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.
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