Calendar

EARLY SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF SAUL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
1 Samuel 13

1 Peter 2:13-17

 

“Submit yourselves
to every ordinance

of man for the Lord’s sake…”

 

EARLY SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF SAUL
 
King Saul was settled in his position as king of Israel. He had to protect the nation from external aggressors. The threat of the Philistines was real. This neighbouring nation was unfriendly and had military superiority. Israel was a small nation and lacked military equipment. The new king strove to organise the army. In this initial stage, there were successes and failures.
 
Saul was God’s appointee and Samuel expected him to learn to depend on the Lord. Saul was put to a test when Samuel was delayed arriving at the appointed time to offer sacrifices as they gathered in Gilgal. The Philistines were getting ready to attack, and Saul failed the test. That was the beginning of his fall.
 
Saul had reigned for two years and had organised his army. Saul worked hard to raise an army that was capable of fighting any war. His eldest son Jonathan (who would ordinarily be designated the heir to the father’s throne) was mature enough to command an army.
 
Jonathan was assigned to lead a section of the soldiers. He led a thousand in Gibeah of Benjamin. He smote a garrison of the Philistines in Geba. Saul blew the trumpet to call Israel together. The information went out quickly and all Israel were called to Saul in Gilgal. The king was consolidating his power and striving hard to prove that he was a dependable leader. He was now visible, and an order was getting established. The king was learning leadership on the job. Nevertheless, he had to heed the word of Samuel who had anointed him. Samuel kept an eye on Saul and sought to correct him whenever he went wrong.
 
THOUGHT: God gives wisdom to those whom He has chosen to lead.

PRAYER: Father, grant us leaders who fear Thee.

Search