“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Sam 15:23). In dealing with the Amalekites, it wasn’t enough that they should be “harassed” (1 Sam 14:47). Amalek had been the first enemy to attack Israel after their exodus, and at that time the Lord had said to Moses, […]
Read More… from October 16, 2023 — Partial Obedience Is Disobedience
Sha’ul means “asked for” or “prayed for.” Asked for by the people, and prayed for by Samuel. The last six verses of 1 Samuel 14 give a brief overview of Saul’s reign. Clearly his armies were very busy! The details of his exploits are not given, simply that he “harassed” the surrounding nations: Moab, Ammon, […]
Read More… from October 13, 2023 — The First King Of Israel In Review
If there’s one thing worse than making a rash vow, it’s actually keeping it. Not today, said the people! Jonathan had heard nothing about the enforced fast imposed by Saul. As they traveled through a wooded area in their pursuit of the Philistines, “there was the honey, dripping” (1 Sam 14:26). How appetizing is that, […]
Like a pebble dropped into a pool, Jonathan’s action soon rippled out, but it became a tidal wave! In attacking the Philistine outpost, Jonathan and his armorbearer had certainly poked the hornets’ nest! Listen to the description: “And there was trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and […]
Read More… from October 11, 2023 — The Day The Lord Saved Israel
If ever there was encouragement that sons w ith ignoble fathers can still be noble men, this is it. “Saul,” dispirited and disinherited from his kingship, “was sitting in the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree” (1 Sam 14:2). How eloquent! Symbolic pomegranates were placed around the hem of the high priest’s garment, interspersed […]
Worldlings have no idea how destitute they are without Christ. But with Him, we have all we need. Saul has just heard the horrible news that “your kingdom shall not continue” (1 Sam 13:14). The Lord was transferring His endorsement from the line of Saul to “a man after His own heart.” Having delivered this […]
Read More… from October 9, 2023 — What Was Left When Thousands Left?
The Blame Game is very popular today. I’m not sure why, because everyone who plays loses. No doubt, with the aroma of the burnt offering still lingering in the air, word came to Saul that Samuel had arrived in the camp at Gilgal. “Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. And […]
When Self reigns, even seeming acts of worship are actually bowing at our own image in idolatry. Although there were many increasingly dark days for self-willed Saul, the event we have before us is the nadir of his career. Nothing could be worse than what seems to be an act of worship to the Lord. […]
Read More… from October 5, 2023 — That’s How The Kingdom Crumbles
Flush with the recent victory over Ammon, the new king needed a history lesson at Gilgal. At the time of Saul’s anointing (1 Sam 10), Samuel told him, “You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven […]