Tragic Life Of King Saul

I have been spending a lot of time in the Old Testament these past few months where there are so many examples of what the Lord expects from His people. Case in point, King Saul’s story that reminds us of the importance of obedience and humility before God. We will see that he started out well but ended in tragedy as a result of pride that led him to disobey God over and over again.

Saul’s story begins as the people of Israel desired a king to lead them into battle, forgetting that God had always been their protector and deliverer (1 Samuel 8:20). Despite God's warning through the prophet Samuel about the burdens a king would bring, Israel insisted on having their way. God granted their request, but it came with spiritual consequences.

And for a time, Saul looked like the right man to lead Israel as their first king. Saul, whose name means "asked for," began his reign with humility and sought counsel from Samuel. He won victories against Israel’s enemies and seemed to be the ideal leader (1 Samuel 10:22, 27; 1 Samuel 11). However, Saul's failure to take his calling seriously before God marked the beginning of his downfall.

His decline began with impatience. When Samuel delayed in arriving for a sacrifice, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered it himself, violating God’s command (1 Samuel 13:13). Impatience may not seem like a serious flaw but it revealed a deeper issue—Saul did not trust God’s timing. How often do we rush ahead of God, taking shortcuts instead of waiting on Him?

His lack of obedience also presented itself when God commanded King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, but he chose to spare King Agag and keep the best of the livestock (1 Samuel 15:19-23). Saul then attempted to justify his disobedience (sin) under the guise of religious devotion. Samuel's response was crystal clear: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Full obedience requires complete surrender to God's commands. When confronted, Saul shifted the blame onto his soldiers and admitted he was afraid of the people (1 Samuel 15:15, 21, 24). Excuses are a sign of spiritual immaturity. A leader who fears people more than God is destined for failure (Proverbs 29:25).

Yet Saul's downfall deepened further when he built a monument to himself (1 Samuel 15:12). Pride leads to destruction, and Saul's self-glorification marked his transition from a chosen leader to a rejected one. Thus, as Saul's heart drifted further from God, He sought a new leader, choosing David, a young shepherd, to be anointed as king (1 Samuel 16:13).

Unlike Saul, David was humble, obedient, and wholly devoted to the Lord. And as David’s obedience and success grew, Saul became consumed with jealousy and sought to kill David. In his desperation, Saul even turned to a witch for guidance (1 Samuel 22, 28). His life spiraled further into darkness because he refused to turn back to God.

It was Saul's continued rebellion that led to his ultimate downfall. Defeated in battle, he took his own life rather than face capture (1 Samuel 31:4). Rebellion against God leads us away from His purpose for our lives, leaving us empty and lost. Saul’s life serves as a sobering warning to trust and obey, not out of fear, but knowing God ways are always better than ours.

Galatians 6:7 reminds us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Saul proved to be everything that the king of Israel should not be according to Deuteronomy 17:14–20. In contrast, David was a man after God’s own heart—the forerunner of our Lord and Savior—King Jesus!

Father, work in us to actively pursue obedience. We know if we surrender to Your will, our lives bear fruit and You promise the fullness of joy recorded in John 15:11. Teach us to walk in Your ways, doing all things for the sake of the gospel, empowered by Your grace and truth. Amen.



Credit: Ron Kelley