Inquire of the Lord
It's interesting to see here that it says that Saul did not inquire of the Lord.
This is one of those, "Wait a second..." moments. Because I read through Samuel and I remember in 1 Samuel 28:6 it said that he exhausted every possible means of inquiring of God, but God still didn't answer him. Were I an unbeliever I'd have said, "Yep! Discrepancy!"
But I have a feeling that this passage says this specifically for 2 reasons.
1. Saul's personality. He's the type that never really asked forgiveness from God. He treated God the way you treat another human being. "You want to ignore me? Fine, I don't need you." That's a natural response to people who are rude to us and belittle us. When God does that, He being perfect, it's for a reason and requires introspection as to why it's happening. Samson is a perfect example of someone who fell away from God's favor and will, but was still granted one last answered prayer because he was willing to humble himself, and serve his punishment, which was death. Saul could have still been granted that same prayer had he said to God, "Yes I have sinned against you and I am no longer King, and I know I will probably die in this battle, but let my last act against the Philistines be to enact one last great blow against their empire. Take my life, but spare my sons and my countrymen. Don't let them be destroyed for my sin. I'm sorry, Lord please give me this one last chance to enact your will against your enemies the Philistines." From what I know about God, he would have happily answered that prayer, and Saul's story wouldn't be as sad as it is now.
2. Saul consulted a medium. This goes back to the Saul treating God like a human, and getting his revenge on God by going to the greatest enemy of God for answers when God gave him none. No wonder the Philistines took Saul's head and put it in the temple of Dagon, as if to say, "Now you can be with your god forever."
Sometimes I feel like Saul, like it's me against the world. I always have to remember to not withdraw from God even when I might feel like I don't want to talk to him. Why distance yourself intentionally from the only one who can save you. Don't mess with the guy who says, "Vengeance is mine." God is not a man, and those who treat him like one have very sad stories in the bible.
Created about 2 years ago
