The Politics of Insecure Kings | 1 Samuel 22:6-8

Vince Miller Podcast

Do you feel insecure about the present political climate?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, David took his family to the stronghold in Moab and then left with his 400 men to the forest of Hereth. Today, the text is going to turn back to King Saul in Gibeah in 1 Samuel 22:6-8:

Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” — 1 Samuel 22:6-8

The last time we read about Saul, he had his spear in hand and hurled it at his son, Jonathan. Again, he has his spear in hand, probably because he is very concerned for his life. This is a possessed and paranoid king who is strapped with a weapon wherever he goes, and people continue to submit to his oppressive disposition. One of the reasons they submit is submitted in the text. Saul is paying for their allegiance by endearing the people of his tribe (the Tribe of Benjamin) with three things: fields, vineyards, and positions in the kingdom.

It's important to pause here and notice the contrast of appearances between Saul and David. Saul sits in the comfort of his home atop a hill in his kingdom, peacefully in the shade of a tamarisk tree. David retreats to a cave and foreign lands outside his homeland, distressed and running for his life. However, the picture of Saul's security is only an illusion because deep insecurities are stirring within his heart.

Saul realizes that the quid-pro-quo approach with his tribe (the Tribe of Benjamin) is no longer as effective as it once was because his oppression has become too much. David's tribe (the Tribe of Judah) just rallied around him in distress at the Cave of Adullam with no promises of quid-pro-quo. Thus we see Saul is creating a political divide within Israel, and the people feel it.

But Saul's outburst gives him away. It makes him sound like a pouting child who is not getting his way and is throwing a tantrum. Essentially, he exclaims, "I give you everything, but no one tells me anything!"

Saul's facade of security has been publicly exposed. Deep insecurities are driving him further into madness. He is not concerned about the things of God, God's people, or even his own tribe. His only concern is himself. Following his outburst, his people are silent. They are in shock at what he has declared, and no one dares to respond. And so Samuel's explicit declaration in 1 Samuel 8 about their desire to appoint a king like other nations is fulfilled a couple of decades later. Let's turn back and read what Samuel prophecied:

“These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you … he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties.… He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants.” — 1 Samuel 8:11, 12, 14.

Political leaders do not care about you. They frequently begin with pure motives and good intentions, but if they stay in politics for long enough, their motives and intentions turn to securing favor for themselves and their families and finally winning just enough public favor for their next election. You might initially not like what I am saying and disagree with me on this, but don't ignore Saul's progression and Samuel's prophecy they are a standing pattern that has stood the test of time. Besides, in the end, this empire will not last very long. There are only three kings in Israel's monarchy: Saul, David, and Solomon. It lasts only long enough for the Temple to be built. (I wonder if God was trying to tell us something?)

If you feel insecure about our present political climate remember: political leaders do not care about you, but there is one who does. His name is Jesus. He is the only King. Submit to him, and find your security in him; he will never let you down.

God, today we put our trust in God, who is King, not the next king. Amen.

#InsecureKings, #FaithInPolitics, #CommunityInChrist

Ask This:

1. How do Saul's insecurities mirror those of our leaders? How can we seek God's guidance to lead with authenticity and trust rather than fear?
2. In challenging times, how can we build genuine community and support instead of superficial relationships that are based on others' insecurities? What practical steps can we take to foster genuine connection?

Do This:

Find security in God.

Pray This:

Father, help me to recognize and surrender my insecurities to You so that I may lead with authenticity and faith rather than fear. Grant me the wisdom to build genuine connections within my community, reflecting Your love and grace in every relationship. Amen.

Play This:

I Trust Jesus.