Saul Rebels Against God

I Samuel 13:1–14
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The real nature of Saul begins to show in this chapter. As we get a good view of him we begin to see that he is a phony. After reigning two years over Israel He organized and commanded an army of two thousand, stationed in Micmash to the north of Jerusalem (vv. 1-3). His son, Jonathan, was in charge of one thousand troops in Gibeah. Jonathan attacked and destroyed the Philistine garrison in his area but Saul took all the credit for it (v. 4). He called all of Israel together and gave a phony report. This was just the beginning of a growing pride for Saul that grew into an ugly obsession and eventually destroyed him. The Israelites became terrified as they saw the mighty Philistine army. They forgot that God was on their side and He couldn’t be defeated.

After a preliminary encounter at Geba, halfway between Micmash and Gibeah, the Philistines apparently recovered from there loses, and with 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers and innumerable foot soldiers, pushed the Israelite troops eastward all the way to Gilgal (vv. 5-7). Saul waited seven days for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice but, when he did not arrive, he took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice (vv. 8-9). This was against God’s laws (Deut. 12:5-14) and Samuel’s instructions to Saul. Under pressure from the approaching Philistines, he took matters into his own hands and disobeyed God.

When Samuel confronted him, Saul had plenty of excuses but he had disobeyed God and this was sin (vv. 10-12).  He was not willing to wait for Samuel. He was impatient and presumptuous. He thought he had three good reasons for not waiting for Samuel to appear: (1) The people were scattered; (2) the Philistines were coming against him; and (3) Samuel was a little late in arriving. Saul was told in the beginning that if he obeyed God, he would be blessed, but if he disobeyed, there would be judgment (vv. 13-14). Samuel tells him that because of this he will lose his kingship. Saul has disobeyed, so God has another man to be King. He is going to bring him on the scene a little later. Even Samuel, at this time, does not know who he is.

Application

Like Saul, my true spiritual character is revealed under pressure. He was doing a good thing in offering a sacrifice, but he was doing it in a wrong way. The methods I use to accomplish goals are just as important as the attainment of those goals.