Acts 13:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →When Israel asked for a king, God gave them Saul of Benjamin, who reigned forty years.
What Does Acts 13:21 Mean?
When the people desired a king like the nations around them, God granted them Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. Paul, himself a Benjamite once named Saul, recounts this first king of Israel.
God often works even through what His people ask for in weakness. Their longing for a king arose partly from failing to trust Him as their true ruler, yet He answered and continued to guide their story. The reign of Saul prepares the way for David, and through David for the promised Son. The Lord weaves even our imperfect desires into the steady unfolding of His saving purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 13:21
What does Acts 13:21 mean?
When Israel asked for a king, God gave them Saul of Benjamin, who reigned forty years.