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God Did Not Answer - 1Samuel 14:37
God Did Not Answer - 1Samuel 14:37
When Saul was first chosen, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he prophesied (1Sam. 10:6,10; 11:6). When God chose such men to lead or serve His people, he often prepared them for such service (recall Joseph, Moses, those who built the tabernacle, etc.). It states that Saul ‘was changed into a different man’ (10:6) and God changed his heart (10:9). Such change however did not remove Saul’s free-will and choice. He rebelled against the LORD – not keeping the commandment of the LORD (1Sam. 13:13-14). Saul went on to more rebellion, disobedience, and self-will.
Here in chapter 14, Saul tried to have the LORD counsel him but “the LORD would not answer him” (14:37). We will see that the Spirit of the Lord was taken away from Saul (16:14).
David apparently understood the ramifications of this. When he sinned with Bathsheba, he prayed that the LORD would not remove His spirit from him” (Psa. 51:11). David shows how different he was from Saul. They both were chosen by the LORD. They both had received the Spirit of the LORD that equipped them for such service. They both sinned. This shows the big difference for while Saul made excuses, David repented.
This difference can be seen in Peter and Judas. This difference plays itself out many times throughout history and continues among us. We all ‘sin and fall short of the glory of God’. We all are called to repentance. Some do. Are you like Saul or David? Peter or Judas?
Hugh DeLong
