King Saul - getting to The heart of the Matter
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I. Israel’s Rejection of God as King (1 Samuel 8:6-7)
The Israelites demanded a king like other nations.
They rejected God’s direct rule over them.
Samuel warned them that an earthly king would oppress them (1 Samuel 8:11-18).
Despite the warning, they insisted on having a king (1 Samuel 8:19-20).
God permitted their request, though it was not His perfect will (1 Samuel 8:22).
God seeks a heart that follows after God vs, rejecting Him
Exegesis of 1 Samuel 8:6-8
6 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 The Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. 8 “Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also.
In 1 Samuel 8:6-8, we witness a pivotal moment in Israel’s history—their rejection of God as their King. This passage captures not just their demand for an earthly ruler but also a deeper spiritual rebellion that had been present since the exodus.
Verse 6: Samuel’s Displeasure and Prayer
"But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, 'Give us a king to judge us.' And Samuel prayed to the LORD."
Samuel’s grief: The request for a king was not just a political shift; it was a rejection of God’s direct rule. Samuel, as a prophet, understood that this request stemmed from the Israelites’ lack of faith in God’s leadership.
Samuel’s response: Instead of reacting out of anger, Samuel took the matter to God in prayer, demonstrating the right response to disappointment.
Application: When we feel rejected or troubled, our first response should be to seek God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
Verse 7: God’s Response – The Real Rejection
"The LORD said to Samuel, 'Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.'"
God’s permission: Despite their sinful request, God allowed them to have a king, demonstrating His permissive will. Sometimes, God lets us experience the consequences of our desires so we can learn from them.
God’s personal rejection: The request for a king was not a rejection of Samuel, but a direct rejection of God’s kingship.
Application: When we put our trust in earthly systems, people, or self-sufficiency rather than God, we commit the same error (Romans 1:21-23).
Verse 8: A Pattern of Rebellion
"Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also."
Historical context: The Israelites had a consistent pattern of forsaking God, from the golden calf (Exodus 32) to idolatry in the time of the judges (Judges 2:11-13).
Spiritual rebellion: They were not just rejecting God’s rule but had a heart condition that continually turned to idols.
Application: Jesus later warned about the danger of divided hearts in Matthew 6:24, saying, “No one can serve two masters.” If our heart is not fully devoted to God, we are in danger of rejecting Him just as Israel did.
Life Lesson: God Seeks a Heart That Follows Him vs. Rejecting Him
Throughout the Bible, God seeks people whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. The Israelites wanted a king like other nations instead of being set apart under God's rule. This shows that the issue was not just external leadership, but an internal heart problem—a rejection of God's sovereignty.
New Testament Cross-References
Matthew 22:37 – Jesus emphasized that the greatest commandment is:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
A heart that follows God is fully devoted, not seeking alternatives like Israel did.
John 12:48 – Jesus says, “The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”
Just as Israel rejected God’s kingship, many today reject Christ’s authority, leading to judgment.
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Israel wanted to be like other nations, but God calls His people to be set apart.
Hebrews 3:12-13 – “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.”
The root of Israel’s rejection was an unbelieving heart. We must guard our hearts from drifting away.
Application for Today
Just as Israel sought security in an earthly king, we can be tempted to seek security in worldly systems rather than trusting God.
Our hearts must remain fully surrendered to God’s authority, acknowledging Him as Lord of our lives.
True followers of God are not conformed to the world but instead seek God’s kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33).
II. God Chooses Saul as Israel’s First King 1 Samuel 10:20-24
20 Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. 22 Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, “Has the man come here yet?” So the Lord said, “Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.” 23 So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.” So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”
God appointed Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin.
Saul was physically impressive (tall and strong), but he hid himself when chosen.
The people accepted him joyfully, proclaiming, “Long live the king!”
Man looks at the Outward appearances
Exegesis of 1 Samuel 10:20-24
This passage describes the moment when Saul was publicly revealed as Israel’s first king. God had already told Samuel that Saul was His choice (1 Samuel 9:15-17), but here, the process of selection is done before the people by casting lots—demonstrating that God’s sovereign hand was at workin the selection.
Verse 20-21: God Chooses People for His Purpose
"Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found."
God’s Sovereign Election – The process of choosing Saul involved casting lots, which in biblical times was a way for God to reveal His will (Proverbs 16:33). Though the people had demanded a king, God was still in control of the selection.
Saul’s Humble Beginnings – Saul came from the smallest tribe (Benjamin) and an insignificant family (1 Samuel 9:21). This reflects how God often chooses unlikely people to fulfill His plans.
New Testament Parallel – In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul reminds us: “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.”
God does not choose people based on their status but based on His divine purpose.
Verse 22: Saul Hiding Among the Baggage
"Therefore they inquired further of the LORD, 'Has the man come here yet?' So the LORD said, 'Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.'"
Saul’s Insecurity and Fear – Even after being chosen, Saul hid himself instead of stepping forward.
Symbolism of the Baggage – The fact that Saul was hiding among the baggage suggests hesitation, unworthiness, or fear of stepping into God’s calling.
Application for Christians – Many believers struggle with spiritual insecurity and feel unworthy when God calls them. However, God equips those He calls (Exodus 4:10-12, when Moses doubted himself).
New Testament Parallel – In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul encourages believers:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.”
Instead of hiding, we should trust God’s calling and step forward in faith.
Verse 23: Outward Appearance – Man Looks at the External
"So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward."
Saul’s Impressive Physical Stature – Saul’s height made him look like the ideal king in the eyes of the people.
Man’s Natural Tendency to Judge by Appearance – Humans are drawn to external qualities, but these do not always reflect a person’s heart or leadership ability.
God’s True Measure of a Person – Later, when choosing David, God makes it clear:
“The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
While people look at skills, beauty, and strength, God prioritizes faith, character, and obedience.
Verse 24: The People's Acceptance of Saul
"Samuel said to all the people, 'Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.' So all the people shouted and said, 'Long live the king!'"
Public Approval Based on Sight – The people enthusiastically accepted Saul because of his physical presence.
A King After Their Own Desire – They wanted a king who looked the part, but physical appearance does not guarantee godliness or wisdom.
Spiritual Lesson: The Danger of Worldly Standards
Many Christians today are tempted to judge leaders, influencers, or even churches based on charisma and outward appeal rather than godly character.
Jesus Himself did not have an impressive physical appearance (Isaiah 53:2), yet He was the true King.
We must learn to seek leaders who reflect God’s heart, not just worldly power.
Christian Lessons from This Passage
1. God Chooses People for His Purpose
God’s calling is not based on human expectations but on His will (John 15:16 – “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.”).
Even when we feel unworthy, God equips those He calls.
2. We Must Step Out in Faith, Not Fear
Like Saul, many of us are hiding among the baggage—doubts, past failures, or fear of stepping into what God has for us.
Instead of shrinking back, we must embrace God’s strength and trust Him.
3. Man Looks at the Outward, but God Looks at the Hear
The world values status, beauty, and strength, but God values humility, obedience, and faithfulness.
We should seek leaders who reflect God’s character, not just outward success.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways, and true leadership is about the heart, not appearances.
III. Saul’s Early Obedience and His First Act of Disobedience 1 Samuel 13:5-12
5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits. 7 Also some of the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him. 11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, 12 therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering.”
Saul initially led well, but his faith was tested when the Philistines attacked.
He disobeyed God’s command by offering a sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel.
This showed his impatience and lack of trust in God.
Consequence: Samuel told Saul that his kingdom would not endure (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Exegesis of 1 Samuel 13:5-12
This passage details Saul’s first major failure as king. The Philistines had assembled an overwhelming army, and Israel was in a moment of crisis. Saul, instead of waiting for God’s timing through Samuel, took matters into his own hands by offering an unauthorized sacrifice. This event marks the beginning of Saul’s downfall—he started strong but failed to finish well due to his impatience and disobedience.
Verse 5: The Enemy’s Strength
"Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven."
The Overwhelming Threat – The Philistines were far superior in military might, creating an atmosphere of fear.
A Test of Faith – God often allows overwhelming circumstances to test our dependence on Him (James 1:2-4).
Verses 6-7: Israel’s Fear and Desertion
"When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard-pressed), the people hid themselves in caves, in crevices, among the rocks, in cellars, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him, trembling."
Fear over Faith – Instead of trusting in God, Israel panicked and hid.
Spiritual Parallel – Fear makes us run from God’s promises instead of standing firm (2 Timothy 1:7).
A True Leader Relies on God – Saul should have pointed the people back to God, but instead, he let their fear influence his own actions.
Verse 8: The Test of Waiting on God
"Now he waited for seven days, until the appointed time that Samuel had set, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him."
Saul’s Patience Wore Thin – God was testing his obedience by delaying Samuel.
Obedience Requires Trust – Waiting on God’s timing is often part of His plan (Isaiah 40:31).
Verses 9-10: Saul’s Disobedience – Serving in His Own Strength
"So Saul said, 'Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.' And he offered the burnt offering. But as soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to welcome him."
Saul Took Matters into His Own Hands – Instead of waiting for the prophet, Saul stepped into a role that was not his.
Obedience vs. Control – Saul’s actions show that he relied on his own strength rather than God’s power.
New Testament Parallel – Jesus warns in John 15:5, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”
Who’s Power Do You Serve With? – Saul acted in his own strength, but true servants of God rely on His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
Verses 11-12: Excuses and Justifications
"But Samuel said, 'What have you done?' And Saul said, 'Since I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come at the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked for the favor of the LORD.’ So I worked up the courage and offered the burnt offering.'"
Blaming Others Instead of Repenting – Saul shifts the blame to the people, Samuel, and the Philistines, rather than admitting his disobedience.
Partial Obedience is Still Disobedience – Saul justified his actions with a religious excuse, but God desires full obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).
The Dark Page of the Gospel – We All Fall Short – Just like Saul, we are prone to self-justification and sin (Romans 3:23).
God’s Love and Redemption – Despite our failures, God’s love remains (Romans 5:8).
Christian Lessons from This Passage
1. Finishing Well: Starting Strong vs. Running Out of Steam
Saul began with promise, but he lacked endurance.
Paul’s Encouragement: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Application: Serve with God’s power, not your own (Galatians 3:3).
2. We Have a Sin Nature – But God’s Love Prevails
We are tempted to rely on ourselves, but sin leads to downfall.
Gospel Reminder – We need Jesus’ righteousness, not our own efforts (2 Corinthians 5:21).
3. Obedience Leads to a Blessed and Prosperous Life
Saul lost his blessing and kingdom because of disobedience.
Jesus’ Words: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)
Application: Trusting God’s plan brings lasting joy and success (Joshua 1:8).
This passage reminds us that reliance on God, obedience, and faithfulness lead to finishing well. Saul failed, but we can choose to trust in God's strength and live a life that pleases Him.
IV. Saul’s Partial Obedience in the Battle Against the Amalekites 1 Samuel 15:7-9
7 So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.
God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3).
Saul and his army spared King Agag and the best livestock, directly disobeying God.
When confronted, Saul justified his actions, claiming the livestock was for sacrifices.
Exegesis of 1 Samuel 15:7-11
This passage marks a defining moment in King Saul’s reign, where his partial obedience leads to God’s rejection of him as king. It reveals the danger of selective obedience, self-justification, and the consequences of turning away from God’s commands.
Verse 7: Saul’s Victory – But Not Complete Obedience
"So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt."
God’s Command – Earlier, in 1 Samuel 15:3, God had given clear instructions: “utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them.”
A Superficial Victory – On the surface, Saul appeared victorious, but as we see in the following verses, his obedience was partial and self-serving.
Application: God desires complete obedience, not selective obedience based on our preferences (Deuteronomy 6:5, John 14:15).
Verses 8-9: Partial Obedience is Still Disobedience
"He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed."
Saul’s Compromise – Instead of fully obeying God’s command, Saul made his own judgment about what should be destroyed.
Human Reasoning vs. God’s Commands –
Saul spared King Agag – possibly for political gain or as a trophy of war.
He kept the best livestock – possibly to enrich himself and his people, even though he later claimed it was for sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:15).
Obedience Requires Trust – Saul trusted his own reasoning over God’s instruction. This mirrors what happened in the Garden of Eden—when Eve saw the fruit as “good for food and pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6), but what looked good was actually rebellion against God.
Application: Do we fully obey God, or do we pick and choose?
Tithing, purity, forgiveness, loving enemies—do we obey selectively, or fully?
Jesus said: “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Verse 10: God’s Regret Over Saul’s Kingship
"Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying,"
God’s Judgment is Clear – Saul’s sin was not hidden from God.
Divine Regret – The term “regret” (Hebrew: nacham) does not mean that God made a mistake but that He grieves over the disobedience and consequences of human choices.
New Testament Parallel:
Jesus wept over Jerusalem because of their rejection of God (Luke 19:41-44).
God’s heart is saddened by sin, even though He remains sovereign.
Verse 11: The Grief of Samuel and the Grief of God
"I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night."
Saul’s Rebellion – The phrase “turned back from following Me” reveals that Saul had not just made a mistake, but he had abandoned God’s ways.
Spiritual Application:
This is a warning that gradual disobedience leads to total departure from God.
New Testament Parallel: Paul warns in Galatians 5:7, “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
Samuel’s Anguish –
Samuel’s all-night prayer shows his love for Saul and his heartbreak over Israel’s future.
This reflects Jesus’ deep grief over those who reject Him (Matthew 23:37).
Application: Do we have the same burden for others’ disobedience, praying for them rather than condemning them?
Christian Lessons from This Passage
1. Partial Obedience is Still Disobedience
Saul did some of what God commanded, but not all of it.
New Testament Parallel: Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Application: We must obey God completely, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
2. Who’s in Charge? God or Our Own Reasoning?
Saul thought he knew better than God, just as we often justify sin by saying,
“It’s not that bad.”
“God will understand.”
“At least I obeyed part of it.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
3. Sin Grieves God
God is not indifferent to disobedience. It pains His heart when we turn from Him.
Ephesians 4:30 – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”
Application: Do we take sin seriously, knowing it grieves the heart of God?
4. A Hard Heart is a Dangerous Path
Saul’s refusal to fully obey led to his spiritual downfall.
New Testament Warning: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)
Application: Are there areas in our life where we continually resist God’s commands?
This passage is a powerful reminder that obedience matters to God, and disobedience has serious consequences. Saul’s downfall began not with open rebellion, but with small compromises that built into a pattern of disobedience.
What will we choose—to fully obey, or to make excuses?
V. The Cost of Disobedience 1 Samuel 15:22-23
22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”
Samuel rebuked Saul: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
Saul’s kingdom was rejected by God because of his repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23).
God chose David to replace Saul (1 Samuel 16:1).
Final: Exegesis of 1 Samuel 15:22-23
This passage serves as the climax of Saul’s downfall, where Samuel delivers God's judgment on Saul for his disobedience. These verses establish a powerful biblical truth: God values obedience over religious rituals.
Verse 22: Obedience is Greater than Sacrifice
"Samuel said, 'Does the LORD have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice, and to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.'"
Religious Ritual vs. True Obedience –
Saul thought that offering sacrifices would cover his disobedience.
But God desires hearts that are obedient, not just outward religious acts.
Application:
Going to church, tithing, and serving are good, but if our hearts are disobedient, they are empty before God (Isaiah 1:11-17).
New Testament Parallel: Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 for focusing on rituals but neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Verse 23: Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft
"For rebellion is as reprehensible as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as reprehensible as false religion and idolatry. Since you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king."
Rebellion = Witchcraft? Why?
Witchcraft seeks power outside of God’s authority.
When we disobey God, we exalt our own will over His—this is the root of all sin (Genesis 3:5).
Application:
Anytime we place our own desires over God's, we are engaging in spiritual rebellion.
New Testament Parallel: Jesus says in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Final Judgment on Saul (1 Samuel 15:24-35)
Verses 24-25: Saul admits his sin but only because he fears consequences. His repentance is shallow, focused on appearance rather than true heart change.
Verse 26: Samuel refuses to go back with him—Saul has crossed the line, and his kingdom is torn away.
Verse 28: Prophetic judgment—Saul’s kingdom is given to someone else (David).
Verse 29: God is unchanging; He does not change His mind when He decrees judgment.
Verse 35: Samuel grieves for Saul, showing that even though judgment came, there is still sorrow over lost potential.
Final Thoughts and Benediction: Conclusion
1. Obedience is Greater than Sacrifice.
God desires wholehearted submission, not empty religion.
James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
2. Partial Obedience is Still Disobedience
Saul obeyed partially but justified his disobedience.
Are there areas in our lives where we are only halfway obedient?
3. True Repentance is More Than Words
Saul regretted the consequences but did not show real heart change.
2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.”
4. Rebellion Leads to Spiritual Disaster
Saul’s downfall was not just one mistake, but a pattern of disobedience.
Hebrews 10:26 – “If we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”
Final Benediction
"May we seek to obey God fully, not just in part. May our hearts be soft to His leading, quick to repent, and faithful in the race He has set before us. And in the end, may we hear these words from our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Amen.” (Matthew 25:21)
RECAP-
VI. Lessons from King Saul’s Life
Obedience to God is Better than Sacrifice
We must fully obey God rather than partially obey and justify our actions.
Application: True faith means following God completely, not selectively.
Trust in God’s Timing
Saul’s impatience led to disobedience (1 Samuel 13:8-9)
Application: We must wait on the Lord and trust His perfect timing.
Pride and Self-Justification Lead to Destruction
Saul made excuses instead of repenting.
Application: We should confess and repent when we fall short.
God Seeks a Heart That Follows Him
Unlike Saul, David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
Application: God desires a relationship, not just religious rituals.
Rebellion Against God Has Consequences
Saul’s rejection of God’s commands led to his downfall.
Application: Sin leads to separation from God, but obedience leads to blessings.
VII. Applying These Lessons in Our Daily Walk with God
Daily obedience: Follow God’s commands even when they seem difficult.
Trusting God’s plan: Wait patiently for His direction.
Humility in leadership: Seek God’s will rather than personal gain.
Repentance and a heart for God: Be quick to confess and return to Him.
Connecting the Two Lessons: Saul & David — A Matter of the Heart
Key Bridge Statement:
“God does not look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This one verse becomes the bridge between Saul and David. It marks the shift in Israel’s monarchy—from a man who looked the part (Saul) but lacked inner obedience, to a man who may not have looked like a king (David) but whose heart was fully surrendered to God.
Contrast Between Saul and David: The Heart of the Matter
King Saul
Looked impressive outwardly (1 Sam. 10:23-24)
Relied on his own judgment
Partial obedience (1 Sam. 15)
Excused his sin
Feared people more than God
Was rejected by God (1 Sam. 15:26)
King David
Was the youngest, overlooked shepherd boy (1 Sam. 16:11-13)
Relied on God’s direction
Honest repentance when he sinned (Psalm 51)
Took full ownership of his sin
Feared and loved God above all
Was called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14)
Teaching Transition: How to Prepare Hearts for the Next Lesson
Close lesson on Saul and prepare your class for the study of David:
“As we’ve seen in Saul’s life, outward success and leadership don’t guarantee God’s approval. God desires something deeper—obedience, humility, and a heart fully devoted to Him. In two weeks, we’ll meet a new king, not chosen for his height or charisma, but for his heart. King David wasn’t perfect, but he was tender toward God. Where Saul hardened his heart, David humbled his. And that’s the heart God seeks in each of us today.”
New Testament Tie-In: God Still Seeks Hearts After Him
Acts 13:22 – “I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”
David becomes a type of Christ—a flawed but faithful servant, pointing to the true King Jesus, who was fully obedient to the Father.
