Topical Bible: Unholy Fear: Saul

◄ Unholy Fear: Saul ►

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Introduction

The concept of "unholy fear" in the Bible often refers to a fear that leads individuals away from faith and obedience to God. King Saul, the first king of Israel, provides a poignant example of how unholy fear can lead to disobedience and spiritual downfall. His life and reign, as recorded in the books of 1 Samuel, illustrate the destructive power of fear when it is not rooted in reverence for God.

Saul's Anointing and Initial Success

Saul was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). Initially, Saul demonstrated humility and a willingness to follow God's guidance. His early reign was marked by military success and the unification of the tribes of Israel. However, Saul's fear of losing control and his desire for human approval began to overshadow his trust in God.

Fear Leading to Disobedience

One of the most significant instances of Saul's unholy fear is found in 1 Samuel 13. Facing the Philistine army, Saul's troops began to scatter, and Samuel had not yet arrived to offer the burnt offering. Driven by fear and impatience, Saul took it upon himself to perform the priestly duty, directly disobeying God's command. When Samuel arrived, he rebuked Saul, saying, "You have acted foolishly," and declared that Saul's kingdom would not endure (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

The Amalekite Incident

Saul's fear of the people further manifested in his incomplete obedience regarding the Amalekites. God commanded Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed (1 Samuel 15:3). However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, rationalizing his actions by claiming he intended to sacrifice them to the Lord. When confronted by Samuel, Saul admitted, "I was afraid of the people and obeyed their voice" (1 Samuel 15:24). This act of disobedience led to God's rejection of Saul as king.

Saul's Fear of David

Saul's unholy fear also extended to his relationship with David. After David's victory over Goliath, Saul became increasingly fearful of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him. This fear turned into jealousy and paranoia, leading Saul to pursue David relentlessly, seeking to kill him (1 Samuel 18:8-9, 1 Samuel 19:1). Saul's fear-driven actions not only alienated him from David but also from God, further isolating him in his kingship.

The Witch of Endor

In one of the most tragic episodes of Saul's life, his fear culminated in seeking guidance from a medium at Endor. With the Philistine army poised for battle and God silent due to Saul's persistent disobedience, Saul sought counsel from a forbidden source (1 Samuel 28:7-8). This act of desperation and fear marked the final spiritual decline of Saul, as he turned away from God in his time of need.

Conclusion

Saul's life serves as a cautionary tale of how unholy fear can lead to a series of poor decisions, ultimately resulting in spiritual and personal ruin. His account underscores the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and obeying His commands, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 28:5,20
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Kings.
... of his troops had scattered, through fear of the ... Eliab, the eldest, like Saul, was
fine-looking ... bewildered shepherd boy, uninjured by unholy gratification of ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Providence of God
... The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him; to ... Saul had the victory, but God
wrought the salvation. ... to his own nature, he cannot do any unholy action, any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Matt. xxvi. 17, 18
... a sign, like as the prophet touching Saul, saying, "Thou ... for they were even dead
with the fear, wherefore also ... yet He might have said, O thou unholy, thou all ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxi matt xxvi 17.htm

Reform
... why persecutest thou me?" Prostrate tell Saul, and down ... So will it be with us, I
fear the stump ... lascivious and foolish talking, and many unholy thoughts, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ...
... for shewing compassion to a penitent, and justifying the unholy. ... and what Saul [108]
in sacrificing ... undertakes the priestly functions, and has no fear, and does ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter viii to demophilus therapeutes.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... King Saul, being perplexed in mind, all his crown jewels ... if you love God, there is
no fear of losing ... of love, men have heads full of error; unholy opinions are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... unthankful," 2:Tim.3:2 amongst those unholy, profane person ... And we must have hearts
harder than Saul's, nay, harder ... build you up in the knowledge and fear of God ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... should engross their whole attention: even as Saul, when, on the ... is this: Many of
those who now fear God are ... of spirit, but also foolish and unholy desires, yea ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... What should the Holy God do with unholy servants? ... Saul seeks to the witch of Endor. ...
He that believes not God's threatenings will never fear him. ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... have been sinners, and sanctifies them, whereas they have been unholy. ... that he might
go with safety to Saul's house ... We fear lest, on the one hand, we should so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm