In First Samuel, chapter sixteen, verse twelve, David, at an early age, develops a heart and desire for God as His spiritual Shepherd. David’s enthusiasm for God was why the Lord chose him as Israel’s next king. It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and stature recommended him, …
In First Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse thirty-five, once more, the old friends: Saul and Samuel meet, but the interview on this occasion is not of Samuel’s seeking. It does not appear then that any communication passed between them. When next the seer and the king spoke together, the seer belonged to another and a different world. “After …
In First Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse twenty-three, introduces rebellion which derives from disobedience that is the opposite of obedience. To commit such a sin involves rejecting or not following or modifying instructions from our perspective. Rebellion against God’s Word is sin in that both involve a rejection of God’s lordship and determining the outcome of …
In First Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse twenty-two, obeying God’s Word from the heart is better than any outward form of worship service or personal sacrifice. Saul’s sin was placing his conception of what is right above Biblical revelation. The error he commits is a prime example. The final apostasy will be the focal point predicted …
In First Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse nine, Saul rebelled against God and disobeyed Him and His clear instructions, as in stanzas two through three and eighteen to nineteen of the same chapter, accordingly. He did not commit to God with all his heart. Saul felt God’s Word was good but not so sacred to follow …
In First Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse three, the extent of the wickedness, cruelty, and continued rebellion of the Amalekites was so great that the removal of innocent children from earth was the act of mercy. Due to the extreme wickedness of humankind in Noah’s day, God was in sorrow and grief and decided to destroy …
In First Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse two, the Amalekites were the descendants of Amalek and had been the first to oppose God and the nation of Israel in the wilderness. They represent hostile power and evil opposition to God, His people, and His truth. It was the responsibility of Saul to destroy the Amalekites and …
In First Samuel, chapter fourteen, verse one, emphasizes that the Israelites defeated the Philistines only because God acted on their behalf. They were discouraged, outnumbered, and inadequately armed, as in chapters thirteen, nineteen through twenty-two, with no reasonable hope of victory yet won the battle because “the lord saved Israel that day.” When circumstances seem …
In First Samuel, chapter thirteen, verse fourteen, David was a man after God’s heart in many ways. He was a man of spiritual hunger and holy passion for God. However, out of David’s life of prayer and spiritual intimacy with God, he wrote many psalms. In contrast to Saul, his desire to please God was …
In First Samuel, chapter thirteen, verse thirteen, the Lord had commanded Saul to wait in Gilgal for the arrival of Samuel, who would offer sacrifices and provide instruction, as in chapter ten, verse eight. God tested Saul’s obedience by the providential delay of Samuel beyond the agreed-upon seven days. In desperation and presumption, Saul offers …
