Topical Bible: Confidence: Saul

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Topical Encyclopedia

Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure whose life and reign provide a multifaceted study of confidence, both in its presence and its absence. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, where his journey from a humble beginning to a tragic end is detailed.

Anointed as King

Saul's initial confidence is rooted in his divine selection as king. In 1 Samuel 9:2, Saul is described as "a choice and handsome young man; there was not a man among the sons of Israel more handsome than he, being taller than any of the people." Despite his impressive appearance, Saul's confidence was initially lacking. When Samuel anointed him as king, Saul was hesitant and even hid among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22). This initial reluctance suggests a lack of self-assurance, despite God's clear choice of him as leader.

Early Successes and Growing Confidence

Saul's confidence began to grow as he experienced military success. In 1 Samuel 11, Saul leads Israel to victory against the Ammonites, and his leadership is affirmed by the people. The Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he rallied the Israelites with a decisive call to arms (1 Samuel 11:6-7). This victory solidified his position as king and boosted his confidence in his role.

Misplaced Confidence and Disobedience

However, Saul's confidence soon became misplaced. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul's impatience and lack of faith led him to offer a burnt offering himself, rather than waiting for Samuel as instructed. This act of disobedience was a turning point, as Samuel rebuked him, saying, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you" (1 Samuel 13:13). Saul's confidence shifted from reliance on God to reliance on his own judgment, leading to his downfall.

Jealousy and Insecurity

Saul's confidence further eroded with the rise of David. After David's victory over Goliath, the women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This comparison sparked jealousy and insecurity in Saul, leading to a series of attempts on David's life. Saul's confidence was now overshadowed by paranoia and fear, as he perceived David as a threat to his throne.

Descent into Despair

Saul's final years were marked by a complete loss of confidence. In 1 Samuel 28, facing the Philistine army, Saul sought guidance from a medium at Endor, having lost contact with God due to his disobedience. This act of desperation highlighted his spiritual decline and lack of confidence in God's provision and protection.

Death and Legacy

Saul's life ended in tragedy on the battlefield, as he took his own life to avoid capture by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:4). His reign, which began with promise and divine favor, concluded in despair and defeat. Saul's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced confidence and the importance of obedience and reliance on God.

Throughout Saul's life, the theme of confidence is intricately woven with his relationship with God, his obedience to divine commands, and his interactions with others. His journey from humble beginnings to a tragic end underscores the complexities of human confidence and the consequences of straying from God's guidance.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 13:8-14
And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
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Library

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... Incidentally he gives us, in the picture of the perfect confidence between Saul
and himself, an inkling of how much he had to sacrifice to his friendship. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm

Weak People Fall an Easy Prey to Heresy, which Derives Strength ...
... indeed, with persons of a weaker character, to be so built up (in confidence) by
certain ... Saul, who was good beyond all others, is afterwards subverted by envy. ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter iii weak people fall an.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... with the enemy succeeded to their mind; which promise of honor and confidence he
made on purpose to increase his zeal for his service. 2. Now Saul, the king of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
... "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? ... my rebuke nor turn at my exhortation, I ask
this one favor at least let me know, and let me have this confidence, that I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the conversion of saul of.htm

The victory of Unarmed Faith
... story of his fights with wild beasts is meant both to answer Saul's objection on
his ... and then at the end brings in the true ground of his confidence: 'The Lord ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the victory of unarmed faith.htm

Grace Triumphant
... does not warrant the view, often taken now, that there had been any preparatory
process in Saul's mind, which had begun to sap his confidence that Jesus was a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/grace triumphant.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... On the morning of that eventful day, Saul had neared Damascus with feelings of
self-satisfaction because of the confidence that had been placed in him by the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

David and Jonathan's Son
... of the former dynasty loose in the territory of Benjamin, where Saul's memory was ...
young man beside himself, and, no doubt, sought to win his confidence and love ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

The Exile Continued.
... thy prowess in murdering unarmed priests and women?" And Doeg's story to Saul was
a ... Be that as it may, the words express the outlaw's serene confidence that he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

Acts XIII
... the Jewish Scriptures, this Bar-Jesus very naturally gained the confidence of even ...
Jewish pretender, now prompted him to send for Barnabas and Saul, that he ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm