1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 79almost a raving madman. 244 Saul drove himself to the brink <strong>of</strong> insanity by refusing tosubmit to God who still exercised sovereign control over him despite the king's attemptsto go his own way.It is significant that this chapter closes with the repetition <strong>of</strong> the saying, "Is Saul alsoamong the prophets?"". . . To question the genuineness <strong>of</strong> Saul's prophetic behavior was toquestion his legitimacy as king <strong>of</strong> Israel . . ." 245This derogatory saying brackets the story <strong>of</strong> Saul's contacts with <strong>Samuel</strong> and with theHoly Spirit (cf. 10:11). It reminds the reader that Saul had the potential to be a great kingbecause <strong>of</strong> <strong>Samuel</strong> and the Spirit's resources that were available to him. The narrative thatthe two occurrences <strong>of</strong> this saying enclose explains Saul's failure. He lost the opportunityto found a dynasty, he lost his own throne, and he lost his personal dignity because herefused to act like a prophet. That is, he refused to put the honor, glory, and will <strong>of</strong> Godbefore his personal ambitions and pride.Saul lost the privilege <strong>of</strong> reigning, he became a vessel unto dishonor, he created problemsfor others, and he eventually destroyed himself. Another Saul, Saul <strong>of</strong> Tarsus, perhapslearning from the experiences <strong>of</strong> Saul <strong>of</strong> Gibeah, who may have been his namesake,feared the possibility that he might similarly disqualify himself (1 Cor. 9:27). 246The three instances <strong>of</strong> David's deliverance in this chapter show how God preserved Hisanointed. He used both natural and supernatural means to do so. Since God has anointed<strong>Christ</strong>ians with His Spirit (1 John 2:20), this record <strong>of</strong> how God preserves His anointedshould be an encouragement to us.2. Jonathan's advocacy for David ch. 20This chapter records Jonathan's last attempt to reconcile Saul to David. The emphasis ison the hardening <strong>of</strong> Saul's heart that God allowed to take place since the king refused torepent genuinely.David's concern for his own safety 20:1-11David was wondering if he had done something wrong that had provoked Saul's hatred(v. 1). Walking with God is sometimes confusing. We need to learn, as David did, thatwhen we try to follow God faithfully some people will oppose us simply because wewant to do God's will. Their antagonism is not the result <strong>of</strong> our sinfulness but theirs.244 This passage does not support the theory that the prophets became ecstatic when they prophesied. SeeWood, The Prophets . . ., pp. 40-56, 92-93. Neither do 1 Sam. 18:10; 1 Kings 18:29; 22:10-12; 2 Kings 9:1-12; Jer. 29:26; Hos. 9:7; or any other passages.245 Youngblood, p. 717.246 We must not confuse disqualification from service with loss <strong>of</strong> salvation. The former is possible forevery believer, but the latter is not (cf. Rom. 8:31-39).