In this chapter, we explore how the Holy Spirit works uniquely in the lives of Israel’s kings—notably Saul and David. These stories reveal both the glory and tragedy of human leadership, and how deeply the presence (or absence) of the Spirit affects a leader’s character, decisions, and legacy.
by Nathaniel Shadowcrest
The Old Testament tells a sweeping story of God’s people transitioning from tribal confederation to a united monarchy, and then to a divided kingdom. Throughout this political evolution, one truth remains consistent: when a king is chosen by God, he is anointed with oil, but empowered by the Spirit.
In this chapter, we explore how the Holy Spirit works uniquely in the lives of Israel’s kings—notably Saul and David. These stories reveal both the glory and tragedy of human leadership, and how deeply the presence (or absence) of the Spirit affects a leader’s character, decisions, and legacy.
Anointing with Oil and Anointing with the Spirit
In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a symbolic act representing God’s choice and consecration of a person to a sacred task—whether prophet, priest, or king. But oil itself had no spiritual power. It was a visible sign of an invisible reality: the coming of the Holy Spirit.
We first see this clearly when Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s first king:
“Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?’” — 1 Samuel 10:1
But Samuel doesn’t stop with the outward sign. He speaks of something deeper and transformative:
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” — 1 Samuel 10:6
The Spirit of the Lord is not merely a seal of appointment. He is the empowering presence of God that transforms the person to fulfill their calling.
Saul — Empowered, Then Abandoned
Saul’s story begins with promise. When the Spirit of God comes upon him, he is given spiritual insight and boldness. He even prophesies among the prophets—a surprising sign of God’s hand.
“When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.” — 1 Samuel 10:10
Later, we see the Spirit empower Saul to lead Israel into battle:
“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger.” — 1 Samuel 11:6
This holy anger isn’t just emotional—it is a righteous indignation stirred by the Spirit, leading to a military victory that unites the tribes of Israel.
However, Saul’s story takes a dark turn. Over time, his disobedience and insecurity lead him away from God. Eventually, the Spirit departs from Saul:
“Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.” — 1 Samuel 16:14
This is one of the most sobering verses in the Old Testament. It reveals that the Spirit’s presence is not unconditional. Saul’s failure to trust and obey God leads to a forfeiture of divine empowerment. Without the Spirit, Saul becomes paranoid, erratic, and spiritually tormented.
Saul’s fall teaches us that spiritual gifts are not substitutes for obedience. Leadership by the Spirit demands not only initial empowerment but continued faithfulness.
David — A Man After God’s Heart, Filled with the Spirit
In contrast to Saul, David is described as “a man after God’s own heart.” Though not perfect, David is chosen by God for his inward posture of trust and worship. When Samuel anoints him, the Spirit comes in a powerful and lasting way:
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” — 1 Samuel 16:13
Unlike Saul, the Spirit remains with David throughout his life. This continuous presence of the Spirit marks David’s leadership with wisdom, courage, creativity, and humility. David is not only a warrior and king—he is also a poet and worshiper. Many of the Psalms reflect the Spirit’s work in David’s inner life, giving us prayers that are raw, honest, and inspired.
David’s awareness of the Spirit is deep. After his grievous sin with Bathsheba, he pleads not just for forgiveness, but for the Spirit to remain with him:
“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” — Psalm 51:11
This plea is personal. David has seen what happened to Saul when the Spirit left him—and he fears that more than any military defeat. His cry reflects a profound truth: the Spirit is not just for power, but for intimacy with God.
Solomon — Wisdom Through the Spirit?
Although Solomon is not explicitly described as being filled with the Spirit in the same way as Saul or David, his story raises interesting questions. When Solomon asks God for wisdom rather than riches or power, God grants him a wise and discerning heart.
“God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” — 1 Kings 4:29
Some scholars suggest that this divine wisdom may reflect the Spirit of wisdom and understanding described in Isaiah 11:2—the same Spirit who would later rest upon the Messiah.
Yet Solomon’s story, like Saul’s, ends in compromise. Despite his wisdom, Solomon’s heart turns to idolatry in his later years. Once again, we’re reminded that gifts of the Spirit must be accompanied by a life of obedience and devotion.
The Spirit and the Messianic King
Beyond Israel’s historical kings, the prophets looked forward to a coming King who would be uniquely anointed by the Spirit.
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.” — Isaiah 42:1
This prophecy foreshadows Jesus, the Messiah, who would not only be king but would reign in righteousness and peace—fully empowered by the Spirit.
Jesus later identifies Himself with this prophetic fulfillment:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” — Luke 4:18
The Spirit-anointed leadership seen in the Old Testament kings finds its perfect expression in Jesus Christ, who leads not through military might or political power, but through sacrificial love, truth, and justice.
Reflections and Themes
- The Spirit Confirms God’s Choice: Anointing with the Spirit marks God’s selection of leaders.
- The Spirit Empowers for Leadership: The Spirit gives courage, wisdom, and strength to govern and protect.
- The Spirit Can Depart: Disobedience can lead to the withdrawal of the Spirit’s empowerment.
- The Spirit Shapes Character: The most important aspect of Spirit-filled leadership is not charisma, but faithfulness.
- The Spirit Points to the Messiah: Every Spirit-anointed king foreshadows the perfect King who will reign in the Spirit’s fullness.
Conclusion
Leadership without the Spirit is fragile. Saul’s tragedy shows us that position without God’s presence leads to collapse. David’s story, on the other hand, shows us that even amid failure, a Spirit-sensitive heart can be restored and used by God.
In the kings of Israel, we see both the potential and pitfalls of human leadership. Yet through it all, the Spirit continues to move—selecting, empowering, warning, and pointing forward. And in the background, we hear the growing echo of Isaiah’s promise: a new King is coming, one who will not fail, because the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him forever.