1 Samuel Profiles

SAUL

1 Samuel 9:1–31:13

First impressions can be deceiving, especially when the image created by a person’s appearance is contradicted by his or her qualities and abilities. Saul presented the ideal visual image of a king, but the tendencies of his character often went contrary to God’s commands for a king. Saul was God’s chosen leader, but this did not mean he was capable of being king on his own.

During his reign, Saul had his greatest successes when he obeyed God. His greatest failures resulted from acting on his own. Saul had the raw materials to be a good leader—appearance, courage, and action. Even his weaknesses could have been used by God if Saul had recognized them and left them in God’s hands. His own choices cut him off from God and eventually alienated him from his own people.

From Saul we learn that while our strengths and abilities make us useful, it is our weaknesses that make us usable. Our skills and talents make us tools, but our failures and shortcomings remind us that we need a Craftsman in control of our lives. Whatever we accomplish on our own is only a hint of what God could do through our lives. Does he control your life?

Strengths and accomplishments	First God-appointed king of Israel Known for his personal courage and generosity Stood tall, with a striking appearance
Weaknesses and mistakes	His leadership abilities did not match the expectations created by his appearance Impulsive by nature, he tended to overstep his bounds Allowed jealousy to overcome him so that he tried to kill David He specifically disobeyed God on several occasions
Lessons from his life	God wants obedience from the heart, not mere acts of religious ritual Obedience always involves sacrifice, but sacrifice is not always obedience God wants to make use of our strengths and weaknesses Weaknesses should help us remember our need for God’s guidance and help
Vital statistics	Where: The land of Benjamin Occupation: King of Israel Relatives: Father: Kish. Wife: Ahinoam. Sons: Jonathan, Malkishua, Abinadab, Ishbosheth (and possibly Ishvi). Daughters: Merab, Michal.
Key verses	“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22, 23).

His story is told in 1 Samuel 9—31. He is also mentioned in Acts 13:21.