Book of Acts - Chapter 13 - Verse 21

After the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, they realized they were a unique nation without a king like the surrounding nations. They requested a king from God, despite God warning them of the drawbacks of having a human ruler. In response to their request, God appointed Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be their first king. Saul ruled for forty years, during which he led the Israelites in battle against their enemies. However, Saul's reign became marred by his disobedience to God's commands, resulting in God ultimately rejecting him as king. This verse serves as a reminder of the Israelites' desire for a king and God's provision in fulfilling their request, while also highlighting the importance of obedience to God's will in leadership.

This verse from the book of Acts highlights the transition in leadership for the Israelites from the time of judges to the era of kings. The theological interpretation of this passage focuses on the relationship between the people of Israel and God. Despite the Israelites desiring a king, God in His providence chose Saul, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, to rule over them for forty years. This decision demonstrates God's sovereignty in selecting leaders for His chosen people. The word study of the verse sheds light on the significance of Saul's lineage from the tribe of Benjamin, showing how God used even this seemingly minor detail to fulfill His plan for Israel. The choice of Saul also reflects God's willingness to work with imperfect individuals to bring about His purposes. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use flawed human beings to carry out His will in the world.