Self-Control of Saul
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The concept of self-control is a significant theme throughout the Bible, and the life of King Saul provides a complex study of this virtue. Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel and initially demonstrated qualities that were promising for a leader. However, his reign is marked by moments where his lack of self-control led to his downfall.

Early Promise and Anointing

Saul's journey begins with a promising start. In 1 Samuel 9:2, he is described as "a choice and handsome young man," and in 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints him as king, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" Saul's initial humility and restraint are evident when he does not immediately seize power but waits for the Lord's timing (1 Samuel 10:21-22).

Impatience and Disobedience

Despite his promising start, Saul's self-control is tested early in his reign. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul faces a critical moment when the Philistines gather to fight against Israel. Samuel instructs Saul to wait seven days for him to come and offer sacrifices. However, as the people begin to scatter, Saul's impatience overtakes him, and he offers the burnt offering himself. Just as he finishes, Samuel arrives and rebukes him, saying, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you" (1 Samuel 13:13). This act of disobedience marks the beginning of Saul's decline, as he fails to exercise self-control and trust in God's timing.

Jealousy and Rage

Saul's lack of self-control is further illustrated in his relationship with David. After David's victory over Goliath, the women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul's jealousy is kindled, and he becomes consumed with rage and fear of David, perceiving him as a threat to his throne. This jealousy leads Saul to irrational and violent behavior, as he repeatedly attempts to kill David (1 Samuel 18:10-11, 1 Samuel 19:1).

The Witch of Endor

In one of the most telling episodes of Saul's lack of self-control, he seeks out the witch of Endor. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul, in desperation, seeks guidance from a medium when he feels abandoned by God (1 Samuel 28:7). This act of disobedience and lack of self-restraint further alienates him from God and seals his tragic fate.

Final Battle and Death

Saul's reign ends in tragedy on the battlefield. In 1 Samuel 31, the Philistines defeat Israel, and Saul is critically wounded. Rather than face capture, Saul takes his own life by falling on his sword (1 Samuel 31:4). His inability to exercise self-control and trust in God throughout his reign ultimately leads to his demise.

Reflection

The life of Saul serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of self-control. His initial promise as a leader is overshadowed by his inability to restrain his impulses, leading to disobedience, jealousy, and ultimately, his downfall. Saul's account underscores the biblical principle that self-control is essential for a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes.
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1 Samuel 10:27
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace.
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Library

A Soul's Tragedy
... retained, they show how the moody suspicion with which Saul 'eyed David ... suspicion
and jealousy, working in a nature utterly without self-control, transport it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a souls tragedy.htm

Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo
... We have the momentary melting of Saul's heart ... of him throughout, and, in these latter
days of his life, so significant of enfeebled self-control, he recognises ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love for hate the true.htm

Love and Remorse
... Saul's burst of passionate remorse is morbid, paroxysmal, like his fits of fury,
and is sure to foam itself away. The man had no self-control. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

Early Days
... to do faithfully the obscure duties of the present, would add self-control and patience ...
in the next recorded incident"his summons to the court of Saul, by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

David's Deserts
... The whole matter of the sacrifice of Saul's sons is so very strange, so puzzling ...
men to the end be tempted to the sin of self-indulgence, want of self-control. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

The Shepherd-King
... to him from the court of Saul, and that weird scene of Saul prophesying and ... order
to do his obscure present duties, would add patience and self-control to his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

A Prisoner who Preached to his Judges
... But when he talked about upright living, self-control, and the future judgment,
Felix became ... and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, 'Saul, Saul, why do you ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/a prisoner who preached to.htm

How the victor Runs
... Rigid self-control and abstinence from else legitimate things that draw us away
from Him are ... his sheep in the wilderness, and when he was in Saul's palace, and ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/how the victor runs.htm

After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress...
... Consider what a tempest Saul then sustained, his bowels being torn with anguish,
and the ... But nevertheless he did not learn self-control, for what does he say? ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiv after the whole.htm

The Exile.
... to the naked realities of a wicked world, and the stern self-control of manly ... Jonathan's
love, or the people's favour, or the women's songs, or Saul's daughter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

Resources
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is self-control? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.org

How can I control sinful impulses? | GotQuestions.org

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