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Saul and David Similarities Unlikely candidates at first Saul- Smallest tribe of Israel (1 Sam. 9:21) David- Youngest son in his family (1 Sam. 16:11) Great military triumphs Saul defeats the ammonites and warred w the Philistines (1 Sam. 11) 1 Sam. 18:6- “Saul killed thousands… “ David 2 Sam. 8:6 “The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went” 1 Sam. 17 David and Goliath Imperfections: Betrayal of those who were close to them. Saul betrays the loyalty of David David betrays the loyalty of Uriah (a mighty man) While there is certainly some similarity, we see incredible contrasts David and Saul are prominent characters in Scriptures. Their story take up much of several books of the Bible and Key Role players in God’s physical kingdom. Being such significant figures they serve as wonderful examples for us that we might learn from them. But of course when we talk about them being examples for us, they are quite different examples for us. Saul came from the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Sam 9:21); David was the youngest son in his family (1 Sam 16:11). By God’s grace, both Saul and David were chosen from the bottom rung of the social ladder and exalted to kingship. At God’s command, Samuel anointed them with oil in their respective times, during which the power of God descended upon them in power (1 Sam 10:1,9f and 16:13). These differences serve us well to understand how to be seen as righteous and unrighteous.

The Difference Between Saul and David David and Saul are prominent characters in Scriptures. Their story take up much of several books of the Bible and Key Role players in God’s physical kingdom. Being such significant figures they serve as wonderful examples for us that we might learn from them. But of course when we talk about them being examples for us, they are quite different examples for us.

A Heart for God Saul David “The People’s choice” (1 Samuel 8). The heart of man Goes through the motions Self-serving David “A man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22) God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7) “man better than you” (1 Sam. 15:28) David’s life is used as the standard for following God! “and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, like the heart of his father David.” (1 Kings 15:3) “Asa did what was right in the sight of the Lord, Like David his father.” This is truly the foundational difference between the two. All other points hinge on this difference. While this is the fundamental difference that seperates David from Saul, this may be the fundamental difference that will separate us from unrighteousness to righteousness. Saul: At first Saul seems like he will be a true humble servant. He is from the tribe of Benjamin and sees himself us an unworthy candidate, uninterested in this position. However, over time it appears as though pride goes to his head. He winds up becoming the king that was warned about by Samuel. God gives the people the kings they had desired, that they might be like the other nations. His heart truly seems to be for self. David: - On the otherhand, David is the man after God’s own heart.

Spiritual Leadership Saul A strong start Self-serving worship “The Lord has worked Salvation in Israel” (1 Sam. 11:13) Self-serving worship Sacrifice at Gilgal (1 Sam. 13:8-12) Sparing the best of things devoted to destruction (1 Sam. 15:21, 15) Inquiry of God Only one mention of effort to inquire (1 Sam. 28:6-7) Inquires of Samuel through a medium (1 Sam. 28, 1 Chron. 10:13) Started off quite promising in his spiritual leadership. You’d think he would have learned his lesson the first time after trying to worship and sacrifice to God on his own terms.

Spiritual Leadership David Constant praise given to God for his victories 1 Sam. 17 Spoils of war dedicated to God (2 Sam. 8:9-12) Brings forth the ark Left by Saul (1 Chron. 13:1-3) Desires to build the temple (1 Chron. 17:1,1 Chron. 22:5) Makes great preparation when told that Solomon would build (1 Chron. 29:1-9) Offers praise and psalm at every turn 1 Chron. 29:10-20 74 psalms attributed to David. Started off quite promising in his spiritual leadership.

Responses to Sin Saul Sacrifice at Gilgal (1 Sam. 13:8-12) Excuses Blame on others “you put me in this situation” Agag and killing the Amalekites (1 Sam 15:24-31) Concern for saving face The Persuit of David David takes a piece of Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:16-22) After continued persuit David takes Saul’s spear and jug of water (1 Samuel 26:21) Of course neither character is sinless. Both have faults and in fact multiple faults are recorded for us on both fronts. David doesn’t trust him and no one can blame him. The ark- doesn’t make excuses, doesn’t say look I was doing this for you are you really going to be that picky about it? How could you do this. Expresses emotions and isn’t happy about punishment but then settles himself and recognizes wrong and commits again to do what’s right and do it the right way this time.

Responses to Sin David The ark (1 Chron. 13:7-12) Doesn’t say, “you’re being picky” or “I have done the will of the Lord.” Acknowledges wrong and Proceeds to continue to make effort for true/right worship. (1 Chronicles 15:12-15) The census (1 Chron. 21:7-8) Chooses a punishment from God (13) “let your hand be against me” (16-17) “I will not offer a burnt offering which cost me nothing (22-24) Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12) A terrifying rebuke: “You are the man” (2 Sam. 12:7) David’s response: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:12) Pours his heart out in confession/repentance (ps. 51) Continues to offer praise and worship and great sacrifice. Of course neither character is sinless. Both have faults and in fact multiple faults are recorded for us on both fronts. David doesn’t trust him and no one can blame him. The ark- doesn’t make excuses, doesn’t say look I was doing this for you are you really going to be that picky about it? How could you do this. Expresses emotions and isn’t happy about punishment but then settles himself and recognizes wrong and commits again to do what’s right and do it the right way this time.

Blessing from God Saul David Blessing taken away, kingship taken away 1 Samuel 13:13- everlasting kingdom 1 Samuel 15:26-the kingship Dies in battle as the Lord foretells through Samuel 1 Sam. 28:16-19) David Everlasting kingdom (Acts 13:22-23; 1 Chron. 17:10-15).