⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
The Fall of Saul and the Hope of the Righteous King
Reading the Bible Daily with Dave | June 24, 2025Show Summary
In this sobering conclusion to 1 Samuel, we witness the fall of Saul—a leader brought low by pride, disobedience, and spiritual compromise. Yet even in this national tragedy, we see a foreshadowing of hope. Dave Jenkins walks through 1 Samuel 31 to help us see why we need a Righteous King—One who will never fail.🎧 Audio
🎥 Video
📖 Scripture Reading – 1 Samuel 31:1–13 (ESV)
📚 Lessons from the Fall of Saul
1. Saul’s Fall Was Public—but Rooted in Private Rebellion
Saul didn’t fall in a single moment. He fell over time, through pride, disobedience, and a heart hardened against God. When we drift from God’s Word, it always leads to destruction. Saul feared man more than God, and now the result is on display: a tragic end, public shame, and devastating loss.2. The Pain of Leadership Without Obedience
Jonathan dies here too—a righteous man caught in the consequences of a compromised king. This reminds us:- Sin never affects just us.
- Leaders are accountable not only for their actions but for their influence.
3. The Shame of a Defeated Kingdom
The Philistines rejoice. They mock Israel’s God. “They fastened his body to the wall…” This is humiliation. But it’s also a spiritual crisis. The king meant to represent God’s rule had failed. But in this darkness, something remarkable happens. The valiant men of Jabesh-gilead rise up. They recover the bodies. They risk everything to show honor and loyalty. In a moment of national shame, they display courage, respect, and quiet hope.Gospel Connection
Saul’s death reminds us: we need a better King. A King who doesn’t fall on His sword in despair, but willingly goes to the cross in victory. Jesus is that King—faithful, righteous, and victorious over sin and death. Where Saul failed, Christ triumphed.Discipleship Cue
- Are there places in your life where you’re drifting from obedience?
- Are you more concerned about appearances—or your heart before God?
- Are you leading those under your care with faithfulness and humility?
Closing Encouragement
The book ends in darkness—but the next one begins with hope. Saul is gone… but David is rising. And through David, the line of Christ is preserved. Even when leaders fall, God’s plan never does.Devotional: A Heart that Hears
The fall of Saul reminds us of the danger of listening to man more than God. He had moments of clarity, but his heart was far from the Lord. Obedience was optional, repentance shallow, and fear of man constant.How different is Jesus—who perfectly obeyed the Father, even unto death. He didn’t fall in failure but rose in victory.Today, ask the Lord to help you hear His voice clearly through His Word. Ask Him for a heart that fears Him more than man, and for courage to follow—even when the cost is high.Recommended Resources:Check out the archive of Reading the Bible Daily with Dave here at Servants of Grace.Check out Reading the Bible Daily with Dave at our YouTube.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
