Saul

<<OT king>>

The first king of Israel, and ultimately one of the most pathetic of all God’s chosen servants. The Israelites rejected being led by God and demanded a king like the neighbouring nations and Samuel reluctantly submitted to their demands (1 Sam 8:5-9, 10:17-19,24). Saul had no intimate personal relationship with God, saying to Samuel, “The Lord your God” in comparison to David’s confession “The Lord my God” (1 Sam 15:30; 1 Kgs 5:4). He was mortally wounded in battle against the Philistines, along with his son Jonathan, and he took his own life. This was typical of Saul who throughout his life took matters into its own hands, without thinking of God. After Saul’s death (in 1010 BC), the northern tribes made another of Saul’s sons King while Judah made David their King. His story is told in 1 Samuel 9 to 31.

Lessons from his life: * He started out successfully, but then consistently disobeyed God’s instructions by doing things his own way and although he possessed outstanding visual qualities it became evident he lacked sound character qualities (1 Sam 9:2, 10:23, 15:11). He was from the smallest tribe and the least family in Israel (1 Sam 9:21, 15:17). If you think you are living in obscurity, remember God knows and sees you; everyone is valuable in His economy and He may have chosen you for a special task. Keep humble and dependent on Him, because the root motive of sin is independence and this will lead you away from His call. With Saul, what was originally a bright career turned into a dismal failure.

* Initially he took little notice of those who seemed to be against him, yet later, he became insecure and worried about those who were more popular or opposed him. He wanted to save face before his subjects and it became a consuming obsession to get rid of those he considered a threat to his position (1 Sam 10:27, 11:12,13, 15:30, 18:14-16, 19:1-3, 26:17-21). While leaders need to listen to constructive criticism, they should not be intimidated or controlled by public opinion, nor fear those who despise their position of authority. Instead, they should ‘hear’ the Word of God and adhere to sound ethical principles.

* He was under pressure, when his resources were slipping away, and took matters into his own hands, disobeying God. He tried doing a good thing but in the wrong way (1 Sam 13:8-14). It is not wrong to attempt new things however, what Saul did was to disobey what Samuel had commanded (1 Sam 10:8). The methods we use to accomplish our goals are just as important as reaching them, “Don’t do evil that good may result” (Rom 3:8). When confronted about his sin of disobedience he offered excuses, trying to justify his actions because of special circumstances. God can only forgive and cleanse when we are honest and own up to the sin we have committed. Under pressure our true spiritual character is revealed. Will we trust and obey God? Don’t allow impatience to cause you to do what is not right.

* In his fervour to fight the enemy Saul made an impulsive and unwise statement, “a curse be on anyone who eats before tonight” (1 Sam 14:24-45). This might have been an incentive to get the battle finished yet it resulted in the soldiers being faint and not being able to fight vigorously. Then, in the evening, they ravenously fell on the plunder eating raw meat (eating blood was forbidden). Also his son Jonathan, who did not know about his father’s ridiculous command, was nearly killed (Lev 7:26,27, 17:10-14). Wisdom is required when serving God. Think through the implications of your options. Yes, there is a place for sacrifice, including fasting, but we are also to be good stewards or guardians of God’s temple that is our body (1 Cor 6:19).

* Saul was given a specific command to completely destroy “everything that belongs to them – people and animals”, while in fact he left alive the best of the livestock (1 Sam 15:1-30). He declared he had carried out God’s wishes. When challenged further he made the excuse that they would be used as offerings to God, assuming this was a noble gesture. Samuel replied, “God wants total obedience, not a sacrifice to try and mend a situation!” The outcome of this flagrant disobedience was the termination of his kingship. Although it was several years before this took place, God does not tolerate a disregard of His commands. It is essential to fulfil God’s directives, doing what He says regardless of our thinking things should be done a different way. Listen carefully and respond obediently to Him and His appointed leaders or face the consequences. When Saul finally acknowledged, “I have sinned” it was too late to reverse the divine decision. There is a limit to what He will tolerate from rebellious humanity. Consequences might be a while coming but they will arrive! A time of reckoning for our actions will happen (Rom 14:10-13).

* Saul looked at the situation with Goliath from a human perspective while David saw it from the spiritual perspective – a mortal man defying a mighty God (1 Sam 17:31-47). How do I face life’s giants – fearfully, having only human resources, or confidently, seeing them as rebels who must be brought down by God’s servants? David’s approach was ‘I’ve got a bear’s skin and a lion’s head back home to prove what a mighty God I have!’ Do I try and fight in my own strength or in the name of the Lord?

* “The Spirit of the Lord left him and an evil spirit troubled him”. He had turned his back on God and the spiral downwards continued until his death – he became afraid, jealous and his hatred caused him to try to kill David personally, then when this failed, to have him assassinated. This hostility grew until he had an army out searching for David (1 Sam 18:10-12,29, 19:1,9-11, 20:31). Emotions are powerful forces that we must be in control of at all times.

* Saul, to his credit, had banned all mediums and wizards from Israel but then, in desperation and panic, he found and consulted one (Deut 18:9-14; 1 Sam 28:3,7-19). God often tests us to see if the decision we have made is genuine and lasting or just a temporary state of heart. Are we prepared to practice what we preach even when under pressure? Obedience must be a lifestyle, not a tactic of convenience or to ‘win votes’.