There seem to be two accounts of the death of Saul, at least that's what's been said. I like to think of it as two sides of the same story. Whose to say that the Amalekites account isn't true? Perhaps it just adds further insight into how Saul died. But, you say, at the end of 1 Samuel it says that the armor bearer saw that Saul was dead and ran himself through. Well, whose to say that he thought Saul was dead, but alas, Saul really wasn't. Maybe Saul was just having a really hard time dying. So then the Amalekite comes along and puts Saul out of his misery. Makes sense to me, everyone else would have been dead. But, you say, isn't David overly harsh by killing the Amelikite. It's been pretty clear that David would not kill Saul when given the chance because Saul was God's anointed. It seems death is the clear punishment for killing God's anointed, even Saul's own armor bearer wouldn't do it because of that very fact. If that explanation doesn't work for you, that's okay too. You can work it out with God, he's pretty cool with that.
I love how throughout these passages we see David inquiring after the LORD as to what he should do. That is again one of the reasons why God chose David, because he sought to do God's will. Pretty cool. It's pretty cool too that God had immediate responses for David. Perhaps because David had some pretty important things to do for God and His people. I just wish God would answer my requests as quickly. Well, maybe he does sometimes, or a lot, but I just don't like the answer. Maybe too, sometimes, I ask the wrong questions.
The Ark and David dancing: so you also may be wondering why God was so harsh in killing Uzzah for touching the Ark. David was pretty upset too. I think for me, I've gotten over it a bit, I used to be really angry. "God why would you punish this man for trying to make sure your Ark wouldn't fall on the ground! You are just mean!" It's okay. God can handle it. Now I'm okay with it. God is God and he gave the Israelites specific instructions on where his Ark was to be kept and how it was to be transported. We've already seen through earlier chapters and books how the Ark was mistreated and how God punished those who came into contact with this holy, consecrated thing that represented his dwelling with his people. Indeed God himself dwelt between the cherubim on the Ark. Pretty scary and pretty amazing! So, God's a little miffed I think because once again, the Israelites fail to follow his directions, His Will. So yeah, I think if they were a little bit more careful in seeking to follow God's guidelines, it might have gone better for them.
In the meantime, God, may I be willing to be undignified for you sake. If I be called a fool in the eyes of the world, so be it as long as I am serving you and doing your will. Amen.
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