“And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.”
Saul’s Fear:In this verse, we see Saul’s reaction upon seeing the Philistine army gathered for battle. He is filled with fear, and his heart trembles greatly. This fear arises from the realization that he is about to face a powerful enemy, and he is uncertain of the outcome.
Lack of Trust in God:Saul’s fear and trembling reveal his lack of trust in God. Instead of seeking guidance and strength from the Lord, he becomes overwhelmed by his circumstances. Throughout his reign, Saul struggled with obedience to God’s commands, and his fear in this situation is a result of his spiritual distance from God.
Disobedience and Its Consequences:Saul’s fear is not isolated; it is a consequence of his disobedience and failure to follow God’s instructions. Earlier in his reign, Saul had been instructed by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions (1 Samuel 15:3). However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, disobeying God’s explicit command. This act of disobedience and subsequent rejection by God had consequences for Saul’s leadership and his ability to trust in God’s guidance.
Seeking Guidance from the Witch of Endor:After Saul’s fear and trembling, he seeks answers from God but receives no response. In his desperation, he decides to consult a medium, the witch of Endor, who was known for communicating with the dead. This action was strictly forbidden by God’s law (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6), and it highlights Saul’s increasing desperation and disregard for God’s commands.
Lessons for Us:
Trust in God:Saul’s lack of trust in God serves as a cautionary tale for us. When we face difficult circumstances or challenges, we should turn to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength, rather than relying on our own limited understanding.
Obedience:Saul’s disobedience had serious consequences. It is a reminder for us to faithfully follow God’s commands and not compromise in our obedience to His Word. Disobedience distances us from God and can lead us down a path of fear, confusion, and despair.
Seek Godly Counsel:Saul’s decision to consult the witch of Endor was an act of desperation and a failure to seek godly counsel. As believers, we should seek guidance from those who are rooted in the Word of God, such as pastors, mentors, or mature believers who can offer godly wisdom and direction.
Repentance and Forgiveness:Saul’s story also reminds us of the importance of repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. Despite Saul’s mistakes, God is always ready to extend His mercy and forgiveness to those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him.
In summary, 1 Samuel 28:5 reveals Saul’s fear and lack of trust in God, which stem from his disobedience. It serves as a reminder for us to trust in God, obey His commands, seek godly counsel, and turn to Him in repentance and faith.
