Answer

Leadership by King’s David, Solomon and Saul

            Typically, leaders employ varying leadership approaches to ensure that they deliver their aspirations for their followers. The biblical leaders and Kings of Israel including King Saul, David and Solomon exhibited particular leadership qualities and approaches during their reigns. This paper compares and contrasts the leadership approaches by the three kings while examining their strengths and weaknesses. Notably, the three leaders demonstrated some commonness but also differed in other aspects as discussed below.

            King Saul is among the most prominent kings in the Bible for his efforts towards leading God’s people. King Saul started his reign as a charismatic and bold leader with a focus on leading the people of God in the right way. He fearlessly fought and won several battles including the battle with the Ammonites[1]. However, he used a power-wielding leadership style mainly for his personal glory[2]. He went against God for his glory by sparing some people while battling the Amalekites. King Saul leadership was also filled with impatience. For instance, he failed to wait for God’s prophet before starting the battle with the Amalekites. The hunger for power and glory is among the most apparent weaknesses characterizing king Saul’s leadership style. Besides, King Saul was not bold enough to accept responsibilities for his actions. While knowing that none is perfect except God, a good leader should therefore be ready to accept responsibilities and correct any wrong doings. King Saul could not apologize and reconcile with God whenever he went against the will of God.

            Unlike King Saul, King David demonstrated servant leadership and charismatic style of leadership throughout his reign. David was courageous and bold to fight the enemies. However, he was a fair and just king who also demonstrated a lot of humility and inclusivity in decision making. According to Howell, King David consulted God’s prophets before making nearly every decision affecting the lives of the followers[3]. One of the main weaknesses of king David was that he become overconfident in some instances and hence making decisions contradicting the will of God.

For instance, King David had an affair with Bathsheba, a married woman[4]. He instructs Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband to be among the forefront army so that he can be killed. Unlike king Saul, however, King David was swift and ready to repent and reconcile with God because he understood that he ruled for the glory of God and not for his glory[5]. This is one of the desirable quality of servant leadership that leaders can emulate to make organizations great. Another desirable attribute that demonstrated servant and charismatic leadership is his respect for other people. He respected King Saul to the end despite the fact that Saul wanted to kill David. Leaders should be cautious on self-centered and overconfident attributes as demonstrated by King Saul and King David respectively.

King Solomon’s leadership style is characterized by immense wisdom, justice and peace. Just like King David, King Solomon adhered to God’s instructions as directed by the prophets. He also understood that his leadership would not be for his glory but God’s glory. As such, he considered the unity and peace among the people. Servant leadership demands justice and fairness while respecting other people’s opinions. As a servant leader, King Solomon demonstrated his visionary kingship and leadership by focusing on building the first temple[6]. Servant leadership style demands individuals to be visionary. King David also understood that justice and fairness are the most important components of peace and unity. Both King Solomon and King David worked tirelessly to bring unity in Israel. King Solomon failed in some instances, especially by worshipping other gods and marrying foreign women.

In conclusion, all the three leaders demonstrated careful listening, which is one of the critical qualities of servant and charismatic leadership styles. They all listened to the people to be aware of their demands and act justly. However, King David and King Solomon often consulted with the God’s prophet before making the final decision. King Saul demonstrated pragmatism when faced with certain crises.

[1] Bible: 1Samuel 14:47

[2] Howell Jr, Don N. Servants of the servant: A biblical theology of leadership.

[3][3] Howell Jr, Don N. Servants of the servant: A biblical theology of leadership.

[4] Bible: 2 Samuel 11:1-3

[5] Bible: 2 Samuel 12:13

[6] Bible: 1 Kings 6:1-6