What can we learn about leadership from Saul's inquiry in this verse? Setting the Stage David has just felled Goliath. The battlefield is still echoing with Israel’s victory cry, yet Saul turns to Abner and asks a surprisingly simple question: “Whose son is this youth?” (1 Samuel 17:56). At first glance the inquiry seems trivial. Look deeper, though, and it uncovers valuable leadership insights. The Verse Under the Lens “Find out whose son this young man is.” (1 Samuel 17:56) Lesson 1: Good Leaders Seek Accurate Information • Saul refuses to guess; he demands facts. • Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” • Leaders who decide on partial knowledge endanger their people and their credibility. Lesson 2: Know Your Team Personally • Saul’s question is relational: “Whose son?” He wants David’s family background. • Proverbs 27:23—“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” • John 10:14—Jesus models this: “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” Personal knowledge builds trust and loyalty. Lesson 3: Recognize God’s Hand at Work • David’s sudden prominence is obviously God-given. Saul pauses to study what the Lord is doing. • 1 Samuel 18:14 records, “The LORD was with him,” underscoring that leaders must discern divine favor and align with it. Lesson 4: Follow Through on Promises • Earlier Saul pledged riches, a royal marriage, and tax freedom to whoever defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:25). • Identifying David’s family ensures those promises land where they belong. • Luke 16:10—faithfulness in little proves readiness for much. Credible leaders honor their own word. Lesson 5: Guard Against Superficial Assessment • Saul had already met David as a musician (1 Samuel 16:21–23) yet never probed his lineage. • God had said, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). • Leaders must resist surface impressions and dig for the heart of a person’s calling. Leadership Takeaways at a Glance – Gather reliable data before acting. – Invest time to know those who serve with you. – Watch for God’s fingerprints on rising talent. – Deliver on every commitment. – Measure people by character, not résumé. Living It Out Today Make a point this week to learn at least one meaningful detail about each person you lead. Confirm any lingering facts you’ve been “pretty sure” about. Celebrate the gifts God is surfacing in your team and consciously back your words with concrete action. Leadership that mirrors Saul’s inquiry—accurate, personal, discerning, accountable—is leadership God can bless. |
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