The "Fear of Saul" refers to the trepidation and anxiety experienced by various individuals and groups in response to the actions and demeanor of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul's reign, as depicted in the biblical narrative, was marked by a series of events that instilled fear in those around him, including his own family, servants, and the people of Israel.

Saul's Early Reign and Initial Favor

Initially, Saul was chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). He was a man of impressive stature and appeared to have the qualities necessary for leadership. In the early days of his reign, Saul enjoyed the favor of the people and led Israel to military victories, such as the defeat of the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:11).

Saul's Disobedience and Rejection by God

However, Saul's fear of losing his kingdom and his disobedience to God's commands led to his rejection by God. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul unlawfully offered a burnt offering, demonstrating his impatience and lack of faith. Samuel rebuked him, saying, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you" (1 Samuel 13:13). This marked the beginning of Saul's decline and the rise of fear among those around him.

Fear Among Saul's Servants and Family

Saul's erratic behavior and jealousy, particularly towards David, further exacerbated the fear he instilled in others. After David's victory over Goliath, Saul became increasingly envious of David's success and popularity. The women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), which fueled Saul's paranoia and fear of losing his throne.

Saul's fear manifested in attempts to kill David, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:1, where Saul ordered his servants and Jonathan, his son, to kill David. Jonathan, who loved David, warned him of Saul's intentions, highlighting the fear and tension within Saul's own household.

Fear Among the People of Israel

The people of Israel also experienced fear under Saul's reign, particularly as his mental state deteriorated. Saul's pursuit of David led to a series of violent actions, including the massacre of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:18-19). This act of brutality demonstrated Saul's increasing instability and the fear he instilled in the nation.

Saul's Fear of the Philistines and His Final Days

In the latter part of his reign, Saul's fear of the Philistines and his desperation for guidance led him to seek counsel from the witch of Endor, an act that was against God's law (1 Samuel 28:7-8). This event underscored Saul's spiritual decline and the fear that dominated his life.

Saul's reign ended in tragedy on the battlefield at Mount Gilboa, where he took his own life to avoid capture by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:4). His death marked the end of a reign characterized by fear, disobedience, and a departure from God's favor.

The "Fear of Saul" serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the destructive power of fear when it is not tempered by faith and obedience.