosing Him. As troubles increased, they blamed their judges.

The prophet Samuel was God's last judge. Since he was aging, he called up his sons, Joel and Abijah, to replace him. But they weren’t like their dad. They were corrupt! To make matters worse, a war was at hand. Therefore, God’s children begged Him for a king.

They thought a king would ensure their welfare– and Israel would become strong again. 

Although God warned them of putting a man in a grand and exalted position, they persisted in their risky request.

So God allowed them to see for themselves how too much power can twist human hearts.

King Saul: Star Quality (Part 1)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Articles: List and time chronology of judges: http://jesusalive.cc/ques349.htm; http://www.bibleinsight.com/judges-chronology.html

Carey Arban