Passage
1 Chronicles 10:1-14 (ESV)
A New Heaven and a New Earth
Revelation 21:1-8
Key Verse: 21:2
Saul’s End
Date: Jul. 21, 2025
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 10:13-14a
So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
The historical narrative in 1 Chronicles starts with the end of Saul’s kingship over Israel. Saul’s kingship had begun with great promise; he seemed humble and could win battles when he was filled with the Spirit. The judge Samuel was Saul’s shepherd and tried to teach him the ways of the Lord. But, in the end, Saul was rejected as Israel’s king. His son Jonathan, who had a pure heart, was killed with him on the battlefield. Some faithful and courageous men retrieved Saul’s body (12), paying him honor, but Saul’s end was undeniably tragic.
The Chronicler clearly tells us that Saul died because of unfaithfulness (13). He disobeyed God’s word and sought help from a fortune-teller instead of inquiring of the Lord (14). “Inquiring of the Lord” means to seek a personal relationship with him; it is the core of our life of faith. When Saul did not grow in his personal relationship with God, he became consumed with pride and jealousy and was finally an instrument of the devil. In Saul, we can see the terrible outcome of a life that fails to seek God.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the warning you give me through Saul’s life. May I always be found seeking and inquiring after you to find the blessed way.
One Word: Inquire of the Lord
