The King Rebuked

“I have sinned…” 2 Sa 12:13 and 1 Sa 15:24

The first two Kings of the united kingdoms of Israel and Judah, Saul and David, were both specifically chosen by God. Neither one became King because his father was king; neither one was chosen by the people, or ruled because he took over by his own strength. Saul was chosen first, and from humble beginnings became a skilled leader in war. At first, he was obedient to God, and checked for God’s approval before taking action.

Later, David was chosen, as “a man after God’s own heart”. David was wholeheartedly for God; and when he sinned, he was wholehearted in his repentance. When Nathan rebuked him, David’s reaction was, “I have sinned against the Lord”, and no more. He did not make excuses, or minimize his sin. Nathan replied that the Lord had put away David’s sin.

When the prophet Samuel rebuked Saul for disobedience, Saul appears to accept the correction. But his answer to correction is less repentant; he blames other people for his sin. “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” How easy it is for God to put away our sin. How hard it is for us to repent wholeheartedly.