Failed Heroes: Saul and David

Why does it matter that these heroes failed? See introduction to series.
Saul
How was Saul a hero? Saul was the man God chose out of all Israel to be the first king. He was "a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people" (I Samuel 9:1). From all outward appearances, he had the potential to be a great leader. Added to this positive start, Samuel informed Saul that God was with him and that God would change him "into another man" (10:6-7). In fact, "God changed his heart" (10:9), and "the Spirit of God came upon him mightily" (10:10). Saul started out humbly, valiantly, and obediently (ch. 11; 13:1-7).

How did Saul fail? Saul's obedient walk with God was short-lived. When facing a frightening battle, Saul "acted foolishly" when he failed to wait for Samuel and offered a sacrifice on his own (13:9-14). He gave a rash command that led his starving army to disobey God and nearly cost the life of his son (14:24-46). He disobeyed God's battle orders (15:3-26). His sins were so great that God "rejected [him] from being king over Israel" (15:26) and "regretted that He had made Saul king" (15:35). Later failures included fear and inaction against Goliath's threats (ch. 17), jealousy and hatred against David, persistent pursuit and numerous attempts to kill David, and seeking out a medium (or witch) for guidance. This man who had started with such potential for God made a disastrous mess of things and finally ended his own life (31:5).

What was Saul's heart response? Saul's changed heart response is precisely the reason for his decline from hero to failure. In the beginning he humbly accepted and followed God. When he began disobeying God and was confronted, his response was not that of repentance. Rather, he attempted to excuse his wrong behavior (13:11-12; 15:15-24). When he did express some indication of repentance (after it was already too late), his words seem tainted with insincerity; his expressed objectives are to be allowed to worship and to have respect before his people (15:25,30). In speaking to Samuel, he referred to God as "your God" (15:30). God had become to him a sort of good luck charm or guarantee of victory, the same benefits that he later sought from a medium.

How did Saul's story end? Saul was rejected by God, abandoned by Samuel, replaced by David, defeated in battle, and driven to suicide.

Application: As long as Saul was humble and willing to follow God's instructions, he was blessed and successful. His problems started when he thought he knew better answers. He started making his own decisions based on human reasoning, even though they violated direct instructions of God. Ironically, he excused his disobedience by pretending it promoted worship of God. Christians cannot blatantly choose which of God's directives they want to obey and still hope to receive God's blessing. I think of situations like marrying an unsaved spouse, pursuing a career that necessitates a compromised lifestyle, or utilizing worldly methods for promoting the church, although the potential dangers are much more numerous than those few situations. The third situation may be the most appropriate for today, as churches and individuals define their own preferred methods for worship just as Saul did. Like Saul, Christians tend to rationalize these decisions and provide excuses for why they should be made. God's wisdom knows the best plans; it surpasses man's own wisdom.

David

How was David a hero? David is one of the favorite heroes of the Bible, perhaps most often remembered for his slaying of Goliath. In addition, he also killed a lion and a bear, and throughout his lifetime he was a mighty warrior. He is a man noted more than once in Scripture as greatly pleasing God. He was chosen to be Israel's second king and was given a prominent place of honor in the line of Christ. He was also the author of many of the Psalms.

How did David fail? David failed more than once, and his very prominent failures brought serious consequences for himself and the nation of Israel. For one, he took multiple wives, which ended up causing extended strife within his family (II Sam. 5:13). David was involved in attempting to return the ark of the God to Jerusalem, but the improper method of transport used resulted in the death of Uzzah (II S. 6:7). There is the famous story of David's adultery with Bathsheba and his subsequent murder of her husband, which cost him the life of his baby (II S. 11). Near the end of his life, David performed a census of the nation, something God had forbidden, and the result was a deadly pestilence on the nation (II S. 24).

What was David's heart response? I see four prominent godly characteristics of David's heart. First, the things of God mattered to him. He was disturbed when Goliath mocked God (I S. 17). He strengthened himself in God during a discouraging time (I S. 30:6). He rejoiced when the ark of God was returned (II S. 6:12-17). He "administered justice and righteousness for all his people" (II S. 8:15). He gave a godly charge to Solomon (I Kings 2:1-4). He included wonderful truths and expressed his passion for God in the psalms he wrote. Second, David consistently consulted God for decisions he had to make and then obeyed what God directed. Many of these instances were in military situations (I S. 22:5; 23:2-5; 23:11-13; 30:7-8; II S. 5:23). He refrained from killing Nabal at God's intervention (I S. 25:32-33). He sought God about his desire to build the temple and obeyed when God prevented him (II S. 7:2-5). He sought from God a reason for the famine and made things right (II S. 21:1-3). Third, when confronted by his failures, David humbly repented. This was true both after his sin with Bathsheba (II S. 12:13) and after his numbering of the people (II S. 24:10,17). His penitent heart is poignantly revealed in Psalms 32 and 51. Fourth, David reflected God's loving heart through his kindness to others, including his enemies: Saul (I S. 18; 24:6; 26:9; II S. 1:11-15; 2:5-7); Jonathan; those in distress (I S. 22:2); exhausted soldiers (I S. 30:23); deceitful Abner (II S. 3:31); Mephibosheth (II S. 9:3-13); the king of Ammon and David's mistreated servants (II S. 10:1-5); and traitorous Absalom (II S. 18:33). This kind and gentle heart is especially exceptional considering David's role as a warrior.

How did David's story end? David had a successful reign as king in which he exercised great military power over his enemies. He lived to an old age and was honored by his people.

Application: David and Saul offer great contrasts, and these contrasts provide areas of evaluation for Christians. Does the believer follow God's plans for worship or does he make up his own? Is the believer serious about obeying God's instructions whether or not they are convenient? Does the believer pray for God's guidance before undertaking a course of action? Does he seek his guidance from God or from some other source? Does the believer take violations of God's commands seriously? Does he excuse his sin, or does he humbly repent? How does the believer treat those around him, including those who oppose him? In each case, Saul shows a negative response, while David shows the proper example. Most importantly, David's responses were not out of a desire for reputation or self-promotion, but out of a heart that strove to reflect the heart of God.

"After He had removed [Saul], He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all My will.' " Act. 13:22 (NASB)