Saul, the first king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose reign is marked by instances of self-will and stubbornness, leading to his eventual downfall. His life and actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal desires over obedience to God.

Anointed as King

Saul's journey begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 9-10. Initially, Saul is portrayed as humble and reluctant to assume the kingship. However, as he gains power, his self-will becomes increasingly evident. Despite his promising start, Saul's reign is marred by a series of disobedient acts that reveal his stubborn nature.

Disobedience at Gilgal

One of the most significant instances of Saul's self-will occurs at Gilgal, as described in 1 Samuel 13. Facing the threat of the Philistines, Saul grows impatient waiting for Samuel to arrive and offer sacrifices. In a display of self-will, Saul takes it upon himself to perform the priestly duty, violating God's command. When Samuel confronts him, Saul attempts to justify his actions, revealing his stubbornness and unwillingness to fully submit to God's authority. Samuel rebukes Saul, saying, "You have acted foolishly," and declares that Saul's kingdom will not endure (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

The Amalekite Campaign

Saul's self-will is further exemplified in his campaign against the Amalekites, as recounted in 1 Samuel 15. God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. However, Saul spares King Agag and the best of the livestock, rationalizing his disobedience by claiming he intended to sacrifice them to the Lord. Samuel confronts Saul, emphasizing that obedience is better than sacrifice: "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23). Saul's stubbornness in clinging to his own judgment over God's command leads to his rejection as king.

The Spirit of the Lord Departs

As Saul's self-will and stubbornness persist, the Spirit of the Lord departs from him, and he is tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). This spiritual decline is a direct consequence of his repeated disobedience and refusal to repent. Saul's inability to relinquish control and submit to God's will ultimately results in his mental and spiritual deterioration.

Pursuit of David

Saul's stubbornness is further illustrated in his relentless pursuit of David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. Despite David's loyalty and repeated demonstrations of mercy, Saul's jealousy and self-will drive him to irrational and destructive behavior. His obsession with maintaining power blinds him to God's plan and leads to further alienation from those around him.

Final Days and Death

Saul's reign ends tragically on the battlefield against the Philistines, as detailed in 1 Samuel 31. In his final moments, Saul's stubbornness is evident as he chooses to fall on his own sword rather than face capture. His death marks the culmination of a life characterized by self-will and a refusal to fully submit to God's authority.

Saul's account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of self-will and stubbornness. His life illustrates the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of allowing personal desires to supersede divine commands. Through Saul's example, believers are encouraged to seek humility and submission to God's will in all aspects of life.1 Samuel 15:19-23
Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but did fly on the spoil, and did evil in the sight of the LORD?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Saul Rejected
... is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as ... place for Saul, There they 'made
Saul king before ... on his dark way of gloomy, proud self-will, down which he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

The End of Self-Will
... Saul had many noble and lovable qualities, such as ... as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as ... a long course of indulgence in self-will developed cruelty ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... the seer into futurity, is among the prophets: but Saul, the rejected one ... to laxity
and slackness, severity gives rise to stubbornness and self-will, he was ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

part i
... my soul as if He were visible, as if He were present here before me, knowing all
my thoughts and feelings; every inward slothfulness, stubbornness, or other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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