1 Samuel 28:3-7, 15-18 – Saul Reaping what He Sowed
The camera cuts suddenly from David being mustered with Achish in Gath, being enlisted as the First Hebrew Regiment of the Philistine Army, to Philistine forces marching north to Shunem. Saul’s gathering forces 6 miles south at Mt Gilboa. What we see on screen are two forces amassing across a valley. The narrator is speaking, telling us two facts: Samuel is dead, mourned for and buried; Saul, in the past, has driven out all the occultists. This second fact is a rare positive comment on Saul’s reign. Israel had been commanded not to turn to them or seek them (Leviticus 19:31), to put them to death (Leviticus 20:17), and to put to death the one who turned to them (Leviticus 20:6). This is a positive aspect of Saul’s legacy.
We’ve read the chapter; we know what Saul does, but let’s set it aside and think about why Saul does what he does. He is confronted with his arch enemies, who have moved into the north to take control of a major trade route. He sees their army and is petrified (verse 5). Perhaps it was its size; or perhaps it was their chariots arrayed on the vast plain of Jezreel – ideal territory for a devastating combat vehicle. He seeks help and guidance from God, but there is none coming (verse 6); not by personal revelation (dreams), not by priestly revelation (Urim – something in the priestly garment), not by prophet – only silence.
In desperation Saul consults a medium, which we’ll deal with another day. Let’s jump to the outcome – silence from God is broken by Samuel bringing a terrible message. Samuel tells Saul that God has turned away from him and become his enemy. God has torn the kingdom out of his hand and given it to David. The reason? Verse 18 – Saul had not listened to and obeyed God. Saul had rejected the command and guidance he had received, and now God is doing exactly what God said he would do. Saul is reaping what he sowed.
Questions
- In what sense is Saul reaping what he sowed?
- How does this chapter show the consistency and justice of God?
Prayer Points
- Unlike Saul, ask for a heart sensitive to what has already been revealed to you of God’s will.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.