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SAMUEL AND SAUL (III)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29
1 Samuel 13:8-15; 15:16-28

Psalm 37:34-40

 

“The LORD hath rent the kingdom

of Israel from thee this day…”

 

SAMUEL AND SAUL (III)
 
In the biblical record, the first two encounters between Samuel and Saul give to us the account of the rise of Saul as king over Israel. Today, we read in 1 Samuel 13 and 15, the two encounters which give to us the account of the rejection of Saul from being king over Israel. Both of these encounters have to do with whether Saul would obey the instructions given to him in the performance of his duty as king over Israel. In his private audience with Samuel, Saul was made to know that it was God who ruled and appointed rulers, hence if Saul would establish his kingdom, he was to do so by obedient allegiance to God.
 
“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God…” (1 Sam 13:13). The LORD had given His people to Saul, and had also given victory to Saul against Nahash. Therefore, as the Philistines rose again against God’s people, and another war was looming, Saul chose to rush in, instead of trusting and waiting on God. He failed to remember history when God was faithful and had granted victory against the same enemy. His self-will was evident. Although he had the assurance of God’s help, for Samuel had promised to come, he chose not to wait on the LORD, but to intrude. He also had the opportunity to repent when confronted by Samuel, but he chose to justify and excuse himself while blaming and accusing all others including Samuel.
 
“Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?” (1 Sam 15:19). Saul’s battle with Amalek was unlike that of the Philistines. In this case, he went as “the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath” (Rom 13:4) and as such obedience was of absolute necessity. He went at the order of God and in His power, therefore he should have fulfilled all that he was sent to do. His failure to execute judgment brought upon him judgment and Samuel’s pronouncement: “the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel” (1 Sam 15:26).
 
THOUGHT: Obedience is better than sacrifice, and rebellion is sin.

PRAYER: (Read Psalm 86:11.)

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