Saul, How Low Can a King Go?

One of the most remarkable men in all of history, and especially in Biblical history, was King David. God spoke of David as a “man after my own heart.” David sought after God, was obedient to God, spoke with God, was lead by God, and was appointed King of Israel by God. We have explored the relationship that developed between David and King Saul shortly after David defeated Goliath, winning a great victory for King Saul. The exploits and acclaim received by David worked destructively against King Saul who came to fear David as a rival and sought to kill him as a threat to his honor and his throne. David, not willing to oppose King Saul, or violate God’s principals of authority, was forced to the only available alternative, that of fleeing from King Saul.

This session deals with a final period in Saul’s life. Saul is faced with an threat of an overwhelming Philistine army, and is unable to hear from God. In violation of God’s prohibitions, Saul turns to the Witch of Endor to seek advice from the dead prophet, Samuel. In the encounter Saul is brought face to face with his dismal record of rejecting God and the imminent death of himself and his sons.