1 Samuel 13

1 Samuel 13

Saul had previously defended Israel from the Ammonites, right about the time that he was proclaimed as Israel’s king. He had proven himself worthy and had obeyed God’s commands, and God gave Saul and Israel victory that day. Now, in 1 Samuel 13, Saul was faced with yet another battle. The Philistines were once again threatening Israel, and Saul had to gather up a group of Israelites once again to fight against the Philistines. The first battle that ensued was at Geba, and Jonathan was able to lead his group to victory. Although the text does not identify this Jonathan as Saul’s son, it is very possible that he is, but he is not specifically identified as such until 1 Samuel 14. Whoever this Jonathan is, he was able to lead Israel unto victory, unlike Saul and his group of Israelites.


Saul called all of Israel to himself and readied them for battle. They were up against 30,000 chariots of Philistines plus 6,000 horsemen and soldiers. When Israel saw this great number, they all ran away and hid in caves afraid of the Philistines that were approaching. Despite the large number of Philistines, Saul remained where he was, knowing that Samuel was on his way. He had been instructed by Samuel to wait for 7 days and then he would arrive and sacrifice to God asking for victory. Saul, however, lost his patience, and when Samuel did not arrive early on the 7th day (although he did arrive later that day), Saul went ahead with the sacrifices. This was in essence disobedience. He had been given clear instructions from Samuel, God’s prophet, and he was expected to follow God’s commands. God had just warned him in 1 Samuel 12 about not following His commands, promising destruction. By breaking God’s commands and offering up sacrifices that only the priests were allowed to give, such as Samuel, Saul brought on that destruction.

Samuel condemned Saul for his lack of faith. If Saul had only waited, Samuel would have arrived in time to offer the sacrifices, and they would have been given victory over the Philistines. Instead, they found themselves at a great disadvantage and Saul had lost his right to be king over Israel. Saul would remain king until his death, but Samuel told him that his son would not have the privilege of continuing his kingship. That privilege would be stripped from Saul’s family and given to another, to a young boy that had already been chosen, a boy who was a man after God’s own heart.

God always keeps His promises. It is easy for us to believe this truth when it means something good for us. When we know that we are going to receive something good in return, we find it easy to trust that God will provide. Why wouldn’t we believe that God would offer us protection or bless us with things beyond our imagination? What is sometimes hard to accept is the fact that God also keeps the promises that may bring judgment on us. There are consequences for sin, consequences for disobedience, and God promises that for His children as well. Now it is true that we cannot lose our salvation, but there are times when He might still punish us in other ways for the sin in our lives (as He draws us back to Himself). I am sure that the Israelites fully believed that God would reward them for their obedience, but I wonder how many of them ever thought about the judgment they might receive for their disobedience. That is what Saul received in 1 Samuel 13. So while it is true that God always keeps His promises, and while that truth can and should always give us hope, it must also keep us in the right mind set. We should be aware of our sin, knowing that we are ultimately forgiven, but ever careful to refrain from sin. We will never be perfect this side of Heaven, but we should always strive for perfection so to honor God.

Matt