When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. – 1 Samuel 11:6

Today's Scripture Reading (May 21, 2025): 1 Samuel 11

An unknown Buddhist believer argued early in the days following the life of Buddha that "Anger is like grasping a hot coal to strike another; you are the one who Is burned." It is a great image and describes the effect of anger on us well; at least, it describes the impact of anger most of the time. However, sometimes, our anger is needed.

Jesus was angry when he cleared the Temple. As John tells the story, he says,

So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!" His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me" (John 2:15-17). 

I think the Apostle Paul would agree. His admonition is not "Don't be angry." It is "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26). Sometimes, our anger is justified. But we can admit that this is not the case in most instances when we become angry. Most of the time, our anger causes us more harm than the person that has elicited the response. 

The Ammonites have surrounded the Israelite city Jabesh of Gilead. The inhabitants of Jabesh try to make a deal with their attackers to save themselves. We need to note that while Saul will be crowned as King, this is still a moment when Israel does not have a unified outlook, and each city still has to defend itself without the nation's help. The population of Jabesh asks for a treaty, and as a result of the treaty, they agree to become subjects of the Ammonites. The only other option is that the Ammonites slaughter the people of the town. The people of Jabesh chose life subject to the Ammonites over death.

But this was a moment of transition. News reaches Saul, and God allows him to show some righteous anger against the actions of the Ammonites. This kingly anger is a new reaction, a moment when Israel can react as a nation against anyone who dares to infringe on the rights of the nation's people. Even in the Transjordan, where Jabesh of Gilead was located, Israel could respond to a threat against its sovereignty with a unified response. Having a king would have many drawbacks, but this kind of national response to enemies with designs on Israelite territory was one of the strengths. As Israel embarked on its national dream, Saul's response to the Ammonite invasion was essential to the nation's dream.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 12