Deeper Reflection
SAUL’S FINEST HOUR was his deliverance of Israel from the hostile Ammonites under the mighty empowerment of the Spirit of God (1 Sam 11). In stark contrast, the final hour of Saul’s life was heavy with all hopelessness (vv.20-25). Saul’s first meeting with Samuel was a meal in preparation for his anointing to be king (1 Sam 9:22-24). His last meeting with the prophet was followed by “a meal truly fit for a king”⁴³ (v.24), but served by a woman under divine curse (cf. Lev 20:27), “before he faces total disaster”⁴⁴ (v.19). A sobering picture for personal reflection on our lives – the past, the present and the future. After this last supper, Saul and his men “arose and went away that night” (v.25). “Night” – a metaphor of sheer hopelessness and despair.⁴⁵ This reminds us of another last supper: Jesus’ last supper with His disciples (Jn 13:21-32).⁴⁶ Jesus “became troubled in spirit” as the hour of His betrayal drew near (Jn 13:21). Satan entered into Judas (Jn 13:27). And “after receiving the morsel” from Jesus, Judas “went out immediately, and it was night” (Jn 13:30). The “night” was the cross, where the Son of God suffered the darkness of God’s absence and God-forsakenness for us. Jesus’ “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mk 15:33-34) was like Saul’s “God has departed from me and no longer answers me” (v.15). But this “night” of Jesus is the glory of God and the glory of the Gospel (Jn 13:31-32).

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⁴³ Dale Ralph Davis, 298 ⁴⁴ Dale Ralph Davis, 298 ⁴⁵ Dale Ralph Davis, 298 ⁴⁶ Dale Ralph Davis, 299