Anointed: A Study in 1 SamuelSample

What does it say?

Saul, three of his sons, and many Israelites died as Samuel had prophesied. The Philistines captured Saul’s body, but it was retrieved by brave men from Jabesh Gilead.

What does it mean?

Saul’s rebellion against God cost him not only his own life, but also the lives of his sons and many Israelites. It started with one willful act of disobedience followed by no remorse. Saul’s promising future as king went downhill in a hurry. Even at the end of his life, he did not repent. Being mortally wounded, he fell on his sword to quicken his death. Valiant men from Jabesh Gilead walked all night to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them back to be buried properly. At the end of a dismal chapter, it’s inspiring to see the courage of men determined to do the right thing.

How should I respond?

The book of 1 Samuel ends on a solemn note. Saul and Jonathan are dead and the Israelites have scattered in defeat. With no king, no judge, and no prophet, Israel is once again beset by instability. Even though they were surrounded by defeat and destruction, the men from Jabesh Gilead chose to act honorably and bravely in the midst of this tumultuous moment. Often we too are confronted with ever-darkening circumstances. Like the men at Jabesh Gilead, God calls us to remain faithful even in moments when everything is going wrong. Are you in a situation today that seems like it is crumbling apart? What do you need to do to be faithful to God today? When you press into God and trust his plans, he will give you the confidence and determination to do the right thing in every season.