 |
| Samuel meets Saul. |
In today's reading we have a continuation of the search for a successor to Samuel (1 Sam 9:1-4, 17-19). The issue of kingship is dealt with gravitas in Samuel as it concerns the destiny of the people of Israel. In yesterday's reading the people castigate Samuel for being old and for the fact that his sons do not obey him (1 Sam 8: 4-7, 10-22). What is an old man to do in this situation?
Samuel prays to the Lord. The Lord cryptically says 'You must appoint a successor.'
In today's reading we see how incredible are the ways of the Lord. Saul was the successor that the Lord had chosen. But Saul was not from Samuel's clan. So how was Samuel to know about Saul?
In a piece of brilliant cinematography - you can almost see the camera panning - the donkeys of Kish, the father of Saul, go missing. Kish was a herder and loved his animals dearly.
Saul is summoned by his father to go search for them. Saul does what he is told to do, unaware of the Lord's plan for him. For three days he combs village after village, pasture after pasture, but the donkeys are nowhere to be found. He passes through the hills of Ephraim, the area around Shalisha and even the district of Shaalim, and of Benjamin.
When they reach the district of Zuph, Saul tells his companion that they should turn back for, 'my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and worry about us.' (1 Sam 9: 5) However his companion says they ought to consult the seer who lives nearby.
In so doing, Saul meets Samuel. The previous night the Lord had spoken to Samuel and told him that Saul would be his successor. It was Saul who would redeem the Israelites from the Philistines who have so far decimated them. Samuel instantly recognizes him and says, 'Go ahead of me to the high place; today you will dine with me; and tomorrow you will know your purpose.' He reassures him that the donkeys have been found.
Saul is incredulous. He protests saying that he is after all a Benjaminite - one of the least of the tribes of Israel.
Saul was chasing his donkeys. He became king of Israel.
The Lord works in strange ways. We only have to trust Him.
Comments