The first king of the united kingdom Of Israel

SCRIPTURE - 1 Samuel 9:2 - 31:12. BIOGRAPHY Saul was the first King of Israel, reigning for 40 years from BC. He was a Benjamite, being the son of Kish (1 Samuel 9:1,2). There is no record of him having any brothers or sisters. Saul was a very handsome man and unusually tall being head and shoulders above the men of Israel (1 Samuel 10:23). Prior to his meeting Samuel while attempting to retrieve his father's donkeys, Israel had demanded a king to rule over them (1 Samuel 8:19-22), to which God had agreed.

Samuel anointed Saul as king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:16). Initially Saul was successful in his job, delivering Jabesh- gilead and defeating the Philistines. The turning point in his career was when he sacrificed and vowed foolishly (1 Samuel 13:8-10). Samuel secretly anointed David as the future king, and did not see Saul again till the day of Saul's death. Saul tried to kill David. He slew the prophets of Nob who had assisted David. David had two chances of murdering Saul but declined (1 Samuel 24:4-7; 26:7-12). He consulted with the witch of Endor and had his last meeting with the deceased Samuel who was brought back by God from Paradise, much to everyone's surprise. Defeated at Gilboa, Saul suicided, leaving the way open for David to become king

Samuel anointed Saul as king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:16). Initially Saul was successful in his job, delivering Jabesh- gilead and defeating the Philistines. The turning point in his career was when he sacrificed and vowed foolishly (1 Samuel 13:8-10). Samuel secretly anointed David as the future king, and did not see Saul again till the day of Saul's death. Saul tried to kill David. He slew the prophets of Nob who had assisted David. David had two chances of murdering Saul but declined (1 Samuel 24:4-7; 26:7-12). He consulted with the witch of Endor and had his last meeting with the deceased Samuel who was brought back by God from Paradise, much to everyone's surprise. Defeated at Gilboa, Saul suicided, leaving the way open for David to become king

Desire for a King  Samuel was growing old and his sons were wicked.  Israel wanted a king instead of another judge. (1 Samuel 8:5)  Israel was, in essence, rejecting God!  They wanted to be like “the other nations.”  Samuel told them what a king would do. (1 Samuel 8:10-18) But they demanded a king!

Saul Is Selected Saul was looking for his father’s lost donkeys when he appeared before Samuel. Samuel told him the animals had been found. Samuel secretly anointed Saul as king. (1 Samuel 10:1-6) Saul joined a band of prophets and began prophesying. (1 Samuel 10:9-16) Samuel told Saul to meet him in Gilgal at the appointed time. (1 Samuel 10:8) Following a successful battle, Samuel publicly anointed Saul in Mizpah. (1 Samuel 11:2-15)

The Philistine Oppression of Israel  The Philistines oppressed Israel. They were not even allowed to have blacksmiths.  Samuel confirms Saul as king and calls for obedience. (1 Samuel 12:13-25)  Saul prepares to attack the Philistines at Gilgal. He awaits Samuel’s arrival. (1 Samuel 13:1-4)  Saul goes ahead and offers the sacrifice—a violation of the law--because the people are scattering. (1 Samuel 13:5-12)  Samuel severely rebukes Saul. (1 Samuel 13:13,14)

Saul and the Amalekites  God’s instructions said the Amalekites were to be totally destroyed. (1 Samuel 15:1-3)  Saul kept the best of sheep and oxen, and the king, alive. (1 Samuel 15:8,9)  Saul blames the people; God rejects him as king. (1 Samuel 15:10-23)  David is secretly anointed to be the next king over Israel. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)  God removes His spirit from Saul. (1 Samuel 16:14,15)

David and Saul  David is chosen to play the harp when Saul’s spirit is troubled. (1 Samuel 16:20-23)  The Philistine giant Goliath challenges Israel. (1 Samuel 17:1-11)  David goes against Goliath with a sling and five smooth stones. (1 Samuel 17:30-35)  He kills Goliath and cuts off his head. (1 Samuel 17:42-51)  Israel rallies and defeats the Philistines. (1 Samuel 17:52-58)

David Gains Favor With the People  David and Saul’s son Jonathan become close friends. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)  Israel elevates David over Saul. (1 Samuel 18:5-9)  On two separate occasions, Saul attempts to kill David with a spear. (1 Sam.18:10-16; 19:8-10)  Saul even attacks Jonathan when he takes David’s side. (1 Samuel 20:33)  David leaves the Saul’s court and flees for his life. (1 Samuel 20:34-42)

David on the Run The priests of Nob give David shewbread. (1 Samuel 21:1-9) Doeg informs Saul. At Gath, to avoid being killed, David pretends to be mad. (1 Samuel 21:10-15) He and 400 others hide in the cave of Adullam. (1 Samuel 22:1-5) Saul slays Ahimelech and the priests of God at Nob. Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, escapes. (1 Samuel 22:6-19) David saves Keliah from a Philistine attack. (1 Samuel 23:1-12)

David Again Spares Saul David hides in a cave at En-gedi. Saul takes a nap in the same cave. David cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Saul stops pursuing David. (1 Samuel 24:16-22) Samuel the judge dies. (1 Samuel 25:1) David goes to the wilderness of Paran and marries Abigail. (1 Samuel 25:2-43) David and two soldiers sneak into Saul’s camp and steal a sword and water. (1 Samuel 26:1-13) David spares Saul, who admits his guilt and stops chasing David. (1 Samuel 26:14-25)

David at Ziklag and Saul’s Death David travel to Ziklag, a Philistine city, to evade Saul. (1 Samuel 27:1-12) Saul consults a medium who brings up Samuel! (1 Samuel 28) The Philistines do not permit David to fight with them against Israel. He returns to Ziklag. (1 Samuel 29:1-11) David finds Ziklag destroyed and the wives and children taken captive. He and his men pursue and defeat the enemy and rescue the captives. (1 Samuel 30) The Philistines kill Saul’s sons and wound Saul. Saul commits suicide. (1 Samuel 31:1-5) Saul is beheaded and his body nailed to a wall. Men of Jabesh-gilead capture his body and bury it. (1 Samuel 31:6-13)

a) Saul began by putting the Lord first in his life: i) He had physical superiority ii) He was given the Holy Spirit iii) He was modest iv) He had godly companions.

b) He becomes impatient and proud: i) He relied less and less on the advice of Samuel. ii) Saul takes the priestly function which should have been Samuel's into his own hand against the will of God (1 Samuel 13:8-13). iii) As a result his kingdom did not flourish (1 Samuel 13:14). iv) Saul issued a vow which Jonathan broke when he ate honey but under pressure from the army he did not discipline Jonathan (1 Samuel 14).

v) Saul did not execute Agag the Amalekite (1 Samuel 15:9). vi) Saul loses the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 16:14). vii) His frustration caused him to kill the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:11-19). viii) He turns to witchcraft at Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-20). ix) He commits suicide to end his life (1 Samuel 31:4).

a) Initial success and greatness in the spiritual life does not guarantee a rich life in old age nor future achievement. b) Pride comes before a fall. True fulfillment in life comes from obedience to the Lord (Proverbs 13:18; 8:13). c) Rejection of godly advice can be disastrous for both an individual and his family (Genesis 19:17,26). d) The Lord's way must be followed otherwise there is discipline (cf. Moses and the rock) (1 Kings 13:20-26). e) Failure to apply biblical principles to a situation can cause disaster to a nation (1 Chronicles 21:1-4).