Saul and the Monarchy (1 Samuel 16-31)

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   Yesterday we read about Saul disobeying Samuel who gave the word of God.  He violated God's law (1 Sam. 13), made a foolish vow (1 Sam 14:24-45), and disobeyed God a second time (1 Sam. 15).

   Now we will look at Saul once again, a man chosen of God, who disobeyed God and because of his sins God was sorry he made him king.

   The first thing to happen was that Saul's army was at a stand off with the Philistines.  David came, heard what was happening and was angered that Goliath was indignant and defying the army of the living God.  Goliath taunted the people of Israel and acted as if the LORD did not exist.

   David chose to face Goliath as David knew the living God was on the side of Israel.  Goliath was using psychological warfare as he was nearly 10 feet tall and very commanding.

  David told Saul of his experiences and with his faith persuaded Saul to let him face Goliath.  David took a sling, 5 smooth rocks, and God to face Goliath.

   Goliath laughed and scoffed at David who came out to face him.  Well, we know the story, but do you know why David had 5 stones?  Not because David thought he would miss, but because Goliath had brothers, 1 smooth stone for each.  Confidence in God!

   So, what happened after David killed Goliath?  He became a great warrior for Saul.......but.............

• (1 Sam. 18:5-9) Saul is jealous of David's military victories
• (1 Sam 18: 17-25) Hoped the Philistines would kill David
•  (1 Sam 19:9-10) Saul tried to spear David
• (1 Sam 19:11) Saul sent men to David's house to kill him
•  (1 Sam 20:30) Saul told Jonathan (Saul's son) David had to die or else Jonathan would not be the next king
• (1 Sam 23:25) Saul and his army pursued David

  David honored God with his actions and did not kill Saul as he refused to do harm to God's anointed.  Many times Saul said, "I have sinned" or "I am sorry" but did not do anything to show true repentance.  Saul's jealousy and hatred of David became the obsession that ruined his life.
   Saul got rid of the mediums and witches in the land of Israel and banned soothsayers according to the law in Deuteronomy 18:10-11. Later on, he violated his own law by seeking the witch of Endor.  Saul wanted a message from God, but because of his actions and personal rebellion against God, God had departed from him.
  (1 Sam 31:1-6) In battle the enemy wounded Saul, and rather than fall into the hands of the Philistines, he fell on his own sword.  Jonathan died in the same battle.  The record of Saul's death is in 2 Sam. 1:1-10.
 When you read these two passages note that the young Amalekite gave a different story, probably made up to win David's favor and profit from the deaths.  David did mourn at the news of Saul's death and Jonathan's death.
   Jonathan, Saul's son, and David were true friends. Saul said as long as David lived, Jonathan would never be king, therefore seeking to kill David.  Jonathan put aside his ambitions and showed his true friendship to David.  Jonathan was loyal to his friend as we should be loyal to the LORD.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace,
Johnny