Bible Studies
The King Is Dead (1 Sam. 28:17-19)
Series: Studies in First SamuelIntroduction:
1. The purpose of book of First Samuel is to demonstrate what happens when God allows men to do what they want. 2. Israel had said, “Appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations” (8:5). 3. This request indicated that Israel was going down the same path that they had been since Egypt (8:8). 4. Even after God told them what would happen with a king they refused to listen and continued their demand (8:19). 5. God gave them a king in Saul. Saul reflected the same attitude that characterized the people. He too refused to listen to the Lord. 6. Now in the passage we have read, Samuel speaks from the grave about the consequences of their actions.a. The kingdom would be torn from Saul and given to David.
b. And the Lord would give Israel over into the hands of the Philistines.
7. First Samuel 31 describes what happened. Read 1-6. 8. In a moment we will focus attention on chapter 31 and, in another lesson, 2 Sam. 1, but before we do that let’s review what has brought Israel to this point.Discussion:
I. They thought that Saul was just what they were looking for.A. He was of good lineage (9:1).
B. He was handsome in appearance (9:2).
C. Taller than all the people (9:2).
D. He prophesied (10:10).
E. He was chosen by God (10:24).
F. He defeated the Ammonites (chap. 11).
II. But the matter was displeasing to the Lord and a rejection of Him as their king (8:7; 10:19; 12:12).A. It was not the matter of having a king that was so wicked, but the refusal to listen to their Lord.
B. God called on them to fear Him, serve Him, and listen to His voice (12:14-15).
C. The king was to do the same. He acted as a representative of God to the people. Saul instead represented the people.
D. Ladies and gentlemen, the people of God are to represent God to others. Do not join the people in their rebellion.
1. When I was growing up people spoke of disobedience as “bringing reproach upon the church.” Sin destroys the church’s influence upon the world. Cf. 2 Sam. 12:14. Do not give the enemies of the Lord occasion to blaspheme.
2. Sin brings reproach upon the Lord. We represent Him to the world. Our identity is with Him. We are His agents. When we become identified with “the nations” we loose our influence for good.
III. Saul had proved that he would not listen to the Lord.A. At Gilgal he had offered a burnt offering (13:8-14).
1. Saul was not authorized by God to do this. Samuel was.
2. Saul offered what seemed to be legitimate excuses for what he had done.
a. The troops were scattering.
b. Samuel had not come.
c. The Philistines were gathering.
3. He put his own thought and judgment over the word of God through Samuel.
4. The consequence—“Your kingdom shall not endure” (13:14).
B. At Gilgal he was rebuked again by Samuel for not carrying out the command of the Lord in the matter of the Amelikites. (chap. 15).
1. The instruction (15:3). By direct command.
2. What he did (15:9).
3. The confrontation (15:13-19). Note the necessary implication from the bleating sheep.
4. Saul’s defense (15:20-21). Note his identification with the people.
5. Samuel condemns him of insubordination and rejection of the word of the Lord (v. 22-23).
6. The consequence—rejected from being king (v. 23d). Note 15:26-29.
7. Will your kingdom endure? It will not if you reject the word of the Lord.
C. When Saul called Samuel from the grave this was his message (28:17-19).
IV. Now the reality of God’s consequences to sinful behavior has became a stark reality (chapter 31).A. The Philistines fought against Israel and the men of Israel fled.
B. Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchisuah the sons of Saul were killed.
C. Saul was hit by the archers and badly wounded.
D. When Saul’s armor bearer refused to finish him off Saul fell on his own sword. His armor bearer did the same.
E. And so Saul died, his three sons died, his armor bearer, and all his men in one day! (31:6).
F. DEATH is the consequence of refusing to listen to the Lord. Cf. 1 Chron. 10:1-10
1. The Philistines cut off Saul’s head (1 Sam. 31:9).
2. Put his weapons in the house of the Astaroth to indicate that their god was more powerful than the God of Saul. You see how Saul has failed to represent God and now the Philistines are blaspheming God.
3. They took Saul’s body and hung it from the wall of Bathshan.
Conclusion:
1. This is what happens when you do not listen to the Lord! 2. This is what happens when you pursue a course that involves the rejection of the word of the Lord! 3. This is what happens when you forsake the Lord! 4. Saul and Israel are examples that we do not need to follow!
