Acts 13:22

"Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years."

Key Reflection

After the Israelites requested a king instead of following God’s governance through judges, as described in Samuel, God provided them with Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, to rule for forty years. This historical context would have been particularly significant for the original audience, reminding them that their desire for human leadership led to a period marked by both political stability and subsequent challenges, highlighting the potential pitfalls of rejecting divine governance in favor of earthly rulership.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. And when he had removed him. This was done because he rebelled against God in sparing the sheep and oxen and valuable property of Amalek, together with Agag the king, when he was commanded to destroy all, 1 Sa 15:8-23. He was put to death in a battle with the Philistines, 1 Sa 22:1-6. The phrase, "when he removed him," refers probably to his rejection as a king, and not to his death; for David was anointed king before the death of Saul, and almost immediately after the rejection of Saul on account of his rebellion in the business of Amalek. See 1 Sa 6:12,13. He gave testimony. He bore witness, 1 Sa 13:14. I have found David, etc.

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