Movie producers do us a big favor when they set up a scene to generate a bad feeling. Maybe the camera angle is askew or it’s dark or the music sends shivers up your neck. They create the scene and indicate how you should feel. If you are not immersed in the movie, you can almost predict what’s about to happen simply by the mood of the music.

If you read 1 Samuel 10:17-27, what would the mood be? How would you try to create the mood? Is everyone supposed to be celebrating as they shout, “God save the king!” Should we have suspenseful, tremors in the strings section?

The truth is that the selection of Saul as king is complicated. As soon as Samuel begins speaking, you sense a sternness about his message. The keyword you should latch on to in this message is in verse nineteen.

1 Samuel 10:19

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us.

Which word gives you a bad feeling about this selection process? It should be the word “rejected.”

Samuel’s speech follows a formula of judgment and it cascades from the people’s rejection. If you follow this word throughout scripture, you will find that the people rejected the Lord when they came to the threshold of the Promised Land (Numbers 14:31). Spoiler alert, God will judge Saul because he rejected the word of the Lord (1 Samuel 15:23). Years later, the children of Israel will hear sermons preached by the fearless prophets that since they have rejected the Lord, the Lord has rejected them and they will be taken into captivity.

The ultimate rejection is prophesied in Psalm 118:22 and Jesus quoted this to the Jewish people during his ministry (Matthew 21:42).

Psalm 118:22

The stone which the builders refused Is become the head stone of the corner.

So, what kind of feeling are you supposed to have when you read 1 Samuel 10:17-27? Follow Samuel’s cue and you will be in the right frame of mind. This is disappointing that the people have rejected the Lord. However, the Lord will still provide the best opportunity for the people. Saul has had an excellent beginning. The Lord has prepared the way for Saul with hardly any resistance. God even touched the hearts of a band of men who support Saul while the children of Belial doubt Saul’s capability (1 Samuel 10:26-27).

The Lord is gracious even when people reject him. He pursues men relentlessly, not willing that any should perish. There is eventually the moment when the rejection has turned to resolve and fatally produces rebellion. This is where Saul will be.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.

Keep your heart tender to the will of the Lord and he will establish all your ways.