1 Samuel 9 Footnotes

9:15-17 Why did the Lord choose Saul in the first place, if he would later regret the choice (15:11,35)? Matters of both divine will and human freedom need to be considered in addressing this question. God’s intention, in making Saul king, was to use him to lead Israel to victory against the Philistines (10:1,24), which he did (14:31,47). But when it came to submitting his life wholeheartedly to the Lord’s will, Saul was still free to make a choice. Sadly, in two key matters he gravely disappointed God by going his own way: he disobeyed direct military orders (15:18-24) and consulted a medium for guidance (1Ch 10:13).

God knows the end from the beginning (Is 46:10), and was not surprised at Saul’s actions. For reasons known only to God, he has chosen to work his divine will through sinful human beings. While the Lord’s purposes can never be broken, his heart can be.