Saul has become like the kings of the world and has been rejected by God. Samuel is now sent to find a replacement but fears for his life in doing so. Nonetheless, through the very fitting subterfuge of hiding behind
Loss of trust
The relationship between Saul and Samuel is rapidly breaking down due to Saul’s repeated disobedience and God’s rejection of him. So Samuel does not accept Saul’s limited apology/explanation and then just carry on as before. Saul is too unstable; they
A monumental failure
Saul was given a task from God. He was to bring justice, without any gain for himself, upon an enemy of the nation. All he had to do was obey. But he hasn’t. His heart has led him astray to
Grieving the Lord
Three times in three chapters Saul has the opportunity to sacrifice in the way God desires; three times he fails. The first was when he panicked over Samuel’s lateness in chapter 13. Then when he caused dangerous havoc with a
Whatever seems best
Saul’s foolish, proud leadership has left his army famished with the result they devour captured animals like a pack of wild dogs. Rather than admitting his mistake, however, Saul tries to put things right his way. This goes badly wrong
A test of leadership
The Israelites have proclaimed Saul as they king they want but is he right for the job? During a probationary period, he needs to be tested and the Lord provides that through a foreign king named “Serpent”. This arrogant usurper
Is Saul also among the prophets?
People can change. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes for the worse. But if you want genuine change then it has to be by the power of the Lord. Only He can take away sin, transform the heart and cause you
A prince for Israel
Unexpected by him but planned by God, Saul has met Samuel. Now, with careful privacy, Samuel prepares Saul to be a leader in Israel. He’ll be more than a judge but he’s not called as king by Samuel and, ideally,
Repair or replace?
The kingless and clueless Israel of Samuel’s time has proven to be a sinful disaster. But what should they do? Samuel points them to the grace of God as their only hope. As a result, they receive initial help with
Just a lamb
Long ago a childless woman named Hannah ached to have a son. She then promised that if the Lord granted her prayer, the child would be devoted to God’s service. This came to pass with Samuel. Now, at last, after