Saul’s Anger Issues

Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and spoke these words in the hearing of the people, and all the people lifted up their voices and wept. Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, "What is the matter with the people that they weep?" So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen." Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man. 1 Samuel 11:4-7  

If verse 6 in this passage is taken out of context it tells us that Saul became very angry—not just a little perturbed. But in context his anger was justified. He was angry with the Ammonites for attacking his neighbors, the Jabesh, who then tried to make a covenant with the Ammonites. The Jabesh people were crying—that brought all this to Saul’s attention and he was upset. Mad. Angry. Usually when the Holy Spirit comes upon someone they are filled with wisdom or peace, not anger. Anger is not on God’s good list. Paul wrote the following in Galatians…Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21. Those who have anger issues will not be part of God’s kingdom. How do you deal with anger? As Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus…BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26-27. Deal with your anger rather than let it cause you to hurt others…and hurt your relationship with them or with God. I’ve learned over the years…and am still gaining insight into my attitudes and anger issues. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please once again cleanse my heart and renew a right spirit within me…a better attitude that I would treat others the way that I would treat Jesus Himself.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.