78 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
BIBLE COMMENTS
Understanding the Context
Samuel served the dual roles of judge and prophet for the emerging
nation of Israel, becoming her central leader. As Samuel grew older and
his sons proved themselves unworthy of leadership responsibilities, the
people asked for a king to rule over them (1 Samuel 8:1–5). Chapters
8–12 of 1 Samuel describe this major transition from Samuel’s leader-
ship to the rise of the monarchy in Israel. Samuel anointed Saul as king
in a private ceremony (10:1), and later publicly confirmed him as king,
an event accompanied by sacrificial offerings and much celebration, at
the town of Gilgal (11:14–15).
Saul experienced some important successes as king, but also some
devastating failures. At one point, he refused to follow Samuel’s instruc-
tions to wait for him to arrive and offer sacrifices. Rather than waiting,
Saul took over Samuel’s role and offered the sacrifices himself (13:7–9).
Because of Saul’s disobedience, Samuel explained to Saul that his king-
dom would not last; in fact, God would appoint another to replace him
(13:13–14).
Chapter 14 unveils a pattern of disobedience as Saul’s son, Jonathan,
likewise refused to follow instructions. In our focal text, 1 Samuel 15,
we have a detailed account of yet another serious act of disobedience on
the part of Saul and its consequences for him and his descendants. The
remaining chapters of 1 Samuel then detail the fulfillment of judgment
on Saul with the demise of his kingship and the rise of David’s dynasty.
Interpreting the Scriptures
God’s Command to Saul through Samuel (15:1–3)
15:1. Samuel clearly explained to Saul that God was the source of his
kingship and that Samuel himself was the instrument God had used
to anoint him as king. As such, Saul’s commission was to serve as king