What does Saul's repeated sending of messengers reveal about his character? Setting the Scene David has fled to Samuel in Naioth at Ramah. Saul, intent on killing David, hears where he is and acts at once. 1 Samuel 19:21: “When Saul was told, he sent more messengers, and they also prophesied. Thus Saul sent messengers a third time, and they also prophesied.” The Pattern in Saul’s Actions • First group of messengers sent • Second group sent after the first miraculously begins prophesying • Third group sent even after two clear supernatural interventions The pattern shows escalation despite unmistakable divine warnings. What Saul’s Repeated Orders Reveal • Stubborn Defiance – Saul will not accept the obvious hand of God stopping his plans (cf. Isaiah 45:9). • Hardened Heart – Earlier disobedience (1 Samuel 15) has produced a heart resistant to correction. • Blind Jealousy – Jealous rage overrides reason and evidence (1 Samuel 18:7-12). • Misuse of Authority – He repeatedly puts subordinates in spiritual danger, valuing his vendetta over their welfare. • Spiritual Insensitivity – The Spirit has departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14); he no longer recognizes or respects God’s work. • Progressive Madness of Sin – Sin’s grip intensifies; like Pharaoh, each divine sign leads to deeper obstinacy (Exodus 10:27-28). Cross-References That Illuminate Saul’s Heart • 1 Samuel 18:29 — “Saul became more afraid of David, and he was David’s enemy continually.” • Proverbs 29:1 — “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” • Romans 1:28 — God gives over those who persist in rejecting Him to a debased mind. Takeaway Truths • Repeated exposure to God’s interventions without repentance breeds a calloused spirit. • Authority divorced from submission to God becomes destructive. • Jealousy, once tolerated, spirals into irrational, relentless pursuit of sin. |
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