This is not the end of the book of Samuel, but it brings the account of the life of Saul to an end. Thirteen simple verses record a succinct conclusion that carries no surprises. We know what is coming, and Saul does too. The events however are moving and disturbing, and there is profound impact in its brevity. God resists the proud, and even the rebellious soul is under God’s control.
How are we to handle the death of Saul in our minds and hearts? Because we know the whole of Saul’s life, we may be tempted to think, “He had it coming.” However, the writing of 1 Samuel 31 expects us to pause and ponder the tragedy. We can see Saul, all people, and ourselves. Just as if we knew Saul, let’s take time to reflect on his death and what it calls us to personally.

 

 

1. It calls us to a warning.
a. When we refuse to choose God, we lose. – 31:1, 8:10-20
God’s wisdom is best, and our reasoning is flawed.
The people of Israel wanted a king to do what God had promised He would. Their choice resulted in catastrophe.
Only twice 1 Samuel records that Israel fled when the Philistines fought.
1 Samuel 4 led to the departing of God’s glory and the death of Eli and his sons. Ultimately, prompting Israel to ask for a king. (It happens in the exact same place, Aphek – 29:1.)
Their assessment of their problem was inadequate. They needed God.
b. When we rebel against God’s commands, we fall. – 31:1-7, 12:14-15
Saul and Israel had been warned about disobedience. They each took a pragmatic approach to obeying God and paid dearly.
The people died and Saul could not protect them. Saul died and the people could not stop it.
God alone is in charge. Our obedience to Him is meant to be in loving relationship, but we are still accountable even when we are cold against Him.
c. When we fear people above God, we end up alone. – 31:4-6, 12:24-25
A holy fear of God keeps us from doing what is wrong while unholy fear of man keeps us from doing right. Saul lacked a holy fear.
From the beginning, he misaligned his priorities by longing for the praise and adoration of people.
Examples:

He had no concern for integrity in his life but was consumed with dignity in his death. He remained consumed with self to the grave.
What Saul feared most, he was utterly incapable of stopping.

 

 

2. It calls us to weeping.
a. When the consequences of sin impact the righteous – 31:2, 6
No human is innocent before God, but we can relate to Him rightly.
Many from Israel died. Some of Saul’s sons died. Jonathan died.
Jonathan had submitted to God in many ways, but died with Saul.

 

There is mystery and heartache when the consequences of the sin of the unrighteous seep into the lives of the righteous.
God’s sovereignty can still be trusted when sin brings sorrow. – Is. 57:1
When life leaves us asking why, may it ultimately leave us wanting God.
b. When “what-ifs” end in humiliating defeat – 31:8-13
Saul once stood as God’s anointed king of Israel. He had been chosen to rule over God’s people.
1 Samuel 14:47-52 describe a capable ruler who could do what God assigned him to do (set Israel free from the Philistines).
The men of Jabesh-Gilead valiantly recover Saul’s body for a reason.
– 1 Samuel 11:1-15 – Saul had once defended and fought.
The demise of God’s rebellious servants is to be lamented, not celebrated. The caution to our own lives should strike our hearts.
c. When God’s enemies have reason to rejoice – 31:9-10
The good news for God’s enemies was bad news for God’s people.
The Philistines viewed Saul’s death as the conquering of Israel’s LORD.
The God that had beheaded Dagon in his own temple seems to have been conquered. The head of Saul had become a trophy. There is pain and shame here. God appears limited by his fragile people.
The temporary victory would be reversed only “in time”.
If there is still earth, time, and people, God is still working.

 

3. It calls us to wait.
– 1 Samuel 31:7 says the people “forsook the cities and fled”. This eerily echoes Judges 5:7 and 6:2. God’s people had wanted a human king to lead them to victory. What they needed was a king who would lead them to God.
a. Israel did not have to wait long for a better king. – 2 Samuel 1
There was still a coming king who had a small remnant.
A man wholly surrendered to God needs nothing but God.
The one who slayed the giant replaced the one who feared him.
“God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform…“
David was not perfect, but always seemed ready to repent.
b. Israel’s deeper problem remained.
Compare with Adam.
– Chosen by God to rule over His kingdom as His king.
– The purpose was freedom to enjoy God’s good gifts.
– Not worthy but equipped to be the image.
– Briefly, he was what he was made to be.
– The undoing was found in disobedience to God’s Word.
– We can only imagine what might have been, but we do not have to
imagine what will one day be.
c. Israel’s hope and ours is found in the best king: Jesus.
God always has a people, because His King is eternal.
Jesus was hung on a cross in death by wicked men, not because of His rebellion against God, but because of obedience.
He is the king that sets people free from sin.
We rejoice in what He’s done and wait for what He will do.
We will toil endlessly and get nowhere without real relationship with Him. Follow Christ forward and ask God to help you finish well.