Day 103, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Samuel 13-14; 1Chronicles 8:1–9:1a; 1Chronicles 9:35-44; 5:7-10; 5:18-22
Faith or Obstinacy?
“I don’t want any help. I can do it myself!” says the five-year-old (many times, teenagers and adults say the same thing, right?). While we want to encourage children to do some things for themselves and learn to succeed, sometimes they do not know what they are doing and mess things up. They have to trust their parent(s) for a while and learn to do things right. What should we do when children (or adults) are obstinate?
Saul began his reign well because he was humble, and his power to command was from God. After the Israelites gathered and helped him win the battle with the Ammonites, they reaffirmed him as king. Saul showed generosity in overlooking the insults of those who earlier opposed him. Then he led the Israelites to give praise to God for the victory. The LORD was gracious to King Saul, and Saul was faithful, but quickly that all changed. He began to rely upon his position as king, and his victories went to his head.
Pressure causes Saul to act on his own
In today’s Bible reading, King Saul faces threats from the Philistines. He is camped at Micmash in the hill country of Bethel with 2,000 men. His son Jonathan is camped at Gibeah with 1,000 men. These two small regiments are Saul’s regular army.
Only Saul and Jonathon have weapons because the Philistines took the rest away and removed the Israelites’ ability to make more. Even for their agricultural tools, the Israelites had to use the blacksmithing services of their enemies. Now on the battlefield, the Philistines greatly outnumber them. King Saul faces an overwhelming military threat, and his men are quaking in fear, disbanding, or hiding. He is losing them (1Samuel 13:1-14).
Samuel, the priest, had instructed Saul to wait for him to come and offer the sacrifice for God’s blessing. But this is the day he said he would come, and he has not arrived. Saul panics and offers the burnt offering himself. He does this, even though he is not a priest. For disobeying and dishonoring the LORD, Samuel declares that God will not allow his kingdom to endure. The LORD wants a man who obeys him to lead Israel.
Sometimes, when life pressures are enormous, we feel we must do something, even when the best thing to do is to wait on God.
At first glance, we might think Samuel’s judgment is rather harsh. After all, we might succumb to the same pressures if it were us. True, but are we leaders of God’s chosen people? To whom much is given, much is also required (Luke 12:48). Saul is not just a political leader; he is also a spiritual leader. Whichever direction the king leads, the people follow.In our modern-day, we have tried to divorce politics from religion and morality, but it simply is not and never has been possible. Most people will follow their leaders, and the decisions they make for the country always involve morals. Whether we are government officials, business owners, church leaders, teachers, or parents trying to lead our children as best as we can, we must keep in mind that we are affecting others. We will either lead others toward God or away from him. Even spiritual indifference will draw others away from the LORD.
Jonathan’s faith in the LORD
Jonathan is also fighting the Philistines. In his second attack, only Jonathan and his armor-bearer face them. Jonathan has faith that God can save by many or by few. His father, Saul, counts on the numbers of his troops. Jonathan counts on the LORD (1Samuel 13:3-5; 14:1-15). God helps the young prince by sending an earthquake and a panic into the Philistine army. Then Jonathan and Saul’s troops route their enemies.
Saul seeks glory for himself
Besides the incident at Gilgal (1Samuel 13), Saul does some other foolish things (1Samuel 14:24-45; 15:12). In an attempt to get more fame, he binds his army with an oath not to eat any food until he has avenged himself of his enemies. He does not care for the welfare of his troops. Does his army raise objections? No. He is the king, and they let him experience the results of his folly, although they suffer for it. Saul’s witless vow causes Israel’s famished troops to sin by eating the blood of the animals they capture from the enemy. Saul redeems himself, somewhat, by setting up an altar so the meat can be offered up to God, cooked, and then served to the men.
Saul is, however, a slow learner. He does not confess his sin in making the vow. Instead, he again seeks advancement by praying to the LORD for another victory. But, the LORD is displeased and will not answer him. Saul is sharp enough to realize something is wrong.
Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today. As surely as the LORD who rescues Israel lives, even if it lies with my son Jonathan, he must die.” [Jonathan, not knowing about the curse, had eaten some honey]. But not one of the men said a word. …“Do what seems best to you,” the men replied. (1Samuel 14:38-40, NIV)
They do not try to correct their king. Saul, in his pride, is willing to keep the vow and sacrifice his son, Jonathan, even though he helped initiate a tremendous military victory. Thankfully, Saul’s army stops his foolishness. Saul would have lost not only his son but the confidence of his army.
Those who are insistent in having their own way convince themselves that they are right. They will not listen. When it is safe, those who are willful should be allowed to make their own mistakes, whether they are a child, teen, or adult. Success and failure are part of life, and that is how we all grow. However, sometimes we have to stop the willful notions of people because the results can be devastating.
Despite Saul’s obstinacy, the LORD still uses him to win victories against the Philistines. Like Samson, who was also strong-willed, God uses Saul to punish the Philistines because the LORD loves his people. Most of us have served under stubborn leaders, so this gives us hope that we might still have some success in our organization or family. However, neither Samson nor Saul had an enduring rule with God’s favor upon them.
How do we get God’s blessings?
If any of us are obstinate like Saul, do we want God’s blessings on us to continue? If so, we need to confess our sins (more). Then we must learn to trust in God. We need to act with humble faith and courageously obey his will. We must seek God’s glory, not our own.
During Saul’s reign, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are also busy fighting wars (1Chronicles 7:10). They, too, are given victories like Jonathon—the LORD answers their prayers because they have faith in him (1Chronicles 5:19-20, NIV). As a reward for their confidence in God, Israel’s eastern tribes gain the victory and spoils of war. How will we act today—with obstinacy or faith?
Focus Verse
1Samuel 14:6c (NIV) “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
Discussion
What can or should we do about those who are obstinate?
How has God used 1Samuel 14:6 (above) in our life?
We must keep in mind that we are affecting others. We will either lead others toward God or away from him. How is this true in our society and family?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: How important is it to Follow Instructions, exactly? Find out in our Next Lesson as we continue to study the life of King Saul.
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