Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure whose responses to various situations reveal much about his character and his relationship with God. His responses are recorded primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, and they provide insight into his reign, his obedience to God, and his interactions with key figures such as Samuel, David, and Jonathan.

Anointed as King

Saul's initial response to his anointing as king by the prophet Samuel is one of humility and reluctance. When Samuel first informs Saul of God's choice, Saul responds with surprise and modesty, saying, "Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?" (1 Samuel 9:21). This initial humility, however, does not persist throughout his reign.

Disobedience and Rejection

One of the most significant responses of Saul is his disobedience to God's commands, which ultimately leads to his rejection as king. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul offers a burnt offering in Samuel's absence, violating the command that only priests should perform such rituals. When Samuel confronts him, Saul responds by justifying his actions due to the pressure of the Philistine threat and the people's desertion, saying, "I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering" (1 Samuel 13:12). This response indicates a shift from humility to self-reliance and impatience.

Saul's disobedience reaches a climax in 1 Samuel 15, when he fails to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as God commanded. When confronted by Samuel, Saul initially claims to have obeyed, saying, "I have carried out the LORD’s instructions" (1 Samuel 15:13). However, when pressed, he admits to sparing the best of the livestock to sacrifice to the Lord, revealing a tendency to rationalize his disobedience. Samuel's response is stern: "To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22), and he informs Saul that God has rejected him as king.

Jealousy and Pursuit of David

Saul's response to David, who becomes a favored servant and military leader, is marked by jealousy and fear. After David's victory over Goliath and subsequent successes, Saul becomes increasingly suspicious and hostile. The women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), which fuels Saul's jealousy. His response is one of paranoia and aggression, as he repeatedly attempts to kill David, viewing him as a threat to his throne.

Consultation with the Medium at Endor

In a moment of desperation, Saul seeks guidance from a medium at Endor, an act that directly contravenes God's law against necromancy. This response occurs after God has ceased to answer him through prophets or dreams. Saul's decision to consult the medium reflects his spiritual decline and desperation, as he seeks guidance from forbidden sources (1 Samuel 28:7-20).

Final Battle and Death

Saul's final response is seen in his last battle against the Philistines. Facing defeat and fearing capture, Saul chooses to fall on his own sword rather than be taken by the enemy (1 Samuel 31:4). This act of suicide marks the tragic end of a king who began with promise but whose responses to God's commands and life's challenges led to his downfall.

Throughout his life, Saul's responses reveal a man who struggles with obedience, humility, and faithfulness to God. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience to God's will and the dangers of pride and self-reliance.