These commands for violence were for a specific occasion, not for all of God's people throughout all history. We are not to wage war because we are not a chosen…
Saul obeys the command to destroy the Amalekites. God's wrath is always just: the Amalekites opposed the Israelites coming out of Egypt and were wicked. The Canaanites likewise worshipped their…
In between King Saul's disobedience and foolishness, the message here seems to be that he was good and courageous. While Saul achieved great things, the one thing that really mattered…
Saul's response to his previous foolishness is to become zealous. He makes an oath that the Israelites should not eat. Jonathan sees this for the foolish thing it is. The…
The Philistines are humiliated and want to crush Israel in retaliation. Saul commits an act of disobedience by offering the burnt offering. The Israelites are scattered and hiding, and there's…
Samuel summarises his time as the judge of Israel, now that Saul is king. The people agree that he has done justly. Can they make the same claim about themselves?…
Saul had become king for this moment. The enemy Nahash arrives and wants to humiliate and weaken Israel, as the enemies of God's people want to do today. God's help…
Here Saul is proclaimed king but there are some things worth spoiling the pomp and pageantry for: Samuel reminds the people they have rejected God. Sometimes God gives us what…
God does not let go of His people. Israel rejected Him but He will give them a king to save them from the Philistines. We can have confidence in God's…