Two of the most prominent Kings of Israel in the Bible are Saul and David. These two men are given the most attention in 1 and 2 Samuel. David and Saul are foils of one another. Saul was rejected by God while David was a man after God’s own heart. However, if you’ve studied their lives carefully both of the men had some incredible failures in their lives. Saul failed to obey the Lord’s commands and David committed adultery with Bathsheba. If both men had grievous sin in their lives, why was one rejected and the other accepted? What is the difference between these two men? As we will see, the difference between the two kings is in their responses to God when confronted in their sin.

Saul’s Response to His Sin

When Saul disobeyed the Lord’s direct command, the prophet Samuel went and confronted him of his sin. Rather than owning-up to his sin, Saul tried to justify his actions (1 Samuel 15:15). Saul made excuses for his disobedience. Rather than owning his sin and asking for forgiveness, he, full of pride, followed the footsteps of Adam and argued that his sin was not that big of a deal. He pointed the finger at everyone else rather than pointing it at himself. Saul started out with a bright future. He was the first King of Israel. His anointing was cause for great celebration. Yet due to his sin and refusal to repent the Lord abandoned Saul, and rejected him as king.

David’s Response to His Sin

David also committed horrific sins, but his response to God was quite different than Saul. Just as the prophet Samuel confronted Saul in his sin, the prophet Nathan confronted David. When the prophet called him-out for his adultery and conspiracy of murder, David immediately responded with these words, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). David took ownership of his sin rather than making excuses. In Psalm 51 he described in detail the thoughts and emotions he had experienced during this time. David petitioned God for mercy. He owned his sin by saying, “For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me” (verse 3). David was truly heart-broken. He laid himself bare before the Lord asking for forgiveness and restoration.

A Model of True Repentance

David serves us as a model of true repentance… He petitioned God with these words… “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17).

(Concluding part next week)

Best wishes
Bill Joukhad