Study together · BCS

Saul

The king who looked the part and lost the throne.

The story

1. Hiding in the baggage 1 Sam 10:21-22

   On coronation day, they have to go find him. He is hiding among the supplies.

2. Early victory 1 Sam 11

   Rescues Jabesh-gilead and shows mercy to the men who doubted him.

3. Gets impatient 1 Sam 13:8-14

   Offers the sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel.

4. Partial obedience 1 Sam 15:9-23

   Spares Agag and the best livestock, then builds a monument to himself. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

5. Jealousy 1 Sam 18:7-11

   The women sing that David has killed tens of thousands. Saul hurls a spear at him.

6. Gilboa 1 Sam 31:4

   After consulting a medium at Endor, he dies by his own sword in battle.

Key verses

“To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV)

Read together: 1 Sam 10:21-22 · 1 Sam 11 · 1 Sam 13:8-14 · 1 Sam 15:9-23 · 1 Sam 18:7-11 · 1 Sam 31:4

Questions to sit with

1. Where am I doing “partial obedience” and calling it good enough?
2. Whose success threatens me, and what does that reveal?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.