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The Cost of Failed Leadership (1 Samuel 14:24-52) - 2/8/26

  • Tabernacle Baptist Church
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

INTRO

  • The Lord saved Israel that day and the battle passed on beyond Beth-Aven v. 23

  • Is these passaged the battle is continuing on. The Lord showed up and the people continued to fight.

  • Yet Saul fails miserably. Poor spiritual leadership comes at a great cost

The Oath – vv. 24-26

  • “Cursed the man who eats..”

    • Hard pressed…alludes to the idea of Saul pushing them (we know from the text… we learn it is man centered and driven and not from God.

  • No food… keep fighting

    • Lack of discernment. (biblical wisdom)

The Consequences – vv. 27-35

  • But Jonathan… the man of trust and faith. Eats the honey.

  • We see the impact of Saul’s decision.

  • Confusion. Hungry. Jonathan eats.

  • Fatigue. Physical limits.

  • Compromise. Ate the animals with the blood

Saul was attempting to fix a problem but his choice was from an external (of the flesh) perspective and strategy rather from a heart perspective. What is right in mans eyes rather than God’s.  Notice the IMPACT it had on the people he was leading.

The Verdict – vv. 36-52

God is silent

  • He says “lets go”, but the priest say seek God.

  • God does not respond.

  • Saul assumes there is sin in the camp (never considers his own actions)

His hypocrisy is exposed

  • Jonathan is ransomed. They knew it was his faith that lead to their deliverance.

  • The enemy returns home (compare to v.23. The Lord saved…)

Saul fights, but not in the strength of the Lord

  • V. 47 He fought all his enemies…v. 52 hard fighting all days

  • Saul knew how to fight, but did not know how to fight in dependence of the Lord

The What Now – The Go and Do

  1. Realize the importance of God-focused, gospel-centered leadership (starting with you).

    • Lead your own heart under God’s Word before you lead anyone else (1 Sam. 14:36–37).

  2. Remember your decisions never stay with you… they shape others.

    • Saul’s oath weakened and confused the people; it produced fatigue and compromise (1 Sam. 14:24–26, 28–32).

    • Ask: “What will this decision produce in those I influence—faith, or fear?”

  3. Serve the Lord, but not in your own strength.

    • Saul fought constantly, but often without dependence; activity is not the same as faith (1 Sam. 14:47, 52).

    • Dependence looks like seeking God first, obeying His Word, and trusting His help when you feel pressure (1 Sam. 14:36–37).

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