Chapters 13 to 15 of the book of 1 Samuel tells us about Saul’s reign as king, and exposes his inadequacies and unsuitability to serve as Israel’s king. Not only does he not keep the command of Yahweh by rejecting Samuel, he also makes foolish and careless decisions at each step.

In today’s reading, Saul’s failures and disengagement, are contrasted by Jonathan’s bold initiatives. Saul has no communication with Jonathan and had no idea that he had left the camp. In contrast, we see that Jonathan’s initiative to go over to the Philistine garrison is dependent on his faith in God (14: 6, 10, 12). In Jonathan’s fearless faith, he brought honour to the Lord. Jonathan is a leader who takes action, while Saul simply responds, in his own foolish ways.

In addition, the absence of Samuel in Saul’s effort for conquest is significant. Not only was Samuel gone, but Saul had turned to Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, a member of the rejected priestly house of Eli. Saul has stopped listening to Samuel and is instead looking to other sources for divine direction. He is no longer dependent of God’s word and direction for him. He symbolically asked Ahijah to bring the ark of God, apparently in order to ask Yahweh whether he should join the battle or not. However, just as quickly as he asked for the ark, he also quickly changed his mind and rushed into the battlefield. Not only was Saul not dependent on God’s Word, he is impetuous and has difficulties waiting.

Saul is an illustration that God’s people are not capable of self-rule. God’s people have not been created for self-determination because faith in God implies dependence on Him, and looking towards Him for guidance and direction. God’s people who love Him look towards Him to set their course, listen to Him for directions in their ways, and trust in Him for satisfaction.

Who charts your way and directs your path? We may have come to assume that freedom is the ability to set our own course and navigate life according to the way we deem fit. May Saul’s example be a reminder to us that we are incapable of finding, by our own means, the measure by which we must live our lives. We need God to lead us, to shine His light on our paths, and to chart our ways. May we turn to God daily, recognising His sovereignty in our lives, and trusting our every decision to Him.

Prayer : Dear Father, I am sorry for the times I have taken things into my own hands. Help me to be sensitive to Holy Spirit’s prompting, and to live my life according to Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.