The historical narrative in 1 Chronicles starts with the end of Saul’s kingship over Israel. Saul’s kingship had begun with great promise; he seemed humble and could win battles when he was filled with the Spirit. The judge Samuel was Saul’s shepherd and tried to teach him the ways of the Lord. But, in the end, Saul was rejected as Israel’s king. His son Jonathan, who had a pure heart, was killed with him on the battlefield. Some faithful and courageous men retrieved Saul’s body (12), paying him honor, but Saul’s end was undeniably tragic.

The Chronicler clearly tells us that Saul died because of unfaithfulness (13). He disobeyed God’s word and sought help from a fortune-teller instead of inquiring of the Lord (14). “Inquiring of the Lord” means to seek a personal relationship with him; it is the core of our life of faith. When Saul did not grow in his personal relationship with God, he became consumed with pride and jealousy and was finally an instrument of the devil. In Saul, we can see the terrible outcome of a life that fails to seek God.
Application: Father, thank you for the warning you give me through Saul’s life. May I always be found seeking and inquiring after you to find the blessed way.
One Word: Inquire of the Lord