SAUL—"THE BAD KING"

1 Samuel 13-31 (Selected Readings)

INTRODUCTION

Saul ruled Israel from approximately 1050-1010 BC. While some Bible scholars tend to be critical of Saul from the very beginning,¹ the Scriptures definitely state that "God gave him (Saul) another heart" after Samuel anointed him (cf. 1 Sam. 10:9). They also suggest that Saul at first was a genuinely humble man (cf. 1 Sam. 15:17). Saul, who began his reign with such promise, became an embittered and embattled king, who ultimately lost all in his attempts to preserve his power. What happened to Saul? The answer to that question is found in the first of what have been called "the seven deadly sins!" Solomon identifies "a proud look" as the first of the great sins that "the LORD hates" (cf. Prov. 6:16-18). As one reviews these seven sins, they read almost as a biography of Saul’s later life. How sad, but how very instructive! Let us recognize the dangers of pride and strive with the Spirit’s help to avoid the problems it can introduce into our own lives!

THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Read 1 Samuel 13:5-15:

• Note the military maneuvers of the Philistines, the immediate reaction of the vast majority of the Israelites, the condition set by Samuel, and the actions of Saul.
• What was the motivating factor for both Israel and Saul? Consider 1 John 4:18 and its applica-tion to the practical lives of God’s children.
• While at this time Saul’s personal fate has not been determined, it would appear that the destiny of Saul’s family’s in terms of political leadership had already been decided. They would not rule, but rather be replaced by someone faithful to God. To some God’s reaction to Saul may seem to be an unreasonable overreaction. Why is this issue one of such great importance? (Hint: Consider which commandment is involved, and the exact nature of "faith.")

Read 1 Samuel 13:19-22; 14:15,20-24,31-35, and 43-45):

• Note the outward military disadvantages facing Israel and the meaning militarily of the Lord’s presence in Israel.
• Spiritual decline is seldom immediate. Cite evidence both of Saul’s inward spiritual decline and his attempts at continued outward service towards God.

Read 1 Samuel 15:1-3,7-16:

• Note God’s command and His reasons (cf. Dt. 25:17-29); Saul’s failure to fulfill God’s command and his reasons (cf. Verses 9,15); and Samuel’s rebuke of Saul and his reasons.

Read 1 Samuel 15:17-31:

• Faithfulness to God is always and inevitably tied to faithful to God’s Word (cf. Verses 19,22-23, 26). Given that fact, how importance is the present rejection of the Bible as God’s verbally inspired and inerrant Word by so many within external Christendom?
• Samuel’s actions in verse 31 may seem strange to us. It almost appears that Samuel went to worship with Saul after announcing Saul’s rejection by God. Notice, however, that Samuel while present did not worship with Saul. It would appear that Samuel was responding to Saul’s request to "honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel." Samuel had not been instructed at this point to anoint a different king, and his purpose was not to foment rebellion among the people against Saul, who remained their king.²

Read 1 Samuel 16:14-19,23:

• The LORD withdrew His Spirit from Saul and sent in its place a spirit to plague Saul. Unfortu-nately, Saul was not moved to repentance, but rather to seek physical alternatives, which can and always do only offer temporary relief.

Read 1 Samuel 18:6-12,20-21,25-29:

• Pride and unbelief inevitably lead to other sins—anger, jealousy, suspicion, evil plotting, and the abuse of others, even those you love.
• Sin is seldom an isolated event, but rather sin creates a "web" leading individuals into a "down-ward spiral" of grief and misery. Trace this truth in Saul’s life and your own.

Read 1 Samuel 22:6-19:

• Those who in unbelief have lost the moral ground in any dispute are often reduced to accusations, bribery, and in extreme cases violence. Trace how this was true for Saul. Consider how this can prove true in our lives.

Read 1 Samuel 28:4-20:

• Man is a spiritual being possessing a natural knowledge of God. Consequently, man will seek to fill his spiritual dimension. If he cannot do so with a knowledge of and service to the true God, he will do so with service to a demonic spirit.
• Saul "inquired of the LORD" (cf. Verse 6), but not in faith or with a repentant heart. Rather Saul in fear desperately sought the furtherance of his reign, willing to secure information even in ways contrary to God’s will.

Read 1 Samuel 31:1-6:

• Man in rebellious unbelief presumes to control and usurps authority over God even in areas of life and death. Saul’s final actions demonstrate his ultimate and final rejection of God. He died taking his own life and lost his soul.
• Jonathan died in battle, even as his father. Jonathan died in the Lord and experienced eternal salvation, while Saul died in opposition to the Lord and experienced eternal judgment. While the world looks on and sees similar results for both men, their ends could not be more different!

--Pastor Paul D. Nolting