Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, a strong desire for possessions or power that belongs to another, is a theme that can be observed in the life of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul's reign, as recorded in the Old Testament, provides several instances where covetousness played a significant role in his actions and decisions, ultimately leading to his downfall.Saul's Desire for Power and Approval Saul's covetousness is first evident in his desire for power and the approval of the people, which often led him to disobey God's commands. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul's impatience and desire to maintain control over his army led him to offer a burnt offering himself, a task reserved for the prophet Samuel. This act of disobedience was driven by his fear of losing the people's support and his position as king. Samuel rebuked Saul, saying, "You have acted foolishly," and declared that Saul's kingdom would not endure (1 Samuel 13:13-14). The Coveting of David's Success Saul's covetousness is further highlighted in his relationship with 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). Saul's jealousy and covetousness of David's success and popularity consumed him, leading to a relentless pursuit to kill David. Saul's desire to maintain his power and status blinded him to God's favor upon David, and he repeatedly attempted to take David's life, as seen in 1 Samuel 18-26. The Witch of Endor In 1 Samuel 28, Saul's covetousness for control and guidance led him to seek out the witch of Endor. Despite having expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul's desperation to retain his kingship and gain insight into the upcoming battle with the Philistines drove him to consult a medium, directly violating God's law. This act further demonstrated Saul's willingness to forsake God's commands in pursuit of his own desires. Saul's Downfall Saul's covetousness ultimately contributed to his downfall. His inability to submit to God's authority and his persistent pursuit of his own desires led to his rejection as king. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul's disobedience in the matter of the Amalekites, where he spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, was another instance of covetousness. Samuel confronted Saul, stating, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23). Saul's life serves as a cautionary tale of how covetousness can lead to disobedience, jealousy, and ultimately, separation from God's favor. His account is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will above personal desires and the dangers of allowing covetousness to take root in one's heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 15:9,19But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatted calves, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ... How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... The Tenth Commandment Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts Kept from Iniquity The Evidence of Scripture on Changes of Determination. 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan Matt. xxvi. 17, 18 On the Opposing Powers. The Sixth Commandment Resources What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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