The Hidden Beginning of Saul’s Downfall I was trying to contrast Saul and David — not just as kings, but in terms of their heart posture toward God. I started reading 1 Samuel 9, thinking I was simply observing Saul’s rise, but the Holy Spirit began highlighting something much deeper. We often think Saul’s downfall began when he disobeyed God's command to destroy everything in Amalek (1 Samuel 15). But as I kept reading, I realized: his disobedience started much earlier. In 1 Samuel 13, just after he became king, Saul was told by Samuel to wait seven days for him to come and offer the sacrifice. Saul waited… but when the pressure mounted and Samuel hadn’t arrived, he offered the sacrifice himself. And here’s the thing — that moment revealed something: Saul didn’t trust God's timing. He let fear, pride, and impatience guide him. And worse? He didn’t repent. He didn’t fall to his knees and say, “Lord, I messed up.” He excused himself. Justified his actions. Protected his ego. Th...