Searching for Donkeys, Finding a Kingdom.
1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 - Saturday, Jan 13, 2024, 1st Week in Ordinary Time
The first reading of today's liturgy of the Word narrates a story of a young man who went to search for the asses but "found" a kingdom instead. The narrative of Saul's anointing as Israel's first king unfolds in three parts: his futile search for lost asses, his arrival in Samuel's town, and his anointing by Samuel, followed by his journey back home (see 1 Sam. 9:1-10:16).
This story highlights how ordinary events lead to extraordinary changes in life. Saul would never have imagined that obeying his father's command to search for the lost donkeys, would culminate in his ascension to kingship. The story also underscores God's providence employing mundane events to fulfill His divine purpose. Saul made it to the town of Samuel because of his insightful servant and an encounter with girls who came out of the town to draw water. Thus, although everything happens naturally, God is the one "directing the course of events" through "accidental occurrences" (see The Jewish Study Bible, 575).
The narrative introduces Saul as an exceptional man, towering over others in stature (1 Sam 9:2). Yet, this physical description contrasts with the unfolding events, emphasizing the adage that appearances can be deceiving. More is needed for leadership than good looks and a massive posture. Samuel's revelation that Saul is "the treasure of Israel" is met on the surface with self-doubt. "Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?" (1 Sam 9:20-21). However, Robert Alter pointed out that the tribe of Benjamin was among the most powerful ones, and the affluence of his father contradicts Saul's statement of humble origin. Thus, Saul's answer is rather an example of being polite and showing proper manners—something that Saul already demonstrated when he did not want to visit Samuel without a proper gift (see 1 Sam 9:7).
Saul, a good-looking young man with proper manners and towering over other people in Israel, is God's answer to the people's demand for a king. But, an acute reader may notice that God does not call Saul "king" but "leader" (see 1 Sam 9:16). Moreover, the main role assigned to Saul as a leader over Israel is a military one: "He shall rescue My people from the hand of the Philistines" (1 Sam 9:16) . Consequently, Saul serves as a transitional figure bridging the era of Judges with the established monarchy.
However, Saul would not be able to rescue God's people from the hands of the Philistines, and God would have to look for a more qualified leader.