1 Chronicles 10:1-14

Here in sublime and graphic language is recounted the story of the death of the king chosen by men. It is a terrible picture of a man of magnificent capability going down to utter ruin. Routed by his enemies, he died by his own hand in the midst of the field of defeat.

The reason for such failure is clearly declared. He trespassed against God, and then sought counsel of one who had a familiar spirit. Magnificent indeed was the ruin, but it was ruin. Saul was a man than whom no other had greater opportunities, but his failure was disastrous. Of good standing in the nation, distinctly called and commissioned by God, honored with the friendship of Samuel, surrounded by a band of men whose hearts God had touched, everything was in his favor. From the beginning he failed; step by step he declined in conduct and character, until he went out, dragging his nation into such confusion as threatened its very existence.