1 Chronicles 10:14

and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

Study Bible

He did not inquire of the LORD
This phrase highlights a critical failure in Saul's leadership and spiritual life. The Hebrew root for "inquire" is "darash," which means to seek with care or to consult. In the context of ancient Israel, inquiring of the LORD was a fundamental aspect of a king's duty, reflecting dependence on divine guidance. Saul's neglect in seeking God's counsel signifies a broader spiritual decline and disobedience. Historically, this failure is contrasted with David, who is often depicted as a man after God's own heart, frequently seeking God's will. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a relationship with God and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.

so the LORD put him to death
This phrase underscores the sovereignty and justice of God. The Hebrew word for "put to death" is "muwth," which conveys the idea of causing to die or executing judgment. Saul's death is portrayed not merely as a consequence of battle but as a divine act of judgment. This reflects the biblical principle that disobedience to God leads to severe consequences. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate rebellion against His commands.

and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse
This phrase marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "turned" is "cuwr," meaning to remove or transfer. The transfer of the kingdom signifies God's sovereign choice and the fulfillment of His promise to David. David, the "son of Jesse," is introduced as the rightful king, chosen by God to lead His people. This transition highlights the theme of divine election and covenant faithfulness. David's rise to kingship is not merely a political shift but a theological one, emphasizing God's plan and purpose for Israel. It serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring about His purposes, even through human failure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by disobedience to God, leading to his downfall.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demands obedience and faithfulness from His people and their leaders.

3. David
The son of Jesse, chosen by God to succeed Saul as king. David is known for his heart after God and his significant role in Israel's history.

4. The Kingdom of Israel
The united monarchy under Saul, which was later divided. The kingdom was turned over to David after Saul's death.

5. The Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, who played a role in the events leading to Saul's death.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God
Saul's failure to inquire of the LORD serves as a warning about the consequences of neglecting a relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life.

Obedience to God's Commands
Saul's downfall underscores the importance of obedience. God desires obedience over sacrifice, and disobedience can lead to severe consequences.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The transition of the kingdom from Saul to David illustrates God's sovereign control over leadership and His ability to raise up leaders according to His purposes.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's death and the loss of his kingdom highlight the serious consequences of turning away from God. This serves as a reminder to remain faithful and obedient.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions did Saul take that demonstrated his failure to inquire of the LORD, and how can we avoid similar mistakes in our own lives?

2. How does Saul's disobedience contrast with David's heart for God, and what can we learn from David's example about seeking God's will?

3. In what ways does the account of Saul and David illustrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives?

4. How can we apply the lesson of obedience from Saul's life to our daily decisions and spiritual walk?

5. Reflecting on the consequences Saul faced, what steps can we take to ensure we remain faithful and obedient to God's commands in our personal and communal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 28
This chapter provides context for Saul's failure to inquire of the LORD, as he instead sought guidance from a medium, which was against God's commands.

1 Samuel 13 and 15
These chapters highlight Saul's disobedience to God's commands, which led to the LORD rejecting him as king.

2 Samuel 5
This chapter describes David's anointing as king over Israel, fulfilling God's plan to replace Saul with a man after His own heart.