When you read about Saul and David, you’re looking at two men who both wore a crown, but only one had God’s blessing.
Saul shows what happens when you live to please people. David shows what happens when you live to please the LORD.
And when you look at these two kings, you’ll start to notice something special—Jesus shows up in all of it. He’s the perfect King, and He did everything right where others failed.
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1. Chosen by People vs. Chosen by God
“And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.” —1 Samuel 10:23
“But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people…” —1 Samuel 13:14
Saul was picked because he looked the part—tall, strong, impressive.
David was chosen because he had a heart that wanted to please the LORD.
Jesus didn’t come with looks that turned heads. He came lowly. But He was the chosen One from the beginning.
“Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” —1 Peter 1:20
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2. Hiding vs. Humble
“And they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.” —1 Samuel 10:22
“And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep.” —1 Samuel 16:11
When it was time for Saul to step up, he was hiding in the baggage.
When David was needed, he was out in the field doing what he was supposed to do.
Jesus didn’t hide from His calling—He humbled Himself and came to serve.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” —John 10:11
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3. Quick to Disobey vs. Quick to Repent
“And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” —1 Samuel 15:13
“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.” —2 Samuel 12:13
Saul disobeyed God and then tried to cover it up.
David sinned too, but when he was corrected, he didn’t make excuses. He repented.
Jesus never sinned. But He took our sin on Himself so we could be forgiven.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” —2 Corinthians 5:21
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4. Jealous vs. Joyful
“And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” —1 Samuel 18:9
“I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’S anointed.” —1 Samuel 24:10
Saul got jealous when David was praised. He saw David as a threat.
David had every chance to get even with Saul, but he honored him instead.
Jesus never got jealous. He loved His enemies and even died for them.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” —Luke 23:34
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5. Kept the Best vs. Gave the Best
“But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed…” —1 Samuel 15:21
“Nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.” —2 Samuel 23:16
Saul saved the best things from battle, even when God said not to.
David gave up what others risked their lives to get him because he saw it as too holy for himself.
Jesus didn’t hold back anything—He gave His life.
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” —John 1:29
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6. Vial of Man vs. Horn of God
“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head…” —1 Samuel 10:1
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren…” —1 Samuel 16:13
Saul was anointed with a man-made container—a fragile glass vial.
David was anointed with a horn of oil—something strong, natural, and God-made.
Jesus wasn’t sent through man’s plan. He was Heaven-sent and Heaven-approved.
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” —Matthew 3:17
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7. Lost the Spirit vs. Filled with the Spirit
“But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” —1 Samuel 16:14
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.” —1 Samuel 16:13
Saul lost the Spirit and was left tormented.
David received the Spirit, and it stayed with him.
Jesus had the Spirit without measure, and He promised to send it to all who believe.
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” —John 3:34
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” —John 14:16
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8. Died in Shame vs. Died in Worship
“Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith… So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.” —1 Samuel 31:4
“Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.” —1 Chronicles 29:10
Saul died in fear and defeat.
David died worshipping the LORD.
Jesus died on a cross, not for His sin, but for ours. And He didn’t stay dead—He rose again.
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him…” —Philippians 2:8–9
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When you lay Saul and David side by side, it becomes real clear—God doesn’t bless the outside, He blesses the inside. Saul looked right to men, but David was right with God.
But even David, as great as he was, still messed up. That’s why the best picture in all this is Jesus. He never failed. He was never proud, never jealous, never disobedient, and never selfish. He was everything Saul wasn’t—and everything David tried to be.
So when we read these stories, we don’t just learn how to live better. We learn who to follow. And that’s not Saul. It’s not even David.
It’s Jesus. Always Jesus
