The Sad Dismissal of Saul as King

Text: 1 Samuel 15:24-35

Reflection and Question: We have pondered upon a few of the passages that tell of Saul’s turbulent reign as the first king of Israel. At this moment God had told Saul to destroy the Amalekites, yet Saul spared the king of the enemy and some sheep and cattle for sacrifice. Though Saul repents and asks for pardon. Samuel and God are unrelenting and the story ends dismally, “And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king.” How do you respond to God’s implacable judgment against Saul?

Prayer: God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we know we disappoint you, as Saul did, by not following Your will as You desire. Have mercy on us, embrace our repentance and show us how to go and what to do, in faith, in hope and in love. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).