Passing from Zelzah, Saul would meet three men at the oak of Tabor (see R.V.) going up to God at Bethel. Happy proof that, although everything was as wrong in Israel as it could be, there was still a remnant who clave to God. Bethel speaks of God's faithfulness; it was there that He told erring Jacob He would never leave him nor forsake him (Gen. 28:15). From the sepulcher (death) Saul passes on to the oak (strength). What strength it is to one who would walk to please God in an evil day to know that God has preserved for Himself at least a few who are able to lay hold upon Him, counting upon His faithfulness! Elijah missed this, hence his complaint at Horeb, “I, even I only, am left.” The despondent prophet was soon given to know that there were seven thousand besides himself who had not bowed the knee to Baal (1 Kings 19:13-18). Somehow the prophet had overlooked them!
Two men met Saul at Zelzah. Two is the number of testimony, and thank God, the testimony is adequate that He Who died for our sins is risen again. At the oak of Tabor, three men came before him. The thought of fellowship is here. “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18: 20). The three men were not merely going up to Bethel, they were “going up to God.” Is the Lord's presence in the midst the paramount thought with us when we assemble with our brethren? Are we able to see beyond the company to the invisible, faithful Lord?
Faith was not quite extinct in Israel, nor is faith quite extinct today, although the predicted apostasy is now very near. Each of the three men whom Saul met was laden with good things, “One carrying three kids, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine.” Here is sufficiency indeed, in which Saul was invited to share. The kids speak of Christ in death the loaves, of Christ incarnate, and the wine, of His precious blood. The two or three who may come together in any given place today, in dependence upon the Lord may count upon being fed. We share God's good things together. Holding the Head, “all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God” (Col. 2:19)