“The Lord Looketh on the Heart.” 1 Samuel 9-11; 13; 15-17

Keywords

Israelite kingship, prophetic leadership, Saul’s anointing

Abstract

Throughout many generations of early Israelite history charismatic leaders upon whom the spirit of the Lord descended delivered the Israelites from the hand of their enemies.  These deliverers and saviors were known as judges.  Although the Lord did send saviors unto his people to deliver them from their enemies in proportion to the faith and righteousness that they exercised, such intermittent leadership taxed the people’s sense of security.  So they clamored unto God for the institution of kingship that they might be like the other nations which surrounded them (1 Samuel 8:20).

Samuel was prophet over Israel at this time and though he explained all of the disadvantages of having a king the Israelites persisted in their desire for a king. ((1 Samuel 8:10-19.  See similar concepts expressed in the Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 5:18; Mosiah 29; Ether 6:19-27.))  Placing the matter before the Lord, Samuel received a revelation instructing him to establish a king for the children of Israel (1 Samuel 8:21-22).

About this time a choice young man named Saul ((In Hebrew Saul means “the one asked for, requested.”  His name correlates with the idea that the children of Israel requested a king.  See Anchor Bible Dictionary, edited by David Noel Freedman, vol. 5 (New York: Doubleday, 1992), p. 990.)) from the tribe of Benjamin was upon his father’s errand diligently seeking after lost donkeys.  Knowing that there was a seer in the land Saul determined to inquire of the Lord through Samuel where he might go to find the lost animals.

Original Publication Citation

“The Lord Looketh on the Heart: 1 Samuel 9-11; 13; 15-17.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 2013.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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