Confidence and Boldness

Saul probably thought he had the right motives. Facing the Philistines, he placed his army under this oath: “Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies” (1 Samuel 14:24). As a result, no one ate, even honey that could have nourished them.

Meanwhile Saul’s son Jonathan was leading a personal assault on the Philistines that resulted in a great victory. Needing nourishment after this battle, he ate some honey. Only then did he learn about his father’s oath.

When Saul learned of Jonathan’s actions, he felt compelled to have Jonathan put to death. Yet the people defended him: “Not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day” (1 Samuel 14:45).

This proved to be a turning point in Saul’s reign as king. As a result, he began to fear the people. He seemed to lose stature. His words became less effective. He lost confidence and became indecisive.

We see the impact of this when Israel battled the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). Saul was told by God to destroy everything, but he spared their king and the “best” of their possessions. When he was confronted, he blamed the people. Instead of serving God, he was dominated by fear.

Saul was a strong king as long as he trusted and obeyed God. But when he depended on his own strength, he became increasingly weak and vulnerable. The apostle Paul understood this principle when he wrote, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Today, learn from Saul’s mistakes. Trust in God. Let Him give you confidence and boldness. Make Him the strength of your life.