1Sam 15:1-3 In Exodus chapter 17, we read how the Amalekites were the first people to attack Israel after their exodus from Egypt. Even then, God promised Moses that he will punish the Amalekites for this (Exodus 17:14-16). The reason for God’s tremendous wrath and punishment on the Amalekites was that they unnecessarily attacked Israel at its weakest, and also …
1 Sam 14:1-52 – The Heroic Deeds of Jonathan
1Sam 14:1-3 Saul had not prepared anything special for this day, but sat under his pomegranate tree and pondered the poor odds against the Philistines and how to resolve this tricky situation. Saul himself had 600 men, while the Philistines had “6,000 horsemen and footmen as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (1Sam 13:5). Not only that, but the …
1 Sam 13:8-23 – Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice
1Sam 13:8-9 The Philistines had the most soldiers and the best equipment. The only thing Saul had in his favour was God and the element of surprise. Perhaps Saul thought that the only way to have any microscopic chance of defeating the Philistines was to surprise them before they had time to gather for battle. That strategy probably wasn’t wrong …
1 Sam 13:1-7 – Saul Fights the Philistines
1Sam 13:1 We often think of Saul as the failed king and David as the successful king, but at least Saul’s first years as king were seemingly okay. Had it not been for the events of this chapter, Saul’s kingship would have lived on. The situation in Israel was not very good. In verses 19-22 we see that the Philistines …
1 Sam 11:1-15 – Saul Defeats the Ammonites
1Sam 11:1 Saul is the new king of Israel, but as we see in verse 12, before this event he did not yet have all the people with him. The people observed him and wondered if he was really the right man in the right place. This is something that many leaders recognise, especially at the beginning of their leadership. …
1 Sam 10:17-27 – Saul Proclaimed King
1Sam 10:24 Saul was chosen, anointed, confirmed and endowed with the Holy Spirit. Now he is also finally made public. Saul demonstrates a healthy approach to leadership. Saul is in hiding and does not really aspire to the royal office. It is good that Saul does not put himself forward but waits for God to make him public. Similarly, we …
1 Sam 10:1-16 – Saul Anointed King
1Sam 10:1 Saul was chosen by God to be king over Israel and leader of God’s people. Even you and I can receive a mission from God. In general, all Christians are commissioned to tell people about Jesus and spread the kingdom of God, but God can also call each of us to specific individual tasks. How do I know …