Saul
“Asked for, or requested”
Summary
The first king of Israel, a Benjamite son of Kish, who began his reign with humility and military success but ended it in disobedience, madness, and tragic death at the hands of the Philistines.
☩Selection as King
When Israel demanded a king like the nations, God directed Samuel to anoint Saul, a tall and handsome young man of Benjamin. Searching for his father's lost donkeys, Saul came to Samuel, who privately anointed him and announced God's choice. The public selection at Mizpeh through casting lots confirmed the private anointing; when found hiding among the baggage, Saul's impressive stature won the people's approval. A band of men whose hearts God touched accompanied him home, though some worthless men despised him.
☩Early Victories
Saul proved his worth when Nahash the Ammonite threatened Jabesh-gilead. The Spirit of God came upon him, and he rallied Israel to deliver the besieged city, demonstrating the military leadership Israel needed. He showed magnanimity in refusing to punish those who had questioned his kingship. Subsequently he organized an army and achieved significant victories over the Philistines, with his son Jonathan distinguishing himself in the famous battle at Michmash.
☩Disobedience and Rejection
Saul's downfall came through disobedience. At Gilgal, impatient for Samuel's arrival, he presumed to offer sacrifice himself, earning Samuel's rebuke and the announcement that his kingdom would not continue. When commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites, Saul spared King Agag and the best livestock, offering excuses about sacrifices to God. Samuel declared that obedience is better than sacrifice, and rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft—the kingdom was torn from Saul and given to one better than he.
☩Madness and Pursuit of David
After his rejection, an evil spirit from the Lord tormented Saul. David was brought to soothe him with music, and initially Saul loved him greatly. But when David's victory over Goliath brought him greater acclaim than Saul, jealousy consumed the king. Saul's attempts to kill David, his daughter Michal's loyalty to David, Jonathan's friendship with David, and Saul's relentless pursuit fill the remainder of 1 Samuel. Twice David spared Saul's life, and twice Saul confessed his wrong, yet continued his pursuit.
☩Death at Gilboa
The Philistines gathered for final battle, and Saul, abandoned by God, sought guidance from a medium at Endor. Samuel's spirit pronounced his doom: on the morrow Saul and his sons would die. The battle went against Israel on Mount Gilboa; three of Saul's sons fell, and Saul, severely wounded, took his own life to avoid capture. The Philistines displayed his body on the walls of Beth-shan, but the grateful citizens of Jabesh-gilead rescued and buried it. David lamented Israel's fallen king and prince in one of Scripture's most beautiful elegies.
Related Verses358 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Saul," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Saul," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Saul," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Saul," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).