Today we are reading 1 Samuel 31. In this chapter we read about the death of King Saul. “Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together.” 1 Samuel 31:1-6 ESV This chapter records a very sad time in Israel’s history—the death of their first king. Even more, it was a complete defeat of the army of Israel. The people fled from their cities to find safety. Imagine our president is murdered and our armies are defeated. Where would you hide? How would you protect yourself? For Israel, God brought a new and greater king. The same is true for us. In this time of darkness and discouragement God will again bring the glorious light of His mercy. Our hope is in Jesus, our help is in the Lord! May God give you great hope in the King of Kings! Pastor Tim
