Reign of Saul, Thursday, March 29, 2012

Saul is shown to be a courageous leader in I Samuel 13 and 14.  But before long, he disobeys God by making a sacrifice before battle instead of waiting for Samuel.  Perhaps because his conquests were stunning, he then made foolhardy decisions.  For instance, he made a vow to avenge himself on his enemies and forbade his troops food until this was accomplished.  Jonathan, who had not heard the order, disobeyed his father and was nearly killed by Saul for it.  The soldiers intervened in what would have been a devastating murder.