THE RISE AND FALL OF A KING

The first mention of a king in the Bible is found in Genesis 10:9-10, where we are told of mighty Nimrod, king of Babel, who defied God's command to go and repopulate the whole earth (Gen. 9:1). In contrast, the last mention of kings is found in Revelation 21:23-24, where the kings of the earth will "walk in the light of God."

Today, I would like to share a study of King Saul, the first king of Israel, who started out as a fine God-fearing man. He was the humble son of Kish, from the Tribe of Benjamin (1 Sam. 9:1-3, 21). Saul was a goodly (handsome) man, and at least a foot taller than the tallest man in all of Israel (1 Sam. 9:2). In other words, he was the kind of man people "looked up to" (pardon the pun).

The people of Israel had complained to the prophet Samuel that all the other nations had kings, and even though God had chosen Israel to be a different, unique people, who were to follow Him, they preferred to be like everyone else and to follow a man (1 Sam. 8:5, 19). By choosing to be like everyone else, they were choosing to reject God (1 Sam. 8:7-8). God told Samuel to warn them about following a man (1 Sam. 8:9-18), and described their choice as being "wicked" (1 Sam. 12:17).

Many have been critical of Saul because of his cowardice at the challenge of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:11), and for his paranoia concerning David. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the following are symptoms of paranoia:

• unfounded suspicions; believes others are plotting against him
• perceives attacks on his reputation, and is quick to counterattack
• has dramatic mood swings, anger, fear, and believes others are plotting against him.

In addition, by the end of his reign, he was so far from being godly, that he committed suicide (1 Chron. 10:4). But, believe it or not, the humble man who became Israel's first king, didn't stand much of a chance at being successful. In 1 Samuel, we are told that Saul would follow the Lord "IF YE will fear the LORD, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God" (1 Sam. 12:14). We all know how well Israel did.

If Americans were aware that their leaders are only as good as the citizens are faithful to God, perhaps they would quit blaming politicians and "get their act together!" Unfortunately, it is easier to blame than obey.