從外表看來，掃羅被選為以色列第一位王實在相配，從人的角度來看，掃羅氣宇非凡，天生的帝王相，但「人看外貌，上帝看內心」（16：7）。撒母耳膏掃羅，又在米斯巴摯籤得掃羅為王，與亞捫人之役，掃羅擊敗敵人，於是在吉甲按立為王。但事實顯明（撒母耳臨終對以色列民的訓誨也提到），上帝才是以色列的王，而非掃羅。

        你認為一個治理國家的領袖需具備那些特質？試舉五項。或許你認為威嚴的儀表、雄辯的口才、堅忍的個性、權威的氣派很重要，但綜觀掃羅為王的初期──惟一令上帝滿意的階段──你會發現掃羅一些有趣的領導風格。他能與異議份子和平共處，有錯時他謙虛讓賢，他將自己的成功歸榮耀給上帝，不高抬自己，關心百姓的需要。簡而言之，他是上帝的僕人，也是百姓的公僕。
        你在家庭、辦公室、教會中的領導風格如何？你服事人或要人服事？你是滿足別人的需要，或要別人遷就你？請記得，人是看外在表現，上帝是看內心的態度。這個星期你希望扮演怎樣的領導角色？當你默想你的領導角色時，不妨思想以賽亞書四十八章17節，上帝如何引導你的經文。

上帝不背乎自己
        上帝應許：「因祂的大名不撇棄你們。」（12：22）簡單的意思就是撇棄以色列違背了祂所立的約，也與祂的屬性自相矛盾。上帝的話和祂的名永遠是信實可靠的。

跟隨一個王之前，先看他是不是個明君。

English

        From all outward appearances, Saul's selection as the first king of Israel is an outstanding choice. His kingly demeanor and imposing presence make him a promising candidate—from a human perspective. But while "man looketh on the outward appearance, the LORD looketh on the heart" (16:7). Saul is anointed by Samuel, installed as king at Mizpeh, proven in battle against the Ammonites, and confirmed as king at Gilgal. But the fact remains (as pointed out by Samuel in his final address to the nation) that God—not Saul—should be King over Israel.

        What does it take to lead a nation? In the margin, see if you can compose a list of "Five Indispensable Qualities of a Leader."
Perhaps you thought of things like a commanding presence .., eloquent speech ... an aura of authority .,, toughness of character. But study the early years of Saul's reign—the only part of his life which received God's commendation—and you'll discover something interesting about Saul's leadership style. He held his peace with dissenters and refused to make examples of them when proven wrong; he gave God the credit for his successes; he didn't think of himself more highly than he ought; he was sensitive to the needs of people. In short, he was a true servant of God ... and of the people he was trying to lead.
        What is your leadership style in your home? Your church? Your office? Your social and civic relationships? Do you seek to serve or be sewed? To meet needs or have your own needs met? Remember, man looks at (and applauds) the external appearance; God looks at (and rewards) the internal attitude. Which leadership role will you turn into an opportunity to serve this week? And as you contemplate your leadership of others, memorize Isaiah 48:17, a verse describing God's leadership of you!

God Doesn't Act Out of Character —
        God's promise that He would "not forsake his people for his great name's sake" (12:22) simply meant that to abandon Israel would have been a violation of His covenant and a contradiction of His character. God is always true to His Word ... and His name.

Before following a leader, it is wise to see if he is headed in the right direction.