Beginning Of The Kings- King Saul (Part 5)

Saul had disobeyed God's Word, and so God had rejected Saul as the king of Israel. God wanted a king to rule his people that would listen to Him and obey Him.
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I Samuel 16:1- And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
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God had searched through Israel. He looked at the hearts of many different people there to see which one would follow Him. And He had found someone. Now, He was going to send Samuel to annoint him to be the next king.
I Samuel 16:2-3-
 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.​
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Samuel knew that Saul had started down a very dark path. He knew that Saul was getting so prideful that he would do anything to keep his position. He was afraid that Saul would try to kill him if he obeyed God and anointed someone else.​
But, God took care of those fears when Samuel confessed them to Him. God told Samuel to say that he was going there to sacrifice. Remember, Samuel was having a sacrifice at another city when Saul came to him to be anointed. God knew that Saul would just think this was Samuel fulfilling his duty as Prophet of the Lord.
I Samuel 16:4-5-
And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
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Samuel did as the Lord asked him. He went to Bethlehem and gathered the elders of the town so they could have a sacrifice. He also made sure to invite Jesse's family.
I Samuel 16:6-7-
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.​
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When Jesse's oldest son came through the door, Samuel thought that he was the one the Lord had sent him to anoint. He was tall. He stood like a leader. And he had the face of a king!
But, God knew what was in this young man's heart. He didn't want this man to be the ruler of His people. He told Samuel not to worry about what he was looking at and to trust God when He told him who to anoint. God said He had looked into the heart of the future king and deemed him worthy, even if his outward body didn't seem like it.
I Samuel 16:8-10-
 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.  Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. ​
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Samuel looked at 7 different sons of Jesse, starting with the oldest and working his way down. But, the Lord said "no" to all of them. Samuel still hadn't found the one whom God had chosen to anoint king over His people, Israel.
I Samuel 16:11-13-
And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.​
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When David came in Samuel saw a young boy. This wasn't what he was expecting. Instead of a king, Samuel saw a shepherd boy. Instead of a great leader of men, Samuel looked on a keeper of sheep. But, Samuel had learned not to question God's wisdom.
Samuel anointed David right there in front of his family. Then they had the sacrifice and Samuel went back to his house. From that time on, God was with David.
I Samuel 16:14-
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
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While David went back to watch the sheep with the Spirit of God leading him, Saul was about to find out the cost of doing things his way. The spirit of God that came on him and changed him into another man left. He was no longer that new man that God had made. And now, an evil spirit from God was there to trouble him.
Did you know that God uses evil things? He can and He does.
Psalm 78:49-
He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.
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God can use evil spirits, evil angels, and even evil men to accomplish His will in this world. When Saul decided to disobey God, he was basically worshiping a false god. Saul was now going to pay the price for idolatry by being troubled by the evil spirit that he allowed in his life.
I Samuel 16:15-16-
And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
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Even Saul's servants knew that God had allowed an evil spirit into Saul's life. They suggested finding someone who could play a musical instrument well. Why would they suggest that?
Did you know that singing can draw spirits? If you sing praises to God then it will drive evil spirits away and draw God's spirit to you. Christ sang with His disciples. Paul and Silas sang in jail, and then God sent an earthquake to free them. After many battles with their enemies the children of Israel sang songs to praise God.
But, when you sing worldly songs it drives the Lord away and draws evil spirits to you. Remember when Moses was on the mount and the children of Israel made the golden calf to worship? Joshua thought he heard battle cries. But, Moses had heard that music before in the temples of the false Egyptian gods.
The music we listen to is very important to God. Because the music you allow in your heart and home will draw certain spirits there, good or bad.
I Samuel 16:17-19-
And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. ​
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Saul's servants suggested that they get a musician named David. Yes, the same David that Samuel had been sent to anoint.
We don't know how long it had been between the time that Samuel anointed him and this time, but the servants sure did have an impressive description of David- a mighty valiant man of war, prudent and comely. They were saying he was a handsome, brave, and wise warrior. But, most importantly, people knew that the Spirit of God was with David!
I Samuel 16:20-23-
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.
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I'm sure that Jesse was afraid for his son's life. He knew that David had been anointed to take the throne from Saul. What if Saul found out and that was why he sent for David?
Jesse sent David to Saul, like he was asked, but he also sent along a present, hoping that it would appease any wrath that the king may have.​
​I Samuel 16:​
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 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.​
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Whenever the evil spirit came to trouble Saul, David would play on his harp and it would make the evil spirit flee. This made Saul very happy and he made David his armor bearer. David would get to know Saul in a very personal way.
I think God was trying to get Saul to love David so that he would repent and change his heart. If Saul would train David to be the next king that would be a huge advantage for David!

Would Saul's heart grow tender or more proud? Could David's humble, wise behavior change the path of this current king?​

Beginning of the Kings series coloring pages

Beginning Of The Kings- King Saul (Part 4)

Saul was going around taking any young man that seemed capable into his army. He was trying to be the king that he thought he should be in the way he thought a king should behave.
God wanted a king over His people that would listen to His direction and do things His way. He was going to give Saul one more chance to prove that he could obey.
I Samuel 15:1-3- Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
God told Saul that He wanted him to kill all the Amalekites. Not only was he to kill the people, but he was also to kill their animals.
I Samuel 15:4-7- And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.
Saul's army had grown from a small band of 600 men to around 210,000 men. He now a large army.
Saul took his army and went to the city of the Amalekites. He told the Kenites (Moses' father-in-law's people) to get out of town so they wouldn't be destroyed. And then he attacked.
Do you think he obeyed God?
I Samuel 15:8-9- And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
No. King Saul had failed God's test. He saved the Amalekite king and all the animals that he thought were good. He did what he thought was right instead of obeying God.
I Samuel 15:10-11- Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
God told Samuel that Saul had failed the test. This was not easy for Samuel to hear. He was very hopeful that Saul would remain that humble young man who was obeying his own father looking for the family donkeys he had met so long ago. But, he had grown into this proud, self satisfying man who would not obey the Lord God Almighty.
Samuel now had to go tell Saul what the Lord had decided about him.
I Samuel 15:12-13- And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.
When Samuel found Saul, Saul was trying to pretend like he had obeyed the Lord. He told Samuel that he did what the Lord had asked of him.
But, Samuel knew better. He looked around at all the new cattle that Saul had. He knew by that alone that Saul hadn't killed everything.
I Samuel 15:14-15- And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
Samuel asked Saul if he had obeyed God then why did he have a bunch of new live stock? Guess what! Saul didn't repent or accept the blame. Instead, he blamed the people and tried to sound spiritual.
He said that the people kept the animals so they could offer them as a sacrifice to the Lord. If that were true, then why did Saul have the animals? And why was Agag still alive? It had been at least one day since the battle ended, and the king of the Amalekites was still breathing.
I Samuel 15:16-19- Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
Samuel was hoping that by pointing out Saul's sin Saul would repent and confess. But, Saul had become too proud, too self righteous. He didn't think doing what he thought was right could possibly be wrong- even if he was directly disobeying God.
I Samuel 15:20-21- And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
Saul still thought he did right. He kept Agag alive, but he killed all the others. And it wasn't him that kept the animals it was the people. And they kept them for a good cause!
But, God didn't say it was okay to disobey for a good cause.
I Samuel 15:22-23- And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Samuel said that disobeying God was the same as worshiping the devil! And because Saul wouldn't listen to God's Word, God wouldn't accept Saul as the king.
I Samuel 15:24-25- And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
Was Saul really repenting? Samuel didn't think so, and he wasn't going to go with Saul.
I Samuel 15:26- And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
Do you think Saul was upset by the fact that he had sinned and disobeyed God? Not really. He just wanted to look good in front of the people. All he cared about now was being treated like a king.
I Samuel 15:27-30- And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.
He ripped Samuel's coat as he tried to walk away. He wanted Samuel to honor him in front of the people.
I Samuel 15:31-33- So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD. Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
Samuel went finish what Saul couldn't. Samuel killed the king of the Amalekites, like the Lord asked Saul to do.
This was the last time Samuel would see Saul while on this earth. God had rejected Saul as the leader of the Israelites. And now, Samuel had to reject him, also.
I Samuel 15:34-35- Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Samuel knew that he had to obey the Lord no matter what. It broke his heart to have to reject Saul, but Samuel had learned that obedience to God was worth more than having what you want.
Now, God was going to search for a king who would do things His way.

Beginning of the Kings series coloring pages

Beginning Of The Kings- King Saul (Part 3)

Samuel wanted to let the Israelites know that God made them a king because they asked for it, not because that's what He wanted for them.
I Sameul 12:13-15- Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you. 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: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.
Samuel told them that God made Saul the king because that is who the people would have chosen. He took the desire of their heart and gave it to them. Do you think their desire was good?
God warned them that bad things would happen if they didn't follow His commands. And He was going to show them a sign so they understood He meant business.
I Samuel 12:16-19- Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
The sign scared the people and they asked Samuel to pray for them. Why didn't they pray to God themselves? Would they ever learn that they could go to God if they needed Him? Did Saul know He could go to God whenever he needed Him?
I Samuel 13:1, 3-5- Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
After 2 years as king, Saul decided it was time to go against the Philistines. So, he gathered the people together and they prepared for battle.
I Samuel 13:6-7- When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
The Bible doesn't tell us whether God told Saul to start this war. The children of Israel were really scared to go up against the Philistines.
Saul was with his army in Gilgal waiting for Samuel to show up and sacrifice to the Lord before the battle. Saul should know what God's ways were. The priests were suppose to offer the sacrifice. But, Saul didn't want to lose any of his army, and they were so scared they were leaving.
I Samuel 13:8-9- And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
Saul decided to offer the sacrifice without Samuel. Saul knew what God's law was in this matter and he decided to do what he thought best instead of God's way. Saul desperately needed to learn patience!
I Samuel 13:10-12- And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.
If only Saul had waited a little longer. Samuel asked him why he didn't have patience, but instead of owning up to his mistake and admitting he was wrong he made excuses to justify his actions.
God doesn't want you to justify your sin. He wants you to repent and ask for His forgiveness. This was Saul's first big mistake- he thought that because he was king he could do whatever he thought was right, and when he did wrong he didn't humble himself and ask for forgiveness. Instead, he made excuses to show why what he did should be okay.
God was not pleased with Saul.
I Samuel 13:13-14- And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
God was going to find a king that He thought would be worthy to reign over His people. It was going to be someone who loved God and wanted to please Him more than anything else! It may even be someone that the children of Israel wouldn't accept at first.
God wasn't through with Saul. Saul still had the opportunity to serve the Lord and get a blessing. The question is "would he?".
I Samuel 13:15, 19-23- And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
Saul has 600 men left to battle with, and only 2 swords! Would he realize that God is capable of helping him win the battle? I don't know. But, God was going to use his son, Jonathan, to get him to fight.
I Samuel 14:1-2- Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
So, Jonathan and his armor bearer went over to see what was going on in the Philistine camp. Jonathan was ready to fight if that was what God wanted.
I Samuel 14:6-7- And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
Jonathan had his own personal relationship with God. He had purposed to listen to God and to follow His lead even if the odds weren't in his favor.
Would you go to battle if it were just you and one other person? Would you be brave enough to trust God with those odds?
I Samuel 14:8-10- Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.
Jonathan decided to ask God for a sign. If the Philistines answered a certain way that meant that God was going to help him fight them.
I Samuel 14:11-14- And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.
Jonathan had started the war. God helped him go against some haughty Philistines, and with God's help he and his armor bearer killed 20 enemies.
But, Jonathan's father didn't know that any of this was happening. He was back with his 600 soldiers sitting under a tree.
I Samuel 14:15-17- And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.
God sent an earthquake and the Philistines started to battle each other. Saul knew that something was going on and he decided to see who was missing from his band of men. It was Jonathan, his son, and his armor bearer.
I Samuel 14:18-23- And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand. And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.
Saul asked a priest to find out what was going on by using the ark of the covenant. As the priest did so, God started to move against the Philistines. God made the Philistines battle each other. He also made the Israelites that were in the Philistines army revolt and start battling against their former comrades.
Saul heard the uproar and decided he had better take his army to the battle. When he got here and saw all that was going on, they started to fight also.
God saved the Israelites from their enemies again. Their enemies fled and the Israelites chased them.
But, Saul had done something foolish. He told his band of men that they were not allowed to eat anything. Don't you know that would make fighting harder?
Have you ever played outside so long and done so much that you felt like you were starving? How did you feel when you came inside and couldn't find anything to eat? What would you do if your mom said she would punish you if you ate something?
Jonathan wasn't with the army when Saul said this. As they pursued the Philistines, the army started to get tired and dizzy- they were at the point of passing out.
I Samuel 14:24-27- And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
Because Jonathan wasn't there when his father told the people not to eat that day, he ate some of the honey that was on the ground.
I Samuel 14:28-30- Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?
Even though the people were very hungry they kept on fighting. The Lord helped them to win the battle.
But, once the war was over, the people were so hungry that they just started to eat anything in sight!
I Samuel 14:31-34- And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood. Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.
Saul knew that God didn't want the people to eat their meat raw. So, he used his sword to kill the animals so they could be cooked.
I Samuel 14:35-37- And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God. And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.
After his army had fed, Saul wanted to go after the Philistines that had gotten away. He was going to up and follow them without asking God. But, the priest that was there thought it would be wise to ask God what His will was and he suggested it to Saul.
Saul thought he should ask God, but when God didn't answer Saul knew something was wrong. Do you think Saul thought he had sinned? I think Saul had become so proud that he automatically thought it was someone else's fault.
I Samuel 14:38-40- And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him. Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.
Since God wasn't answering Saul, he decided to cast lots.
I Samuel 14:41-42- Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
Do you ever wonder if Saul realized that God wasn't talking to him because he had sinned? He asked God to use his gambling of casting lots to show him who was at fault, but he never thought the outcome could be wrong because he didn't realize God wasn't speaking to him at all.
The lots came out to place the blame on Jonathan. Was it really Jonathan's fault? The Bible doesn't say. But, Saul thought it was Jonathan's fault.
I Samuel 14:43-44- Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
When Saul asked Jonathan what he had done the only thing Jonathan could think of was the fact that he had eaten honey. That was enough for Saul to place the blame on his own son.
I Samuel 14:45- And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
Saul never questioned if this was God trying to get his attention. He never thought that he was the one in the wrong. He would have killed his own son to keep from accepting the blame.
The Israelites who were in the battle realized that God had used Jonathan, and so they spoke up and saved his life. With that, Saul went on to do what he thought was right for the kingdom.
I Samuel 14:46-48- Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place. So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them. And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.
I don't ever read where Saul asked God if He thought there should be war. I don't see where Saul consulted Samuel about going to battle with Israel's enemies.
I Samuel 14:52- And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
Saul was building his army. He didn't think about how many lives had to die while he did what he thought was right.
Would he ever learn to ask God's counsel or follow God's way of doing things?

Beginning of the Kings series coloring pages

Beginning Of The Kings- King Saul (Part 2)

Samuel has anointed Saul to be the king. Only Saul and Samuel knew what had happened, but now it was time for Israel to meet their king!
I Samuel 10:17-19- And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
Samuel gathered all Israel together. He, again, told them that they were making a mistake in asking for a king. Then, he started to show them who the king would be.
I Samuel 10:20-21- And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
Samuel was showing them that Saul was the one that was going to be the king, but Saul was hiding. Why? Perhaps he was still ashamed and thought himself unworthy. Or maybe he was scared.
I Samuel 10:22-25- Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
Samuel showed the people their new king. There were some who were so happy that they shouted and cheered. Others followed the king home to serve him. But, not everyone was happy with God's choice.
I Samuel 10:26-27- And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
Saul didn't pay any attention to those who didn't like him being king. He just went home and did what he knew he should.
Not long after, God was going to use Saul to gain a great victory for Israel against her enemies.
I Samuel 11:1-3- Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.
A wicked man came to one of the cities of Israel and wanted to fight. The men of the city didn't want war, so they asked him if they could just become their servants instead. The wicked man said he would take them as servants if they would let him make them blind in one eye.
That wasn't a very good deal! The men of the city wanted to send out messengers to see if anyone would come to their rescue.
I Samuel 11:4-7- Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept. And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
When Saul heard what was going on, he sent out a call- come help me save Jabesh or have your cattle killed. God was with Saul, because He wanted Saul to win. The fear of the Lord fell on the people, and an army showed up to follow Saul!
I Samuel 11:8-9- And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
Saul told the men of the city that he and an army were coming to their rescue. 330,000 men were coming. But, more importantly, the Lord was coming with them.
I Samuel 11:11- And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.
God helped them win the battle against the wicked man.
I Samuel 11:12-15- And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
The people now knew that God had indeed chosen Saul to be their king. They went with Samuel to crown him King and to praise the Lord for his choice.
Would Saul be a good king? Would he obey the Lord and lead the Children of Israel in His ways? We shall see.

Beginning of the Kings series coloring pages

Beginning of the Kings- King Saul (Part 1)

The children of Israel have just asked Samuel to find them a king. They didn't realize that God had been their king and they were rejecting Him. Samuel tried to tell them what would happen if they crowned a human as their king, but they didn't care. They wanted to be like everyone else.
So, God was going to show Samuel who it was that the people would accept as their first king.
I Samuel 9:1-2- Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
Saul was from the smallest tribe in Israel- the tribe of Benjamin, but Saul was also the tallest man in all Israel. God was going to bring this young man, Saul, into Samuel's path so that he could be crowned king.
I Samuel 9:3-6- And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.
God made Saul's family's donkeys run away. Saul and a servant was sent out to find them. They searched in a few places, and then Saul wanted to go back home. But, the servant knew that Samuel was close by and he suggested going to ask Samuel where the donkeys were.
Back then, you didn't just show up and ask questions. There was certain protocol that you followed when you wanted something from a prophet. You brought him a gift. And he wasn't called a prophet back then, he was called something else.
I Samuel 9:7-10- Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.
Samuel was known as the Seer. The servant said that he had a silver shekel that they could give to the Seer. So, Saul and his servant went to the city where Samuel was.
But, God was also talking to Samuel.
I Samuel 9:15-16- Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
As Saul was coming close to the city, God was moving to make sure that both he and Samuel came together. First, God was going to send some girls to tell Saul where to go.
I Samuel 9:11-14- And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him. And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.
Next, God was going to tell Samuel that Saul was the young man about to approach him.
I Samuel 9:17- And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Now, everyone was right where God had wanted them. And God was going to change one man's life forever.
I Samuel 9:18-20- Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is. And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart. And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?
Samuel told Saul that the donkeys were back home. He also told Saul that God had big plans for him.
Saul was a young man. At this point in his life he was humble and he didn't think that he was anyone the Lord could use.
I Samuel 9:21- And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
Saul didn't understand that God likes to use the humble people who don't think they can do anything. When God uses those people He gets the glory.
I Samuel 9:22-25- And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons. And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day. And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
Saul ate with Samuel that evening. And then, Saul and Samuel got to talk about all the stuff that was in Saul's heart. Anything Saul wanted to ask the Seer he could.
I Samuel 9:26-27- And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
In the morning, before Saul and his servant were about to leave. Samuel was going to tell Saul exactly what it was that the Lord wanted from his life.
I Samuel 10:1- Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
Samuel told Saul that he was chosen to be the king of Israel. He then told him what would happen on his way home. As soon as all the things that Samuel said would happen came to pass, Saul would know that Samuel was telling the truth.
I Samuel 10:6-9- And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
What an amazing thing! God gave Saul another heart. Do you know what that means? God made him into the man that He wanted to lead His people.
When we get saved God makes us into a new person, too. He gives us another heart. We are no longer children of this dark world; we are now children of the creator of the universe, the bringer of the flood, the God who sent the plagues on Egypt, the One who delivered Israel from all her enemies- He is now our Father!
This new Saul now had a chance to be a great influence to everyone in the land of Israel!
I Samuel 9:14-16- And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
When Saul's uncle asked him about his trip, he didn't tell him that he had been annointed to be king. Perhaps he was embarrassed. Maybe he didn't think he was worthy of such an honor. Or, there could be a chance that he thought Samuel had made a mistake. We really don't know the reason.
When God saves you and makes you a new person, you should not be embarrassed to tell others. It's our job to let others know what God has done for us!
Saul was going to have to learn this.

Beginning of the Kings series coloring pages

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