Do the ends justify the means? If something good as achieved, does it matter how it is accomplished? In this passage, we see once again a nuanced and complex picture of Saul: he may have been what the people asked for, and he may have even given the people victory — but was it really a victory?

Understand the Bible is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Understand the Bible at utbible.substack.com/subscribe