Sermons

Summary: The death of Saul is not just a tragic end—it is a divine warning. He began with divine favour, but ended in divine silence. His life teaches us that charisma without character, and position without obedience, lead to ruin. Saul chose to please people over pleasing God.

THE END OF SAUL – A TRAGIC LESSON IN DISOBEDIENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 31

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15:22–23, Proverbs 16:18, Hosea 4:6, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, Galatians 6:7

INTRODUCTION:

The closing chapter of 1 Samuel is both sobering and instructive. Saul, Israel’s first king, dies on the battlefield—a shadow of the man he once was. His end was not sudden, but the result of a gradual decline rooted in pride, disobedience, and spiritual deafness. He had every opportunity to succeed, but his repeated defiance of God’s commands led to a tragic downfall.

This chapter is not just the account of a king’s death—it is the final act in a life that began with promise but ended in shame. Saul was chosen by God, anointed by Samuel, and empowered by the Spirit. Yet he failed to obey, failed to repent fully, and failed to seek God sincerely. His story warns every believer and every leader that position without obedience will lead to destruction.

The death of Saul teaches us that spiritual failure is never instant—it’s a process. Ignoring God’s word, relying on human wisdom, and operating outside of divine instruction will always carry consequences. But it also reminds us that God's purposes continue, even when flawed vessels fall.

1. PRIDE AND DISOBEDIENCE ALWAYS BRING DOWNFALL

Saul’s fall on Mount Gilboa was not just military—it was moral and spiritual.

a) The Philistines Fought Against Israel, and Saul’s Army Was Overwhelmed (1 Samuel 31:1)

Israel’s defeat was the result of leadership failure. When leaders fall, people suffer.

b) Saul’s Sons, Including Jonathan, Were Killed (1 Samuel 31:2)

Disobedience has generational impact. Saul’s choices affected his family and nation.

c) Saul Was Wounded by Archers and Knew Death Was Near (1 Samuel 31:3)

What he feared most caught up with him. Disobedience eventually leads to defeat.

d) He Chose to Die by Suicide Rather Than Be Captured (1 Samuel 31:4)

Even in death, he acted in fear rather than faith. He sought control instead of surrender.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah was struck with leprosy because of pride; though powerful, he overstepped his boundaries (2 Chronicles 26:16–21).

2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUAL FAILURE ARE PUBLIC AND PAINFUL

Saul’s death was humiliating, and the aftermath exposed the weight of his rebellion.

a) The Philistines Mutilated His Body and Displayed It (1 Samuel 31:8–10)

The disgrace of Saul became a trophy for the enemy. Public sin often ends in public shame.

b) His Armour Was Placed in the Temple of Ashtaroth (1 Samuel 31:10)

God’s anointed had become a symbol in a pagan shrine—how far he had fallen!

c) Israelite Cities Were Abandoned Because of Fear (1 Samuel 31:7)

The king's collapse spread demoralisation and loss throughout the land.

d) The Defeat Symbolised a Season of National Judgment

When leaders disobey God, they open the door to spiritual oppression and national crisis.

Biblical Example: Samson, another judge of Israel, was publicly humiliated because he did not take God’s instructions seriously (Judges 16:20–21).

3. EVEN IN TRAGEDY, GOD PRESERVES HONOUR FOR THE FAITHFUL

Though Saul died in rebellion, God still raised honourable men to treat his body with respect.

a) The Men of Jabesh-Gilead Retrieved and Buried Saul and His Sons (1 Samuel 31:11–13)

They remembered how Saul once delivered them. Honour is not erased by failure.

b) They Travelled at Night, Risking Their Lives for This Act of Honour

True loyalty doesn't forget the good, even in the face of failure.

c) They Gave Saul and His Sons a Proper Burial and Fasting Followed

A nation paused in sorrow, not just for a man, but for a lost opportunity.

d) Their act became a closing statement of dignity amidst the disgrace

Even in failure, traces of grace can still be found.

Biblical Example: Though Moses didn’t enter the Promised Land, God Himself buried him—his failure didn’t erase his legacy (Deuteronomy 34:5–6).

CONCLUSION:

The death of Saul is not just a tragic end—it is a divine warning. He began with divine favour, but ended in divine silence. His life teaches us that charisma without character, and position without obedience, lead to ruin. Saul chose to please people over pleasing God. He ignored prophetic rebuke, resisted repentance, and distanced himself from God’s voice.

Let Saul’s fall be a mirror for every believer. The battle is not just in the open fields, but in the choices we make in the quiet. God desires obedience more than sacrifice. May we not only start well but finish strong. May we walk in humility, heed divine instructions, and live lives that honour God from beginning to end.

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