WEDNESDAY January 23, 2019
The Man of Choice
There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
1 Samuel 9:1-2
In 1 Samuel 9, a king was chosen for Israel. God allowed it, but this choice came from a request made by men. God reinforced their decision by giving them what they wanted. The man of choice was Saul. Notice in the Hebrew language the meaning of the names in Saul’s linage: his father’s name was Kish, meaning “bent as in bending a bow or laying a snare.” Abiel means “God is my Father,” Zeror means “a bundle,” Bechorath means “the firstling, first fruits or first-born,” and Aphiah means “I will make to breathe or perhaps helpless or breeze.”
Notice, some of the meanings of these names found in Saul’s family line reflect pride and self-glorification. Remember, Saul was the choice of the people––not of God. From the meaning of these names, you get a good idea of what kind of man Saul was going to be. In the Hebrew culture, your name identified a relevant situation that happened, or it would reflect the person’s character.
Saul was a Benjamite. He came from one of the smallest tribes in Israel, but he was a mighty man of power. The word power does not speak of his strength, but of the wealth he possessed. Saul’s name means “asked.” By the time he was elected king, he was about thirty-three years old. He was good looking, in his prime, tall, strong and healthy, but God looks at the heart.
God doesn’t look at outward appearances when he recruits men for His purposes – education, wealth, connections. No, the Lord looks in favor on the man who is humble in spirit, and who trembles at His Word.
~D.L. Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!