Two major incidents brought about the strained relationship between Saul and Samuel. It is significant to note that the strained relationship between Saul and Samuel would quickly result in the rejection of Saul as king of Israel.
In this essay, I will recount the circumstances that led to the strained relationship between Saul and Samuel. I will also explain the possible reasons for this unfortunate turn of events during the reign of Saul, the first king of the Israelites. These were the reasons why Saul was rejected as king of Israel.
Background
The strained relationship between Saul and Samuel occurred after Samuel had installed Saul as the first king of the Israelites. Samuel appointed Saul as king in Israel following persistent requests from the Israelites. This happened some time after their settlement in the Promised Land.
As king, one important responsibility Saul had was to lead the Israelites in wars against their numerous enemies. The king was also supposed to rule according to the instructions coming from Yahweh through Samuel, the priest.
The War with the Amalekites
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During one of such wars with the Amalekites, God sent Samuel to instruct Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their belongings. Because it was a Holy War ordered by Yahweh to punish the Amalekites for their bad treatment of the Israelites in the past.
Israel emerged victors in the war. But, contrary to Samuel’s instruction, Saul spared Agag, King of the Amalekites. He also spared the best of the livestock.
When Samuel confronted Saul concerning his disobedience, Saul gave the excuse that he spared them for the purpose of offering a sacrifice to the Lord. He also said he did so based on the advice of his soldiers.
In response, Samuel told Saul, “to obey is better than sacrifice. And to listen than the fat of rams”. Samuel added that the kingship would be taken away from Saul and be given to one who was worthy of it.
The Battle of Michmash
The second episode which contributed to the strained relationship between Saul and Samuel happened before the Philistine battle at Michmash.
On this occasion, Saul sacrificed, in the absence of Samuel, before embarking upon the battle at Michmash. And it incurred Samuel’s displesure. This was what happened.
Samuel, who had earlier asked Saul to wait for him at Gilgal, failed to turn up at the appointed time. In fact, Saul’s soldiers had become impatient and started scattering as the Philistines assembled at Michmash.
Saul waited for seven days for Samuel to come and perform the sacrifice as custom demanded. Because it was necessary to obey God’s will. But Samuel was nowhere to be found.
Saul, therefore, did what he had to do. He went ahead and performed the sacrifice in the absence of Samuel.
Samuel Appeared
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Just after that, Samuel appeared. He told Saul he had broken the commandment of the Lord and, for that matter, he was not fit to occupy the throne.
Samuel thus claimed the exclusive right of offering sacrifices. He was displeased because Saul’s action meant he was usurping his authority as the only priest in Israel.
Samuel abandoned Saul from this time onward.
As a result, God’s spirit also departed from Saul. Apparently, Samuel had continuously looked for excuses to reject Saul. And he had succeeded in doing so at a time that Saul needed his support and advice most.
Conclusion
It is clear that the strained relationship between Samuel and Saul came about principally because of two main reasons. They are the reasons behind the factors responsible for the rejection of Saul as king of Israel.
Firstly, Saul proved himself unworthy to be king. This is because he repeatedly failed to act as God’s steward who must obey His commandments.
Secondly, Samuel had never been happy with Saul becoming king. He had always feared that a king for Israel would take away his powers and privileges. For that matter, he needed the type of king who would act according to his instructions. Saul had consistently shown that he was not willing to do this; hence the strained relationship between the two.
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Ralph Nyadzi is the Director of Studies at Cegast Academy. He is a qualified English tutor with decades of experience behind him. Since 2001, he has successfully coached thousands of High School General Arts WASSCE candidates in English, Literature and related subjects. He combines his expertise with a passion for lifelong learning to guide learners from varying backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. Ralph shares lessons from his blogging journey on BloggingtotheMax. He lives with River, his pet cat, in the Central Region of Ghana.
