Solomon

Saul’s Downfall
To the request of the Israelites, a king was given to them. As Saul grows into his kingship, his pride does as well. Through the course of his life, Saul blames others for his failures and does not repent for the sins that he commits against the Lord. He trusts more in the words of Samuel then in his faith with the Lord. This results in the loss of his perspective on practicing trust in the Lord. The consequences of this act do not give Saul a chance for a successful kingship because he develops a darkened mind set of pride. Saul’s failures result from the lack of a kingship founded on God, impatience with Samuel and trust in demonic powers leading to his destructive downfall.
      In desiring a king rather than the Lord, the Israelites reject the true king of kings Seeing their neighbors with physical kings Israel became restless and cried out “Give us a king…” The Israelites no longer remembered the deeds that the Lord had done for them and they began to seek a physical king. Saul “was an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites…a head taller than any other.” The Israelites only looked at the physical aspect of a king, and not the inner spiritual strength needed as well. Though the Israelites wanted a physical leader they did not think of the consequences of having a king that did not have a spiritual relationship with the Lord. They “have rejected me as their king…listen to them but warn them.”   The Lord saw Saul’s heart and knew that it was not for Him. Because, the Israelites were blinded by their desire for a physical king, they did not ask the Lord for a spiritual king. They are now guided by a worldly king, and are no longer differentiated from the world.
        Through his impatience Saul is unable to humble himself and realize that the Lord is mightier than he. In fear of the Philistine army “Saul’s men began to scatter…so Saul said bring me the burnt offering…and offered up the burnt offering.” As a result of not...