Jacob Chanikuzhy

“As innocent as a dove,” – this is what at least some rabbis thought about King Saul, the first king of Israel. They vouch that Saul had not committed even a single sin when he was anointed by Prophet Samuel. 1 Samuel 9,2 introduces Saul as a very tall and handsome man. It attests that, “There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel.” It is understandable that when God chose a king for his own people, he chose the one who can command respect and admiration of the people at the very first sight!
When the reader finds Saul for the first time, he was searching for the strayed donkeys of his father. Of course, only an obedient son would go after the lost donkeys of his father. Saul was also a sincere son because he searched for the donkeys for three days. Finally he decided to stop the search and go back home not because he was not interested in donkeys but to not make his father worry about him.
It was the servant who told Saul about Samuel. It appears that Saul did not have any idea about prophet Samuel who was popular among the people. However, when the servant suggested him to approach Samuel, he was immediately concerned about giving some gifts to the prophet – a sign of his generosity and respect towards others. When Samuel hinted at his privileged position in Israel, Samuel reacts: “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?” One cannot fail to recognize the spirit of humility in the reply of Saul. That evening Saul feasted with Prophet Samuel.
The next day, Samuel anointed Saul as the leader of Israel. When he left Samuel, God gave Saul a new heart. On the way back, he met with a prophetic band and he too stared prophesying. This event caused the proverbial saying, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” It shows the surprise in the unexpected change occurring in people.
This initial picture of Saul could be explained as very positive. The elevation of Saul who went in search of the donkeys to the leadership of Israel can be understood as God’s magnificent deed of raising up “the poor out of the dust, to set them among princes” (1 Sam. 2:8).
However, the apparently positive initial picture of Saul is seen in a negative light by others. Presentation of Saul as handsome and tall itself is problematic. He is not introduced as pious or wise. He has external characteristics that appeal to the people who see only what is outside. If all that matters in leadership is size, shape and looks, Saul has all of it. But, if heart is what counts, the reader has no idea about Saul. The fact that it was the servant who introduced Samuel to Saul proves that Saul was less knowledgeable than his servant. In planning and management the servant excels his master as the servant has still some money in his pocket while Saul has an empty pocket!
The proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets” insinuates the idea that prophecy is not a fitting call to Saul. Saul might appear as a prophet for a short while. But, it will not last long because Saul is still Saul. His mask as a prophet melts into thin air when later he acts like a madman under the power of the spirit. Like a false prophet, he was also at times possessed by an evil spirit. Great tragedy of Saul is that one who started apparently as a prophet, king seeking guidance from Prophet Samuel practices witchcraft and turns to a witch for critical advice on the previous day of his death! The one who began his career as the commander of Israel with a fellowship meal with Prophet Samuel dines with a witch on the last night of his life (28:21-25)!
Traditions supporting Davidic dynasty might have a role in depicting Saul in a negative light. However, the way the biblical texts now paints the picture of King Saul invites everyone to examine the present state of enterprises, institutions, movements and offices started with great goals, ideals and morals.