The Quiet Onez

When people read 1 Samuel, most of their focus is on David. I mean, why not read and become inspired by a person who overcame adversity through his courage, resilience, and trust in God?

But, sometimes the best teacher in life is to learn from those who have failed. Saul, is that example of what it means to fail. He is an example of what it means to have a completely wrong mindset of what he was called to do.

He chose people, power, and pride over God.

People over God

1 Samuel 13:8–14; 1 Samuel 15:1–35 (especially vv. 9, 15, 24)

Saul wanted to please the people around him. Instead of waiting on God for an answer, he took matters into his own hands, dishonoring God in the process.

Power over God

1 Samuel 18:6–12; 1 Samuel 18–26; 1 Samuel 24:20

Saul didn’t want to turn over his throne to David, despite it being God’s will.

Pride over God

1 Samuel 28:3–25

Saul went to a medium when his back was against the wall. Even though he banned mediums, he decided it was worth compromising integrity for the sake of his pride.

God over everything

David wasn’t perfect, but in times of need and struggle, he went to God. Generally (not always), he put God first before he decided on something.

None of the men had sinned “less” than the other; rather, it was how they responded to God and how they viewed God in their lives that made all the difference.