The Presumption of Saul
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/oFCJdDirlfc?list=PL4ByrircmXL6VuLmlYnLfeCfCukv68cCu
We do not know what great interests may be at stake in the proving of God. There is no safety except in strict obedience to the word of God. All His promises are made upon condition of faith and obedience.
If Saul had shown a regard for the requirements of God in this time of trial, God could have worked His will through him. His failure now proved him unfit to be the vicegerent of God to His people. He would mislead Israel.
When Saul was first anointed king of Israel, he had received from Samuel explicit directions concerning the course to be pursued at this time. Thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal, said the prophet; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do. I Samuel 10:8.
The Holy Spirit had been granted to Saul to enlighten his understanding and soften his heart. He had received faithful instruction and reproof from the prophet of God. And yet how great was his perversity! The history of Israel's first king presents a sad example of the power of early wrong habits. In his youth Saul did not love and fear God; and that impetuous spirit, not early trained to submission, was ever ready to rebel against divine authority.