CHARACTER STUDY OF SAUL – FIRST KING OF ISRAEL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 13:13
"And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.’"
Supporting Texts:
1 Samuel 9:1-27, 1 Samuel 10:1-27, 1 Samuel 13:1-14, 1 Samuel 15:1-35, 1 Samuel 16:14-23, 1 Samuel 18:6-16, 1 Samuel 28:3-25, 1 Samuel 31:1-13
BACKGROUND OF SAUL
Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel in response to the people’s demand for a monarch. He came from the tribe of Benjamin and was described as a tall and handsome man (1 Samuel 9:2). His reign began with promise but ended in tragedy due to his disobedience and inability to fully trust in God.
Saul’s leadership marked a transition in Israel’s history from a theocracy (where God ruled through judges) to a monarchy. However, his failure to obey God’s commands led to his downfall and the rise of David as his successor.
1. SAUL’S SELECTION AND ANOINTING AS KING
Saul’s rise to kingship was divinely orchestrated.
a) He was chosen by God through Samuel (1 Samuel 9:15-17)
Though the people wanted a king, God selected Saul to lead them.
b) He was physically impressive but spiritually weak (1 Samuel 9:2)
His outward appearance gave him favour among the people.
c) He was humble at the beginning (1 Samuel 10:22)
He initially hid when Samuel presented him as king.
d) He was anointed with the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 10:6)
He experienced divine transformation and prophesied.
e) Biblical Example: Gideon also started with humility before rising as a leader (Judges 6:15)
2. SAUL’S EARLY MILITARY SUCCESS AND LEADERSHIP
Saul initially led Israel to victories.
a) He defeated the Ammonites and secured his kingship (1 Samuel 11:11)
His first military campaign was successful.
b) He strengthened Israel’s army and leadership (1 Samuel 13:2)
He established a standing army.
c) He led battles against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:47-48)
He defended Israel from its enemies.
d) He made a rash oath that troubled his men (1 Samuel 14:24-30)
His hasty words nearly cost his son Jonathan’s life.
e) Biblical Example: Joshua also led Israel in successful battles (Joshua 6:20)
3. SAUL’S DISOBEDIENCE AND REJECTION BY GOD
Saul’s downfall came from repeated acts of disobedience.
a) He offered an unlawful sacrifice in impatience (1 Samuel 13:8-14)
He took over priestly duties instead of waiting for Samuel.
b) He failed to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:9-11)
He spared King Agag and the best livestock.
c) He made excuses instead of repenting (1 Samuel 15:20-21)
He blamed others for his disobedience.
d) God rejected him as king (1 Samuel 15:26)
His disobedience cost him the throne.
e) Biblical Example: Adam and Eve also lost God’s favour due to disobedience (Genesis 3:6)
4. SAUL’S JEALOUSY AND HATRED TOWARD DAVID
Saul’s insecurity led to his destruction.
a) He became jealous of David’s success (1 Samuel 18:6-9)
Women praised David more than him, fuelling his envy.
b) He repeatedly tried to kill David (1 Samuel 19:9-10)
He saw David as a threat to his throne.
c) He consulted a medium out of desperation (1 Samuel 28:7)
After losing God’s favour, he sought the witch of Endor.
d) He was tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14)
His disobedience opened the door for demonic oppression.
e) Biblical Example: Cain also allowed jealousy to lead him to murder (Genesis 4:5-8)
5. SAUL’S TRAGIC END
Saul’s life ended in sorrow and failure.
a) He lost the favour of God and Samuel (1 Samuel 15:35)
Samuel distanced himself from Saul after his disobedience.
b) His sons died in battle (1 Samuel 31:2)
His household suffered because of his failures.
c) He fell on his own sword in battle (1 Samuel 31:4)
He chose suicide over capture by the Philistines.
d) His kingdom was given to David (1 Samuel 13:14)
God replaced him with a man after His own heart.
e) Biblical Example: Judas also ended his life in despair after betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:5)
6. STRENGTHS OF SAUL
Despite his failures, Saul had some notable strengths.
a) He was chosen and anointed by God initially (1 Samuel 10:1)
b) He led Israel to early military victories (1 Samuel 11:11)
c) He had moments of humility at the start (1 Samuel 10:22)
d) He had the ability to inspire and unite people (1 Samuel 11:6-7)
e) He was a skilled warrior and strategist (1 Samuel 14:47-48)
7. WEAKNESSES OF SAUL
Saul’s character flaws led to his downfall.
a) He was impatient and took matters into his own hands (1 Samuel 13:8-14)
b) He failed to fully obey God’s commands (1 Samuel 15:9)
c) He was controlled by jealousy and insecurity (1 Samuel 18:8)
d) He sought ungodly counsel in desperation (1 Samuel 28:7)
e) He lacked true repentance and accountability (1 Samuel 15:24-25)
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM SAUL
Saul’s life teaches valuable lessons about leadership and obedience.
a) Obedience to God is more important than personal desires (1 Samuel 15:22)
b) Impatience can lead to devastating consequences (Proverbs 14:29)
c) Jealousy and insecurity can destroy destinies (James 3:16)
d) Seeking God’s presence is crucial for success (Psalm 27:8)
e) True repentance requires humility and change of heart (2 Chronicles 7:14)
CONCLUSION:
Saul’s life began with great potential but ended in tragedy due to his disobedience, pride, and jealousy. His story serves as a warning that leadership without humility and obedience to God leads to failure. His rise and fall highlight the importance of following God’s instructions completely, seeking His guidance, and guarding our hearts against envy and insecurity.
PRAYER POINTS:
Lord, help me to remain obedient to Your will.
Father, remove every spirit of impatience from my life.
I reject every seed of jealousy and insecurity in my heart.
Lord, let my leadership bring glory to Your name.
I will not lose my destiny through disobedience in Jesus’ name.
