Saul, not unlike many, had one major character flaw — self worship. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and confront the errors within him, he was left to his own devices, ruled by one focus–himself. In 1 Samuel 15, we see the final unravelling of a man who had been anointed by God for great things. Saul exhibited pride rather than humility, preferred deception over truth, and made excuses rather than accept responsibility.
Pride
Pride inhabited Saul. After God enlightened Samuel, he spent a night weeping before the Lord. In the morning, he searched for Saul. Initially, a young man hiding among the baggage, Saul had now built himself a memorial. Even his response at seeing Samuel was full of pride. “Blessed are you of the Lord. I have performed the commandments of the Lord.”
Deception
His response, driven by his pride, also shows he was deceived. Samuel confronted the deceit. “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen, which I hear?”
Excuses
Saul’s answer reeks of self-preservation. “The people spared the best to sacrifice to the Lord; the rest we have utterly destroyed.”
“Be quiet.” Samuel said. It was time to enlighten the fallen saint. Still, Saul continued his defence. “But I have obeyed.” Samuel then made a declaration that would resound throughout Christian history. “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
God rejected Saul from being king. How does the story move forward? Next week we will reflect on the dramatic close to this encounter between the man of God and Israel’s first king.
Saul exhibited pride rather than humility, preferred deception over truth, and made excuses rather than accept responsibility.