The First Book Of Samuel. Day 29, Saul Is Merciful Toward Those Who Formerly Opposed Him

We were told in Chapter 10 that not everyone was happy when Saul was declared king: "But some scoundrels said, 'How can this fellow save us?' They despised him and brought him no gifts." Now that Saul has led Israel to victory in battle against the Ammonites, with the help of the Lord, we find the citizens in more unity of mind where he is concerned. 

A large number of the people are offended on Saul's behalf. They want the doubters to pay for the scornful things they said about him. "The people then said to Samuel, 'Who was it that asked, 'Shall Saul reign over us?' Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.'" (1 Samuel 11:12)

They ask, "Where are those mockers who thought Saul was a bad choice for king? He led our troops into battle against the Ammonites and saved the city of Jabesh Gilead from the heathen army. Now what have these men got to say for themselves? They'll have to eat their scornful words. In fact, shame isn't enough for them. Off with their heads!"

The Bible doesn't record Samuel's reply. It could be that he didn't have time to make a reply at all, for Saul benevolently speaks up on behalf of those who shunned him and ridiculed him on his coronation day. "But Saul said, 'No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.'" (1 Samuel 11:13) He says, "This is a day of rejoicing, not a day of violence and mourning. This is a day for unity, not a day for brother to turn against brother. The Lord has done great things for us and we must all join together in an attitude of thanks."

Saul shows a great deal of restraint and sets a good example for the nation in our text today. He won't always be a man with self-control. He won't always live a life of moderation and level-headedness. But today he wisely refrains from allowing something to take place that would have caused more opposition to his reign and more disunity among the people. Imagine if those who supported Saul had seized and put to death the men who we were told "despised" him in Chapter 10. The families of those who were put to death would be consumed with anger and bitterness toward those who put their men to death---and their rage and hatred would have extended to the king as well. A plot could have even formed to overthrow Saul's administration and put another king in his place. He did the right thing in refusing to allow any violence to be done against the men who spoke out against him in Chapter 10.

The prophet Samuel sees this as a moment to further solidify a spirit of unity and national pride among the Israelites. He views this as an opportunity for everyone to show public support for Saul. "Then Samuel said to the people, 'Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.' So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the Lord. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration." (1 Samuel 11:14-15) 

Saul is already king, of course, and there is no legal need for declaring him king again. This is being done for the purpose of further boosting everyone's morale and for the purpose of helping everyone to care about each other and about their king. If a house divided against itself cannot stand, as we discussed yesterday, then it stands to reason that a house united can stand firm. Saul's mercy toward his detractors helps the house of Israel to stand firm.