“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21). This verse captures the message of the biblical narrative of the first three kings of Israel. As the story progresses, a pattern begins to reveal itself. When the people follow God and do things His way, they experience God’s abundant blessing and favor, but when they disobey and do things their own way, they have nothing but problems. However, even though they continually resist His ways, God remains faithful to fulfill his promises to them. Throughout the narrative of the United Kingdom of Israel leading up to the split, a constant theme of God’s faithfulness and the people’s rebellion and disobedience can be seen from the people’s …show more content…
As Saul grows further away from God and is rejected by Him as king, David enters as the rightful king and the man God has chosen instead of the one the people have chosen. The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook says, “While it became clearer that Saul was unfit for leadership, David emerged before the nation as God’s champion to defeat the Philistines and rule the land.” The Bible tells us that the Spirit of God leaves Saul and enters David, never to leave him. A stark difference is displayed in this story between these two men in relation to God’s perfect plans and man’s rebellious ways. While David is shown to be a righteous man who desires to serve and honor God, Saul is portrayed as a sinful and selfish man who only wants to do things his own way. Courageous Faith says that David was a great leader “because he knew God personally” and because he was “a man after God’s own heart.” The narrative in 1 & 2 Samuel makes it clear that God’s plan for His people is always best. However, instead of learning to follow God no matter what, after a few years of prosperity and happiness, Israel turns their back on Him once again and must face the consequences for their