A Tale of Two Kings: A Reflection on 1 Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 18
April 19th – Bible Briefs by Jake Schotter
A Tale of Two Kings: A Reflection on 1 Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 18
April 19th – Bible Briefs by Jake Schotter
The closing chapters of 1 Samuel reveal a dramatic contrast between Saul and David. One is rejected and destroyed while the other is preserved and delivered. These chapters mark the end of Saul’s reign and set the stage for David’s ascension, a transition deeply reflected in Psalm 18.
1 Samuel 28 shows Saul in utter spiritual desperation. God has turned away from him, evidenced by no dreams, Urim, or prophets (v. 6). Instead of repenting, Saul seeks a medium, directly violating God’s law (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). God allows Samuel to appear and confirm the judgment already declared: Saul has disobeyed, and now the kingdom will pass to David. The next day, Saul and his sons fall in battle (chapter 31), and Saul takes his own life to avoid shame.
This is not merely a tragic military loss—it is the theological end of a man who repeatedly hardened his heart. As the Bible teaches, God’s judicial hardening is sometimes the result of long-standing rebellion (Romans 1:24-26; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Saul becomes a warning to everyone when one continually rejects God’s Word, God will give him over to his own devices.
Meanwhile, David is on a path of restoration. Having sought refuge among the Philistines, he nearly finds himself fighting against Israel (chapter 29), but God providentially spares him through the distrust of Philistine commanders. Upon returning to Ziklag and seeing it destroyed, David is greatly distressed—but unlike Saul, he “strengthened himself in Yahweh his God” (30:6). He seeks divine guidance, receives it, and pursues the raiders, rescuing all who were taken. David’s trial is severe, yet his response is faithful. He turns to God, not away from Him. True believers may fall into sin or distress, but God preserves them and renews their repentance. David, though imperfect, is upheld by grace.
Psalm 18 was written “in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul” (title). This connects it directly to the events of 1 Samuel 28–31 and into 2 Samuel. The psalm praises God as David’s rock, fortress, and deliverer (vv. 1–2), recounting how God heard his cry, fought for him, and brought him into a broad place (v.19). It is a retrospective celebration of God’s faithfulness through dark days. The psalm fits as a response to the culmination of Saul’s pursuit. It reflects David’s confidence that his deliverance was not merely military or political, but the gracious act of a covenant-keeping God. David ascribes all victory to the Lord, not to his own strength. This is how we ought to view providence and grace, as well.
These passages call us to examine our response to distress. Saul sought control and fell further. David sought the Lord and was restored. Every deliverance, whether from guilt, temptation, or affliction, is cause for praise to our Redeemer.