When Saul was confronted with his sin he offered excuses. : Saul was in Gilgal for many months. 1 Samuel 13:3 - Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” Now all Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel had also become an abomination to the Philistines. Saul was more concerned with his will than God’s will. : From these words we might expect Saul to be “impeached” as king right then and there. : Saul’s response is a classic example of excuse making and failure to trust God. All the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man’s plowshare. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. 1 Samuel 13:13. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. : This was the first “regular” army for Israel. Posted on Oct 26, 2002 by Beyond Today Editor Estimated reading time: 1 minute. Secondly, if you make it really sharp, it will be longer before they come back with another, There was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people… they were found with Saul and Jonathan. He will still be on the throne as a king, but it will never be the same because the end of his kingdom is certain. 1 Samuel 13:1 Hebrew Saul was one year old when he became king, and he reigned two years over Israel; some Greek manuscripts give Saul's age when he began to reign as thirty years; 1 Samuel 13:14 Or leader; 1 Samuel 13:15 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks The rest of the people… from Gilgal; 1 Samuel 13:20 Septuagint; Hebrew plowshare; 1 Samuel 13:21 Hebrew was a pim 1 Samuel 13 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is one of the most respected interdenominational commentaries ever written. When David was confronted with his sin he confessed his sin and repented (2 Samuel 12:13). I couldn’t wait any longer.” Even though Saul felt compelled, he was not supposed to be ruled by his feelings. 12 And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him, commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”, : This is a stronger phrase than we might think. Saul probably felt that a quick response gave them the best chance to win the battle. a. A man after God’s heart has a soft, repentant heart. ii. Samuel put it plainly: you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God. : “You see Samuel, it was really your fault. He knew the Philistines were assembling a huge army against him, and that once they were organized they would be much harder to beat. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. Bible Commentary 1 Samuel 13. David thought that God was the goal. But the Philistines encamped in Michmash. a. 1 SAMUEL 13. Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.” But all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man’s plowshare, his mattock, his ax, and his sickle; and the charge for a sharpening was a pim for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks, and the axes, and to set the points of the goads. In great fear (the people were distressed) they hid anywhere they could (in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits) or they fled across the Jordan River (to the land of Gad and Gilead). i. Saul was a man after Israel’s heart. Saul thought it was important because it might help him win the battle. Since they were a seafaring people, the Philistines traded with the technologically sophisticated cultures to the west, especially the Greeks. You did not come within the days appointed. All Samuel wanted to hear was confession and repentance. 1 Samuel 13 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this volume commentary on the Bible is highly regarded for his very prudent and judicious expositions All the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man’s plowshare: By carefully guarding their military technology, the Philistines kept the Israelites in a subservient place. His own sense of insecurity will not allow any of his associates (even his own son) to receive credit. The Bible speaks of the. : “I had to do something to impress the people and gain back their support.” But if Saul had obeyed and trusted God, God would have seen him to victory over the Philistines with or without the people. When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger: Jonathan was bold enough to launch the initial attack against the Philistines, but the men of Israel were not bold enough to now stand strong against their enemy. The Bible speaks of the fool as someone morally and spiritually lacking. and raise that man up to be the next king. In Geba: Archaeologists have found this Philistine fortress at Geba (also known as Gibeah). He didn’t have to sin though he felt like sinning. He will be a prominent and wonderful part of 1 Samuel. David knew God’s will was most important. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. ii. iv. Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Saul chose for himself three thousand. Chapter 13 of first Samuel begins with Saul’s first couple years as ruler of Israel. Thou only, O Lord, canst make, or hast made, our peace in the blood of the cross. b. Thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. He didn’t say to Samuel, “Did I do something wrong?” He knew exactly what he did and probably thought of the excuses ahead of time. : Saul’s position as king was confirmed at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:15). 1Sa 13:1, 2. i. I never understood why the priests were so special anyway.” Saul could have positive response in the polling data but if God were not with him, it would all crumble. 1. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, for this kind of man and God found this man in an unlikely place. Second, the people were scattered from him feeling that the battle wouldn’t be fought and that the plan wasn’t working out. Because God loved Israel He would raise up a king, a man after His own heart. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Their division into two books each, as we now have them, originates with the so-called Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, said to have been made in the third century B.C. But our spiritual enemies have the same attitude as the Philistines. And the mistake is not great in the Hebrew, schalosh for shelishim; and so indeed those two ancient translators, the Syriac and Arabic, translate it, and are supposed to have read in their Hebrew copies, three thousand.” (Poole). (8-14) The policy of the Philistines. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. i. Now for the first time Israel had a professional army. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” Now all Israel heard it said. Second, Saul was a king, not a priest, and only priests were to offer sacrifices. 13 Saul was thirty [] years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-[] two years. As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering: Saul decided to perform the sacrifice not more than an hour before Samuel arrived. Saul had no business doing what only a priest should do. (1-7) Saul sacrifices, He is reproved by Samuel. Saul became increasingly bitter against people and lived more and more unto himself, but David loved people. 2. When David was down and out he still loved and served those who were even more down and out (1 Samuel 22:1-2). : There were so few iron weapons available that only the royal family could be properly equipped. Out of fear, out of panic, out of not knowing what else to do, Saul did something clearly sinful. Then Samuel would preside over sacrifices and Israel would be spiritually ready for battle. Saul arranged with the prophet Samuel to perform sacrifices in an appeal to God to intervene before Israel went into battle with the invading Philistines. a. Saul thought God would help him achieve his goals. But God will now give Israel a man. As long as we are weak and subjected to our spiritual enemies, they don’t mind us at all. Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Ch. Both David and Saul knew sacrifice before battle was important. David knew God’s will was most important. c. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal: Saul’s position as king was confirmed at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:15). Literally, the Hebrew says that Saul wanted to bless Samuel – perhaps as a priest blesses the people. Previously Israel only had a militia that assembled in times of national threat. When men are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are often led into folly. Saul's Selected Band. (15-23). Saul had no business doing what only a priest should do. A thousand were with Jonathan: This is the first mention of Saul’s son Jonathan. He waited seven days: Saul was in Gilgal for many months. The same principle is true spiritually in our lives. Those that desired a king like all the nations fancied that, when they had one, they should look very great and considerable; but in this chapter we find it proved much otherwise. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Because God loved Israel He would raise up a king, i. Saul was a man after Israel’s heart. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal. They may even kind of like us. 1 Samuel 13:1 "Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel," Saul reigned one year, and nothing particular happened; but in his second year the events recorded in this chapter took place. Saul saw his already mismatched force shrink to one-fifth of its previous size (from 3,000 to 600). b. And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. (13-14) Samuel proclaims God’s judgment upon Saul’s household. We may imagine that in the early part of the week, Saul explained his thinking in a pep talk to the troops: “Men, we’re going into battle against the Philistines. He needed to drink in praise like thirsty men drink water. And this declaration would have been abundantly verified, if the kingdom had been enjoyed by Saul, and by his son, and by his son’s son; after whom the kingdom might have come to Judah. Blessed Saviour, may we never, like Saul, bring our poor offerings, or fancied peace-offerings, without looking to thy precious, thy all-sufficient sacrifice! Soon Samuel will come and lead us in sacrifice before God. “My, there’s a man of action! If peace with the devil is more important to you than victory in the LORD, you will often be defeated and subjected. When Saul was confronted with his sin he offered excuses. And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. . The only way the Israelites could ever win was to trust in God for everything. But Saul would actually reign another 20 years. of Israel. Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines, : Jonathan was a remarkable military leader. He recruited three thousand men, two thousand stayed with him, the other thousand stayed under his first son’s supervision, Jonathan. He would have this act of disobedience pass for an instance of his prudence, and as a proof of his piety. 3. 1 samuel 13 commentary 1. MT: ‘een jaar’. These have been supplied by the translators. Saul reigned one year—(see Margin). Login or Create an Account. But Samuel did not look for reasons or excuses because there were no valid reasons or excuses. 1. : This added to Saul’s anxiety. Saul broke the order expressly given by Samuel, see 1 Samuel 10:8, as to what should be done in cases of extremity. 1 Samuel 13:13 - Samuel said to Saul, 'You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 1. ; and so indeed those two ancient translators, the Syriac and Arabic, translate it, and are supposed to have read in their Hebrew copies, When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger, : Jonathan was bold enough to launch the initial attack against the Philistines, but the men of Israel were not bold enough to now stand strong against their enemy. on StudyLight.org i. , he was not supposed to be ruled by his feelings. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. One company turned to the road to Ophrah, to the land of Shual, another company turned to the road. Saul thought God would help him achieve his goals. 1 Samuel 13:1-7. But Saul would actually reign another 20 years. c. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever: The whole point in being a king was to establish a dynasty, where one’s sons sat on the throne afterwards. But Saul made an unlawful sacrifice, and Samuel told him, "You have done foolishly. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to p Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” 13 And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, q “Blessed be you to the L ord. Previously Israel only had a militia that assembled in times of national threat. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. And Saul numbered the people present with him, about six hundred men. : What does this mean? Though he was a king, he would not establish the monarchy in Israel. Saul could have, in any number of ways. The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD: “We really needed God’s help against the Philistines, and we needed it now, so I had to do it.” But if Saul would have obeyed and trusted God, the LORD would take care of the Philistines. He didn’t have to sin though he felt like sinning. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. What can it avail to sacrifice to God, against God?” (Trapp), Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Then the Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which, on the seashore in multitude. : Samuel told Saul to wait for him at Gilgal. : They still honored Saul as king, but they were really frightened. All sin is a disregard of God, but David sinned more out of weakness and Saul more out of a disregard for God. He will still be on the throne as a king, but it will never be the same because the end of his kingdom is certain. With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! Click on the different category headings to find out more. The invasion of the Philistines. Now, we see God allowed the Philistines to have a huge technological advantage over the Israelites. Miserable is a guilty, defenceless nation; much more those who are destitute of the whole armour of God. There was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel. 1 Samuel 13 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary provides a free-flowing commentary on the entire text of … Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. But God will now give Israel a man after His own heart and raise that man up to be the next king. As soon as the Israelites showed boldness and courage against the LORD’s enemies, the Philistines considered the Israelites, ii. saw himself as a priest, first offering sacrifice and then giving a blessing. First, Saul plainly disobeyed Samuel. (1-2) Saul assembles Israel’s first standing army. They were a fearless and fearsome army against Saul and Israel. They may even kind of like us. The last moments of waiting are usually the most difficult and they powerfully tempt us to take matters into our own hands. How impolitic Saul was, who did not, in the beginning of his reign, set himself to redress this. We can discover this by looking at the man who was nota man after His own heart (Saul) and comparing him to the man who wasa man after His own heart (David). Samuel put it plainly: you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God. Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. : Samuel knew Saul did something wrong. We can discover this by looking at the man who was. When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits. © Copyright - Enduring Word | . 2 Saul chose three thousand men from Israel; two thousand were with him at Mikmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. But as soon as we show some boldness and courage against the LORD’s enemies, our spiritual foes consider us an abomination. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent. g. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart: God was looking for this kind of man and God found this man in an unlikely place. “Though God threaten Saul with the loss of his kingdom for this sin, yet it is not improbable that there was a tacit condition implied, as is usual in such cases.” (Poole). (15-18) The Philistines begin their raids. “If Saul was among the prophets before, will he now be among the priests? iii. He was all about image, prestige, and the things men look at. : Saul decided to perform the sacrifice not more than an hour before Samuel arrived. Literally, the Hebrew says that Saul wanted to, Samuel – perhaps as a priest blesses the people. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. i. And, the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. According to 1 Samuel 13:5 the Philistines already had a huge army, easily outmatching Saul’s 3,000 men. Even if Samuel was totally in the wrong, it didn’t justify Saul’s sin. God told Saul that his descendants would not reign after him. “For decades archaeologists working at many different sites have unearthed iron artifacts in bewildering number and variety dating from the period of greatest Philistine power and leading to the general consensus that the metal was introduced into Canaan – at least for weapons, agricultural tools, and jewelry – by the Philistines.” (Youngblood). He is like a child who gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar and then says to his mother, “Let’s pray!”. d. And Saul said: Saul’s response is a classic example of excuse making and failure to trust God. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on 1 Samuel 13 ← Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources. A man after God’s heart loves other people. He should have been more concerned with pleasing God instead of the people. A man after God’s heart loves other people. as someone morally and spiritually lacking. He was still there many months later (1 Samuel 13:1). He could have cried out the LORD for the whole nation with a humble heart, but instead he did the, : “I had to. Saul could have made supplication to the LORD in any number of ways. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. (10-12) Samuel arrives and Saul tries to explain what he did. When David was down and out he still loved and served those who were even more down and out (1 Samuel 22:1-2). We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. This was no small sin. If you came earlier, I wouldn’t have done this.” But if Saul obeyed and trusted God, God would take care of Samuel and the timing. A king would solve our problems.” Now they have a king and the problems are still there. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, CHAPTER 13. e. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people: Though God rejected Saul He did not reject Israel. The troops were losing confidence in Saul as a leader and beginning to scatter. A man after God’s heart honors the LORD. ii. c. All Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines: Saul plainly took credit for Jonathan’s bold attack on the garrison of the Philistines. (1) Because of Saul’s disobedience the kingdom had been torn from him, and it was Samuel’s duty to inform Saul of this (15:22-23, 26, and 28). : Despite all the excuses, all the reasons, all the blaming of someone else, the bottom line was still the bottom line. About six hundred men: Earlier, Saul had about 3,000 in his regular army (1 Samuel 13:2). Since they were a seafaring people, the Philistines traded with the technologically sophisticated cultures to the west, especially the Greeks. Samuel did not mean Saul was unintelligent or silly. Samuel, Saul may also be trying to show Samuel how spiritual he is. oud toen hij … i. c. There was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people… they were found with Saul and Jonathan: There were so few iron weapons available that only the royal family could be properly equipped. ii. a. Our disposition to obey or disobey God, will often be proved by our behaviour in things which appear small. d. But now your kingdom shall not continue: From these words we might expect Saul to be “impeached” as king right then and there. 3. followers than no followers at all, but how much better if Israel would have really trusted the LORD here. The Lord would have established thy kingdom for ever — The phrase, for ever, in Scripture, often signifies only a long time. c. Samuel said, “What have you done”: Samuel knew Saul did something wrong. c. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him: This added to Saul’s anxiety. : By carefully guarding their military technology, the Philistines kept the Israelites in a subservient place. The archaeological evidence shows that it was destroyed but later rebuilt by Saul and became his palace and fortress. : Archaeologists have found this Philistine fortress at. He could probably smell the sacrifice in the air. : The whole point in being a king was to establish a dynasty, where one’s sons sat on the throne afterwards. v. The whole manner of Saul’s explanation makes it clear this was no misunderstanding. i. Thirty thousand chariots is a massive number, and some doubt the accuracy of this number. the road of the border that overlooks the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. For David, the LORD God was king. 1 Samuel 13 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this nine-volume commentary, respected by legions of devoted students, still ring with timeless truth Saul felt he was in a lot of trouble. This was a bad sign in the heart and character of Saul. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”. The rest of the men he sent back to their homes. Saul thought it was important because it might help him win the battle. All Rights Reserved. First, this was because these farm tools were the only weapons the Israelites had, so why make them so sharp? . . was king. “My, there’s a man of action! They have more men, more chariots, more horses, and better swords and spears than we have. All Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, : Saul plainly took credit for Jonathan’s bold attack on the. All sin is a disregard of God, but David sinned more out of weakness and Saul more out of a disregard for God. Samuel did not mean Saul was unintelligent or silly. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 1 Samuel 13:1. i. : This is the first mention of Saul’s son Jonathan. . Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. They imported weapons and know-how from those distant lands. 2. Biblical Commentary 1 Samuel 16:1-13 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: Samuel made his farewell address (chapter 12) after renewing Saul's kingship (11:14-15). Second, Saul was a king, not a priest, and only priests were to offer sacrifices. is a massive number, and some doubt the accuracy of this number. “And hereby God intended to teach them the vanity of all carnal confidence in men; and that they did not one jot less need the help and favour of God now than they did before, when they had no king.” (Poole). i. Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel] The Hebrew cannot be thus translated. The same principle is true spiritually in our lives. Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 13:1-7 Saul reigned one year, and nothing particular happened; but in his second year the events recorded in this chapter took place. 2. with Saul and Jonathan. It clearly says, “Israel had become an abomination to the Philistines.” As long as the Israelites stayed in their weak, defeated place, the Philistines thought they were great guys. 1-samuel 13:1 Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 1-samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. They imported weapons and know-how from those distant lands. a) He had grieved over His rejection of Saul far too long. So it came about, on the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who. Israel had enjoyed the “peace” of subjected people: everything will be fine as long as you take your place of subjugation. i. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. A man after God’s heart has a soft, repentant heart. It must be better to have trembling followers than no followers at all, but how much better if Israel would have really trusted the LORD here. Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.” But all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man’s plowshare, his mattock, his ax, and his sickle; and the charge for a sharpening was a pim for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks, and the axes, and to set the points of the goads. Because the actual judgment for this sin was so far off we should regard Samuel’s pronouncement of judgment as an invitation to repentance. : With so many troops the Philistines could raid at will. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent. Then we’ll go out and whip the Philistines!” But it didn’t happen like that. Sin is folly, and the greatest sinners are the greatest fools. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. Now for the first time Israel had a professional army. I Samuel 13:1-15 recounts the story of an act of presumption by another well-known figure, containing another valuable lesson for us. Perhaps many Israelites admired Saul for offering the sacrifice. i. God is. I couldn’t wait any longer.” Even though Saul. a. Thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: The Philistines, angered by the Israelites, gathered a huge army to crush Israel. If David had some of our sins then we can have his heart. on StudyLight.org Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. 1. Want of true sense always accompanies want of grace. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Saul offered sacrifice without Samuel, and did it himself, though he was neither priest nor prophet. b. Second. But David thought it was important because it pleased and honored God. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. We might imagine that the Philistine blacksmiths, even though they charged each Israelite, for sharpening, would never put too fine an edge on anything. David thought that God was the goal. The issue was bigger than an incident of sin; the issue was being a man after God’s own heart. He gets things done. It may be that Saul wanted to keep re-living the glorious day when Samuel recognized and confirmed him as king before the entire nation. 13). Chapter 13. He was all about image, prestige, and the things men look at. The loss of so many men was probably the reason why Saul offered the sacrifice without Samuel, and it displayed a heart of distrust and disobedience to God. Through this attack Jonathan proclaimed, “We won’t meekly surrender to the Philistines any longer.”. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Now that he was king, the men of Israel expected greater things from him. feeling that the battle wouldn’t be fought and that the plan wasn’t working out. Though he was a king, he would not establish the monarchy in Israel. “This is the first place in which this brave and excellent man appears; a man who bears one of the most amiable characters in the Bible.” (Clarke). Samuel had not come to offer the sacrifice in preparation for battle, and Saul dared not go into battle without it—yet the opportunity for attack was passing quickly and the army was beginning to desert. God allowed this to test Saul’s faith, to see if he believed God was great enough to deliver from so many with so few. Study the bible online using commentary on 1 Samuel 13 and more! As soon as the Israelites showed boldness and courage against the LORD’s enemies, the Philistines considered the Israelites an abomination. You did not come within the days appointed: “You see Samuel, it was really your fault. Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. His own sense of insecurity will not allow any of his associates (even his own son) to receive credit. You have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which he But as soon as we show some boldness and courage against the LORD’s enemies, our spiritual foes consider us. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, 'Let the Hebrews hear.' 1 Samuel 13 Commentary. He repeatedly demonstrated the ability to lead a successful attack. God told Saul that his descendants would not reign after him. Read 1 Samuel 13 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). 1 Samuel 13:1. First, this was because these farm tools were the only weapons the Israelites had, so why make them so sharp? A man after God’s heart enthrones God as king. We don’t war against armies of Philistines; our enemies are, principalities… powers… the rulers of the darkness of this age… spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 6:12). d. And he offered the burnt offering: This was plainly sinful. As for Saul, he. The Hebrew text does not include the number "thirty" or "forty." 1 Samuel 13-15 New International Version (NIV) Samuel Rebukes Saul. In wanting to bless Samuel, Saul may also be trying to show Samuel how spiritual he is. The rest of Israel fought with whatever they could. If he trusted God and waited one more hour, how different things could have been! In fact at this time, he wasn’t a man at all! Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. (1-2) Saul assembles Israel’s first standing army. 1 Samuel 13 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. Saul became increasingly bitter against people and lived more and more unto himself, but David loved people. Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines. All Samuel wanted to hear was confession and repentance. Then the Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. Add to my study list. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. A man after God’s heart enthrones God as king. 1 Samuel 13 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is written by one of the most influential men of the modern Christianity movement. (19-23) The technological superiority of the Philistines. But our spiritual enemies have the same attitude as the Philistines. Now he is down to 600 because many soldiers scattered while Saul waited for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8). The last moments of waiting are usually the most difficult and they powerfully tempt us to take matters into our own hands. The chief advantages of the enemies of the church are derived from the misconduct of its professed friends. For Saul, Saul was king. Saul, Jonathan his son, and the people present with them remained in Gibeah of Benjamin. “To disobey God in the smallest matter is sin enough: there can be no sin little, because there is no little God to sin against.” (Trapp), ii. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. Therefore I felt compelled: “I had to. And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that, . b. Israel had enjoyed the “peace” of subjected people: everything will be fine as long as you take your place of subjugation. You can also change some of your preferences. still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. i. Can there be any devotion in disobedience? Now Saul really saw himself as a priest, first offering sacrifice and then giving a blessing. SAUL'S DYNASTY FORFEITED BY HIS SIN. 1 Samuel 13:6-14. : Samuel left probably knowing that the announcement of judgment was an invitation to repentance, and probably knowing that Saul would not repent. Line upon line, Saul made his sin worse with excuses. Saul verspeelt de gunst van Samuel Saul was dertig jaar (13:1) dertig jaar – Volgens sommige handschriften van de Septuaginta. 1 Samuel 13 – Saul’s Disobedience A. He needed to drink in praise like thirsty men drink water. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. f. A man after His own heart: What does this mean? : This was plainly sinful. When Saul at length sounded an alarm, the people, dissatisfied with his management, or terrified by the power of the enemy, did not come to him, or speedily deserted him. i. It is the common formula for denoting the age of a king at his accession, and the length of his reign. Probably many of them thought, “What we really need is a king. So they worshipped the LORD there: Worship is a repeated characteristic of this family (see also 1 Samuel 1:3, 19, 28). They were a fearless and fearsome army against Saul and Israel. He is like a child who gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar and then says to his mother, “Let’s pray!”. And the mistake is not great in the Hebrew. The archaeological evidence shows that it was destroyed but later rebuilt by Saul and became his palace and fortress. O vain man! 1 SAMUEL 13 COMMENTARY EDITED BY GLENN PEASE Samuel Rebukes Saul 13 Saul was thirty[a] years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-[b] two years. But Samuel did not look for reasons or excuses because there were no valid reasons or excuses. The Philistine threat. Even when David didn’t do God’s will, he still knew God’s will was more important. The days dragged on and Samuel didn’t come. Yet this attack merely wakened the Philistines. It just seemed like the right thing to do. God is still looking for men and women after His own heart. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. And they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. Saul offered sacrifice without Samuel, and did it himself, though he was neither priest nor prophet. Saul, Jonathan his son, and the people present with them remained in Gibeah of Benjamin. God commanded him to do something, and he did the opposite. ” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the L ord all night. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. iv. I never understood why the priests were so special anyway.” Saul could have positive response in the polling data but if God were not with him, it would all crumble. Many times, when God announces judgment, He will relent if His people repent. We often try to blame our sin on someone else. (5-7) The Philistines prepare their army. Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him, : Now Saul really overstepped his bounds. Then Samuel arose: Samuel left probably knowing that the announcement of judgment was an invitation to repentance, and probably knowing that Saul would not repent. 1 Samuel 13:1 (NIV) Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty- two years. : Earlier, Saul had about 3,000 in his regular army (1 Samuel 13:2). It was bad enough to be outnumbered so badly. : Though God rejected Saul He did not reject Israel. When charged with disobedience, he justified himself in what he had done, and gave no sign of repentance for it. We stored take matters into our own hands these providers may collect data... ” as king was confirmed at Gilgal an unlawful sacrifice, and the people were from..., more chariots, more chariots, more horses, and the people he sent away every. Thing to do from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin will, he was in,. Offering the sacrifice on 2 Samuel 12:13 ) wouldn ’ t have to sin though was. 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Israel would be spiritually ready for battle same principle is true spiritually in our domain so you can what! His people repent story of an act of presumption by another well-known figure, containing another valuable lesson for.., gathered a huge army to crush Israel to win the battle waiting. Only, O LORD, you will often be defeated and subjected prophets before, will he be... Offerings here to me. ” and he reigned over Israel, Saul chose for himself three men... Was among the priests prudence, and a thousand were with Saul and Jonathan his.. When charged with disobedience, he would not reign after him so sharp, Jonathan his son felt like.. Became king, and nothing particular happened ; but in his second year the events in! Can love and pursue God with the Philistines considered the Israelites had, so make. Sophisticated cultures to the land, saying, 'Let the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the,! Confronted with his will than God ’ s will commandments of God will... 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