Lessons Learned from Israel’s First King “Then Saul said, ‘I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.” 1Sam.26:21 How did the man God chose to be Israel’s first king get to this point?

Let’s review a bit- How did Saul come to be King? The people wanted a king, 1Sam.8:1-5 It displeased Samuel and God, vv.6-9 At God’s command, Samuel warned Israel what a king would require of them, vv But, they still wanted a king! vv So the Lord relented and chose the best man for the job, vv.21- 9:2 and And Samuel annointed him “King” 10:1ff Then again publicly, vv.17-26

Saul’s Kingly Qualities Why did God choose Saul? He had the image, style, and looks, 9:2 He was genuinely modest, 9:21 & 10:22 He was a good warrior, 11:11 He was generous and merciful- truly godly characteristics, 9:27 > 11:12-13

But sadly…. In the midst of his defeat of Israel’s public enemy #1 and all the cheers and celebrations that went to the conquering hero- >Saul’s humility gave way to pride >His self-effacement gave way to self- importance, cf.15:12. How did this happen?

At least three significant things happened along the way in the erosion of Saul’s Character: In impatience (lack of faith) he set aside the Lord’s command for what he thought he had to do, 1Sam.13:1-14. In rashness and foolishness he made a costly vow, 1Sam.13:15-23 > 14:1,12-14, It cost him dearly, 14: And thirdly….

In arrogance and pride he disobeyed God’s command, 1Sam.15. Note several pertinent things from the text: >The Lord’s command was clear, vv.1-3 (cf.Ex.17:8ff and Deut.25:19 for the reason) >Saul started out well, vv.4-7 >But he and the people didn’t finish the job, vv.8-9 Then Samuel (again, cf.13:10) shows up: -The Lord told him what Saul had done, vv Saul said, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have carried out the command of the Lord!” v.13 -But Samuel was neither fooled nor impressed! v.14

Notice the rationalization again used by Saul for his clear failure to obey: “They….” He blamed the people, v.15 >And said that the people spared the best “to sacrifice to the Lord your God” >But quickly added “but the rest we have utterly destroyed.” He obeyed, but the people didn’t! Samuel explains his disobedience, vv Saul persists in his innocence and the guilt of the people stillyet, vv And Samuel tries a third time to show Saul his disobedience, vv.22-23

Notice the rationalization again used by Saul for his clear failure to obey: Saul finally admits guilt- but still excuses himself! vv But it was too late, vv Saul, apparently not giving up yet, wanted Samuel to save face for him to the elders, v.30 Samuel finishes the job and goes home, vv The sad conclusion of the story is v.35 The point?

From these three events, we see Saul’s choices to: 1. Allow his impatience with God to cause him to set aside what he knew was right for what he thought was the need of the moment. 2. Allow the rash foolishness of his emotions to cloud his judgment. 3. Allow himself to think that doing part of what God said was enough. 4. Allow his thirst for power and prestige to cause him to blame others for his sin. Don’t make the same mistaken choices!

Take-Home Points for Us: To assume we will end well because we begin well is foolish. To allow our emotions to dominate our reason is likewise foolish. To put others in harm’s way for our own rash desires is always foolish. To attempt to rationalize our disobedience is certainly foolish. Are you playing the part of a fool?