Saul was a fearful leader. So much so that when they initially chose him before the people as king, he hid behind supplies (1 Sam 10:22) which is ironic considering he was so tall (1 Sam 9:2). But he was scared and insecure. Perhaps he didn’t feel much like a king or know how to lead people. In fact even though he was anointed as king, he just worked in his fields like everyone else (1 Sam 11:5).
But then a situation arose. The Ammonites came against a town in Israel and laid out the terms. The Ammonites would destroy the Israelites or the Israelites could surrender and everyone have their right eye gouged out for humiliation. The town that was being attacked sent out the word for help.
When Saul heard, it was not him who rose up, but the Spirit of God came upon him strongly in that hour to lead and he rose up. He sent word throughout all the rest of Israel they if they didn’t assemble to fight the Ammonites that he would fight against them. Israel turned out en masse and they routed the Ammonites.
After that the people of Israel wanted to confirm him as king. Of course when he was initially chosen, there were dissenters as there always will be. And the mass of Israel wanted to put to death those dissenters but Saul said no.
Instead they went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul was king. And everyone rejoiced.
It’s interesting to note that Saul was chosen as leader. But it wasn’t until the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him in the hour of need that he knew what to do and how to lead. It reminds me of the Scripture,
“Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord” (Zech 4:7).
There are sometimes things we are called to do that we can’t. At least not in our own power. But if God has called us to such tasks, then when the time comes, typically not before but when the time is ripe, His Spirit comes and enables us to do that which we could not do in and of ourselves. The result is that when this happens and we see it for what it is, the Lord gets the glory (1 Sam 11:13-15).
