1 & 2 Samuel – Page 18

1 Samuel 16:14-23 – Used By God

We know from our earlier reading that Saul had fallen out of God’s good graces for his “innocent” rebellion. I put it that way because his disobedience was “innocent” if you listen to Saul’s account. God didn’t care about the reason or excuse Saul came up with, he was still apart from God because he had disobeyed.

What did surprise me a little was the troubling spirit God sent to torment Saul. I thought immediately of those odd days that happen for me, when I’m feeling out of sorts. Could that be God teaching me a lesson? I don’t think so. Saul’s affliction seems permanent, more than just a temporary attitude adjustment.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 – God Looks At The Heart

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

I love the story of David’s anointing. There is so much going on in these few short verses. As you read through, take time to imagine the reality of the situation that unfolds. We can envision all sorts of emotions even if they aren’t mentioned directly.

Samuel was fearful of Saul’s reaction to this mission for God. Rather than keep his weakness to himself, he told God, and God gave him a solution. His visit would be cloaked to look like a mission of cleansing and sacrifice. Brilliant!

1 Samuel 15:24-35 – Rejected!

Read 1 Samuel 15:24-35

God had rejected Saul as king. Notice, it didn’t say God rejected Saul as the sinful man. It took a little coercing, but Samuel finally accompanied Saul back, which was apparently an honor thing, so he could worship to LORD.

God has plenty to be upset with when his people sin against him. Saul sinned when he went against what was clearly outlined. Saul made a gray area out of the black and white. Gray doesn’t cut it. But it did cut Saul from his role as king.

1 Samuel 15:1-23 – Obedience is Best

Read 1 Samuel 15:1-23

There will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to OBEY the voice of God. (DL Moody)

Saul really messed up this time! He didn’t listen to God! He heard what he wanted to hear. Boy did that speak to me! I can’t say that I’ve ever had such an intentional message from the LORD such as Saul was given by Samuel. But when it comes to instructions from an authority figure, I have been known to try to figure out a better way.

Saul didn’t follow God’s instructions to the letter. He made a judgment that keeping the good stuff and sacrificing it would be a good idea. In his head, it sounded good. His army was happy to have some spoils of war, too. But that is NOT what God had said to do.

1 Samuel 14:24-52 – The Oath

Read 1 Samuel 14:24-52

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Here’s another example of an oath that appears to have been made without giving much thought to reality. Most people would think that nourishment would help with stamina for a successful battle. What do you think Saul was thinking when he had his troops make such an oath?

Was it so in weakness his men could more easily see God’s victory? Was it to take away any sort of distraction that a full stomach may leave behind (like the desire to take a nap)? To me, this proclamation from Saul sounds more self-centered. “Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening—before I have full revenge on my enemies.” Whose revenge is it?