The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Saul’s Wrong Course Reproved

Again Samuel was directed to bear a sad message of reproof to Saul. This brought such grief to Samuel that “He cried unto the Lord all night.” “Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?” “Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words.” 1 Samuel 15:11, 16, 17, 23, 24. Even this acknowledgment of his wrong was not, however, a repentant confession, but was rather a plea for leniency. (See verses 25, 30.) AGP 77.2

But this did not end Saul’s wrong course. He continued in transgression of divine counsel until he was entirely separated from God. At last, in desperation, he ended his life by falling upon his own sword. 1 Samuel 31:4. “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not.” 1 Chronicles 10:13. This astounding apostasy proceeded to its tragic climax in spite of the fact that he had by his side his experienced and able predecessor to counsel, encourage, and support him in all that the Lord required of him as king. AGP 77.3

In Saul, God had given to. Israel a king after their own heart, as Samuel said when the kingdom was confirmed to Saul at Gilgal, “Behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired!” 1 Samuel 12:13. Comely in person, of noble stature and princely bearing, his appearance accorded with their conceptions of royal dignity; and his personal valor and his ability in the conduct of armies were the qualities which they regarded AGP 77.4

as those best calculated to secure respect and honor from other nations. AGP 78.1

They felt little solicitude that their king should possess those higher qualities which alone could fit him to rule with justice and equity. They did not ask for one who had true nobility of character, who possessed the love and fear of God. They had not sought counsel from God as to the qualities a ruler should possess in order to preserve their distinctive, holy character as His chosen people. They were not seeking God’s way, but their own way. Therefore God gave them such a king as they desired,—one whose character was a reflection of their own. Their hearts were not in submission to God, and their king also was unsubdued by divine grace. Under the rule of this king, God permitted them to obtain the experience necessary in order that they might see their error, and return allegiance to God. AGP 78.2