The Death of Saul

How The Mighty Have Fallen

1 Samuel 31, 2 Samuel 1

Summary: This sermon will explore the theme of hope and restoration amidst tragedy, as seen in the deaths of King Saul and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1.

This passage challenges us to trust in God's plan and His ability to bring beauty from ashes in our lives. Especially in times of loss or uncertainty.

Isaiah 61:3 “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.””

finding hope and purpose in the midst of despair.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Always looking at the Big Picture - God’s will for good.

Big Idea: John 11:25–26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?””

Always keep the resurrection in mind, it is eternal life!

God has a better plan

The tragedy of Saul’s death is that it did not have to happen like it did. God had a far better plan for his life; but he failed to live his life within the plan of God and he paid a terrible price as a result.

Sadly, we see the same thing happening to people all around us. God desires to save, bless and use people for His glory. Men, however, refuse to go God’s way and they live lives of defeat and ultimately they die tragic deaths. It does not have to be that way. God has a better plan.

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

It appears from that verse that we can either have the ministry of the thief or the ministry of the Good Shepherd in our lives. So, if you are out of step with God’s plan, let me encourage you to line up today so that you and your family might avoid the same tragic ending that befell Saul and his family.

Illus.: An old legend tells of a merchant in Baghdad who one day sent his servant to the market. Before very long the servant came back, white and trembling, and in great agitation said to his master: “Down in the market place I was jostled by a woman in the crowd, and when I turned around I saw that it was Death that jostled me. She looked at me and made a threatening gesture. Master, please lend me your horse, for I must hasten away to avoid her. I will ride to Samarra and there I will hide, and Death will not find me.”

The merchant lent him his horse and the servant galloped away in great haste.

Later the merchant went down to the market place and saw Death standing in the crowd. He went over to her and asked, “Why did you frighten my servant this morning? Why did you make a threatening gesture?”

“That was not a threatening gesture,” Death said. “It was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”

Each of us has an appointment in Samarra. But that is cause for rejoicing—not for fear, provided we have put our trust in Him who alone holds the keys of life and death.)

The Appearances Of Saul’s Death—There were two things that appeared to be true when Saul died. These same two things appeared to be true when Jesus died.

1. It Appeared That The End Had Come—When their king was slain, Israel fled away in fear, v. 7. Many saw Saul as the hope of Israel and when he died, they thought all hope was gone.

Illus. How must the disciples and followers of Jesus have felt when they saw Him hanging dead on that cross? Surely they thought that all hope was gone. I can imagine their fear, their sense of loss and their hopelessness when Jesus died that day.

2. It Appeared That The Enemy Had Won—v. 7–10 tell us that the Philistines occupied the Israelite cities; they mutilated the corpses of Saul and his sons; they sent Saul’s head from city to city as a testimony to the power of their gods; and they rejoiced in their victory over Israel. It looked like the enemies of the people of God had been victorious!

Illus. It must have looked like Satan and his minions had won the battle against God the day Jesus died on Calvary. I can picture the demonic hordes as they rejoiced in the death of the Messiah. It looked, from all appearances, that the enemy had won; that life had been defeated by death; that righteousness had been destroyed by sin; that hope had been vanquished by hopelessness; that faith had be conquered by sight!

(Note: I am glad that appearances can be deceiving! In Israel, Saul might have been dead and the Philistines might have been claiming new territory; but God still had His man! David would step up in a few days and set things right. The enemy had won nothing but a little more time. The day was coming when the King of Israel would destroy them forever.

1. Tragedy's Prelude to Hope

1 Samuel 31:1-6

The scene of Saul and Jonathan's final battle could have been avoided, highlighting the human cost of their struggle and downfall. If only Saul had really listened to Samuel’s prophesy, Defeat and Death could have been avoided and possibly even turned around. Godly information is for our benefit. Illus.:(1 Sa 23:1-13 story of David and Keilah) Repent, revive and restore. This point could underscore the tragedy that often precedes restoration, emphasizing that through death, a path to hope begins—Years of disobedience to finally we see how Christ's death paves the way for our ultimate hope and restoration.

Blindness to God’s plan has Saul losing Israel, his sons, and his own life. He was in charge of the nation and was given information that could have saved it. He lost his sons for the very same reason. His own life was lost because he did not heed the words of Samuel.

2. Honoring Loss, Fostering Hope

1 Samuel 31:7-13

The Israelites of Jabesh Gileads’ response to Saul and Jonathan's deaths, retrieving the bodies and giving them a proper burial demonstrates the respect and love that survives tragedy and the nations effort to honor what was lost. Christ's followers came together in the face of His death, holding onto hope amidst despair. Corporate body comforting and trying to find a path forward.

3. Grief Mingled with Hope

2 Samuel 1:1-12

David's reaction to the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths, particularly his lamentation and grief show respect for God's anointed, and and his great loss of Jonathan his best friend. Points to how Christ's followers are to mourn yet hold onto hope. Our fellowship is with the body and with Christ.

4. Justice Amidst Despair

2 Samuel 1:13-16

David's executes justice upon hearing how Saul died, emphasizing the perfect justice of God even in tragic circumstances. This can serve as a reminder of the preciousness of the anointed saints of the Lord. The least and the great.

5. Lamentation Leads to Hope

2 Samuel 1:17-27

David's lament for Saul and Jonathan, highlighting the poetic nature of grief and the legacy of the deceased. We see here the power of remembrance and the hope that comes from remembering those we've lost, their faults are put aside and the good work that remains is celebrated. There is a parallel to how the memory of Christ's life, death, and resurrection is remembered in the Lords’ supper. It offers us continual hope and a glad look to the day when we are together.