What can we learn from Saul's actions about obedience to God's will?

Setting the Scene

1 Samuel 22 opens with Saul consumed by suspicion. David is on the run, and Saul, eager to expose any “co-conspirators,” calls Ahimelech the priest to account. It is in that tense courtroom atmosphere that verse 12 is spoken:

“Then Saul said, ‘Listen, son of Ahitub!’ ‘Here I am, my lord,’ he replied.” (1 Samuel 22:12)

“Listen,” Saul demands—yet the sad irony is that Saul himself has long since stopped listening to the LORD.

“Listen…Here I Am” — What the Exchange Reveals

• Saul issues the command to listen even as he remains deaf to God’s voice.

• Ahimelech’s humble “Here I am” stands in stark contrast to Saul’s hardened heart.

• The verse exposes a surface respect for authority while highlighting inner rebellion against divine authority.

Saul’s Disobedience in Focus

• Selective hearing

– Earlier, Saul obeyed when it suited him but ignored clear orders (1 Samuel 13:13; 15:19).

– Here he again wields authority without submission to God.

• Misuse of power

– Instead of protecting the priesthood, he threatens it (see Deuteronomy 17:12 for God’s warning against rejecting the priest’s voice).

– His later order to slaughter the priests (1 Samuel 22:17-19) shows how far disobedience can spiral.

• Fear-driven jealousy

– Saul’s fear of losing the throne fuels rash decisions, replacing trust in God’s plan (Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Religious veneer, rebellious core

– He still uses covenant language—“my lord”—but obedience “from the heart” is missing (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22).

Scriptures that Echo the Lesson

• “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22

• “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you.” 1 Samuel 13:13

• “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

• “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15

• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Walking It Out Today

• Genuine listening means acting on what God has said, not merely acknowledging it.

• Authority without submission to God leads to oppression of others.

• Fear of losing status or control can tempt believers to compromise obedience; real security rests in God’s sovereignty.

• A tender heart like Ahimelech’s—quick to say, “Here I am”—is the antidote to Saul-like hardness.

• Obedience safeguards both personal integrity and those under our influence, whereas rebellion endangers many.