“So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;”

1 Chronicles 10:13 KJV

Saul was a very privileged man. In his own words, he did not have any social or economic standing in Israel to be considered for the leadership of Israel.

 “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?” (1 Samuel 9:21).

 Yet God chose him to lead His people as the first king of Israel. We can say Saul succeeded God as Israel’s king. Think about it. That is immense! Could there be a loftier blessing and opportunity than that for any man? 

Give it to Saul here. He confessed he was unworthy of consideration to that position to lead what Solomon called “a great people” (1 Kings 3:8). We are never worthy of anything from God. It is all grace, so let us always thank Him for everything in our lives. 

Why Saul turned to be that ungodly is perplexing to the inquiring mind. Samuel loved him and stood by him to mentor him, but Saul would not allow it. He had different ideas.

There is nothing wrong with having your vision and being your own man. However, God is the only One who is His person and takes counsel from no one. Even with Him, there is counsel within the Godhead. That calls for leadership among leaders—the lesson Jethro taught his son-in-law, Moses (Exod. 18:17-23). 

If Saul had accepted the ministry of Samuel, it would have gone well with him. Unfortunately, he did not. He followed his ideas and inclinations and shipwrecked the everlasting kingship God had intended for him (1 Sam. 13:13-14). 

He never followed God’s program for him. Instead, he did what he thought would please Him, though God had explicitly revealed His will to him (15:18-19). He lost the kingship because of his stubbornness.

It is interesting how the Holy Spirit summarized Saul’s life after his death on Mt. Gilboa.

 “So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He failed to obey the Lord’s command, and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the Lord for guidance. So, the Lord killed him and turned the kingdom over to David, son of Jesse” (1 Chron 10:13-14).

 “So the Lord killed him.” What a sad commentary!

So let’s markdown these offenses of Saul: Unfaithful, disobedient, and forsaking the counsel of God to consult a medium. Grave charges that warranted the death sentence from the Most High God. May we not trifle with these offenses against our holy God, but love to glorify Him with our whole hearts, souls, bodies, and strength. Amen.