Foolish Kings and Leaders

By Michael Griego on November 6, 2026 • ( 0 )

Whoa to any who think themselves beyond the reach of God. Whoa to any who won’t seek the will of God. Whoa to any who won’t surrender their life to God. ◊

Once upon a time there was a man who was hand-picked and anointed as king over all the land. The people loved their new king and won victory after victory over their enemies. The king seemed to have a special touch of power and impact.

In time the king became very confident and over-stepped his authority. He lost his anointing and his good standing with the people and his supporters. His crown was transferred to another and the king eventually died a broken and forlorn man.

Sounds vaguely familiar?

King Saul, a Foolish King
That little story is a simple summary of the true story of King Saul, the first anointed king of Israel who lived and ruled for 40 years in the 11th century BC. It’s a fascinating story of promise and blessings mixed with foolishness and stubbornness that lead to a king’s fall from grace and total demise.

Yes, Saul’s own disobedient actions derailed what could have been a spectacular God-honoring life and impact and rule over the nation of Israel.

Saul came from a wealthy family. Scripture describes Saul as exceptionally handsome and taller than any other Israelite (1 Samuel 9:1–2). At that time, Israel was a collection of twelve tribes without a central government, led primarily by judges and the prophet Samuel. Facing constant threats from the Philistines, the people demanded a king so they could be like other nations. Although Samuel was displeased, God permitted their request, warning them of the consequences of earthly kingship (1 Samuel 8).

God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king, initially in secret and later publicly by lot (1 Samuel 10). Saul’s reign began around 1050 BC. He proved himself a capable military leader, winning victories and securing his position as king. During his reign, the young shepherd David famously defeated Goliath, bringing Israel renewed hope (1 Samuel 17).

However, Saul’s success was short-lived. His downfall began when he disobeyed God by offering an unauthorized sacrifice and later failed to completely destroy the Amalekites as commanded. Saul spared their king and valuable livestock, then attempted to justify his disobedience to Samuel. God rejected Saul as king and withdrew His Spirit from him (1 Samuel 13–16).

Saul’s remaining years were troubled by jealousy, fear, and increasingly erratic behavior. David, who had once soothed Saul by playing music, became a celebrated military leader. When the people praised David more highly than Saul, the king grew consumed with jealousy and repeatedly attempted to kill him. David escaped with help from Saul’s son Jonathan and daughter Michal.

In his final days, Saul faced another Philistine invasion. Desperate for guidance after God no longer answered him, Saul consulted a medium at Endor, despite having previously banned such practices. Samuel appeared and foretold Saul’s defeat and death (1 Samuel 28).

The prophecy came true. The Philistines defeated Israel and killed Saul’s sons, including Jonathan. Wounded and facing capture, Saul fell on his own sword rather than be taken by the enemy.

Saul’s tragic life serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience, pride, and jealousy can destroy even a promising beginning.

Lessons for Foolish Kings and Modern Leaders
There are three important lessons we can learn from King Saul’s life that are applicable for all people past, present, and future.

First, obey God and seek His will. Saul had the opportunity to become a model king by faithfully following God’s commandments. Instead, he disobeyed God by sparing the Amalekite king and valuable livestock.¹ Then lied to Samuel about his actions (1 Samuel 15). Saul’s failure reminds us that partial obedience is still disobedience.

Second, do not misuse the power God gives you. Saul began his reign with humility but gradually became consumed by pride, jealousy, and self-interest. As people honored him, he forgot that God, not the king, was ultimately in control. His pride eventually destroyed his leadership.

Third, lead with humility and serve others. 1 Peter 5:2–10 encourages leaders to shepherd others willingly, serve rather than dominate, and remain humble before God. Saul ignored wise counsel and allowed his personal failures to damage both himself and his people.

King Saul’s life reminds us that obedience, humility, and godly leadership are essential to a life that honors God. Again, as these lessons apply to all people in our jobs, homes, and cities, they also apply to all leaders over others in the workplace and in civic arenas.

Would you have been a foolish king like Saul? Do you know foolish leaders?
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Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.” – 1 Samuel 15:28-29

¹ Note: Haman the Agagite, who later sought to destroy the Jews in the days of Esther (see Book of Esther), is traditionally associated with the Amalekite royal lineage, though Scripture does not confirm a direct descent from King Agag.