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King Saul: 1 Samuel 13-15
King Saul began his reign with the support of the people, but he soon departed from the ways of God. He was a great warrior, but his presumptions about serving God caused him much trouble. The Philistines were pressing on Israel, and the people were starting to scatter. Saul was waiting in Gilgal for Samuel to come and offer sacrifice. But since Samuel didn’t come right away, Saul decided to offer the sacrifice himself. Samuel told Saul that this was foolish, and against the commands of God. As a result, his kingdom would not endure; his dynasty would end with his death.
As a warrior, Saul was successful. He fought his enemies with courage. “He acted valiantly,” and delivered Israel from those who would plunder them. It was his disobedience to God that would be his downfall.
This disobedience is again exemplified in 1 Samuel 15. God told Saul to strike Amalek, not sparing anyone or any animal. Saul did defeat the Amalekites, but he did not obey God. He captured the king alive and spared the best of the animals, destroying only that which was “despised and worthless.” God told Samuel how Saul had turned from following His commands. When Samuel confronted Saul, Saul made an excuse for his disobedience: they were kept alive for service to God. Samuel’s reponse, “to obey is better than sacrifice,” shows that God wants obedience first. Sacrifice is nothing if it’s not according to His will. Because of Saul’s disobedience, he would be rejected from being king.
He began as “little” in his own eyes. He ended as one who did evil in the sight of God.
Discussion
1. Who were Saul’s primary enemies? Locate their positions on a Bible map.
2. Why did God reject Saul from being King? What does that mean?
3. Give some examples of Saul’s evil actions. What do these actions reveal about Saul’s character?
4. Discuss the expression, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” How can that be applied to our situation today?
5. What other lessons can be learned from these chapters?
