Topical Encyclopedia Meekness is a virtue often highlighted in the Bible, characterized by humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God's will. In examining the life of Saul, the first king of Israel, we find a complex relationship with meekness, marked by moments of humility and instances of pride and disobedience.Early Humility Saul's initial introduction in the Scriptures presents him as a man of humility. When Samuel anoints Saul as king, Saul responds with a sense of unworthiness, saying, "Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? So why do you say such things to me?" (1 Samuel 9:21). This response reflects a meekness and recognition of his humble origins. Upon being chosen as king, Saul demonstrates further humility. When the time comes for his public selection, Saul is found hiding among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22). This act can be seen as an expression of his reluctance to assume a position of power, indicating a meek disposition. Challenges to Meekness Despite these early signs of humility, Saul's reign is marked by a struggle to maintain meekness. His initial meekness gives way to pride and disobedience, particularly in his relationship with God and the prophet Samuel. One significant instance is Saul's unlawful sacrifice at Gilgal. Impatient and fearful of the Philistine threat, Saul takes it upon himself to offer the burnt offering, a role reserved for the prophet. Samuel rebukes him, saying, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you" (1 Samuel 13:13). Saul's failure to wait for Samuel reveals a lack of submission to God's timing and authority. Another pivotal moment is Saul's incomplete obedience in the battle against the Amalekites. God commands Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possess, but Saul spares King Agag and the best of the livestock. When confronted by Samuel, Saul attempts to justify his actions, revealing a heart that struggles with full submission to God's commands (1 Samuel 15:15). Samuel's response underscores the importance of obedience over sacrifice: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). Contrast with David Saul's lack of meekness is further highlighted in his interactions with David. As David rises in prominence, Saul becomes increasingly jealous and fearful, leading to a relentless pursuit to kill David. This jealousy contrasts sharply with the meekness David displays, even when given opportunities to harm Saul. David's refusal to harm "the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6) serves as a stark contrast to Saul's actions and highlights the virtue of meekness that Saul struggles to embody. Legacy Saul's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the failure to maintain a meek and obedient heart before God. While he began his reign with humility, his inability to consistently submit to God's will ultimately led to his downfall. Saul's account reminds believers of the importance of meekness as a foundational virtue in the life of faith, emphasizing the need for humility, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 10:27But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace. Nave's Topical Index Library Christian Meekness The Seventh Season, Psalm LIII. (LIV. ). The King in his Beauty Psalm CXXXII. Three Homilies. On Our Lord. Matt. Ix. 1, 2 Psalm XLV. Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. " Acts xxi. 39, 40 Resources Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? | GotQuestions.orgThe Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.org Meekness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Meekness: A Characteristic of Wisdom Meekness: A Fruit of the Spirit Meekness: Christ Set an Example of Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: Ministers should Follow After Meekness: Ministers should Instruct Opposers With Meekness: Ministers should Urge, on Their People Meekness: Necessary to a Christian Walk Meekness: Precious in the Sight of God Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With Meekness: Saints should Exhibit, in Conduct Meekness: Saints should Put On Meekness: Saints should Receive the Word of God With Meekness: Saints should Restore the Erring With Meekness: Saints should Show to all Men Meekness: The Gospel to be Preached to Those Who Possess Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Beautified With Salvation Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Exalted Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Guided and Taught Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Preserved Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Richly Provided For Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Increase Their Joy Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Shall Inherit the Earth Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) Longsuffering (17 Occurrences) Tender-heartedness (2 Occurrences) Acknowledgment (6 Occurrences) Superabundance (4 Occurrences) |
    |