1 Samuel 14:47 – 52 “After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.
And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, he would enlist him.”
This account is reminiscent of the conquest accounts from the Book of Joshua; on the other hand, Saul was still functioning under God’s anointing, so perhaps he really did succeed the way these verses indicate. When Saul failed to wait for Samuel and offered sacrifices himself, he lost the opportunity for his kingdom to be established for many generations. But God retained Saul as king over Israel, and Samuel continued to pray for him. Saul still had lots of opportunities to obey God and to leave a godly heritage behind for succeeding generations.
Saul was impetuous and short – sighted. but he did a number of things correctly. “Whenever he (Saul) noticed any strong or brave man, he would enlist him.” These men obviously saw something to admire in Saul; otherwise, they would never have allowed themselves to be enlisted. According to the “Chronology of the United Kingdom” timeline, Saul was probably at least 30 years into his 42 – year reign. Samuel died during the 38th year of Saul’s reign, and things deteriorated noticeably at that point, perhaps because Saul had relied so much on Samuel or perhaps because Samuel was no longer alive to pray on Saul’s behalf. (https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-maps-timeline-chronology-1samuel-16-20-saul-jonathan-david-1019-1012bc.htm )
As Saul continued in his reign, he failed to learn from his mistakes, to grow and to become a better ruler. Samuel was around for 38 of the 42 years of Saul’s reign and probably would have been glad to help Saul and to teach him. Sadly, Saul never took advantage of Samuel as a teacher. Saul thought of himself as a warrior and the longer he was king, the more his ego expanded and the less willing he was to listen to advice if it didn’t agree with his preconceived ideas.
APPLICATION: One problem with leadership is this: You must keep growing or you will stagnate. You must keep re – inventing yourself and allowing your organization to grow. The day you refuse to change is the day things will begin go downhill. Saul did well as long as he was in warrior mode, but there is nothing to indicate that he ever grew spiritually or emotionally. Even though Saul’s impatience had cost him the opportunity to found a dynasty, that didn’t change.
Throughout my medical career, I have noticed that the people who live long and productive lives are those who remain vitally interested in everything around them. Many times, these people take up new hobbies, learn new languages, and continue useful community services such as reading programs for primary school children. Anna Mary Robertson Moses, a.k.a. “Grandma Moses,” was a well – known American painter who did not begin recording scenes from her New England childhood until she was 77. Grandma Moses painted up to a few months before her death at age 101.
The question for all of us as we grow older is this: are we becoming better or more bitter? Those who allow God to continue to change them and make them into His likeness become sweeter as they age. Those who refuse to allow God to renew them are doomed to becoming smaller and more bitter.
Benjamin Franklin observed that “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.” Saul remained wrapped up in himself for his entire reign as king. The results were tragic.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to grow into Your likeness. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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