BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

In 1 Samuel 15, Yahweh ordered Saul to destroy all the Amalekites, but Saul disobeyed Yahweh and let some escape. In today’s reading, this seemingly minor oversight creates major problems for both Saul and David.

Some of the remaining Amalekites raid David’s home base in Ziklag. They burn down the city and carry off the families of David’s men. Overwhelmed by rage and panic, the soldiers start talking about mutiny and consider stoning David to death. David, now terrified, takes his fear to Yahweh and cries out for help. God answers, and David chases down the Amalekites to recover the captive family members.

Meanwhile, Saul faces yet another Philistine invasion and scrambles for a miraculous escape. However, Saul has repeatedly shown unwillingness to listen to Yahweh during a crisis. So when Saul cries out for help, God remains silent.

Desperate, Saul asks a spiritual medium or “diviner” to conjure the now-deceased prophet Samuel. Saul’s willingness to ignore Yahweh’s explicit prohibition against turning to spiritual mediums or participating in necromancy rituals (Lev. 19:31, 20:6; Deut. 18:10-11) shows he’s not paying attention to Yahweh at all. He only wants to win the fight and save himself.

Samuel says Saul’s time is up. Both Saul and his sons die in battle, leaving a throne open for David. What’s next for this shepherd turned soldier turned sovereign?

Reflection Questions

• Compare David’s battle against the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 30 to Saul’s battle against the same group in 1 Samuel 15. What do their decisions show you about the different ways each relates with Yahweh?
• Hannah prophesied in her song that Yahweh would oppose the proud and raise up the humble. Where do you see this prophecy fulfilled in the stories of Saul and David?