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The Beginning of the End
“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniq-
uity and idolatry.” Those who set themselves against the government
of God have entered into an alliance with the chief traitor. He will
cause everything to appear in a false light. Like our first parents,
those who are under his bewitching spell see only the great benefits
to be received by sinning.
Many who are led by Satan in this way deceive themselves with
the belief that they are serving God. In the days of Christ the Jewish
scribes and elders who professed great zeal for the honor of God
crucified His Son. The same spirit still exists in the hearts of those
who follow their own will in opposition to the will of God.
Saul’s fatal presumption must be attributed to satanic sorcery.
In his disobedience to the divine command he had been as really
inspired by Satan as are those who practice sorcery; and when
reproved, he added stubbornness to rebellion. He could have given
no greater insult to the Spirit of God if he had openly united with
idolaters.
In Saul, God had given Israel a king after their own heart, as
Samuel said, “Here is the king whom you have chosen and whom
you have desired.” (
1 Samuel 12:13
). His physical appearance
matched their ideas of royal dignity. His personal bravery and ability
to lead armies were qualities they regarded as most likely to secure
respect from other nations. They did not ask for a king who had
true nobility of character, who possessed the love and fear of God.
They were not seeking God’s way, but their own. Therefore God
gave them such a king as they desired—one whose character was a
reflection of their own.
If Saul had relied on God, God would have been with him, but
when Saul chose to act independently of God, the Lord was forced
to set him aside. Then he called to the throne “a man after His own
heart” (
1 Samuel 13:14
)—one who would rely on God and be guided
by His Spirit; one who, when he sinned, would submit to reproof
and correction.
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