Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 31 and Psalm 77

This is the battle of which Saul was so frightened that he went to consult a medium at Endor for guidance (1 Samuel 28). This is the battle the Philistine leaders had instructed David to leave (1 Samuel 29). In hindsight we realise that this had actually been the LORD’s way of sparing David from participating in Saul’s death.

The battle was an absolute rout. Israel fled from the battlefield back to their camp on Mount Gilboa. But even this strong defensive position could not save them. Here on Mount Gilboa, the finest and best of Israel’s warriors, their princes (Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua) and their first king, Saul, died. As a conequence, the people of their border towns abandoned their homes and fields and fled in terror. All Israel was plunged into mourning and fear.

What is notably missing in this chapter is any record of Saul having humbled himself and called on God for help. Even when he was at the point of death, he did not pray to the LORD. He seems to have become utterly separated from God by his constant rebellion. FB Meyer comments: “It is a very solemn thought! No career could begin with fairer, brighter prospects than Saul’s had, and none could close in more absolute midnight of despair; and yet such a fate may befall us, unless we watch, and pray, and walk humbly with our God.”

Heavenly Father, we feel sadness for the tragic ending of Saul’s life and reign. We recognise that his mistakes serve as solemn warnings of the dangers of drifting away from humble, loving submission to You into hard-hearted, self-centred rebellion and sin. Holy Spirit, we trust in Your presence and power to keep us on the path of intimacy and obedience to our Lord. Keep us strong in our commitment to follow our Lord’s will and ways. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.