"Saul died because he was unfaithiful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." (1 Chronicles 10:13,14)
So reads the uninspiring summary of the death of Israel's first king. Because his relationship with the heavenly King was weak, he reflect little of the glory that God desired. After pursuing David feverishly, during which David spared Saul's life twice, he meets a premature end at the hands of the Philistines.
Even though he has passed away, Samuel reappears in the passage after Saul inquires of a medium, the witch at Endor. While the world treats mediums and spiritists lightly (think of tarot card readers, fortune tellers, and oouija boards), it is clear from this passage and others that we are not to approach such objects and practices. While such elements may bring forth truth, we must be careful not to trust any spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus as the true Son of God. Any spirit that seeks to bring glory to itself is ultimately at the hands of the Evil One. 1 John 4 admonishes: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God." Therefore, while the witch at Endor is able to conjure up Samuel, it is not surprising that his message for Saul is one of imminent destruction. After his three sons are killed in battle with the Philistines, Saul takes his own life after a serious battle wound.
Saul's sin leaves a further trail of tears, both for David and for Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth. Yet, despite Saul's mistreatment of David, David protects Saul's honor, even in death, first by striking down the Amalekite messenger and then through his lament. He reserves his choicest words for his dear friend Jonathan, however:
"How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your height
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your live for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women."
QUESTIONS
1. In your thirst for knowledge about the future, how can you lean more on God and His perfect will? How can you trust Him in times of uncertainty, which generally lead to anxiety?
2. Can you think of a sin that had consequences for parties outside of the immediate action, thought, or words? What were the ripple effects?
3. Saul's jealousy ate away at him. How can you trust God's goodness this week in lieu of showing jealousy towards others?
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