2 SAMUEL 1

2 SAMUEL 1

2 SAMUEL 1

Saul began his career standing (1 Sam. 10:23), but he closed his career falling (vv. 4, 10, 12, 19, 25, 27): “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Natural abilities and great opportunities do not guarantee success. Saul was head and shoulders above everybody else, but he was not heart and soul yielded to God. Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus.”

The Amalekite tried to deceive David and win his favor, for his account contradicts the inspired record (1 Sam. 31). He did not know David! Saul was not David’s enemy, so David could not rejoice over Israel’s inglorious defeat. Do you have enemies whose sorrows make you happy? If you do, carefully consider Proverbs 24:17 and Romans 12:14–15.

David said only good things about Saul and praised him as a mighty warrior. Saul’s treatment of David had been diabolical, but David’s treatment of Saul was always kind and considerate (Lev. 19:18; Prov. 20:22; 24:29). Saul listened to men’s lies and lost his crown; David obeyed God’s Word and gained a kingdom.

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