Often, we don’t connect “humility” and “courage,” but for a believer, these qualities work quietly together, sometimes hidden beneath the surface. This powerful and subtle blend is a theme in 1 Samuel, seen in the stories of Prophet Samuel, King Saul, and King David. Before focusing on King David, let’s consider King Saul, his predecessor. When Israel wanted a king, they turned away from God’s direct rule in favor of a worldly ruler.

God granted their request by giving them King Saul—a man who was tall, handsome, and seemed to have it all. However, Saul’s fatal flaw was his pride. Throughout Saul’s reign, God gave him multiple opportunities to prove himself, but Saul repeatedly failed. It became clear that God was not impressed by outward appearances; He saw that Saul’s heart, though seemingly admirable on the surface, was filled with pride and fear.

My friend, the final straw comes in 1 Samuel 15, when God instructs Saul to wage war against the Amalekites and explicitly commands him not to plunder their wealth. In his arrogance, Saul defies God’s clear instruction: after defeating the Amalekites, he loots their possessions. This act of disobedience marks the breaking point between God and Saul. The lesson for you and me is to remain humble in following God’s instructions, while also being bold in our obedience.