1 Samuel 11:7

Yoke of oxen. Probably the same yoke with which he had been plowing. How close at hand are the instruments with which God always demonstrates His power! Moses did not need the horses and chariots of Egypt. His shepherd’s crook became the “rod of God.” Gideon did not need the iron spears that the Philistines found necessary. A few clay pitchers and candles were better. Saul did not ask for special equipment. By the sacrifice of his own oxen he convinced Israel of his willingness to spend and be spent for the Lord. His energy and resourcefulness were contagious, “and the fear of the Lord fell on the people.” Once more he demonstrated the fact that, controlled by the Spirit, he would be guided in doing the right thing at the right time. Self was completely forgotten. The criticisms of the sons of Belial that probably had loomed large in his thinking during the past month or more melted away into insignificance. Under this new and, to him, strange power Saul felt his courage mount. Confident of success, he unhesitatingly placed himself by the side of Samuel in bringing protection to a town in distress.