In this chapter, Saul illustrates the sin of willful rebellion and God’s reaction to this sin. Saul’s rebellion leads to God’s rejection of him as king of Israel.
In this lesson, we learn from Jonathan’s faith in God and his bravery in battle. We also learn from Saul’s fearfulness and his foolishness in making an unreasonable oath.
Both the sin of Saul in sacrificing and the absence of smiths (blacksmiths) in Israel point to the danger of fighting God’s battles according to the ways of man and the world
The Israelites were determined to have a king like all the nations and God had granted their request.
Samuel’s rule as judge was not without its problems. His sons fell short of Samuel’s example and the people demanded a king.
