Consumed by jealousy and fearful of his future without the Lord’s favor, King Saul was desperate for God’s direction when facing the hostile Philistines. Through a medium, the witch at Endor, he brought up Samuel’s person from the grave who told him that he would lose his life the following day. This is the sad commentary on a leader who had his influence removed from him because he trusted his own abilities above obedience to God’s statutes. The kingdom was taken away from him and given to David.

David, meanwhile, would be given the throne by God’s hand of support. He would go on to maintain a vibrant life of devotion to God, spending time daily in the Lord’s presence and living IN the Lord’s commands. [Ps. 119]

READ/HEAR: 1 Sam. 26-28