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Saul: From Triumph to Tragedy
by Pastor Ronald Boelte
Saul was the first king of Israel (1050-1010 B.C.). His life as king begun
in a positive way, anointed by Samuel by the command of God. Saul also
started his reign in humility with the promise of greatness. Sadly
however, Saul soon became self-willed and disobedient to God. Saul also
became very jealous of David, and tried many different times to kill
David.
Saul would also disobey many of God's directives by not destroying Israel
enemies and he would also offer sacrifices to God, which only the Levites
or priest were to offer. God tells Saul in First Samuel 15:22-23, "To
obey is better than sacrifice.... because you have rejected the Word of
the Lord, He has rejected you as king." Eventually Saul would
turn to the occult and go to a medium for help. He also took his own life
in a battle with the Philistines.
What makes this story more tragic is that it did not have to happen. God
is forgiving, but Saul had harden his heart against God and His grace.
From the words of a latter Saul (Paul) in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "so,
if you think you are standing firm be careful that you don't fall!"
King Saul thought of himself as being more important than he was and he
would often take matters into his own hands with drastic results, even
when he knew it was against God's commands. Sometimes we may have the same
attitude, but if we are willing to come to God for his grace and
forgiveness, God will forgive.
Saul's story, while tragic did help bring some unity to the people of
Israel and would help in David's rule over Israel.
David would be the one that would finally make a nation of Israel.
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