v 9. As Saul turned and started to leave, God gave him a new heart, and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day.
So many signs here for Saul to watch out for, all designed to convince him that Samuel is serious in his announcement of kingship. And everything the prophet said was fulfilled, down to the last loaf of bread!
The important thing however was the inner change going on in Saul. God gave him a fresh purpose in life and the inner desire to fulfil it. It all seems right on track for this young man to lead the people of Israel.
Saul experienced what many might consider to be a dramatic conversion and a call to serve God in a leadership capacity. Sadly – and I need to warn you at this stage – it didn’t all work out. But then the story isn’t about Saul, it is about Samuel after all and his role as a prophet. Good beginnings do not necessarily make for good conclusions. Francis Drake put it this way ‘There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory. ‘
Samuel was the faithful prophet who launched David into Kingship following Saul’s selfish and impatient actions later in life.
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