Saul and David

Saul came from a privileged background. If his life could be summed up in a word, one might choose the word “entitled.” This mindset would drive his heart away from God and would become his downfall. David, on the other hand, came from a very unassuming background. If his life could be summed up in a word, “responsible” comes to mind. While David committed sins of his own, he also took responsibility and discipline for his actions. This stands as an example to the people. An entitled man does not do this. Throughout his life, David demonstrated a pursuit of God’s heart, acting as lead-worshipper in the kingdom.

David’s commendation as a leader is seen in his accomplishing everything God wanted of the nation of Israel since the Exodus, including the conquest of the land, to establish a nation who observes God’s commands (2 Samuel 7:8-11). In this sense, David meets the criteria for being the “man after God’s heart” (1 Sam 13:14), who “shares God’s heart for leading the people to obey the covenant will view the kingship as a steward of the Lord’s people who are his inheritance (9:16; 10:1) (Howell 2003, 73).

Though David’s experience with Saul was a threat to his existence, David could watch and learn from this troubled man. Both were called but Saul was prideful which stood as a reminder for David to remain humble. Saul was impatient, disobedient while David fell back into this desire for pleasing the LORD. God said that He would build David a house (2 Samuel 7:11) and David confesses his position before God as His servant (2 Samuel 7:19-21). Saul would not do this.

Clearly, God used David despite his failures but this was due to David’s pliable heart. Saul was clearly removed by the LORD due to his high-handed and prideful sin (2 Samuel 7:15).