1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 79almost a raving madman. 244 Saul drove himself to the brink of 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 of the saying, "Is Saul alsoamong the prophets?"". . . To question the genuineness of Saul's prophetic behavior was toquestion his legitimacy as king of Israel . . ." 245This derogatory saying brackets the story of Saul's contacts with Samuel and with theHoly Spirit (cf. 10:11). It reminds the reader that Saul had the potential to be a great kingbecause of Samuel and the Spirit's resources that were available to him. The narrative thatthe two occurrences of 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 of Godbefore his personal ambitions and pride.Saul lost the privilege of reigning, he became a vessel unto dishonor, he created problemsfor others, and he eventually destroyed himself. Another Saul, Saul of Tarsus, perhapslearning from the experiences of Saul of Gibeah, who may have been his namesake,feared the possibility that he might similarly disqualify himself (1 Cor. 9:27). 246The three instances of David's deliverance in this chapter show how God preserved Hisanointed. He used both natural and supernatural means to do so. Since God has anointedChristians with His Spirit (1 John 2:20), this record of 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 of 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 of 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 of salvation. The former is possible forevery believer, but the latter is not (cf. Rom. 8:31-39).