The Fall of a King: Saul’s Final Hours and David’s Path to Victory

Welcome to Day 80 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are ending the book of 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 28-31, the final chapters of 1 Samuel reveal the dramatic conclusion of King Saul’s reign and the continued rise of David. As Saul faces the Philistines in battle, his desperation leads him to seek guidance from a medium, an act that seals his fate. Meanwhile, David, caught between the Philistines and his own people, finds himself in a precarious situation but is ultimately spared from fighting against Israel. Upon returning to Ziklag, he discovers that his city has been raided, and he leads a victorious pursuit to recover everything lost. The narrative shifts back to Saul, who suffers a devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines. In his final moments, he falls on his own sword, and his death marks the tragic end of Israel’s first king, paving the way for David’s ascension.

1 Samuel Chapter 28: Saul, terrified of the advancing Philistine army, seeks guidance from God but receives no answer through dreams, prophets, or the Urim. Desperate, he disguises himself and visits the medium of Endor, asking her to summon the spirit of Samuel. To her shock, Samuel appears and foretells Saul’s doom, declaring that he and his sons will die in battle the next day. Overcome with fear and weakness, Saul collapses, and the medium, along with his servants, convinces him to eat before he departs. This chapter highlights the tragic consequences of Saul’s disobedience, showing how his reliance on forbidden practices leads to his downfall. It also contrasts Saul’s desperation with David’s faith, foreshadowing the transition of leadership.

1 Samuel Chapter 29: David, still living among the Philistines, finds himself in a difficult position when King Achish insists he join them in battle against Israel. Though Achish trusts David, the other Philistine commanders are suspicious and demand that he be sent back, fearing he may turn against them to regain Saul’s favor. Reluctantly, Achish sends David away, assuring him of his faithfulness but acknowledging the commanders’ concerns. David and his men leave the Philistine camp and return to Ziklag. This chapter demonstrates God’s providence in protecting David from fighting against his own people while also allowing him to focus on a greater battle awaiting him at home.

1 Samuel Chapter 30: Upon returning to Ziklag, David and his men discover that the Amalekites have raided their city, burning it to the ground and capturing their families. Overcome with grief, David’s men turn against him, but he strengthens himself in the Lord and seeks God’s guidance. With divine direction, he leads his army in pursuit of the Amalekites, ultimately defeating them and recovering everything that was taken, including their wives and children. David then shares the spoils of war generously, establishing a precedent of fairness among his men. This chapter highlights David’s leadership, reliance on God, and his contrast to Saul, who sought guidance from a medium rather than the Lord.

1 Samuel Chapter 31: The final chapter of 1 Samuel depicts the tragic end of Saul’s reign. In a fierce battle with the Philistines, Israel’s army is overwhelmed, and Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed. Severely wounded by archers and fearing capture, Saul falls on his own sword, ending his life. The Philistines later desecrate his body, displaying it on the walls of Beth-shan as a warning. However, the men of Jabesh-Gilead bravely retrieve Saul’s body and give him a proper burial, honoring his early role as their deliverer. This chapter serves as a sobering conclusion to Saul’s troubled reign, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the transition of power to David, God’s chosen king.

Choosing Honor Over Revenge: David’s Trials and Triumphs

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The book of 1 Samuel is named after Samuel, the prophet and judge who played a significant role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of Israel’s monarchy. The name Samuel comes from the Hebrew "Šəmuʾēl", which is often interpreted as "heard by God" or "name of God." This reflects how Samuel’s mother, Hannah, prayed for a son, and God answered her request (1 Samuel 1:20).

Purpose of the Book:

The primary purpose of 1 Samuel is to document the shift in Israel’s leadership from judges to kings. It highlights the establishment of monarchy, focusing on three key figures: Samuel (the last judge), Saul (Israel’s first king), and David (Israel’s greatest king-to-be). The book demonstrates God’s sovereignty in appointing leaders, the consequences of obedience and disobedience, and how God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 1 Samuel is uncertain, but Jewish tradition (Talmud - Baba Bathra 14b-15a) attributes it to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad based on 1 Chronicles 29:29, which states:

"Now the acts of King David, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer."

This suggests that Samuel wrote the portions covering his life (1 Samuel 1-24), while Nathan and Gad may have contributed the rest after Samuel’s death. Other biblical references to Samuel’s writings include 1 Samuel 10:25, which states that Samuel recorded events in a book and laid it before the Lord.

Outside the Bible, Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian from the 1st century, supports the view that prophets recorded historical events, affirming Samuel’s role in writing and preserving Israel’s history (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 6, Chapter 13).

Key People:

Samuel – The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a priest who anoints both Saul and David as kings.
Saul – The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience.
David – A shepherd who is anointed as Saul’s successor; he defeats Goliath and gains fame.
Hannah – Samuel’s mother, who prayed for a child and dedicated him to God.
Eli – The high priest who raises Samuel but fails to correct his wicked sons.
Jonathan – Saul’s son and David’s close friend, known for his loyalty and bravery.
Goliath – The Philistine giant defeated by David with a slingshot and faith in God.
Doeg the Edomite – A servant of Saul who betrays and kills the priests of Nob.
Abigail – A wise woman who prevents David from committing bloodshed and later becomes his wife.

Conclusion

The book of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel’s history, shifting from the era of judges to the establishment of monarchy under Saul and David. It highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and rejecting leaders, emphasizing that obedience and faithfulness matter more than outward appearances. Ultimately, 1 Samuel sets the stage for God's covenant with David, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah through his lineage.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 1 Samuel 28, God’s character is revealed as just and sovereign. Saul’s desperate attempt to seek guidance outside of God’s will demonstrates the consequences of disobedience. God had already departed from Saul due to his continuous rejection of His commands, showing that He does not tolerate rebellion indefinitely. However, even in judgment, God remains faithful to His word, as seen when Samuel’s prophecy concerning Saul’s downfall is fulfilled. This chapter highlights that God is not silent but chooses when and how to speak according to His divine purpose.

The Hebrew name of God reflected in this chapter is Elohim, meaning "God" or "Judge." This name appears when the medium of Endor sees "elohim" ascending, referring to the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:13). The lesson from this chapter is that seeking guidance outside of God’s will leads to destruction. Instead of turning to forbidden practices, believers must trust in Yahweh Yireh, "The Lord Will Provide," who gives wisdom and direction to those who seek Him sincerely.

In 1 Samuel 29, God’s providence and protection are evident in 1 Samuel 29. Though David had aligned himself with the Philistines, God intervened to prevent him from fighting against Israel. Through the suspicions of the Philistine commanders, David was dismissed from battle, sparing him from a compromised position. This reveals that God works behind the scenes, even through human decisions, to accomplish His plans. His sovereignty ensures that His chosen ones are kept from situations that would jeopardize their calling.

The Hebrew name of God demonstrated here is Yahweh Tseva’ot, meaning "The Lord of Hosts," showing God’s control over the armies and events of history. Though David seemed trapped, God’s divine orchestration ensured his protection. The lesson in this chapter is that when we trust God, He directs our steps, even when we do not see His hand at work. Believers should wait on Yahweh Machsi, "The Lord My Refuge," who shields His people from harm.

In 1 Samuel 30, God is shown as a Restorer and Deliverer. When David’s men lost everything to the Amalekites, David turned to God rather than despairing. Unlike Saul, who sought answers from a medium, David inquired of the Lord and found strength in Him. God not only granted David victory over the Amalekites but also restored everything that was taken. This chapter emphasizes that God is near to those who seek Him and gives strength in times of distress.

The Hebrew name of God in this chapter is Yahweh Elohe Yisrael, "The Lord, the God of Israel," who guided David’s actions. Another name reflected here is Yahweh Nissi, "The Lord My Banner," as God led David to victory. The lesson in this chapter is that in moments of crisis, believers must turn to God for strength and direction. Those who seek God’s guidance will find that He is faithful to restore and provide.

In 1 Samuel 31,reveals God’s justice and faithfulness to His word. Saul’s tragic end was a direct result of his disobedience and rejection of God. Even though Saul had once been chosen by God, his refusal to follow Him led to his downfall. This chapter demonstrates that God is not partial—He blesses obedience but also brings judgment upon persistent sin. His justice is perfect, and His word never fails.

The Hebrew name of God displayed here is Yahweh Shaphat (יְהוָה שָׁפַט), "The Lord is Judge," as seen in the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy concerning Saul’s death. Another name that applies is El Emet (אֵל אֱמֶת), "The God of Truth," showing that God's word is always fulfilled. The lesson from this chapter is that rejecting God’s ways leads to destruction. True security is found in obeying the Lord rather than relying on personal strength or wisdom.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

What does 1 Samuel 28 teach us about God’s justice and His response to persistent disobedience?
How does God’s sovereignty protect David in 1 Samuel 29, even when he is in a difficult situation?
In 1 Samuel 30, how does David’s response to crisis reflect trust in God’s character?
What aspects of God’s nature are revealed through His judgment of Saul in 1 Samuel 31?
How do we see God as a Deliverer and Restorer in David’s victory over the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 30?
How does the name Yahweh Tseva’ot (The Lord of Hosts) apply to God’s actions in these chapters?
What can we learn about seeking God’s guidance from the contrast between Saul’s and David’s actions?

Questions About Themes:

How does the theme of divine judgment play out in Saul’s final days?
What does David’s removal from the Philistine army in 1 Samuel 29 teach about God’s providence?
How does 1 Samuel 30 emphasize the importance of seeking God in times of crisis?
What role does obedience play in determining Saul’s downfall and David’s continued success?
How does the theme of leadership emerge in these chapters, particularly in the contrast between Saul and David?
What do these chapters teach about the consequences of relying on human wisdom instead of God’s direction?
How does God’s faithfulness remain evident even in moments of judgment and hardship?

Reflective Application Questions:

Have you ever felt desperate for guidance like Saul? How do you seek God’s wisdom in uncertain times?
In what ways have you seen God redirect your steps, as He did with David in 1 Samuel 29?
How do you respond when faced with crisis—do you turn to God first, like David, or try to solve problems in your own strength?
What are some areas in your life where you need to trust God as your Yahweh Nissi (The Lord My Banner)?
How do these chapters challenge you to be more obedient to God in both small and big decisions?
What can you learn from the way David handled adversity and victory in 1 Samuel 30?
What does Saul’s downfall teach you about the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans