1 Chronicles, chapter 10 describes the death of Saul at the hands of the Philistines. As the battle turned against Israel, the King and his three sons all retreated with the Philistines hard on their heals. All three sons were killed, and Saul was wounded by the archers in the Philistine army. Saul requested his armorbearer kill him, “lest these uncircumcised men come and abuse me” (vs. 4). When his servant would not, Saul fell upon his sword and died. The Philistines the next day came upon Saul, they beheaded him, and “fastened his head in the temple of Dagon” (vs. 10).
Reading the account, you might think the battle to by typical of the time. One army, more powerful than the other, gaining the victory and the spoils. It takes the inspiration of God to determine what actually happened. Consider verses 13-14:
“So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”
The promise of God’s protection to Israel and its rulers was conditioned upon their faithfulness to Him. Saul, though chosen by God, was not faithful in his stewardship as king of Israel. Therefore God removed His protection and favor.
Among Saul’s sins was his refusal to obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites and their king (cf. 1 Samuel 15), and his murderous jealousy of David. The mention of the consultation of the medium is fully related in 1 Samuel 28. These sins led to God’s rejection of Saul as king, and to his untimely death. His failure to “keep the word of the Lord” is an important object lesson to us today. Consider the fate of Saul when reading the following verses from the New Testament:
“And having been perfected, He [Jesus Christ] became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).
“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:12).
“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
“He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
Saul showed a great disrespect for God in his failures. It was not a small thing. His failure to obey God’s will led to his deserved death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
May we all recognize how important it is for us to respect God, and show that respect by obeying His will. There is a reason why they are called commandments rather than suggestions! Do you love Jesus Christ, the Lord? Then consider what He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
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