Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 6: Kings and Kingdoms
6.1 Saul: Israel’s First King
Saul: Israel’s First King
Saul looked like the king Israel wanted—tall, strong, and impressive. Yet his story reveals that God values obedience, humility, and faithfulness more than outward appearance.
6.1 Saul: Israel’s First King
For generations, Israel had been led by judges, prophets, and leaders raised up by God.
But the people wanted something different.
They wanted a king.
They wanted someone who looked strong, powerful, and impressive—someone who would lead them like the kings of the surrounding nations.
Although God warned them about the challenges of having a king, the people insisted.
God allowed them to have what they requested.
The first king was a man named Saul.
At first, Saul appeared to be everything the people wanted.
He was tall, handsome, and capable.
Yet Saul’s story reveals an important lesson:
God is more concerned with a person’s heart than outward appearance.
His rise and fall remind us that leadership requires humility, obedience, and trust in God.
Scripture References
1 Samuel 8–15
Key Passages:
1 Samuel 8:4–22
1 Samuel 9:1–27
1 Samuel 10:17–27
1 Samuel 15:22–23
Related Reading:
Psalm 20:7
Proverbs 3:5–6
The Story
As Samuel grew older, the leaders of Israel came to him with a request.
They said:
“Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.” (1 Samuel 8:5 NASB)
Samuel was troubled by their request.
God explained that the people were not merely rejecting Samuel’s leadership.
They were rejecting God as their king.
Even so, God instructed Samuel to give them what they wanted.
God led Samuel to a man named Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.
Saul stood out physically.
The Bible says he was taller than anyone else in Israel.
Samuel anointed Saul as king.
At first, Saul showed humility.
When Samuel introduced him to the people, Saul was hiding among the baggage.
Soon Saul led Israel to military victories and gained widespread support.
However, problems began to emerge.
Instead of fully obeying God, Saul started making decisions based on fear, pride, and public opinion.
One of the most significant moments came when God instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions.
Saul partially obeyed.
He spared King Agag and kept some of the best animals.
When Samuel confronted him, Saul tried to justify his actions.
Samuel responded:
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22 NASB)
Because Saul repeatedly chose his own way over God’s commands, God rejected him as king.
Another leader would soon be chosen.
Understanding the Story
Outward Appearance Is Not Enough
Saul looked like a king.
He had the appearance people wanted.
But leadership requires more than appearance.
God values character, humility, and obedience.
Partial Obedience Is Still Disobedience
Saul obeyed some of God’s instructions but ignored others.
He wanted the benefits of obedience without fully surrendering to God’s authority.
True obedience means trusting God completely.
Fear Can Lead Us Away from God
Saul often worried about what other people thought.
His desire for approval influenced his decisions.
Faithful leadership requires seeking God’s approval above human approval.
Pride Can Damage Spiritual Growth
As Saul became more successful, pride increasingly shaped his choices.
Humility keeps our hearts open to God’s guidance.
Why This Story Matters
Saul’s story teaches important lessons.
Why did Israel want a king?
They wanted to be like the surrounding nations and place their trust in a human leader.
What caused Saul’s downfall?
Repeated disobedience, pride, and failure to trust God completely.
Why is obedience important?
Obedience demonstrates trust in God’s wisdom and authority.
What does God value most?
A heart that seeks Him and follows His ways.
Connecting to Jesus
Saul was the king the people wanted.
Jesus is the King humanity truly needs.
Saul’s leadership was marked by failure and disobedience.
Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father.
Saul’s kingdom eventually ended.
Jesus’ kingdom will never end.
Saul reveals the limitations of human leadership.
Jesus reveals the perfection of God’s leadership.
The contrast points us toward the true King who rules with righteousness, wisdom, and love.
Living the Message
Saul’s story challenges us to examine our hearts.
This week:
Consider whether you seek God’s approval or the approval of others.
Practice complete obedience in an area where God is leading you.
Ask God to reveal any pride that may be affecting your decisions.
Trust God’s wisdom even when His instructions seem difficult.
Pray for humility and a teachable spirit.
Reflect and Discuss
Why did the people want a king?
Possible answers:
They wanted to be like other nations and place their confidence in a visible leader.
What qualities initially made Saul appealing?
Possible answers:
His appearance, leadership ability, and early successes.
What ultimately caused Saul’s problems?
Possible answers:
Disobedience, pride, fear, and self-reliance.
What can believers learn from Saul’s mistakes?
Possible answers:
God desires obedience, humility, and wholehearted trust.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
1 Samuel 8–15 reveals the dangers of pride and the importance of obedience.
Reasons We Believe
Saul’s story reminds us that God’s wisdom is greater than human judgment.
Obedience in Action
Choose God’s way even when it differs from what seems easiest or most popular.
Walk It Out
Ask God to help you obey Him fully and trust His guidance this week.
Related Pages
Closing Invitation
Saul began with great promise but struggled to remain faithful.
His story reminds us that success, talent, and appearance are never enough.
God desires hearts that trust and obey Him.
As Saul’s reign declines, God prepares a new leader—an unlikely shepherd boy who will become one of Israel’s greatest kings.
