What leadership qualities does Saul exhibit in 1 Samuel 14:17? Setting the scene Saul’s army is camped at Gibeah, unaware that Jonathan and his armor-bearer have slipped away and struck the Philistine outpost. A commotion rises in the enemy camp, and Saul senses something is happening. Before acting, he wants to know exactly who is present in his own ranks. Spotting Saul’s leadership moves 1 Samuel 14:17: “Then Saul said to the troops who were with him, ‘Call the roll and see who has left us.’ And when they had called the roll, they saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were missing.” • Situational awareness – Saul notices the disturbance and realizes something is off. Good leaders stay alert to changes around them (cf. Proverbs 27:23). • Accountability and order – “Call the roll” shows he maintains structure; he wants an accurate accounting of his people (cf. Numbers 1:2-3). • Initiative in gathering information – Rather than guess, he seeks concrete facts before deciding his next step (Proverbs 18:13). • Concern for those under his command – By checking the roster, Saul demonstrates that each soldier matters; none should simply disappear unnoticed (Luke 15:4). Key take-aways for today • Stay alert to shifts in your environment; don’t lead on autopilot. • Keep clear, organized records—people thrive when leadership values order. • Base decisions on verified information, not speculation. • Shepherd those entrusted to you; notice when even one is missing. Related Scriptures • Numbers 31:48-49 – commanders account for every soldier after battle. • 2 Samuel 18:1 – David organizes troops by units before combat. • John 10:14 – Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, knows His own sheep. |
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