Saul Rejected as King
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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 transgression.
Many thus led by Satan deceive themselves with the belief that
they are in the service of 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 set
themselves to 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 offered no greater
insult to the Spirit of God had he openly united with idolaters.
In Saul, God had given to Israel a king after their own heart, as
Samuel said, “Behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye
have desired.”
1 Samuel 12:13
. His appearance accorded with their
conceptions of royal dignity. His personal valor and ability in the
conduct of armies were qualities they regarded as best calculated to
secure respect from other nations. They did not ask for one 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.
Had Saul relied upon 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 upon God and be guided
by His Spirit; who, when he sinned, would submit to reproof and
correction.
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