Page 38 - Biblical Backgrounds student textbook

not approve of giving the Israelites a king, even though he did so. Saul was not a man of character; he
was a man of impressive stature. David was a man after God’s own heart who failed and abused the
authority given to him at times. Solomon was excessive and thought wisdom could protect him from it.
We have already discussed the judges of Israel, so let us briefly look at the transitions between the
judges and Saul, the conflicts over kingship, and the ongoing battles with other people groups.

Transitional leadership in Israel:

The priests and the Prophets provided leadership during the transition. Specifically, the prophet Samuel
was called upon by God to lead the people. Samuel was sent by God to find Saul and anoint him king (1
Samuel 10). Samuel was also sent by God to anoint David as the future king when Saul failed (1 Samuel
16). There is a debate over whether Saul was still considered king after Samuel told him God had
rejected him. The Bible seems to indicate he remained king but without God’s blessing and the promise
of future heirs that would be king.

Conflict over kingship:

Saul was not viewed as a good choice by all the people. 1 Samuel 10:27 tells us that some saw him as
unfit to do the job of saving Israel “Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of
valor whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And
they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace. (ESV)” and in 11:12 after he
defeated Ammon others said in 1 Samuel 11:12 “Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said,
‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death. (ESV)”

David also experienced this conflict. First Saul tried many times to kill him. Saul did not wish to give up
the kingship (1 Samuel 19). Then David became ruler over Zicklag. Zicklag was a Philistine city until David
was given it by King Achish of the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:6). He ruled there for one year and four
months. David lived in Philistia, subverting it without their knowledge, until the death of Saul. He then
went up to Judah where he was anointed king (2 Samuel 2:1-7). He did not rule Israel however as Ish-
bosheth was made the ruler (2 Samuel 2:8). David ruled Judah from Hebron for seven years and six
months (2 Samuel 2:11). Ish-bosheth was murdered in his own home. Before that the generals of Judah
and Israel were in ongoing battles. After Abner, the General of Israel, and Ish-bosheth died the people of
Israel made David their king (2 Samuel 5:1-5). Later in his reign Sheba led a rebellion of the tribe of
Benjamin against David (2 Samuel 20).

Solomon experienced this conflict as well. We have already mentioned the attempt to put Adonijah on
David’s throne against the wishes of David. This is interesting as the birth order would normally have
given the throne to Adonijah, but David knew God had chosen Solomon to rule and build the temple.
Solomon had to deal with threats to his reign and foreign adversaries as well.

Ongoing battles with foreign peoples:

Saul was in regular battles with other foreign people groups. The Amalekites, Philistines, the Moabites,
the Ammonites, the Edomites, and the kings of Zobah (1 Samuel 14:47-48). David fought against many
of the same enemies (2 Samuel 8). David succeeded in defeating the Philistines, though he did not
occupy their land, as well as Syria, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Amelk, and others. Solomon was able to
consolidate much of the expanded land. During his reign zi and other subdued enemies.
Religion in the united monarchy:

37