Hand in Hand: Foolishness & False Piety

Hand in Hand: Foolishness & False Piety - 1 Samuel 14:16-52

How can you spot a fool? [from Dan Rockwell at leadershipfreak.blog - https://leadershipfreak.blog/2013/05/01/twelve-ways-to-spot-fools/]

(Or what should be the telltale signs to us that we are behaving foolishly?)

1. Believe they are right. 2. Hate accountability and practical strategies. 3. Love blaming and reject responsibility. 4. Pursue personal ease rather than challenge. 5. Expect you to adapt to them. 6. Reject instruction. 7. Can’t see their foolishness. 8. Express frustrations quickly and openly. 9. Gossip and cut down privately while complimenting publicly. 10. Act confidently. 11. Enjoy talking. 12. Despise listening.

Is foolishness a serious problem? The Bible has a great deal to say about this, but here is just one example from Isaiah:

Isaiah 5:20–21 ESV

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!

Please PRAY with me before we continue in 1 Samuel: God of all wisdom, teach us to be wise according to your instruction. Amen.

So the word for the day is foolishness:

Foolishness is not a matter of intelligence or talent. (Many a fool is supremely intelligent and talented.) Foolishness is a lack of listening and obedience to God’s command, being wise in one’s own eyes. Foolishness is sin.

The other term to understand today then is false piety:

Piety is a word describing what can be seen as a virtue that includes religious devotion and spirituality from an attitude of humility. - Another way to express false piety then would be that it is fake religious devotion and spirituality and only a facade of humility. (It has the outward trappings of religion without the inward heart of submission to God.)

How is it that Saul simultaneously becomes more religious but more agitated and self-absorbed—falsely pious and foolish? - It’s self-preservation and not coming to God on his terms and following God’s commands his way. Why do I say his behavior smacks of self-preservation? Remember that in Ch. 13 Samuel told Saul of the consequences for his disobedience:

1 Samuel 13:13–14 ESV

And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

In the remainder of chapter 14 we will see that Saul is bringing around the ark of God’s presence (with his people), he’s making a grand vow, he’s building an altar to the Lord, he’s holding the people accountable for sin… no matter who it is (supposedly), and he’s creating for himself a real legacy. - Here’s the problem: It’s all false piety and utter foolishness, and he doesn’t seem to know it! When we don’t REALLY listen to God, we behave super piously and make foolish decisions, thinking that we are displaying devotion and wisdom.

Let’s observe the evidence of Saul’s false piety and foolishness. (Rather than smirking at Saul, we should allow God’s word to be the mirror which reveals our own hearts.)

The Follow-up to Jonathan’s Bravery (vv. 16-23)

1 Samuel 14:16–23 ESV

And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.

It is foolish to repeat the folly of the past.

Saul is doing this in two ways:

1. He was sitting on his hands yet again while Jonathan went to work against the Philistines. (Remember before who had attacked the Philistines at Geba in the first place? Yep, it was Saul’s son.) And again young Jonathan had to sneak off without his father’s knowledge in order to see the Lord work through him against the Philistines. - It’s shocking that they even had to ask who was missing from the group!

2. Saul repeated the earlier folly of the Israelites bringing the ark of God around into battle like a talisman. ** Wasn’t the ark of God captured by the Philistines in chapter 4 of 1 Samuel bc of this same approach? And didn’t Eli drop dead bc of it? - Saul is not exercising good judgment.

What image does the Bible use about repeating folly?…

Proverbs 26:11 ESV

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

It is false to give lip service to the idea of listening to God.

… while not actually doing so.

Saul gears up to inquire the will of the Lord, but then tells Ahijah to stay his hand either bc of being in a hurry or bc he decided it just wasn’t necessary anymore.

And by the way, a note about somebody other than Saul from vv. 21-22 (quite a few somebodies, actually)…

It’s false allegiance to God and to his people to realign yourself when it’s convenient.

It’s false to finally fight for what’s right when right seems to be winning.

Even the deserters (some probably mercenaries) and cowards come out to join Israel… because Jonathan (and his armor-bearer, I dare not forget that brave teammate) had the courage to attack a Philistine outpost: “It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” (14:6c) & “Do all that is in your heart… I am with you heart and soul.” (7)

Saul’s Big Talk (vv. 24-31)

1 Samuel 14:24–31 ESV

And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’ ” And the people were faint. Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.” They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint.

It is false piety to make any vow that doesn’t have God’s glory as its goal.

He makes no mention of God’s enemies, of Israel’s enemies… no, he has somehow turned this thing personal and wants to be avenged on “my enemies.”

It is foolish to make bold and sweeping vows without foundation and careful consideration.

Saul obviously does this without reason or forethought. (I mean, he doesn’t even have a reason like, “No time for food! Let’s fight!) Saul’s vow is rash, reckless, and self-centered.

I have recently committed to memory the following proverb for myself, because I need it. I don’t want to be Saul-ish.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Saul’s foolish venting has two serious consequences, the 2nd more disastrous than the first.

The first result was that the defeat among the Philistines was not as great as it would have been without the foolish vow. (Even in pursuing the enemy from Michmash to Aijalon, the people had gone some 15-20 miles in battle, on foot, over undoubtedly rough terrain. No wonder they were beat without anything to eat.)

The first consequence was weakening the victory. The second consequence was Israel’s sin against the commandment of God. [Let’s read how it goes down.]

1 Samuel 14:32–35 ESV

The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’ ” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord.

Whose Treachery Indeed! (vv. 32-35)

It is foolish to not consider one’s own fault and take responsibility.

“You have dealt treacherously”

It is false to consider the Lord as an afterthought for self-preservation.

He only considered the sin of the people in doing this thing when others brought it to his attention.

So this first, or first and only, altar Saul built seems to be an afterthought… and he seems to continue acting in self-preservation.

When God Won’t Answer (vv. 36-42)

1 Samuel 14:36–42 ESV

Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.

It is foolish to presume upon the Lord’s favor when one’s heart is far from him.

When you are false in your devotion to God and continue in disobedience to his will, it is foolish to think you can just inquire direction from him and expect his good graces. - Saul only did so when Ahijah the priest recommended it.

Jesus said, quoting God’s words through the Prophet Isaiah:

Matthew 15:8–9 ESV

“ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

C’mon now, building an altar and inquiring of the Lord… those are right things to do, aren’t they?! …Unless their heart is false. When they proclaim loudly that they’ve supposedly done great things for him in his name (like prophesy, drive out demons, perform miracles). But if their heart is false, this is the reply when standing before the Lord: (saying “Lord, Lord”)

Matthew 7:23 ESV

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Jesus continues to say and gives the corresponding illustration that the person who hears his words and acts on them (obeys his will) is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. - What is the term for the person who builds his house on sand… who claims to be listening to Jesus but doesn’t act accordingly? Right, the foolish man.

By contrast...

Psalm 51:17 ESV

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

It is foolish and false to assume others are the cause of our problems with God.

Saul is so bold here, we know he thinks this sin is in someone else! He never even considers that HE himself has broken fellowship with God.

It is foolish to pronounce punishment before a matter is known.

To me, Saul’s words in v. 39 are incredibly suspicious.

It is foolish and false to use God-talk to suit our own purposes.

With our current perspective, Saul’s religious language and ceremony for discerning God’s will seem quite dubious.

It is foolish to equate someone not doing what we want with sin.

So somebody broke Saul’s ridiculous vow? No one sinned against the Lord. It just turned out that somebody didn’t do what Saul wanted. And it was an innocent accident! By the way, if you are falsely accused, this is your comfort, that ultimately God is judge:

1 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

And here’s Jonathan’s reaction to this false accusation and ridiculous punishment:

Here I am. I will die. (vv. 43-46)

1 Samuel 14:43–46 ESV

Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

Is it wise or foolish for Jonathan to make no attempt at self-justification?

What good would it do? He needs the word of others who know better.

Proverbs 11:9 ESV

With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

Jonathan was content to submit and die (in his innocence), having been used by God to work salvation in Israel that day.

It is foolish to follow through on bad decisions to save face.

Thankfully, the people rescue Jonathan.

The only wise thing Saul does this day is to stop trying to get his way! And even that is almost certainly not due to wisdom as much as to his fear of the people.

Saul’s Legacy (vv. 47-52)

1 Samuel 14:47–52 ESV

When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them. Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger Michal. And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.

It is foolish to measure a man by human standards.

It’s interesting how these verses sound positive… from a worldly perspective.

CONCLUSION:

Hand in Hand: Wisdom and Sincere Devotion

With all this talk of foolishness, is there any hope for not being a complete fool?

All of God’s word bears his wisdom… But listen to the words of the book of wisdom, Proverbs.

Proverbs 3:7 ESV

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

work backwards from this verse…

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Who is the perfect revelation of God’s wisdom?

Jesus! He is the source of God’s wisdom in the sense of being the MEANS to justification, to reconciliation with God. AND he is the source of God’s wisdom for us to follow in his footsteps!

1 Corinthians 1:18–24 ESV

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

What could Saul have done differently? What can you do differently?

Trust God. Listen to God. Obey God.