1 Samuel 11 – 15
We see the problems when Saul moves from following God. His story interests me since he blows it and begs for forgiveness, yet God blesses him, he does not keep the blessing. I know this sound odd, but Saul never really wanted to be king. Chapter 11 opens with “the king” plowing his field and finally having to take the position. He quickly messes up by not waiting for Samuel and taking things into his own hands.
I have always found it odd that a king could not handle the offering, only a priest. Either way it took the God’s favor from Saul. Now as we read he continues to do as he wishes and does not kill everything in a battle and spares the king and his heard. Again Saul ticks God off.
Verses 12:14 & 15 are straight forward commands:
14 If you will revere and serve the Eternal, if you listen to His voice and do not disobey His commands, then you and this king who rules over you will follow the Eternal One, your True God, and all will go well with you.
15 But if you ignore His voice, if you disobey the commands of the Eternal, then His mighty hand of judgment will be raised against you and against your ancestors.
I wonder if Saul was doing this out of pride, forgetfulness or just impatience. I read stories like this in the Bible and see their importance, but often don’t get them. Why was Saul in so much trouble? Why was he not forgiven? Why did they have to kill off every part of this kingdom? Were the animals “demonized” having been for offerings to other gods?
Also, he makes his troops not eat by cursing anyone who does, and inadvertently curses his son who did not know the “rule”. Again this is another story that I don’t always get. In the end, it is a set up for David to come on the scene and as we will see God needs to grow David to be king before allowing him to take Saul’s spot.