I Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

The LORD hates unrighteousness, sin cannot survive in the holy presence of the LORD God Almighty. When King Saul disobeys the word of the LORD and chooses to save the best of the Amalekite plunder and king, offering a sacrifice before waiting for the prophet Samuel committing a sin of presumption. Saul is rebuked harshly for rebellion and stubbornness of heart - which Samuel likens to witchcraft. After the Spirit of God leaves Saul and a distressing spirit falls on him, Saul's life unravels quickly and desperate for the revelation of God he actually turns to witchcraft and seeks out a medium who brings back the recently deceased prophet Samuel to bring revelation because YAHWEH did not answer him. What a chilling and sobering story, disobedience resulting in rejection from God and silence from Him. 

Saul's vision was darkened because of his disobedience, whereas David's clarity was enlightened because of his submission and yielding surrender and trust in the LORD. When Saul was faced with impossible odds in his circumstance being completely surrounded by Philistine armies he couldn't hear from God and God did not protect him, though because David trusted in the LORD - his strength - when faced with disaster and the wives, children and plunder of all his 600 mighty men had been taken captive by the Amalekites, when he sought the LORD - the LORD heard his plea and the LORD answered him. Clarity comes by obedience, we can only obey if we love and trust the LORD fully - holding nothing back.

Psalm 18:1-3 (NKJV) "I will love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies." 

At the end of I Samuel, King Saul's life ends in tragedy and dishonor, while the LORD preserves not just David's life from the hand of the Philistines and Amalekites but also protected and restores fully all the lives of David's wives and children along with the same for his 600 mighty men. God is faithful. It must be our pursuit to truly love the LORD with all our heart, mind, soul and strength; and to fear the LORD and to keep His commandments for the glory of God and the good of all mankind. 


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