Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel's words. His strength was gone. (1 Samuel 28:20)This is a tragic scene in which, I think, we see Saul acting more kingly than at any other time. Unfortunately, it is too little too late. Yes, Saul had a long history of disobedience, and yes, God has IM'ed him through Samuel's ghost (?) that his death is near.
What would you do if you were at war, responsible for leading your troops against a superior enemy, had been told that not only was God not supporting you in the battle, but that you would lose the battle and be killed in the process? I think I might resign, or at least RUN AWAY!
But Saul didn't do that. Can you imagine how he felt in the hours leading up to the conflict? I cannot imagine a more forlorn feeling than being responsible for leading men into battle, knowing the cause was hopeless and that I would meet my doom. And yet Saul manned up, ran to the fight (so to speak), and did what he had to do. This is where, in spite of his failings, Saul earns my profound respect and my heartfelt compassion.
Reminds me of the Chronicles of Narnia, when Aslan advises Peter that a king must be the first to advance, and the last to retreat. Maybe being king isn't what it's cracked up to be.
Would you want the job?
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