Exposition

Saul became the first king of Israel when the nation requested a king like other nations. With this move, the people of Israel rejected theocracy for hereditary monarchy. King Saul was full of the Spirit of God and used to prophesy but the lyrics of a song turned him into a terror and a hunter of David for the major part of his rule. What happened? In chapter 17 you will see a young man David who killed Goliath, the Philistine. This man Goliath rained insults and blasphemous words on the God of Israel to the point that David was provoked in his spirit to kill him. Yes, he did kill the giant!

As a result, the women composed a song in honour of David; so the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Sam. 18:7-8 NKJV) You see, in the midst of jubilation, Saul paid attention to the lyrics, which actually displeased him. If an earthly king could become so frustrated at the lyrics of a song, how much more would the King of kings not frown on music that does not glorify Him?

King Saul was respectful, obedient, generous, affable and submissive but the effect of this secular music erased all these good virtues and turned him into a disrespectful and disobedient king. He killed the priests of Israel and hunted David for the rest of his life. Do you see how secular music can turn sour? Be careful with songs you listen to.