"Saul could not claim the honor of the victory, but he hoped to be honored for his zeal in maintaining the sacredness of his oath. Even at the sacrifice of his son, he would impress upon his subjects the fact that the royal authority must be maintained. At Gilgal, but a short time before, Saul had presumed to officiate as priest, contrary to the command of God. When reproved by Samuel, he had stubbornly justified himself. Now, when his own command was disobeyed—though the command was unreasonable and had been violated through ignorance—the king and father sentenced his son to death. PP 625.1"
"And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
The EGW passage highlights Saul's misplaced emphasis on maintaining his own authority and the sacredness of his oath, even at the expense of reason and mercy. This parallels the principle in 1 Samuel 15:22 that obedience to God is more important than sacrifices or outward displays of zeal.
"The people refused to allow the sentence to be executed. Braving the anger of the king, they declared, “Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day.” The proud monarch dared not disregard this unanimous verdict, and the life of Jonathan was preserved. PP 625.2"
"And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not."
The EGW passage is a direct quotation and paraphrase of 1 Samuel 14:45.
"Saul could not but feel that his son was preferred before him, both by the people and by the Lord. Jonathan's deliverance was a severe reproof to the king's rashness. He felt a presentiment that his curses would return upon his own head. He did not longer continue the war with the Philistines, but returned to his home, moody and dissatisfied. PP 625.3"
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of reaping what you sow, which is the core message of Galatians 6:7. Saul's actions led to negative consequences, reflecting this principle.
"Those who are most ready to excuse or justify themselves in sin are often most severe in judging and condemning others. Many, like Saul, bring upon themselves the displeasure of God, but they reject counsel and despise reproof. Even when convinced that the Lord is not with them, they refuse to see in themselves the cause of their trouble. They cherish a proud, boastful spirit, while they indulge in cruel judgment or severe rebuke of others who are better than they. Well would it be for such self-constituted judges to ponder those words of Christ: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2 . PP 625.4"
"For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 7:2 and applies it to the context of Saul's behavior.
"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."
Both passages address the hypocrisy of judging others while being guilty of the same or similar faults. The EGW passage uses Saul as an example, while Romans 2:1 presents a general principle.
"Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought into positions where their true character is revealed. So it was in the case of Saul. His own course convinced the people that kingly honor and authority were dearer to him than justice, mercy, or benevolence. Thus the people were led to see their error in rejecting the government that God had given them. They had exchanged the pious prophet, whose prayers had brought down blessings, for a king who in his blind zeal had prayed for a curse upon them. PP 625.5"
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of exaltation leading to abasement, as seen in Saul's case. While not a direct quote, it reflects the general idea presented in Matthew 23:12.