Samuel’s Story: Bold Leadership. Grounded in Humility.

1 Samuel 5-15

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY

Creation. Abraham. Moses. DAVID. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

People say, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” But that’s not quite right. Desperate times call for bold leaders. At one of Israel’s most critical moments, that’s exactly what emerged—not recklessness, but courage anchored in conviction. His name was Samuel. From his remarkable beginnings, we see a life shaped early by devotion and discipline, preparing him to step into a rare and powerful calling: both prophet and judge over Israel.

Samuel’s first challenge to the nation of Israel went like this:

1 Samuel 7:3-4
And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the LORD only. 

When Samuel led his first battle against the Philistines, God granted him victory. Samuel offered a burnt offering to the Lord, and “cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him” (1 Sam. 7:9). As the Philistines prepared to attack Israel that day, “the LORD thundered with a mighty sound . . . and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel” (1 Sam. 7:10). 

I love what Samuel did to commemorate the victory. He set up a large memorial stone and called it “Ebenezer” (“Stone of help”), declaring, “Till now the LORD has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12).  

Samuel served as judge of Israel for forty years of peace. His life also overlapped with the reigns of Israel’s first two kings. 

When Samuel was old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. Unfortunately, his sons “did not walk in his ways but…. They took bribes and perverted justice” (1 Sam. 8:3). This prompted Israel to petition for a change in their leadership structure. They said, “Now appoint for us a king to judge us like the nations” (1 Sam. 8:5). Samuel was disappointed by what the people wanted, but God told him not to take it personally. He was instructed to give Israel what they desired, “for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Sam. 8:7).[1] 

So–how do you go about choosing a king? Samuel gave the Israelites direction as they sought their first king, but unfortunately, they were most impressed by appearance (Sound familiar to anyone?). They chose a tall, handsome man named Saul. Scripture notes, “There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people” (1 Sam. 9:2). 

Saul was a man of impressive stature but with a shriveled heart. He was impatient, imprudent, and impulsive. The telltale sign of Saul’s character flaws appeared the very day Samuel proclaimed him king before all of Israel. In fact, Saul didn’t show up for the announcement! He was hiding among the baggage. The people had to escort him to his own coronation. 

Saul is a fascinating study. At times, God’s spirit would come upon him, and he would lead well. Yet his obedience was often partial or altogether lacking. When he was told to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice before fighting the Philistines, he refused to wait. He made an unlawful sacrifice to God (1 Sam. 13:8-11) and blamed his soldiers. He told Samuel, “I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering” (1 Sam. 13:12).  

Another account of Saul’s leadership describes a moment before a battle with the Philistines, when he sat paralyzed under a pomegranate tree (1 Sam. 14:1-23). Later, when his son Jonathan boldly attacked the enemy and secured the victory, Saul made a rash vow that almost led to Jonathan’s death (1 Sam. 14:24-46). 

In a battle against the Amalekites, Saul was commanded to destroy the city and all its inhabitants; however, he kept the choice plunder for himself. Once again, he blamed his disobedience on others (1 Sam. 15:1-21). Saul argued that the people kept the “spoil, sheep and oxen,” the best plunder and animals to offer to the Lord. But Samuel’s answer cut to the heart of the matter.  

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Has 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 listen than the fat of rams . . . Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.

That day, God rejected Saul as king.

Saul had so much promise. During his reign, he fought against all of Israel’s enemies. He did so “valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them” (1 Sam. 14:48). But… his obedience was lacking. He was more concerned with looking good in front of people than with wholeheartedly pursuing God.

After God rejected Saul, he and Samuel parted ways. Samuel did not “see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel” (1 Sam. 15:35). 

So much promise. So little to show for it. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read and reflect on 1 Samuel 5-15. Are there areas where your obedience to God has been partial—and what step can you take this week toward full obedience?

Talking to God: Ask God to give you the desire to serve him fully.

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