What does Saul's reaction reveal about his character and spiritual state? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 20 records a royal banquet on the New Moon festival. David is absent—by prior arrangement with Jonathan. When the empty seat remains vacant on the second day, Saul speaks up. Saul’s Immediate Reaction (20:27) “But the next day, the second day of the New Moon, David’s place was still empty, and Saul said to his son Jonathan, ‘Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?’” What the Reaction Reveals about Saul’s Character • Pride and Contempt – Saul pointedly calls David “the son of Jesse,” stripping him of rank and relationship (cf. 1 Samuel 22:7–9). – His words drip with superior disdain, revealing a heart that exalts self (Proverbs 16:18). • Suspicion and Paranoia – David’s routine absence instantly arouses accusation. – Saul’s paranoia has been building since 1 Samuel 18:8–9 when he “eyed David from that day on.” • Volatile Anger – Although not yet throwing his spear (20:33), the fuse is lit. – Proverbs 29:22: “An angry man stirs up dissension.” Saul embodies it. • Loss of Discernment – A spiritually healthy king would see David’s loyalty (1 Samuel 19:4–5). – Instead, he interprets everything through jealousy (James 3:14–16). Indicators of Saul’s Spiritual State • Rejected yet Unrepentant – God had already torn the kingdom from Saul (1 Samuel 15:26–28). No sign of repentance appears here. • Absence of the Spirit – 1 Samuel 16:14: “The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit tormented him.” – The void produces fear and rage rather than faith and love (2 Timothy 1:7). • Broken Covenant Loyalty – A king under the covenant was to protect the innocent (Deuteronomy 17:18–20). – Saul seeks David’s life, betraying the very office God entrusted to him. • Deepening Darkness – Every unchecked outburst moves him further from light (1 John 2:11). – Romans 1:21 describes hearts that “became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Saul’s conduct mirrors that spiral. Contrasts that Expose the Heart • Saul’s suspicion vs. David’s loyalty (1 Samuel 24:5–7). • Saul’s anger vs. Jonathan’s self-giving friendship (1 Samuel 20:17). • Saul’s pride vs. Samuel’s call to humble obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). Core Lessons • Unchecked jealousy corrodes character and blinds spiritual perception. • Rejection of God’s word leads to inner turmoil and relational destruction. • Outward religious forms (festival meals) cannot mask an unrepentant heart. Saul’s single question at the table unveils a soul in full retreat from God—proud, suspicious, and spiritually adrift. |
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